HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-067 (Support of Local Zoning Authority and Opposing Preemptive Amendments A37, A43, and A45)City of Stillwater
Washington County, Minnesota
Resolution 2023-067
Resolution in Support of Local Zoning Authority and
Opposing Preemptive Amendments A37, A43, and A45
WHEREAS, the City of Stillwater, Minnesota recognizes the importance of local zoning and
land use authority for residential development as a vital planning tool that benefits communities
economically and socially, improves health and wellness, and helps conserve the environment; and
WHEREAS, housing is a statewide issue, and to ensure that housing issues in greater
Minnesota and the Metro are adequately addressed, housing policy should: (1) address the full
housing spectrum, (2) support local innovation, (3) provide incentives instead of mandates, and (4)
provide community -specific solutions throughout Minnesota; and
WHEREAS, Amendments A37, A43, and A45 to House File 2335, authored by Rep. Jim Nash,
R-Waconia, preempt city zoning and land use authority for all 855 cities across the state, undermining
the ability of local governments to make decisions that best serve their communities; and
WHEREAS, Amendment A37 prohibits cities from conditioning any approvals on material,
design, or other conditions if not currently required by the State Building Code for any type of
development, limiting the ability of cities to ensure long-term durability, energy efficiency, and other
community goals, as well as eliminating the ability for cities to impose a limitation on square footage
for a dwelling unit; and
WHEREAS, Amendment A43 caps park dedication fees at 10% of the "fair market value" of a
development, which does not adequately account for increased use of parks and trails resulting from
new developments, and restricts right-of-way widths and the curb -to -curb width of collector or arterial
streets, potentially hampering city functions such as snow removal, on -street parking, and multi -modal
transportation; and
WHEREAS, Amendment A45 requires mandatory up -zoning in all 855 cities to allow duplexes
as a permitted use in any area zoned for single-family residential use and any residential subdivision
development, which may have a detrimental impact on downstream infrastructure designed for single-
family uses and does not guarantee affordability;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of Stillwater, Minnesota,
opposes Amendments A37, A43, and A45 to House File 2335 and supports the preservation of local
zoning and land use authority for residential development.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of Stillwater, Minnesota, directs the City
Clerk to forward copies of this resolution to State Representative [Name], State Senator [Name], and
other relevant parties to express the city's concerns and opposition to these amendments.
Adopted by the Stillwater City Council this 18th day of April, 2023.
ATT T
Aill
Beth Wolf, City C1