Housing continues to be a prominent topic of discussion in this legislative session. Yesterday, two zoning and land-use bills were heard in front of the Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention Committee that seek to improve housing affordability and housing availability.
SF3303 (Lucero) as amended seeks to end exclusionary zoning policies and restore reasonable homeowner choice on home design. Elements such as large lots, three-car garages, upgraded exterior finishes, and other aesthetic pieces that can drive up the cost of a home would not be permissible requirements for approval of a new housing development.
Mark Foster, vice president of legislative and political affairs for Housing First Minnesota, spoke at the hearing about what impacts these requirements can have on affordability.
“The homebuilding industry is attempting to meet consumers where they are. In many instances, they continue to call for greater density, smaller homes on smaller lots, and less demand for garage space,” Foster commented. “On a typical new home, these mandates can exceed $20,000 per home.”
The bill was laid over for future hearings.
Next, the committee heard SF3080 (Draheim). As amended, this bill is a comprehensive approach to addressing several key areas where Minnesota’s housing policies are increasing costs and preventing the creation of needed starter homes.
Sen. Draheim has been a leading figure on this issue for several years. This bill, along with another to be heard later this week, demonstrates his continued commitment to the cause.
Nick Erickson, senior director of housing policy for Housing First Minnesota testified in support of this bill at the hearing.
“The Legalize Affordable Housing Act addresses zoning’s exclusionary history and its form of economic segregation by opening the free market and reducing policies that exist to add to the cost of housing,” Erickson commented.
This bill was also laid over.
Additional housing-related bills are set to be heard later this week. Stay tuned to our blog for updates!
