Minnesota § 394.231 - COMPREHENSIVE PLANS IN GREATER MINNESOTA; OPEN SPACE

Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 394.231 — COMPREHENSIVE PLANS IN GREATER MINNESOTA; OPEN SPACE, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 394.231. COMPREHENSIVE PLANS IN GREATER MINNESOTA; OPEN SPACE

A county adopting or updating a comprehensive plan in a county outside the metropolitan area as defined by section 473.121, subdivision 2, and that is not a greater than 80 percent area, as defined in section 103G.005, subdivision 10b, shall consider adopting goals and objectives for the preservation of agricultural, forest, wildlife, and open space land, and minimizing development in sensitive shoreland areas. Within three years of updating the comprehensive plan, the county shall consider adopting ordinances as part of the county's official controls that encourage the implementation of the goals and objectives. The county shall consider the following goals and objectives:

(1) minimizing the fragmentation and development of agricultural, forest, wildlife, and open space lands, including consideration of appropriate minimum lot sizes;

(2) minimizing further development in sensitive shoreland areas;

(3) minimizing development near wildlife management areas, scientific and natural areas, and nature centers;

(4) encouraging land uses in airport safety zones that are compatible with the safe operation of the airport and the safety of people in the vicinity of the airport;

(5) identification of areas of preference for higher density, including consideration of existing and necessary water and wastewater services, infrastructure, other services, and to the extent feasible, encouraging full development of areas previously zoned for nonagricultural uses;

(6) encouraging development close to places of employment, shopping centers, schools, mass transit, and other public and private service centers;

(7) identification of areas where other developments are appropriate; and

(8) other goals and objectives a county may identify.

History:

2008 c 297 art 1 s 57; 1Sp2019 c 3 art 3 s 106

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes

Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 394.231

What does Minnesota Statutes § 394.231 cover?

Section 394.231 ("COMPREHENSIVE PLANS IN GREATER MINNESOTA; OPEN SPACE") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Minnesota § 394.231?

A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 394.231" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Minnesota law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.

How does Minnesota § 394.231 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.