02-26-2024 CC Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

February 26, 2024 Representative Andrew Myers 377 State Office Building St. Paul, MN 55155 Senator Kelly Morrison 95 University Avenue W. Minnesota Senate Bldg., Room 3205 St. Paul, MN 55155 Regarding: HF4009/SF3964 and HF4010/SF3980 Dear Representative Myers and Senator Morrison, The League of Minnesota Cities has brought to our attention two pieces of legislation were presented to the Housing Finance and Policy Committee for consideration: HF4009/SF3964 (“Missing Middle Housing” bill and HF4010/SF3980 on February 20, 2024. The City of Orono opposes both bills as they infringe on our local governing authority. The bills will eliminate our ability to adjust our local zoning ordinances to allow for varying degrees of density, and to ensure adequate infrastructure while soliciting public input from community members. The City of Orono opposes HF4009/SF3964 and HF4010/SF3980, because the bills would: • Allow various types of multi-unit housing to be built by right without discretionary review processes; • Require cities to allow between 2-6 residential units on each lot regardless of size, infrastructure capacity, public safety and emergency responder access, and other public health and safety concerns; • Force administrative approvals of projects that meet the standards in the bill language and prohibit public input in the approval process; • Limit minimum lot size requirements to no greater than 2,500 square feet for first class cities and 4,000 square feet for all other cities except for Greater Minnesota cities with populations of less than 5,000; • Prohibit off-street parking from being required close to major transit stops and limits off-street parking minimum requirements to 1 spot per unit in other areas; and • Allow multifamily buildings to be constructed up to 150 feet in height on any lot in a commercial zoning district. The proposed bills will preempt cities’ zoning and land use authority. It would also eliminate the public’s ability to petition government to address their concerns regarding certain development that materially impacts their property. It provides no way for residents to seek recourse and make their voices heard before their local elected officials. For the above reasons, the City Council for the City of Orono opposes HF4009/SF3964 and HF4010/SF3980. Respectfully, on behalf of the City of Orono, Dennis Walsh Mayor City of Orono 160