1-4 Housing Study engagement options

Multi-plex housing on 3rd Street East

Did you know that:

• Saint Paul’s population is at an all-time high and expected to keep growing?

• There is not enough housing available to serve current or future residents?

That’s why the city, neighborhood groups, and community members across the city are speaking up for more 1-4 unit housing, sometimes referred to as the “missing middle.” Why, you ask? From the city of Saint Paul’s website:

• From 2000 to 2017, the number of duplexes decreased by 17%. The number of triplexes and fourplexes decreased by 11%.

• As of 2017, single-family homes make up 54% of the city’s housing supply. Duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes make up 11%, and multifamily with five or more units make up 35%.

Many renters are also cost-burdened, meaning they pay 30% or more of their income on rent.

• 22.5% of renters are paying 30% to 50% of their income on rent

• 25% of renters are paying 50% or more of their income on rent

Rebuilding the disappearing duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes is difficult under today’s Zoning Code.

• 67% of Saint Paul’s land area is for residential-only uses, and 72% of it only allows for detached, single-family homes.

• That means duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes cannot be built in 48% of the City.

Allowing additional duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes and accessory dwelling units in more areas of the city is a simple way of supplying more housing options to current and future residents.

What you can do:
The city of Saint Paul continues to engage community members in qualitative ways. Fill out the survey, share your ideas, or tell a story of what you want to see with the future of Saint Paul housing. Commit to doing one or more of the following engagement activities:

1. Fill out the 1-4 Unit Housing Study Survey

2. Submit an idea of the type of housing that would fit well within your neighborhood

3. What types of neighborhood-scale housing have you lived in? Share your story.

4. Sign up to receive updates from the City of Saint Paul about the 1-4 Unit Housing Study developments.