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o � <br /> LEAGUE of CONNECTING & INNOVATING <br /> MINNESOTA SINCE 1913 <br /> CITIES <br /> RISK MANAGEMENT INFORMATION <br /> PLANNING & ZONING 101 <br /> This memo reviews the basics of why and how cities engage in land use planning and regulation, <br /> and why local officials should take time to carefully and conscientiously create land use laws. <br /> Land Use Regulation <br /> City governments provide many important services, but one function stands apart in its impact on <br /> future generations—the authority to engage in planning and zoning of the community. <br /> Comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances adopted and enforced by current officials affect the <br /> future layout and landscape of a city for many years to come. Whether it is the development or <br /> preservation of open space,or the redevelopment and revival of existing properties, what a <br /> community will look like dozens of years from now depends on decisions made today. <br /> City planning and zoning took root in the early 20`h century as a way to minimize conflicts <br /> between incompatible land uses and to plan more coherent development. People increasingly were <br /> living in built-up urbanized areas, and were suffering health impacts, included reduced life span, <br /> related to density and industrialization. In order to promote better health, safety and welfare, cities <br /> began regulating the use, size and location of structures on the land through zoning ordinances, <br /> and developing future plans for harmonious and healthy land use patterns. <br /> Conflicts and Lawsuits <br /> People tend to feel strongly about land use in most communities,and it often goes both ways. <br /> Private property owners may feel they should be able to use their land as they see fit, without <br /> government telling them what they can and cannot do, and where they can and cannot build. <br /> On the other hand, residents may feel equally strongly about what others are doing nearby, to the <br /> extent that it may injure or disturb the peace and quiet of their neighborhood—hardly anyone <br /> wants to live next door to a major industrial operation for example. <br /> Conflicts often lead to litigation, and land use regulation <br /> is no different. It was through litigation that the U.S. More Information <br /> Supreme Court first upheld the constitutionality of Learn more about LMCIT defense <br /> zoning in the seminal 1926 decision, Euclid v. Ambler. <br /> And lawsuits continue to this day. The League of in: <br /> Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT)provides a Land Use litigation Coverage <br /> unique land use insurance coverage that defends cities in <br /> land use lawsuits even when there is not a claim for <br /> damages. LMCIT members spend almost $3 million a year defending these lawsuits. <br /> This material Is provided as general Information and is not a substitute for legal advice. <br /> Consult your attorney for advice concerning specific situations. <br /> LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA CITIES 145 UNIVERSITY AVE WEST PHONE (651)281-1200 FAx (651)281-1298 <br /> INSURANCE TRUST ST-PAUL,MN 55103-2044 TOLL FREE (800)925-1122 WEB WWWLMCORG <br /> Small Cities Track-2011 <br /> Planning&Zoning 101-9 <br />