Administration - Erik Thorvig, Community Development Director
Title
Title
Resolution Supporting Housing and Local Decision-Making Authority
end
Executive Summary
Consider adopting a resolution that supports housing and local decision-making authority and opposing one-size-fits-all mandates proposed at the State Legislature.
Background
Housing industry groups have recently attacked city land use tools such as Zoning and Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) or the Development Flex tool in Blaine. They have claimed incorrectly that these basic regulatory functions are prohibiting the building of more affordable housing stock when market factors such as labor costs, land, and materials are creating the market failures we see today.
In particular, HF 3256 was introduced at committee hearings on February 23, 2022. Concerns that the League of Minnesota Cities, Metro Cities, and individual cities have expressed and testified against include:
• Mandates upzoning for all cities to allow duplexes and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on all parcels.
• Establishes minimum 8 units/acre density for unsubdivided land.
• Eliminates planned and staged developments in the metropolitan area.
• Removes long-standing city planning authorities, effectively privatizing planning functions.
• Limits the use of PUDs and aesthetic considerations.
• Preempts interim ordinances.
• Limits a city from requiring or allowing more than a one-car garage.
• Caps street widths.
• Restricts what metropolitan cities can count toward negotiated Affordable Housing Goals (with the Metropolitan Council).
• Restricts several planning processes that are currently negotiated between cities in the metropolitan area and the Metropolitan Council.
The League of Minnesota Cities has drafted legislation that would advance solutions to local housing challenges without imposing one-size-fits-all mandates on cities with diverse housing needs.
A total of 88 cities have passed resolutions supporting the authority of local elected officials and city staff to make housing and land use decisions in their community. Large suburban cities of note that have passed the resolution include:
• Burnsville
• Chanhassen
• Eden Prairie
• Edina
• Lakeville
• Maple Grove
• Minnetonka
• Plymouth
• Rosemount
The Mayor has discussed this issue with several other mayors and has requested this resolution to be considered by the Blaine City Council.
Adopting the resolution is consistent with two of Blaine’s legislative priorities which are to support local control and oppose efforts to mandate reduction in development and building fees.
Strategic Plan Relationship
Maintaining residential, industrial, and commercial growth is a desired outcome of the Growth Management section of the Strategic Plan. Regulations placed on cities identified in HF 3256 could limit growth and cause growth to occur in a manner not supported by the City of Blaine.
Staff Recommendation
Adopt the attached resolution.
Body
WHEREAS, local elected decision-makers are in the best position to determine the health, safety, and welfare regulations that best serve the unique needs of their constituents; and
WHEREAS, zoning regulation is an important planning tool that benefits communities economically and socially, improves health and wellness, and helps conserve the environment; and
WHEREAS, local zoning regulation allows communities to plan for the use of land transparently, involving residents through public engagement; and
WHEREAS, cities across the state are keenly aware of the distinct housing challenges facing their communities and target those local housing challenges with available tools; and
WHEREAS, multiple bills restricting local decision-making related to housing have been introduced in the 2021-2022 biennium.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BLAINE that this Council supports local decision-making authority and opposes legislation that restricts the ability for local elected officials to respond to the needs of their communities.
LET IT ALSO BE RESOLVED that this Council supports housing policy that advances solutions to support full housing spectrum solutions, local innovation, incentives instead of mandates, and community-specific solutions throughout Minnesota.
ADOPTED by the Blaine City Council this 21st day of March, 2022.