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2/2/24, 12:03 PM Focus on New Laws: Sacred Settlements - League of Minnesota Cities <br />https://www.lmc.org/news-publications/news/all/fonl-sacred-settlements/#:~:text=During the 2023 legislative session,permitted use or conditional …2/3 <br />All micro units must be built to the requirements of the American National Standards Institute <br />(ANSI) Code 119.5, which includes standards for heating, electrical, fire, and life safety. <br />Additionally, micro units are subject to inspection for compliance with statutory standards and <br />must meet the following minimum requirements: <br />Be no more than 400 gross square feet. <br />Be built on a permanent chassis and anchored to pin foundations with engineered fasteners. <br />Have exterior material compatible in composition, appearance, and durability to materials <br />used in standard residential construction. <br />Meet minimum framing standards and insulation ratings for doors and windows and include <br />a dry, compostable, or plumbed toilet meeting Minnesota Pollution Control Agency rules. <br />Include smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and comply with municipal setback <br />requirements if established by ordinance or be set back on all sides by at least 10 feet if no <br />ordinance exists. <br />Have access to water and electric utilities either by connecting the units to the principal <br />building or by providing access to permanent common kitchen facilities and common <br />facilities for toilet, bathing, and laundry consistent with boarding house requirements under <br />Minnesota Rules, part 1305.2902. <br />Minimum standards for settlements <br />In addition to the requirements for individual units, the law establishes minimum standards <br />for the religious institutionʼs operation of the settlement itself, which will be important to <br />reference if a city choses to permit settlements and units via a conditional use permit to ensure <br />compliance. <br />Minimum standards for settlements include: <br />Appropriate level of insurance and have between one-third and 40% of the micro units <br />occupied by designated volunteers. <br />Adherence to all laws governing landlord and tenants under Minnesota Statutes Chapter <br />504B. <br />A written plan provided to the city in which the settlement is approved by the religious <br />institutionʼs governing board that includes: <br />Plans for disposal of water and sewage if not plumped and septic tank drainage if plumped <br />units are not connected to the primary worship locationʼs system. <br />Adequate parking, lighting, and access to units by emergency vehicles. <br />Protocols for security and addressing conduct within the settlement as well as safety <br />protocols for severe weather. <br />Authorization by a municipality as either a permitted use or conditional use without the <br />application of additional standards not included in the bill. <br />Further considerations <br />The League recommends that cities be in communication with the religious institutions in <br />their community and inquire about their plans with respect to this new law.