Stormwater
The City of Northfield takes an active role in managing stormwater run-off in flood prevention, erosion control, and to reduce pollution of our local waterways.
Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan
Around your home
You are generally responsible for grading issues around your home: ensuring that stormwater does not pond around your foundation; not creating drainage problems for neighbors. The City encourages the reduction in run-off and pollution from your home and also provides incentive programs toward the purchase of rain barrels and building rain gardens.
Erosion control
Construction and grading projects are required to obtain a permit from the city that specifies how run-off will be managed to prevent soil erosion.
Stormwater utility
The City maintains a stormwater utility fee that supports the ongoing efforts to manage stormwater run-off and pollution control. The utility fee is assessed for each property holder within the city and is charged on the monthly utility bill (see the line-item labeled "Storm Water").
Rain Barrel / Rain Garden / Native Plant Incentive Program
The City of Northfield offers a $20 reimbursement for rain barrels purchased after Feb. 15, 2012. A rain garden cost share program is available with reimbursements up to $250. The City also provides a Native Plant Rebate with reimbursements up to $75. All city utility account holders are eligible.
Rain Garden / Rain Barrels / Native Plants
Surface Water Management Ordinance
The City revised and updated its surface water management ordinance in 2010 to bring it up to current standards and to make it more user friendly. The final ordinance language is available in Ch. 22, Art. VI of the City Code.
Flood information
The City of Northfield participates in the federal flood insurance program managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The City provides basic information about flood hazards, links to FEMA web resources, and flood map resources.
Stormwater Management Plan
The City of Northfield updated its Stormwater Management Plan in 2020 to look at impacts of flooding in the community along with resilience and climate adaptation.