Minneapolis safe-parking proposal clears committee, faces council vote

Minneapolis’ Business, Housing and Zoning Committee voted 6-1 on Oct. 20 to advance a proposed zoning amendment for managed overnight parking sites for people living in vehicles. The full City Council had not voted as of Oct. 24; the City lists council consideration for Oct. 29.

The committee vote moves the proposal to the next step, but it is not citywide approval: it authorized no lots and did not change current rules. Even if the council adopts the amendment, each site would still need to meet city permit, licensing and operating requirements.

How a proposed site would work i

The proposal would allow managed sites where people could sleep in vehicles overnight. Each site would require an interim use permit and a city business license. The City says a permit could last up to five years and would involve a public hearing.

Under operating conditions reported by MPR News, parking would be overnight-only, with staff present at all times, restroom and trash services, and a safety plan for police review. Proposed rules also include quiet hours and restrictions on open fires, illegal weapons, alcohol, non-medical cannabis and non-prescribed controlled substances.

Residents within 300 feet, neighborhood groups and business associations would receive notice and an opportunity to comment at a public hearing for a proposed site. That is a chance to weigh in on a location—not notice that a lot has already been approved. The proposal before the council concerns designated parking lots in Minneapolis.

Support and concerns i

Supporters who testified emphasized safety, stability, dignity and connections to services. A resident objected to placing sites in residential neighborhoods and said the 300-foot notice radius was too small. Council Member Elizabeth Shaffer opposed the proposal, citing possible neighborhood effects and cost.

MPR News reported that two committee members who voted to advance the measure said they were still considering how they would vote before the full council. The Oct. 29 meeting is the next scheduled decision point; the City says the final adoption date will be set during the approval process.