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 applies 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

September 28, 2024

Applicable sections of the zoning code

The ordinance affects 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 (Aug. 12, 2024). This meeting included the opportunity to provide testimony at a public hearing.
City Council Business, Housing & Zoning Committee (Sept. 10, 2024)
Minneapolis City Council (September 19, 2024)

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