Removing Single Family Zoning in Minneapolis

[Bob Floss II]

https://www.bloomberg.com/news...

Coming from Chicago where zoning is a constant battle and converting a single family to a 2-unit requires navigating legal hurdles, this article makes me happy. Minneapolis is a fast growing economy that is looking to embrace affordable housing and development by eliminating single family zoning. I can't express what a HUGE impact this can have on a city. The move would eliminate the need to seek a variance and neighbor approval to change a single family home to a multiunit property.

By eliminating the waiting period of meeting with Alderman, getting plans and permits submitted, hoping they get approved, attending late night zoning meetings, and fighting with neighbors and city inspectors, developers can actually focus on improving the property. Not to mention eliminating the cost of seeking the zoning variance will open up this type of development to more investors. 

I'm also a huge fan because I'm based in Chicago where there is a shortage of quality multifamily buildings for young homeowners to house hack. Creating quality multifamily housing in a developing area and educating young professionals on the advantages of house hacking seems like a win-win for everyone involved.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news...

[Bruce Runn]

@Bob Floss II

Hi Bob, I'm the Bruce listed in the Bloomberg article that just built the triplex (which was the 1st triplex once the 2040 plan was passed) and have done numerous conversation/renovations as well. I also have taught lots of people how to house hack and that is the next article being written by a local paper. Adding more housing is important but the way this occurred was grass roots work by younger, dynamic people who care about having places other than a SFH home. They then had the support and encouragement from people like me that actually create housing opportunities for them. The next course is getting ADU's legalized for non owner occupants so we can add units in established/close in prime locations on transit routes.