Willmar City Council Greenlights Zoning Code Overhaul Contract

The Willmar City Council has approved a significant contract to revise the city’s zoning code, aligning it with the new comprehensive plan. On October 30, 2023, the council authorized a partnership with Transportation Collaborative & Consultants (TC2) for this critical project, which comes with a budget not to exceed $100,000.

During the selection process, the city received eight proposals from various firms. According to Willmar Planning and Development Director Christopher Corbett, the city narrowed the options down to four candidates based on their experience with zoning codes in Minnesota. TC2 emerged as the most competitive bidder, offering a price of $87,030. The other proposals included Bolton & Menk at $120,122, SRF Consulting at $93,348, and Cardo Urban Design & Town Planning at $99,500.

Corbett, alongside City Planner Chris Frank and City Operations Director Kyle Box, conducted interviews with the shortlisted firms during the week of October 27, 2023. “Based on our interviews and conversations, we feel comfortable recommending to enter into an agreement with TC2, which is a firm from Minneapolis,” he stated during the council meeting.

The zoning code rewrite is expected to be a collaborative effort, with ample opportunities for council input. Corbett highlighted that extensive public engagement will be integral to the process, planned to take place throughout the summer of 2026. Residents will be invited to participate through community surveys, focus groups, neighborhood meetings, pop-up events, open houses, and workshops.

Public hearings concerning the new zoning code are anticipated to occur in late summer 2024, allowing further community involvement in shaping the regulations that govern land use and development in Willmar. This proactive approach aims to ensure that the updated zoning code reflects the needs and aspirations of the local community.