The St. Louis County Board voted on April 15 to return proposed updates to the county’s land use Ordinance 62 to the Planning Commission for further review. The decision was made with a vote of 6-1, with Commissioner Keith Nelson voting against the motion.
The topic has drawn significant public interest. During a public hearing at the County Board meeting in White Township, hundreds of residents filled the gym at the Loon Lake Community Center. Dozens spoke out against changes to the land use ordinance, and opponents presented petitions that they said contained more than 2,600 signatures.
The Planning Commission and staff from the Planning and Zoning Department have been working on revisions intended to clarify common questions about land use regulations. However, feedback during the hearing indicated that two specific areas need more attention: rules about storing six or more inoperable vehicles and how data centers are classified under county regulations.
There is currently no set timeline for when the Planning Commission will resume its review of these proposed changes.
Hundreds attended the recent meeting at Loon Lake Community Center either to speak or listen as testimony was given regarding potential modifications to St. Louis County’s land use ordinance.
