Bill > HF3156

This bill, known as the "Yes in God's Backyard (YIGBY) Housing Act," aims to facilitate affordable housing development by religious organizations by significantly limiting local government's ability to restrict residential construction on religious-owned land. The bill mandates that cities must allow religious organizations to build residential developments with varying unit numbers and densities across different zoning districts, ranging from three-unit buildings in residential areas to 13+ unit buildings in high-density or commercial zones. Cities are prohibited from imposing many traditional zoning restrictions, such as extensive parking requirements, floor area ratios, or conditional use permits, and must allow buildings up to 38 feet or three stories tall in residential areas, with even greater heights permitted in commercial and business districts. The legislation also provides a unique "substantial burden" review process where religious organizations can challenge local zoning rules they believe impede their housing development, and grants them the right to seek legal remedies if local governments do not comply. Additionally, the bill appropriates $2 million in state funding over two fiscal years to provide grants of up to $150,000 to religious organizations for affordable housing development, covering costs like technical assistance, demolition, site preparation, and construction. The bill defines affordable housing based on income levels and aims to streamline the process for religious organizations to create housing, particularly for lower-income households.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF3156&ssn=0&y=2025