Variances in Shorelands, Floodplains & Other DNR-Protected Waterways
Introduction
Making decisions on variances is an important but challenging responsibility for local governments, especially when such requests affect the state's shorelands, floodplains, and other protected waterways. The DNR has developed a Shoreland/Floodplain Variance Guidance Series with input from stakeholders representing cities, counties, consultants, and environmental interests to help communities make good decisions with solid findings that protect these valuable state resources, protect property value, and keep communities out of lawsuits or help them prevail if they find themselves in one.
Shoreland/Floodplain Variance Guidance Series
- The Basics - What Communities Need to Know About Variances
- OWHL Setback Variance Example
- Impervious Surface Coverage Variance Example
- Floodplain Fill Variance Example
- Formula for Variance Findings
- Formula for Variance Findings - Examples
- Bluff Setback Variance Example (Coming Soon)
Sample Documents
- Aitkin County Variance Application & Mitigation Scoring System
- Crow Wing County BOA Worksheet
- Itasca County Variance Application
- Itasca County Variance Handout
- Itasca County Variance BOA Worksheet
Other Resources
- Complicating Factors (Coming Soon)
- Common Misconceptions (Coming Soon)
- Variance FAQ from League of Minnesota Cities
- 2011 Variance Legislation & Sample Documents from LMC
- Zoning Decisions from LMC
- Related Resources from LMC
- Shoreland Management Rules
- SONAR for Shoreland Management Rules
Decision Showcase
- Crow Wing County District Court Order - Bay Lake Townhome Association
- Crow Wing County District Court Order - The Park at Clearwater Estates
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