The Minnesota Starter Home Act (S.F. No. 2229) is a proposed bill that aims to encourage affordable and diverse housing development by modifying municipal zoning authority and comprehensive planning requirements in Minnesota. Below is a summary of the key provisions:

1. Comprehensive Plan Amendment Exemption

• Cities will not be required to amend their comprehensive plans before December 31, 2029, to implement zoning changes required by this act.

2. Changes to Municipal Zoning Authority

• The act limits municipal authority to restrict certain types of residential developments.
• A municipality must allow:
  • Single-family homes, duplexes, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as permitted uses in any zoning district that allows residential use.
  • Townhouses as permitted uses on lots platted after June 1, 2025, and vacant lots.

3. Standards for Residential Development

• Cities must:
  • Allow at least two residential units per lot in single-family zoning districts.
  • Permit higher housing density (up to 125% of what is allowed in the city's comprehensive plan).
  • Adhere to minimum lot sizes:
  • No greater than 5,445 square feet for single-family homes and duplexes with municipal water and sewer service.
  • No greater than 1,500 square feet for townhouses with municipal water and sewer.
  • Prohibit zoning requirements that:
  • Impose stricter design, material, or construction mandates beyond the State Building Code.
  • Require parking minimums for new developments.
  • Compel or incentivize properties to be part of a homeowners association (HOA).

4. Administrative Approval Process

• Cities must create an administrative approval process for residential developments to:
  • Ensure fair, standardized treatment similar to single-family home construction.
  • Prohibit unnecessary *conditional use permit or planned unit development (PUD) * requirements, except for health or safety risks.
  • Allow only one community meeting before approval (except for federally/state-mandated cases).

5. Limitations on Official Controls

• Cities cannot impose additional restrictions through zoning laws or fees that contradict the act’s provisions.

6. Ban on Interim Ordinances

• Municipalities cannot use temporary moratoriums (interim ordinances) to delay or prevent the application of this act.

Overall Intent

The Minnesota Starter Home Act is designed to expand housing access by: - Encouraging affordable housing development. - Increasing flexibility in zoning and subdivision regulations. - Removing barriers to starter homes and multi-unit housing.

If enacted, the bill would streamline the development of starter homes and promote greater residential density in Minnesota municipalities.