The land use ordinance is a set of rules that helps us get the kind of community we want. And just like family rules, the details are what makes the ordinance successful. Ultimately, our community reflects the rules;
both when they work
and when they don't.
Fine tuning the details of our local ordinance happens twice a year. If you have ever said, "If I made the rules . . . ." your chance is at hand. The semi-annual ordinance review is currently underway. The review is an opportunity to "fix" mistakes and make changes that better-serve the community.
In the Bemidji area, we adopted an entirely new set of rules in 2007 when joint planning was born. The Greater Bemidji Area Joint Planning Board (JPB) is the local government unit (LGU) responsible for all planning and zoning for three jurisdictions. The JPB was created in 2007 when Northern Township, Bemidji Township, and the City of Bemidji signed an orderly annexation agreement and agreed to combine planning efforts. The JPB planning staff administers and enforces the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance.
The Zoning Ordinance sets out the land use rules for what can happen, where it can happen and to what extent it can happen. The Subdivision Ordinance is essentially the set of regulations for dividing property into parcels and sets rules to answer questions like: how large/small will lots be? where will runoff go? how will the streets be designed? what is the impact to trees, wetlands, surrounding properties? will there be parkland dedication?
A good background in the planning process in Minnesota is presented in the 2002 manual Under Construction . (It was prepared by MN PLanning, a state agency that disappeared in the 2003 administrative reorganization and budget cuts; it was folded into the Department of Administration.)
Authority for planning is granted to subordinate governments from the State. Townships, counties and municipalities are authorized to adopt plans and exercise various growth management and comprehensive planning tools.
- 1939: Authorized townships to plan and regulate land use
- 1959: Authorized counties to adopt planning tools and land use controls
- 1965 Authorized cities to adopt planning tools and land use controls
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