The vision set forth in one of the most ambitious and groundbreaking comprehensive plans in recent memory has yet to align with the practical realities of zoning in Minneapolis.
The implementation of the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan—the first plan to eliminate single-family zoning citywide in a large U.S. city—is proving more difficult than anticipated due to challenges aligning the city’s zoning code with the vision set forth in the comprehensive plan.
“Despite the 2040 Comprehensive Plan's elimination of single-family zoning four years ago, zoning codes have not yet been updated to align with the plan, making it hard to redevelop lots into multifamily housing,” according to an article by Susan Du for the Star Tribune.
Case in point: a triplex development proposed for vacant properties in North Minneapolis.
“Lena Gardner's vision for a slate of vacant properties in north Minneapolis was exactly what city leaders said they want: denser, more affordable housing on former single-family lots,” according to the article. “The neighborhood supported it. The city offered her nonprofit, Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism (BLUU), assistance to fund it.”
Still, planning staff and a City Council rejected the project, compelling Lena Gardner to scale it back.
More details on how a project with full support from the neighborhood and a development plan fully supported by the city’s comprehensive plan ran afoul of the city’s zoning code can be found in the source article below.
More from Planetizen: “Minneapolis 2040 Implementation Allowed to Proceed … For Now” (July 28, 2022)
FULL STORY: Plan to build triplexes in north Minneapolis runs into obstacles
Minneapolis to Begin Environmental Review in Response to 2040 Plan Lawsuit
After environmental groups sought to stop the city’s ambitious comprehensive plan, Minneapolis is looking for ways to resume its implementation.
Missing Middle Density Will Take More Than Zoning Changes
Looking for change in the housing supply? "Don't stop at the zoning code and think you're done. There's so much work left to do."
Zoning Reforms Underwhelm in Minneapolis as Development Market Holds Course
As one of the first city's to comprehensively allow for residential density, Minneapolis was probably hoping for more than what it's achieved so far.
‘Forward Together’ Bus System Redesign Rolling Out in Portland
Portland is redesigning its bus system to respond to the changing patterns of the post-pandemic world—with twin goals of increasing ridership and improving equity.
Plan to Potentially Remove Downtown Milwaukee’s Interstate Faces Public Scrutiny
The public is weighing in on a suite of options for repairing, replacing, or removing Interstate 794 in downtown Milwaukee.
Can New York City Go Green Without Renewable Rikers?
New York City’s bold proposal to close the jail on Rikers Island and replace it with green infrastructure is in jeopardy. Will this compromise the city’s ambitious climate goals?
700-Acre Master-Planned Community Planned in Utah
A massive development plan is taking shape for lakefront property in Vineyard, Utah—on the site of a former U.S. Steel Geneva Works facility.
More Cities Ponder the End of Drive-Thrus
Drive-thru fast food restaurants might be a staple of American life, but several U.S. cities are actively considering prohibiting the development of new drive-thrus for the benefit of traffic safety, air quality, and congestion.
Air Pollution World’s Worst Public Health Threat, Report Says
Air pollution is more likely to take years life off the lifespan of the average human than any other external factor, according to a recent report out of the University of Chicago.
Placer County
City of Morganton
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Dongguan Binhaiwan Bay Area Management Committee
City of Waukesha, WI
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Indiana Borough
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
