The Minnesota Starter Home Act seeks to promote the construction of affordable and diverse housing types by limiting municipal zoning authority and streamlining approval processes.

Key Provisions:

1. Comprehensive Plan Amendments:

   • Municipalities cannot require amendments to their comprehensive plans before December 31, 2029, for zoning changes related to new housing initiatives.

2. Zoning & Housing Types Authorization:

   • Cities must permit single-family homes, duplexes, and accessory dwelling units in any residential zoning district.
     
   • Townhouses must be allowed on newly platted or vacant lots.
     

3. Regulations on Residential Development:

   • Municipalities must allow at least two residential units per lot zoned for single-family homes.
   • Minimum lot sizes for new development:
     • Duplexes and single-family homes (with municipal water/sewer): 5,445 sq. ft. (⅛ acre)
     • Townhouses (with municipal water/sewer): 1,500 sq. ft.
   • Restrictions cities cannot impose:
     • More stringent standards than those applied to single-family homes as of January 1, 2025.
     • Certain setback and lot coverage rules for townhouses.
     • Construction material or design requirements beyond the State Building Code.
     • Minimum parking mandates (e.g., requiring garages or off-street parking).
     • Homeowners association (HOA) requirements or incentives.

4. Administrative Approvals:

   • Cities must establish fast-track administrative approval for residential developments.
   • Cannot impose additional conditions beyond those required for single-family homes.
   • Cities must approve or deny subdivision or permit applications based on zoning/comprehensive plan requirements, without arbitrary delays.
   • Limits on requiring public meetings (only one allowed except in historic districts).

5. Municipal Limitations:

   • Cities cannot use official controls (e.g., fees, regulations, or zoning ordinances) to circumvent the Act.
   • Interim zoning ordinances restricting housing development under this Act are prohibited.

Overall Impact:

The Act aims to increase housing affordability and availability in Minnesota by restricting a city's ability to limit housing density, impose excessive zoning requirements, or delay approvals. It encourages starter home construction and diverse housing options without excessive municipal restrictions.