Neighborhood Planning Initiatives

Northwest Expansion Area: Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) Update - 2025

The Northwest Expansion study area is a 3,089-acre area in the northwest portion of the city of Inver Grove Heights. The area is bounded by Interstate 494 on the north, Babcock Trail on the east (approximately), the city’s boundary with Eagan on the west, and includes an area just south of Highway 55 at its southern border.

 The City of Inver Grove Heights adopted The Northwest Expansion Area Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) in 2005. Since that time, development within the study area has occurred. Pursuant to Minnesota Rules 4410.3610 Subpart 7, an AUAR and plan for mitigation must be revised every five years until all development in the study area has received final approval. The 2025 update is the fourth update to the AUAR. Minnesota Rules requires updates to AUAR documents until the study area is fully developed. The initial 2005 AUAR and subsequent updates include an analysis of a development scenario consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, including a mix of residential, commercial, office and industrial uses. The 2025 Update was adopted by the City Council on August 25, 2025.

• To read the Northwest Expansion Area: Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) Update - 2025, click here.
  

Additional Northwest Area Development Updates and Resources

Find additional Northwest Area development resources related to storm water, transportation and more, on the Northwest Area Development Initiatives webpage. 

Previous Studies

Northwest Expansion Area: Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) Update - 2019

The 2019 Northwest Expansion Area Alternative Urban Areawide Review was completed to comply with Minnesota Rules Chapter 4410.3610 Subp 7A.

Additional Northwest Area Development Updates and Resources

Find additional Northwest Area development resources related to storm water, transportation and more, on the Northwest Area Development Initiatives webpage.