HF2140

Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to promote the creation and development of mixed-use housing zones in specific areas of Minnesota. These zones integrate residential and commercial spaces to leverage urban infrastructure efficiently and increase housing supply.

Main Provisions

• Mixed-Use Housing Zones Requirement: By June 30, 2027, certain municipalities must create zones that allow mixed-use housing developments near state-aid streets. This includes residences with at least three units on lots within half a mile, or four units within a quarter mile, of these streets.
• Zoning and Development: Municipalities must permit a variety of housing types, including single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and mixed-use buildings. Densities must allow at least 25 residential units per acre.
• Parking and Construction Regulations: Municipalities cannot impose minimum parking mandates except related to disability parking. Restrictions on building materials, unit sizes, or construction methods are also limited.
• Development Approval Process: Establish an administrative process for approving building and subdivision requests that align with comprehensive plans and zoning requirements, with limited community meetings required.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Comprehensive Plan Amendment Exemption: No amendments are required for municipal zoning changes until the end of 2029, facilitating quicker implementation of new housing zones.
• Approval Processes: It restricts conditions (like requiring homeowner's associations) on new residential developments that municipalities can impose, removing certain hoops developers previously had to jump through.
• Limitations on Ordinances: Municipalities are restricted from implementing ordinances that delay or prevent the application of this bill, ensuring rapid compliance and adoption.

Relevant Terms

mixed-use housing, zoning, affordable housing, residential units, municipal state-aid street, comprehensive plan, duplex, fourplex, parking mandates, development permits, homeowner association, administrative approvals.