Office to Residential Conversions Amendment

You can learn more about the nonresidential to residential conversions amendment.

Background

Council Members Rainville and Cashman introduced an ordinance on June 27, 2024, to make it easier to convert nonresidential buildings into housing.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work and other trends have left many offices and other nonresidential properties underused or empty. Meanwhile, state and local governments are trying to address a housing shortage. This ordinance will likely help convert office buildings the most, but it will apply to any commercial or institutional building in the city.

Goals of the amendment

Our goal is to speed up the City's review of building conversions to save people time and reduce costs. This will help make better use of existing buildings throughout Minneapolis.

Effective date

Following the mayoral signature, the ordinance will be published and will be formally in effect.

Applicable sections of the zoning code

The proposed ordinance will likely affect the following chapters of the zoning code:

Chapter 550, Development Standards
Chapter 555, Off-Street Parking, Loading, and Mobility

Meetings

City Planning Commission Committee of the Whole (July 18, 2024)
City Planning Commission (August 12, 2024). This meeting includes the opportunity to provide testimony at a public hearing.
City Council Business, Housing & Zoning Committee (Not Yet Scheduled)
Minneapolis City Council (Not Yet Scheduled)

Resources

Jason Wittenberg

Community Planning & Economic Development

Email Jason Wittenberg

Phone

612-673-2297

Address

Public Service Building
505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 320
Minneapolis, MN 55415