Golden Valley Studies ‘Sacred Communities’ Law To Help Homeless
A new law approved by the Minnesota Legislature allows for religious institutions to build tiny homes on their property.
Before the law goes into effect in 2024, Golden Valley is trying to develop regulations for the homes.
The Golden Valley Planning Commission discussed code requirements and the permitting process for the homes this week.
The new state law allows for so-called “sacred communities” at places of worship.
These communities are defined in the law as “a residential settlement established on or contiguous to the grounds of a religious institution’s primary worship location primarily for the purpose of providing permanent housing for chronically homeless persons, extremely low-income persons, and designated volunteers.”
A small smattering of these communities already exist in the state.
“This is in theory a way to get at that [group of people making] 30 percent [of area median income],” said Myles Campbell, Golden Valley city planner. “That extremely low income.”
The tiny homes in sacred communities are required to be no more than 400 square feet, anchored in place, insulated for winter, have electricity and either dry, plumbed or compostable toilets.
A nearby religious institution could provide facilities for cooking or a kitchen, showers and laundry needs.
Cities have relatively few options to regulate these homes.
That is, cities can require setbacks, and can determine if the land use is permitted by right, by condition use permit, or by planned unit development.
However, cities are not allowed to ban these communities through zoning if they meet the minimum requirements listed in state law.
Golden Valley city staff members said it’s unclear if these units will be subject to rental licensing requirements.
Jason Zimmerman, Golden Valley planning manager, said that no religious institutions have contacted the city about the law.
See also: Golden Valley Planning Commission Reviews Initial Plans for 302-Unit Apartment Building
