How to Request a Comprehensive Plan Amendment

The City Council may amend the Comprehensive Plan in order to reflect changes in the goals and policies of the city. Amendments to the Comprehensive Plan must be adopted by a two-thirds vote of the City Council, and shall be subject to review by the Metropolitan Council, before any changes can be put into effect. Amendments to the Comprehensive Plan can be initiated by the planning department, by the City Council, or by a property owner, who would like his/her property guided differently in terms of land use, staging of utilities, etc. In order for a property owner to initiate an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan, an application and fee are required along with several exhibits.

Procedure

1. The property owner or his/her agent shall meet with a member of the Planning Division staff to describe the situation and be advised of the procedures. At this time the applicant will obtain the application form.
2. The applicant shall return the completed application form together with the required exhibits and fees to the Planning Division.
3. A neighborhood meeting may need to be held, in accordance with the neighborhood meeting policy.
4. The property shall be posted with a "Proposed Development" sign, in accordance with the city's policy.
5. City staff will review the proposal and submit a formal, written recommendation to the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission will then forward its recommendation to the City Council.
6. The City Council will hold a public hearing on the matter and shall have the final decision on approving or denying the amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. A two-thirds vote of the City Council is required in order to adopt an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. The amendment shall be subject to review by the Metropolitan Council before the amendment can be placed into effect.

* No re-application by a property owner for an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan shall be submitted to the Council within a 12-month period following a denial of such a request unless the Council feels new evidence or change of circumstances has occurred.

Required Exhibits

The following exhibits shall be submitted with the application:

1. A written statement that explains the request, including the current and proposed land use classification, utility staging, etc., along with reasons supporting the proposed change.
2. In order for the City Council to adopt a Comprehensive Plan amendment one of two findings must be made. The applicant shall describe how the request meets one of the following findings:
• A mistake was made in the original land use designation, utility staging, etc., of the property.
• Times and conditions have changed to warrant a change in the land use designation, utility staging, etc.
3. A current listing showing the names and addresses of the property owners within 500 feet of the outer boundaries of the property in question. This list shall be obtained by calling the Washington County Surveyor's Office at (651) 430-6875.Two sets of mailing labels shall be provided.
4. An accurate boundary survey and preliminary sketch plans for the site, unless other requests accompany this application that will show the sketch plans. Twenty-six copies of any drawings or exhibits shall be required.

NOTE: Fees and escrows are paid, irrespective of the final action taken by the City Council.