03-24-2025 CC Agenda Packet - special meeting

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AGENDA ITEM Date: March 24, 2025 Item: 8 Title: League of Minnesota Cities, Local Zoning Authority Retention - Resolution 7573 Presenter: Laura Oakden, Community Development Director Section: City Administrator/Engineer Report Purpose: To pass a resolution supporting retention of city zoning authority. 2. Background: The Minnesota State Legislator and Senate are considering bills that would impose a rigid state framework on residential development, limiting local decision -making authority regardless of a city's unique needs and circumstances. Local zoning is an important planning tool that ensures communities can responsibly plan for residential development and address locally -identified housing needs with resident input. The Senate State and Local Government Committee is considering four bills and the House Elections Finance and Government Operations will consider the House versions in the coming days. These bills significantly restrict city zoning and land use authority: • SF 2229 / HF 1987 ("Minnesota Starter Home Act") • SF 2231 / HF 2140 ("More Homes Right Places Act") • SF 2286 / HF 2018 ("Transforming Main Street Act") • SF 1268 / HF 1309 ("People Over Parking Act") The bills are concerning to the City of Orono due to the standards and requirements outlined: • Local decision -making authority is eliminated by requiring: • Duplexes, townhomes and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on all residential lots and in some cases require triplexes and fourplexes • Multifamily buildings up to75 ft. tall in commercial areas • No parking requirements for new residential, commercial/retail developments • Smaller lot sizes and setbacks, limiting cities' ability to ensure compatibility in scale and form o Cities with successful local housing efforts could be forced to change or abandon said efforts in favor of state -mandated policies Resident input is minimized, allowing only one "community meeting" before administrative approval of projects These bills create significant implementation challenges for cities, requiring them to completely overhaul zoning and land use ordinances at the expense of taxpayers Forcing density on all residential lots including duplexes, townhomes and in many cases triplexes and fourplexes would force cities to allow for higher density even in areas where it doesn't make sense. 3. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommend adoption of Resolution 7573 supporting retention of city zoning authority. Once 52