04-09-2025 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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STAFF REPORT TO: Mayor Fischer and Members of City Council FROM: Laura Linehan, Acting City Administrator Ben Harrington, Community Development Director DATE: April 9, 2025 RE: Resolution Supporting Retention of City Zoning Authority ACTIONS TO BE CONSIDERED: Adoption of a resolution expressing concerns regarding statewide zoning preemption proposals bills and supporting locally led housing solutions. BACKGROUND: Three bills under consideration in the 94th Minnesota Legislature (2025–2026) propose significant changes to local land use authority. These include: • HF 1987 / SF 2229 – Minnesota Starter Home Act • HF 2140 / SF 2231 – More Homes in the Right Places Act • HF 2018 / SF 2286 – Transforming Main Street Act While these bills aim to improve housing affordability and availability statewide, they do so primarily by preempting local zoning authority. Provisions across the three bills would: • Eliminate or cap minimum lot sizes and setbacks • Mandate that cities allow duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes in all residential districts • Prohibit minimum parking requirements • Restrict cities' ability to review or require design standards • Limit regulation of private infrastructure and homeowner association (HOA) agreements • Impose expedited permit timelines without accounting for staffing capacity If enacted, these measures would require substantial amendments to the City’s zoning code and significantly alter how Little Canada manages development, redevelopment, and infrastructure planning. The City of Little Canada has made meaningful progress in supporting housing affordability and supply. According to the City’s recent Housing Study, over 10% of homes are affordable at the 30% AMI level, and more than 50% are affordable at 60% AMI, well above regional averages and those of neighboring communities. Little Canada has proactively modernized portions of its zoning code and remains committed to strategic updates that reflect community needs and priorities. The City has encouraged infill development and supported housing options across a range of income levels. These local initiatives have been undertaken in close consultation with residents and are aligned with the City’s infrastructure capacity and long-term planning goals.