SF2286

This bill proposes changes to Minnesota's local government planning and zoning laws to facilitate the development of multifamily and mixed-use housing, particularly affordable housing. The key provisions of the bill include:

1. Comprehensive Plan Amendment Exemption: Municipalities will not be required to amend their comprehensive plans until December 31, 2029, for zoning changes related to multifamily housing.

2. Simplified Approval for Affordable Housing: Amendments to comprehensive plans to permit affordable housing developments will only require a simple majority vote (instead of a two-thirds vote).

3. Mandatory Permitting of Multifamily and Mixed-Use Developments: Municipalities must allow multifamily developments in zoning districts that permit commercial uses, with some exceptions for heavy industrial areas.

4. Reduced Zoning Restrictions:

   • A minimum floor area ratio of 2.5 must be allowed.
   • Height limits cannot be lower than 75 feet in certain cities and metro-area municipalities.
   • Setback and lot coverage restrictions must be the same as for commercial buildings.
   • Parking mandates are prohibited, except for accessibility requirements.
   • Municipalities cannot impose restrictions on architectural elements, building materials, or energy efficiency beyond state or federal requirements.

5. Administrative Approval Process:

   • Municipalities must establish a streamlined administrative review process for multifamily housing applications.
   • They cannot require more than one community meeting unless legally required.
   • Requests for approvals must be decided within the time limits prescribed in state law.

6. Affordable Housing Density Bonuses:

   • Municipalities must grant density bonuses to affordable housing projects, allowing for increased height, floor area, unit count, and lot coverage.

7. Limitations on Municipal Controls:

   • Cities cannot adopt ordinances or impose conditions that are more restrictive than those outlined in the bill.
   • They are prohibited from enacting moratoriums (interim ordinances) related to these zoning changes.

Overall, the bill seeks to streamline and accelerate the approval and construction of multifamily and mixed-use housing to increase housing supply, particularly affordable housing, by reducing local zoning and permitting barriers.