2025 Session Last amended: 2021 session

§ 116G.07 — Preparing, Reviewing, and Approving Plans and Regulations

Plain-Language Summary

This section establishes the framework for developing, reviewing, and approving land use plans and regulations for designated critical areas. Local governments have six months to prepare plans after designation and must submit them to the regional development commission for review. The commission has 45 days to review and the board has another 45 days to approve or require modification. Plans take effect when enacted by the local unit. The Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area is exempt from this process and follows the separate procedures in section 116G.15.

Practical Notes
The review timeline is tight — local governments face a six-month deadline that cannot easily be extended except under section 116G.08. Local governments that lack planning capacity should immediately request assistance from the regional development commission. Plans must meet the standards and guidelines specified in the governor’s designation order, which gives the state significant influence over local land use decisions in critical areas.