The Department of Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED) recently updated the land use and zoning maps on the City’s Neighborhood Profiles web site (http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/neighborhoods/). The maps are now revised to reflect Minneapolis’ comprehensive plan to promote neighborhood development into a more sustainable system. In accordance with The Minneapolis Plan for a Sustainable Growth (http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/CPED/comp_plan_2030.asp), these four maps will provide residents with a base map, an existing land use map, a future land use map, as well as a zoning map which is updated monthly.
The goal for these maps, according to a press release from Barbara Sporlein, Director of Planning for CPED, is to “develop and maintain a land use pattern that strengthens the vitality, quality and urban character of its downtown core, commercial corridors, industrial areas, and neighborhoods while protecting natural systems and developing a sustainable pattern for future growth.”
Sporlein’s press release made it clear that the future land use map will provide the city and its residents a comprehensive understanding of the property options available for Minneapolis’ diverse community of businesses, families, and individuals who make up various income groups.
“The future land use map also provides guidance for the regulatory structure that implements [The Minneapolis Plan for a Sustainable Growth], including the City’s zoning ordinance,” Sporlein explained.
In 1999, Minneapolis’ City Council decided to revise the zoning code; since that time, the code has been modified to better suite public agency requirements. Also, the revisions permit the code to “adapt to changing market conditions, business practices and development patterns.”
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According to Sporlein, topic- and area-specific plans have been implemented into the general policy of the city’s comprehensive plan. When these specific plans are adopted by the City, a rezoning study is applied to the area so that the City can consider changes for future land use plans.
While CPED is optimistic about the potential of their comprehensive plan, “it may become necessary from time to time to amend the document, particularly when new information becomes available regarding conditions and opportunities within the city.” Sporlein explained that CPED does not anticipate making dramatic changes, but if neighborhoods express such a need, the city may “amend the comprehensive plan, in compliance with the Metropolitan Council’s prescribed process.”
Neighborhoods who decide to take advantage of this plan can be expected to receive assistance on planning processes and renewing plans and proposals to coincide with Minneapolis policy. The neighborhoods of Minneapolis are being regarded as “stakeholders” in the development of the comprehensive plan, and as such, they will be provided with “tools to assist designers, developers, builders and community stakeholders to understand and prepare plans and proposals that are consistent with the city’s policies and regulations.”
If you have questions about the Comprehensive Plan and how it affects your community, contact your sector planner (http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/cped/docs/panning_sector_map.pdf)
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