Shoreland Rules Update Project

 

Shoreland Rules Preliminary Draft

The Preliminary Draft for updated shoreland rules is the result of an extensive public participation process that included input from advisory committees, public meetings, forums, and more, over the past year. The proposed state standards incorporate the latest reliable knowledge and are based on the need to protect Minnesota's water quality.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is posting the Preliminary Draft at this point in the process to allow for greater public access. Included in the draft are the statewide minimum standards and criteria for Wild and Scenic rivers as they might appear if they were merged with the shoreland rules.

In addition to the Preliminary Draft, companion documents are posted below to help explain the draft rule language:

The Preliminary Draft is a working document that will continue to be refined, in preparation of the Notice of Hearing that is expected to be published this summer.

Public comment on the Preliminary Draft is welcome; however, reviewers should be aware that any comments submitted will not be a part of the official rulemaking record. Please note formal comments "on the record" must be submitted during the formal public hearing stage expected later this year.

When available, updated drafts will be posted on this Web site as will future announcements pertaining to the rulemaking process. Paper copies of the Final Draft will be available upon request during the formal public hearing phase of the rule project.

Background

The 2007 Minnesota Legislature directed the DNR to commence rulemaking to update the statewide minimum shoreland development standards. Local government units (counties, cities, and towns) are responsible for the implementation, administration, and enforcement of shoreland management standards through their planning and zoning controls. The shoreland rules were last revised in 1989. See: Shoreland Management: How did it all get started? This is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it.

Potential Shoreland - Wild and Scenic River Rule Merger

On March 2, 2009, the DNR published an updated Request for Comments This is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it. to consider incorporating the rules governing Minnesota's Wild, Scenic, and Recreational Rivers into the shoreland rules. The comment period ended on April 17, 2009, and generated 22 comments from citizens (including numerous landowners), local governments, non-government organizations, and interest groups. The comments indicate varying degrees of support and opposition regarding the potential merger.

Comments in support of the merger cited the following general benefits:

  • More efficient use of state and local personnel.
  • Consistent and simplified ordinance administration.
  • Improved standards for impervious coverage, storm water management, buffers, and green space requirements for development.
  • Clearer guidance and design standards for cluster developments.

Comments in opposition of the merger cited the following general concerns:

  • Loss of DNR control and oversight of local land use decisions, particularly if variance certification is eliminated.
  • Inconsistent implementation and lack of enforcement by local governments and the DNR.
  • A "one size fits all approach" won't work due to differences between lakes and rivers, and would weaken protections for rivers.
  • The Wild & Scenic rivers program is a special program that applies to a few select rivers and is designed to discourage development and protect values unique to outstanding rivers. It should not be folded into the Shoreland program, which applies to all public waters statewide and is designed to accommodate development.
  • River advocates and interested landowners were not included in the advisory committees.
  • Cluster developments are not appropriate in Wild & Scenic river districts.

The DNR will consider these comments as it moves forward with the shoreland rules.

Additional Information:

Frequently Asked Questions

For more information please refer to Shoreland Rules Update Project Frequently Asked Questions This is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it..

 

Advisory Committees

Advisory Committee Member Lists, Minutes, and Presentation Materials

 

Project Reports

Shoreland Rules Update Newsletter

For news concerning the shoreland rules update project, please see the latest newsletter.

News Releases

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Shoreland Rules Update Fact Sheets

Open House Meetings in June 2008

Open house meetings were scheduled around the state to share information about the shoreland rules update project and shoreland management in general. These meetings were intended to provide information about the rule revision process, how to get involved, what the existing rules cover, and what are the potential areas that could be included in the rule revision. Although these open houses provided information about the shoreland rules update project, they also provided information from other entities (local governments, SWCDs, etc.) that have a role in shoreland management or relate to it.

Locations and Dates of June 2008 Open Houses

 

The format of these meetings allowed individual conversations on diverse shoreland topics. The statewide shoreland rules are a part of a broader shoreland management effort. These meetings encouraged a more robust discussion on shoreland management as a whole. The meetings included a series of tables or information stations on educational materials, projects, and upcoming events related to shoreland management. Topics include water quality, shoreland stewardship, vegetation management, conservation, and fish and wildlife habitat.

 

For further information, contact:
DNR Shoreland Rules Update Project Manager




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