Housing (Land Use)

SF 2836 limits how Minnesota cities can regulate new housing developments. It prohibits municipalities from requiring specific building materials, designs, or minimum home sizes for most new residential projects. The bill applies to standard housing developments but excludes projects built directly by the municipality itself. This policy change aims to reduce local regulatory barriers for housing construction.

HF 2140 requires certain Minnesota municipalities to create "mixed-use housing zones" by June 30, 2027. Covered cities include those in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, or Washington counties, plus any municipality with 10,000+ residents. These zones must permit residential developments with at least three units (within 0.5 miles of certain streets) or four units (within 0.25 miles), including duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes. The bill defines "mixed-use development" as buildings where at least 50% of usable space is for residential units, and it exempts these zoning changes from requiring comprehensive plan amendments before 2029.