RE: [Mpls] Big Zoning Changes Coming But May Be Below Everyone's Radar

[John Rocker]

As I read it, the proposed changes in the language of The Minneapolis Plan basically clarify and strengthen the city's housing policies, and are best explained in the staff report:   http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/citywork/planning/housing/TMP_Mods_020923.pdf     According to the city’s web site, the actual changes in zoning regulations include:   1. A proposed amendment that would make developers of affordable housing eligible for a density bonus. Under the proposal, if at least 20% of dwelling units in a development are affordable, the development can include 20% more dwelling units and floor area than the zoning code would otherwise allow.   2. A proposed change that would allow variances of lot area and lot width of up to 30%. The zoning code currently allows variances of only 20%.     From my perspective, both of these proposed zoning changes are in line with what the city needs to do to encourage more housing, provided the city council maintains control over the site plan approval process for projects falling under these categories and that projects with bonus density are sited in appropriate areas to accommodate the density.   “Bonus density” is a no-cost way for the city to help provide affordable housing. It, in essence, eliminates the land cost of affordable housing, thereby subsidizing new affordable housing without the city spending real dollars. At the same time, it encourages smart growth by taking advantage of the existing infrastructure in roads, transit, schools, etc.   A change in % of variance for lot sizes also allows the city more flexibility in accommodating new housing. This is good, provided the variance does not become “by right” but requires city approval.   The city’s link to the actual draft zoning code modifications was incorrectly linked when I tried it, so I haven’t read the specifics, but it seems like a step in the right direction.   John Rocker JCR Realty Advisors Calhoun