Last week was certainly a shining star for the uniqueness of the political moment: Iowa Caucuses, delayed caucus results, State of the Union, and Senate impeachment acquittal. Remember no impeachment has ever occurred in the first term. What a week!

Here’s an update on some of the local issues we’re tracking:

Accessory Dwelling Units—Heights change: The city of Minneapolis is considering allowing Accessory Dwelling Unit heights to exceed the main structure. Currently, height limits in Single Family are 20 feet and prohibit ADU’s from exceeding the main structure.  As accessory dwelling units are often built on top of garages, there is an architectural need to change the criteria and allow ADU’s up to 21 feet. This reasonable change is a consistent with the city council’s overall vision for increased density. Stay tuned for updates on this issue as it moves through the process.

Renter Protections Implementation:  The city of Minneapolis Renter Protections ordinance becomes effective in 2020 on two separate dates, June 1^st for large landlord operators (greater than 15 units) and December 1^st for small landlord operators (less than 15 units). The changes are very substantial and major areas of leasing including credit scoring, criminal look back periods, and limits on security deposits. Most landlords will have to change their practices, update their screening criteria, revise their collateral, and re-write their leasing documents. The city has convened a ‘Cross Sector Implementation Committee’ focused on assisting the city as they roll out the changes. MAR members are being represented on this committee by Eric Myers, MAR’s Director of Government Affairs. The city will provide full guidance for landlords and consumers in advance of the changes.