This bill aims to limit the zoning authority of municipalities in Minnesota regarding multifamily and mixed-use developments. It introduces new legal language under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 462, specifically section 462.3572, which defines terms related to affordable housing and establishes that multifamily residential developments are permitted in any zoning district that allows commercial uses, with certain exceptions. Municipalities are required to approve these developments following specific standards and processes, including allowing a floor area ratio of 2.5 or greater and not imposing more restrictive standards than those applicable to commercial buildings. Additionally, the bill prohibits municipalities from imposing minimum parking mandates on these developments and requires that any standards imposed must directly relate to health or safety.

The bill also includes provisions for an administrative approval process for development requests, ensuring that municipalities adhere to a timeline for approvals and cannot require unnecessary permits or additional community meetings. It allows for density bonuses for affordable and workforce housing developments, enabling them to exceed certain zoning standards. Furthermore, municipalities are restricted from enacting interim ordinances that would conflict with the policies outlined in this section. The effective date for these changes is set for January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 462.355