Housing First Minnesota recently sent a demand letter to the City of Edina regarding their unlawful “Building Code Tree Ordinance” and “Vegetation Ordinance”.
These City Ordinances assert the power to impose fees and escrow requirements regarding the removal and replacement of trees. Those fees adversely impact housing affordability and go beyond the City’s statutory authority.
Earlier in 2024, numerous homeowners, builders and property owners spoke at a City of Edina City Council meeting with requests to adjust these problematic ordinances.
In an article from the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, one homebuilder was charged a $19,000 deposit fee to remove a single tree blocking the project. These types of fees are not only impacting builders in Edina—two projects in Minnetonka were blocked recently due to the city’s tree ordinances.
The City of Edina has until Nov. 15, 2024, to modify the Ordinances to comply with state law, or Housing First will initiate a challenge. The demand letter also notes that retaliation against any members or other builders will not be tolerated.
Members with questions should contact Nick Erickson, senior director of housing policy.
