Removing Single Family Zoning in Minneapolis

Buying & Selling Real Estate
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Removing Single Family Zoning in Minneapolis

Bob Floss II
Attorney · Northbrook, IL · Member since 2017 · 719 posts · 549 votes

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...

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Bruce Runn
Investor · Minneapolis, MN · Member since 2014 · 743 posts · 927 votes
7y

@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.

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  • Jennifer S.
    Investor · London · Member since 2017 · 160 posts · 82 votes
    7y

    Totally agree! I wonder if this will ever arrive in Massachusetts. Maybe someone with key word alerts will see this thread and share any insights of whether it's coming in other jurisdictions. I saw Oregon also has passed relaxation of SF zoning

    0Reply
  • Bruce Runn
    Investor · Minneapolis, MN · Member since 2014 · 743 posts · 927 votes
    7y

    @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.

    8Reply
  • Account Closed
    Rental Property Investor · MN · Member since 2015 · 186 posts · 149 votes
    7y

    @Bruce Runn any units vacant in that triplex? Would love to see it.

    0Reply
  • Bruce Runn
    Investor · Minneapolis, MN · Member since 2014 · 743 posts · 927 votes
    7y

    @Account Closed

    Unfortunately, everyone is already in.  Will find an opportunity

    0Reply
  • Bob Floss II
    OP
    Attorney · Northbrook, IL · Member since 2017 · 719 posts · 549 votes
    7y

    @Bruce Runn Congrats on your success and recognition. You are doing great work that is desperately needed. I'm shocked by the amount of negative comments it received on outlets like LinkedIn where people associate efforts to create multi unit housing as hurting existing property owners or neighborhoods. A big segment of the population is in denial of the need to transition housing to meet the demand of buyers with good jobs, young families, low down payments, and high student loan debt. They want their neighborhoods to be all new construction million dollars homes even though they aren't selling. 

    Keep doing what you are doing and educating the public.

    0Reply
  • Sarah Lorenz
    Specialist · Ann Arbor, MI · Member since 2016 · 355 posts · 191 votes
    6y

    @Bruce Runn

    Hi Bruce—could you give an update as to what’s happening with development in Minneapolis? Is the new zoning creating a flurry of infill development? Is it prompting tear downs of existing housing, and if so, in what price range? Are new units being built affordable or more expensive?

    0Reply
  • Bruce Runn
    Investor · Minneapolis, MN · Member since 2014 · 743 posts · 927 votes
    6y

    @Account Closed

    0Reply
  • Account Closed
    Rental Property Investor · MN · Member since 2015 · 186 posts · 149 votes
    6y

    @Bruce Runn perfect let’s do it!

    0Reply
  • Bruce Runn
    Investor · Minneapolis, MN · Member since 2014 · 743 posts · 927 votes
    6y

    @Account Closed

    Let's plan for end of the day Tuesday like 5 or Wednesday morning anytime.  Let me know what works

    0Reply
  • Bruce Runn
    Investor · Minneapolis, MN · Member since 2014 · 743 posts · 927 votes
    6y

    @Sarah Lorenz

    I completed a triplex, building another this Fall and have a 3rd slated for Spring.  People are optimizing empty lots first and some knock downs are currently happening.  Range is $150-$260,000 on projects I know about.  I paid $260 for a super prime location for a tear down and the numbers work out pretty well.

    1Reply
  • Account Closed
    Rental Property Investor · MN · Member since 2015 · 186 posts · 149 votes
    6y

    @Bruce Runn Tuesday 5-5:15ish works perfect. I have a showing at 4:30 not too far away. 

    0Reply
  • Daniel Anshus
    Realtor · Bloomington MN (bloomington, mn) · Member since 2016 · 451 posts · 263 votes
    6y

    @Bruce Runn  Hey Bruce I am wanting to learn a lot more about the costs and how you analyze these deals. Would love to talk more about this subject. I am local so we could meet up if you are ccomfortable with that. Thank you!

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