Triplexes Replace Fourplexes in Revised Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan

"Minneapolis planners are dialing back some proposals in their long-range plan for development that would have further diversified zoning options for housing and allowed for taller buildings in more parts of the city," reports Jessica Lee, which got an early look at the plan before it was released on Friday of last week.

"The changes are an answer to critics who said the policy document, a new comprehensive plan called Minneapolis 2040 and currently in draft form, went too far in its proposals to allow for different types of construction in more areas of Minneapolis," adds Lee.

The changes include a reduction of the previous draft's proposal to allow fourplexes in all parts of the city. The revised plan would allow "triplexes" to stem some of the controversy that erupted in response to the potential for allowing that level of density in the city.

Still, triplexes would still represent a significantly permissive zoning standard compared to most cities in the United States. For a similarly progressive land use proposal, look north to Canada, where the city of Vancouver is considering the recently proposed "Making Room Housing Program."