ENM Council supports keeping city zoning authority

The Elko New Market City Council approved two resolutions concerning city zoning authority at its Thursday, March 27, meeting.

City Administrator Tom Terry said the two resolutions were in response to proposed state legislation that could limit local decision-making authority on residential developments. He noted in the past, Elko New Market has opposed similar proposals from the state legislature. Currently, the state has HF (House File) 1987 and SF (Senate File) 2229, Minnesota Starter Home Act, HF 2140 and SF 2231, More Homes Right Places Act, and HF 2018 and SF 2286, Transforming Main Street Act.

Terry addressed this proposed state legislation at the council’s Feb. 27 meeting. He said in the past, similar state legislation has covered a broad band of subjects from how cities can address multifamily dwellings, apartments, parking requirements, limiting the size of lots and reducing or eliminating local public input for residential areas and housing.

One resolution presented to the council supported Elko New Market retaining its city zoning authority. The resolution noted the state legislature, “in an attempt to address housing available and affordability challenges, is considering measures that would broadly limit city authority over zoning and land use decisions. The proposed legislation would transfer authority to state government.”

The resolution included that decisions regarding local zoning and land use that best fit community needs are best let to city residents and officials. Also, the resolution stated state legislature would also limit...

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