Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to promote development and access to starter homes in Minnesota by streamlining zoning and planning processes. It seeks to encourage the construction of affordable housing by reducing bureaucratic barriers such as comprehensive plan amendments and municipal zoning regulations.

Main Provisions

• Comprehensive Plan Exemption: Municipalities are not required to amend comprehensive plans for zoning changes related to new housing, specifically until December 31, 2029.
• Zoning Authority Limitations: The bill limits the zoning authority of municipalities, mandating that certain types of residential developments, such as single-family homes, duplexes, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs), be permitted uses in residential zones.
• Affordable Housing Amendments: Any amendments to comprehensive plans that enable affordable housing developments require only a simple majority for approval, promoting easier expansion of affordable housing options.

Significant Changes

• Residential Housing Authorization: Various types of housing, including townhouses, must be permitted in zones that allow residential uses, with specific conditions for their development.
• Regulation of Lot Sizes and Densities: The bill stipulates minimum lot sizes and density allowances to facilitate the development of duplexes, townhouses, and ADUs.
• Relaxation of Construction Standards: Municipalities are prohibited from imposing more stringent building standards than those existing as of January 1, 2025, especially concerning parking requirements and homeowners association mandates.
• Government Controls: Municipalities can't use interim ordinances to delay or prevent the implementation of these residential development regulations.

Administrative Process

• The bill requires municipalities to adopt an administrative approval process that simplifies the evaluation of residential development proposals, ensuring they are not more restrictive than those applied to single-family homes.

Relevant Terms

• Minnesota Starter Home Act
• Comprehensive plan exemption
• Zoning authority
• Affordable housing development
• Residential housing types
• Duplexes
• Accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
• Townhouses
• Density and lot size regulations
• Homeowners association restrictions