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CITY COUNCIL <br />REGULAR MEETING STAFF REPORT <br />AGENDA ITEM 11 <br />STAFF ORIGINATOR: Michael Grochala, Community Development Director <br />MEETING DATE: March 24, 2024 <br />TOPIC: Consider Resolution No. 25-41 Supporting Retention of City <br />Zoning Authority <br />VOTE REQUIRED: Simple Majority <br />INTRODUCTION <br />Staff is requesting City Council consideration supporting the retention of City Zoning Authority <br />as it relates to several bills being considered by the state legislature. <br />BACKGROUND <br />Over the past several years the legislature has been considering bills to require more residential <br />options in what has traditionally been low density single family residential zoning districts. <br />Multiple bills, including HF 1987 SF 2229 ("Minnesota Starter Home Act"), HF 2140 SF 2231 ("More <br />Homes Right Places Act"), and HF 2018 SF 2286 ("Transforming Main Street Act") are being discussed at <br />the committee level during this year's legislative session. <br />These committees are considering bills that would impose a rigid state framework on <br />residential development, limiting local decision -making authority regardless of a city's unique <br />needs and circumstances. Local zoning is an important planning tool that ensures communities <br />can responsibly plan for residential development and address locally -identified housing needs <br />with resident input. <br />Cities recognize that there is a housing shortage across the state and across the housing <br />spectrum, though the shortage looks different in each community. Alongside the state, cities <br />play a key role in tackling housing challenges and continue to lead with local solutions. In Lino <br />Lakes we have continued to innovate at the local level and have supported both affordable and <br />market rate development. <br />In general, the bills: <br />• Limit city decision -making on land use and zoning authority <br />• Impose rigid state mandates on cities <br />