Bill > SF2229

This bill establishes the Minnesota Starter Home Act, which significantly limits municipal zoning authority to encourage more affordable housing development. The legislation requires municipalities to permit various residential housing types (single-family dwellings, duplexes, townhouses, and accessory dwelling units) as of right in residential zones, with specific standardized requirements. Municipalities must allow at least two residential units on lots zoned for single-family homes, permit minimum lot sizes as small as 5,445 square feet for duplexes and single-family homes connected to municipal water and sewer, and cannot impose more restrictive zoning standards than those in place on January 1, 2025. The bill prohibits municipalities from mandating minimum parking spaces, restricting architectural designs beyond state building codes, or requiring homeowners associations. Municipalities must establish a streamlined administrative review process for residential development proposals, approving or denying permits based on comprehensive plans and zoning requirements, with limitations on requiring conditional use permits. The law will take effect on January 1, 2026, and aims to facilitate the construction of more affordable starter homes by reducing local government barriers to residential development.

Government Affairs, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF2229&ssn=0&y=2025