Oct. 25, 2019 (MINNEAPOLIS) The City Council voted today to adopt Minneapolis 2040, the City’s Comprehensive Plan that will shape how the city will grow and change over the next two decades so all residents can benefit.

The action follows the Metropolitan Council’s formal approval of Minneapolis 2040 on Sept. 25. The Metropolitan Council requires municipalities in the Twin Cities area to provide updated comprehensive plans every 10 years that are consistent with its regional development guide, Thrive MSP 2040.

Minneapolis 2040 includes 14 goals with an overarching theme: Minneapolis’ growth must be managed with a focus on undoing barriers created by a history of policies that have prevented equitable access to housing, jobs and investments, resulting in significant racial disparities. It features nearly 100 policies with action steps outlining ways to achieve the plan’s goals.

The policies in Minneapolis 2040 have an effective date of Jan. 1, 2020. In coming years, the City will make a series of amendments to the City’s zoning code and land use maps to implement the policies of Minneapolis 2040, as required by state statute.

The first amendment will allow up to three residential units per property in low-density zoning districts. This zoning code change will be considered by the City Council on Nov. 8, 2019 and is scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2020. This change was prioritized to allow more housing options in the city. Two- or three-family housing developments in low-density zoning districts will be required to conform to the same height, setback and massing requirements as single-family homes. New construction will also be subject to the City’s construction management agreement, which requires advance notice to nearby residents, among other things.

The Metropolitan Council is projecting significant growth for Minneapolis in coming years. Increasing housing options helps the city prepare for this growth, provides more choices for people who already live here and expands opportunities to increase home ownership.

For more information about amendments to the Minneapolis Zoning Code, visit the City’s website.

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