County Board sends proposed land use Ordinance 62 updates back to Planning Commission

The St. Louis County Board has voted 6-1 to send proposed updates to its land use ordinance 62 back to the planning commission for further review, following a public outcry. Commissioner Keith Nelson cast the sole dissenting vote. The decision came after a public hearing held at the Loon Lake Community Center in White Township, which drew hundreds of residents. Dozens spoke against the proposed changes, and opponents submitted petitions with more than 2,600 signatures. Public comment highlighted the need for more work on two specific areas of the ordinance: rules regarding the storage of six or more inoperable vehicles and the classification of data centers. While the planning commission and county staff have been working to clarify the ordinance, further review is now required. There is currently no immediate schedule for when the planning commission will resume its review of these updates.