Sustain Saint Paul joins effort to improve zoning and land use in Minnesota

This year at the Minnesota legislature, a suite of reforms to state zoning and land use policy (HF4009/SF3964) are under consideration. Sustain Saint Paul is excited to support these efforts, which will contribute towards more abundant, affordable, and inclusive housing in Minnesota. 

Why we’re supporting this change

This bill seeks to set certain standards and requirements for local zoning codes in Minnesota, with the intention of preventing rules that make housing more scarce and expensive. The exact details of this bill will be finalized over the course of the legislative session, but the bill focuses on a few core changes. 

A major focus of the bill is on “middle housing,” such as homes from duplexes up to six-plexes, or townhomes and courtyard apartments. Cities with 10,000 or more people would have to allow at least six homes per lot within a half mile of a major transit stop, and four homes per lot elsewhere. Smaller cities would still allow two homes per lot — plus all cities would allow accessory dwelling units. With such changes, Minnesota would follow in Saint Paul’s footsteps by allowing more moderate-density homes across the city. 

The bill also allows for larger apartment buildings in areas that currently allow for commercial uses, which could create a lot of new space for new homes around the state.

Another focus is on processes for approving new housing. The bill would reduce how much localities can block new housing via procedural routes. If a proposed building fits within a city’s comprehensive plan, it would have to be approved. And cities need to set up an “administrative review process,” which would require them to approve or deny a building permit application within 60 days, while following certain standards for making that decision. This would allow for more certainty in the process of approving new housing. 

A final piece of the bill would put “guardrails” or limitations on zoning practices to reduce the costs of housing. For example, most cities would not be able to require minimum lot sizes of more than 2,500 square feet, enabling homes on smaller and more affordable plots of land. Minimum parking requirements would also be limited in a few different ways, and cities could not mandate potentially costly aesthetic elements on new housing. 

Joining a broad coalition

In supporting these changes, Sustain Saint Paul is part of a broad coalition that includes fellow housing advocates, environmental advocates, business and homebuilder groups, and labor unions. The image below highlights many, though not all, of the organizations that are supporting these statewide land use reforms. 

Housing affordability impacts everybody — so it’s no surprise that a wide array of advocates want to support these changes. 

An impactful change

These proposed changes are core to two of Sustain Saint Paul’s primary goals: championing more abundant housing, and sustainable land use. Changing our zoning codes to allow for more housing will increase everyone’s ability to find a home that meets their needs. Increasing the opportunity for infill housing will also help limit sprawl and development on far-out greenfields. By taking action at the state legislature, we can make sure to bring the whole state on board with a better future for housing. 

This article contains information adapted from the author’s streets.mn article, published on Feb. 29.