Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to update zoning laws within certain Minnesota cities to increase residential density, permit various housing types, and modify real estate restrictions to address housing shortages and promote affordable housing development.

Main Provisions

• Zoning Changes: Cities with populations of 10,000 or more must allow duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and townhouses in a significant portion of residential zoning areas. This is intended to increase residential density and diversify housing options.
• Accessory Dwelling Units: These must be permitted on lots with single-family homes, with municipalities having to adjust their zoning ordinances by June 30, 2026.
• Multifamily Housing in Commercial Zones: Cities must allow the development of multifamily residential buildings in at least 25% of their commercial zones.
• Development Strategies: Cities are required to adopt measures encouraging the development of middle and multifamily housing, such as reducing parking requirements and increasing building height limits.
• Limitation on Aesthetic Requirements: Cities cannot impose specific aesthetic standards such as minimum home sizes or particular siding unless incentivized, not mandated.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Administrative Review Process: Streamlines approval processes for small multifamily developments, removing public hearing obligations.
• Street Impact Fees: Allows municipalities to impose fees to fund transportation infrastructure impacted by new developments.
• Prohibited Restrictions: Outlaws community restrictions that mandate minimum home sizes, types of parking structures, or building materials, making any such provisions void and unenforceable for new common interest communities.

Relevant Terms

• Residential density
• Zoning changes
• Duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes
• Accessory dwelling units
• Multifamily residential developments
• Middle housing
• Aesthetic requirements
• Street impact fees
• Common interest communities
• Affordable housing