This bill aims to limit the zoning authority of municipalities in Minnesota regarding multifamily and mixed-use developments, proposing new legal language to be added to Minnesota Statutes, chapter 462. It defines key terms such as "affordable housing development," "multifamily residential development," and "minimum parking mandate," and establishes that multifamily residential developments must be permitted in any zoning district that allows commercial uses, with certain exceptions. Municipalities are required to approve these developments under specific conditions, including compliance with public health and safety standards, and cannot impose more restrictive requirements than those applicable to commercial buildings.

Additionally, the bill outlines required standards for multifamily developments, including height limitations and setback requirements, and prohibits municipalities from imposing minimum parking mandates. It also mandates an administrative approval process for development requests, ensuring timely responses from municipalities. Furthermore, the bill allows for density bonuses for affordable and workforce housing developments, enabling them to exceed certain zoning standards. Importantly, municipalities are restricted from enacting interim ordinances that would conflict with the provisions of this bill, which is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 462.355