AUARs are a unique type of environmental review process that has attributes of both an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) and an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Local governments with comprehensive plans that meet the requirements of Minnesota Rule 4410.3610 subpart 1 can use an AUAR as an alternative form of environmental review to understand how different development scenarios will affect the environment of their community before the development occurs.
Below, please find some frequently asked questions about AUARs.
What types of projects does an AUAR review?
AUARs provide environmental review of anticipated projects including:
- residential
- commercial
- warehousing
- light industrial development and associated infrastructure
Rules also list some specific project types that can’t be reviewed using the AUAR . If a project triggers mandatory environmental review in a category that is excluded from using the AUAR, then the project will require a different form of review. Read Minnesota Rule 4410.3610 subpart 1 to learn more about projects included and excluded from an AUAR.
Do AUARs have a public comment period?
Yes; for an AUAR, there is a thirty-day public comment period where anyone can submit comments to the local governmental unit preparing the documents.
The Large AUAR process— used when an AUAR includes a specific project that either exceeds a mandatory EIS threshold or covers at least 50% of the geographic area of the AUAR— has an additional public comment step on its "draft order for review" which defines the boundaries of the review, specifies the development, and describes the specific large project.
When an AUAR is adopted, project proposals that are consistent with the assumptions and plan for mitigations made in the AUAR (and not otherwise excluded) are exempt from further review.
Additional information
Below, please find documents frequently downloaded for the AUAR process.
- This quick reference guide provides a brief overview of the process for completing an AUAR.
- The form guide provides step-by-step support on the content and format for AUARs.
- The distribution list of all responsible parties required to receive a copy of environmental review documents.
- An in-depth guide to aid units of government and others involved in the Minnesota Environmental Review Program.
- This guide provides information and tips for local governments about hiring and working with consultants to help prepare environmental review documents.
- A guide for project proposers that has information and tips about hiring and working with consultants to prepare environmental review data submittals.
Please note that guidance is designed to help environmental review practitioners and project proposers implement environmental review processes more effectively and efficiently. The guidance documents do not alter the rules or change their meaning; if any inconsistencies arise between these documents and the rules, the rules take precedent. Please contact EQB Staff with any questions at Env.Review@state.mn.us or 651-757-2873.