Land Use Plan Dispute-Rochester Urges County to Keep Current Rule

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A proposed change to the Olmsted County General Land Use Plan is being opposed by the City of Rochester.

An item added to the agenda for this evening's meeting of the Rochester City Council includes a resolution asking the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners to change course before a formal vote on the proposed amendment at a meeting next week.

According to the Council agenda, the County Board initiated the amendment to the General Land Use Plan in early November. It calls for eliminating the current requirement for cities to review and approve Land Use Plan changes within their Urban Service Areas before the County Board considers the proposed revisions.

The City Administration contends the proposed amendment is not a minor procedural change and argues that it represents "a significant departure from the established framework of the Olmsted County General Land Use Plan, which is designed to ensure responsible growth and development." The resolution that will be presented to the City Council goes on to say that the current County policy "supports the City and Counties commitments to fiscally sustainable infrastructure planning, environmental stewardship, and affordable housing development.”

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The City Council is being asked to approve a resolution that urges the County Commissioners to "uphold the importance of the current County policy language" that requires the city's approval before the amendment is made to the City Urban Service Areas.

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