SF2231

This Minnesota Senate bill (S.F. No. 2231) proposes changes to local zoning laws to promote mixed-use housing development and increase housing density in certain municipalities.

Key Provisions:

1. Comprehensive Plan Amendment Exemption

   • Until December 31, 2029, municipalities are not required to amend their comprehensive plans for zoning changes mandated by this bill.

2. Changes to Comprehensive Plan Adoption Rules

   • Allows amendments to comprehensive plans to permit affordable housing with a simple majority vote, rather than a two-thirds majority.
   • Defines "affordable housing development" as one where at least 20% of units are restricted for at least ten years for residents earning no more than 60% of the area median income.

3. Requirement for Residential Mixed-Use Housing Zones

   • By June 30, 2027, designated municipalities ("covered municipalities") must create mixed-use housing zones that allow:
     • At least three residential units per lot within half a mile of a municipal state-aid street.
     • At least four residential units per lot within a quarter mile of a municipal state-aid street.
   • Covered municipalities include:
     • Cities in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington counties.
     • Any municipality with 10,000 or more residents.

4. Municipal Limitations on Zoning Regulations

   • Cities must permit housing types including single-family homes, townhouses, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, accessory dwelling units, and mixed-use developments in mixed-use housing zones.
   • Prohibits municipalities from:
     • Restricting density below 25 units per acre.
     • Imposing excessive lot size or setback requirements.
     • Requiring architectural standards beyond the State Building Code.
     • Enforcing minimum parking mandates (except for ADA or Mississippi Accessibility Code compliance).
     • Requiring new residential properties to be part of homeowners’ associations.

5. Streamlining Development Approvals

   • Municipalities must establish an administrative approval process for projects permitted under this bill.
   • Restrictions on requiring conditional use permits or community meetings, except where mandated by state or federal law.
   • Development agreements must be provided to applicants at least three days before final approval.

6. Penalties for Non-Compliance

   • If a covered municipality fails to implement these zoning changes by June 30, 2027, developments of up to six residential units per lot will automatically be permitted in certain areas.
   • Cities cannot use interim ordinances to delay or block implementation.

Purpose of the Bill:

This bill is designed to increase housing supply, promote affordable and mixed-use developments, and establish uniform standards across municipalities to address housing shortages in Minnesota.

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