This bill mandates the establishment of mixed housing zones within local governments in Minnesota, specifically targeting urban and nonurban municipalities. It introduces new legal definitions and requirements for mixed housing and commercial corridor districts, which must allow various types of residential developments, including single-family dwellings, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and accessory dwelling units. Urban municipalities are required to create mixed housing districts that cover at least 75% of residentially zoned areas, while nonurban municipalities must cover at least 50%. Additionally, the bill stipulates that commercial corridor districts must encompass all lots with frontage on municipal state-aid streets and set minimum residential density requirements.

The bill also outlines limitations on municipal authority regarding the development of these mixed housing and commercial corridor districts. It prohibits municipalities from imposing excessive restrictions on building size, construction materials, and parking mandates, while ensuring that mixed housing is treated similarly to single-family dwellings in terms of administrative approval processes. If municipalities fail to comply with these requirements by specified deadlines, mixed housing will automatically be permitted in residentially zoned areas. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 462.355