25-41 - Resolution - Supporting Retention of City Zoning Authority

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CITY OF LINO LAKES RESOLUTION NO. 25-41 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; and 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; and 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; and 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; and 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; and 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, and continue to do so, with the help of community engagement. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LINO LAKES MINNESOTA AS FOLLOWS: The City of Lino Lakes opposes state proposals that seek to broadly limit local zoning and land use decision -making related to residential development; and 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 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.