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Legislative Priority Alert:

Omnibus Zoning Bill Overrides City Authority, Radically Increasing Density by Dictating Statewide Affordable Housing Standards

 

Although there’s no question that Minnesota needs more affordable housing solutions, the “Missing Middle Housing” bill (SF 1370/HF 1667) currently steamrolling through the Senate merits more scrutiny and public discussion—in MasterWerks’ opinion, a lot more!

 

If passed, this omnibus zoning bill (combining four bills previously introduced in the state legislature) would supersede all city zoning and land use authority throughout Minnesota, including all comprehensive plans. Instead, all housing development would be controlled by state law. Municipalities could only impose local standards related to public health, safety, or general welfare.

 

Here’s a quick, condensed overview of SF 1370/HF 1667:

All single-family lots in residential zones would be up-zoned, giving owners the right to tear down and rebuild at least two and—depending on location—up to six residential units on the lot, with additional units permitted if all-electric and/or energy-efficient. Simultaneously, cities could not require more than one off-street parking spot for the lot’s combined residences, potentially pushing multiple vehicles onto the street. Minimum lot sizes would be reduced to 4,000 square feet, and municipalities would be unable to establish required minimum square footage, floor area ratios, design standards, aesthetic requirements, or homeowner’s associations. Quite literally, such changes would significantly alter the intrinsic character or fabric of our current neighborhoods and communities.

 

As for mixed-use, multifamily, or commercial zones, residential developments could match the height of any existing building within a quarter mile, and developments designated as affordable could exceed that height. Emergency homeless shelters would be permitted anywhere in these zones.

 

MasterWerks also shares the concerns of many city leaders throughout Minnesota that the bill fails to consider the impacts of densification on community infrastructure. Turning commercial districts into multifamily residential zones makes it tough for communities to recruit businesses, thus reducing tax revenue. Since the bill sets no limits on how many residential units must be added to each community and contains no funding, homeowners would be left to foot the costs of substantial infrastructure upgrades, including roads, water mains, sewer lines, stormwater management systems, as well as schools, emergency, and other essential services. There are also no provisions to protect community greenspace and character.

 

If you have thoughts about SF 1370/HF 1667—whether pro or con—we encourage you to contact your state representatives right away, before it’s too late.

 

To learn about the bill in greater detail, here is a recent link published by the League of Minnesota Cities, as well as a NewsBreak report on a presentation by Apple Valley’s City Administrator to the Apple Valley City Council.

 

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