Business, Inspections, Housing & Zoning Committee

350 S 5th St Minneapolis, MN 55415 (Directions)

The committee approved:

• An ordinance to close marketing loopholes for tobacco products so that they are not allowed to use discounts, coupons or sampling. The ordinance also prohibits indoor smoking in any retail establishment, increases the fine for violation by 2.5x, and accelerates the procedure for suspending tobacco business licenses.
• An ordinance for window cleaning establishments to require them to provide training for workers and certain insurance coverage.
• An ordinance regulating the pre-leasing practice of dwelling units, enabling tenants three different routes in case of non-delivery of promised units, with possible district court enforcement. Authorizing City Staff to fund 11 organizations to administer $451,000 for the Great Streets Facade Improvement Grant Program. The program will match small businesses’ projects to improve their facade and make more inviting areas to walk and shop.

Received a presentation by the city auditor regarding national and local municipal policies related to renter protections, eviction prevention, and anti-displacement.

This was the last BIHZ Committee meeting of the year, and the last under Chair Goodman’s leadership as she is retiring.

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