Today Governor Mark Dayton vetoed HF 330, a common-sense bipartisan housing bill that would have ensured property owners are given fair notice and a public hearing prior to the imposition of a housing moratorium. Given the consequential nature of a housing moratorium, the bill also would have required a 2/3 vote of the city council for a housing moratorium, aligning it with the voting requirements for other major land use decisions.
In his veto letter, Governor Dayton stated: “This legislation represents a step forward in providing notice and a voice for those potentially affected by an interim ordinance regulating a housing proposal. However, the requirement for a two-thirds vote of the City Council members present and voting on an interim ordinance related to housing proposals is an unnecessary exception to the general requirement for a majority vote. The provision weakens local control and the rights of local community members.
Should a subsequent bill provide for a majority vote instead of two-thirds, I would reconsider this legislation.”
HF 330 has been a multi-year effort to bring a basic element of fairness for property owners facing a housing moratorium. BATC worked closely with a bipartisan group of legislators and achieved compromise language with the League of Minnesota cities that would balance homeowners rights and the need for transparency within a cities’ process to enact a housing moratorium.
BATC will continue to work with legislative leaders and the Governor to try to find common ground on this issue in the closing days of the legislative session.
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