MN HF1992

Establishes an exception process beginning no later than January 2015 allowing owners, operators, or developers of community living settings to apply to the commissioner for waivers from occupancy limits and disability-specific design restrictions.

Permits exceptions to the requirement that waiver recipients occupy all units in buildings of four or fewer units and no more than four or 25 percent of units in larger multifamily buildings, and to prohibitions on housing designed expressly around specific diagnoses or disabilities.

Requires applicants to demonstrate material compliance with other home and community-based setting standards and provide information on population characteristics, demand, cost-effectiveness, client choice options, and quality assurance plans including support for scattered-site alternatives.

Mandates the commissioner evaluate applications, verify accuracy, consult with relevant departments and the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, provide 14-day public comment periods, and issue approval, conditional approval, or denial decisions within 60 days of application.

Requires approved settings to notify the commissioner of material changes within 60 days or risk exception revocation, and prohibits tenant displacement if an exception is later revoked until acceptable alternative placement is provided.