HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 7573 Supporting City Zoning Authority S-o o
CITY OF ORONO
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
y�lktsHo1-tio No.7573
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING RETENTION OF CITY ZONING AUTHORITY
WHEREAS, decisions regarding local zoning and land use that best fit community needs are
best left to city residents and officials;
WHEREAS, cities utilize zoning and land use regulations to balance property usage, guide
community growth, dedicate space and capacity for public infrastructure to support development(roads,
parks and trails, transportation, sewer, stormwater, water, etc.), mitigate flooding and erosion, and
preserve natural resources among others;
WHEREAS, the Minnesota State Legislature, in an attempt to address housing availability and
affordability challenges, is considering measures that would broadly limit city authority over zoning and
land use decisions, transferring that authority to the state government;
WHEREAS, these proposed measures fail to adequately address housing availability and
affordability and offer no guarantees that cost savings for developers would translate into lower housing
costs for prospective homeowners or renters;
WHEREAS, a rigid, state-mandated approach to zoning and land use—relying on overly
prescriptive mandates—would deprive cities of the flexibility necessary to accommodate their unique
circumstances;
WHEREAS, provisions would also limit opportunities for local residents to voice their concerns
regarding proposed developments during public hearings of city council and other public meetings;
AND,WHEREAS, cities across the state have invested years of work to address zoning issues,
1 and continue to do so, with the help of community engagement.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ORONO,
MINNESOTA AS FOLLOWS:
The City of Orono opposes state proposals that seek to broadly limit local zoning and land use decision-
making related to residential development;
Supports constructive policy alternatives that provide cities with performance-based standards to guide
development while maintaining local decision-making and flexibility and incentivize and bolster city
efforts for addressing housing challenges;
And, advocates for a city-state partnership to consider reforms that are proven to address housing
availability and affordability and respect locally-led zoning decisions and community input.
Adopted by the City Council of Orono,Minnesota at a regular meeting held on March 24,2024.
ATTEST: CITY O NO
Christine Lusian, Clerk Bob Tunheim,Mayor