Section 6: Statewide Shoreland Management Standards
Minnesota DNR statewide minimum shoreland standards apply to all lakes greater than 25 acres (10 acres in municipalities) and rivers with a drainage area two square miles or greater. These standards apply to the use and development of shoreland property including: a sanitary code, minimum lot size and water frontage, building setbacks and heights, land use, BMPs, shoreland alterations, subdivision and PUD regulations. The Shoreland Management Act regulates all land within 1,000 feet of a lake and 300 feet of a river and its designated floodplain. Upon notification by DNR Waters, local governmental units having shorelands are required to adopt these or stricter standards into their zoning ordinances.
Statewide Minimum Shoreland Standards for Sewered Lakes
Lake Class | Lakeshore | Non-Lakeshore | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lot Width (ft.) | Lot Area (sq. ft.) | Structure Setback (ft.) | Shore Impact Zone (ft.)* | Lot Width (ft.) | Lot Area (sq. ft.) | |
Natural Environment | 125 | 40,000 | 150 | 75 | 125 | 20,000 |
Recreational Development | 75 | 20,000 | 75 | 37.5 | 75 | 15,000 |
General Development | 75 | 15,000 | 50 | 25 | 75 | 10,000 |
Statewide Minimum Shoreland Standards for Unsewered Lakes
Lake Class | Lakeshore | Non-Lakeshore | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lot Width (ft.) | Lot Area (sq. ft.) | Structure Setback (ft.) | Shore Impact Zone (ft.)* | Lot Width (ft.) | Lot Area (sq. ft.) | |
Natural Environment | 200 | 80,000 | 150 | 75 | 200 | 80,000 |
Recreational Development | 150 | 40,000 | 100 | 50 | 150 | 40,000 |
General Development | 100 | 20,000 | 75 | 37.5 | 150 | 40,000 |
Statewide Shoreland Minimum Standards for Rivers
River Class | River Shoreland | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Lot Width (ft.) | Structure Setback (ft.) | Shore Impact Zone (ft.)* | Sewage Setback (ft.) | |
Remote | 300 | 200 | 100 | 150 |
Forested | 200 | 150 | 75 | 100 |
Transition | 250 | 150 | 75 | 100 |
Agricultural | 150 | 50/100** | 25/50** | 75 |
Urban & Tributary | 75/100** | 50/100** | 25/50** | 75 |
* Shore Impact Zone -- area immediately adjacent to lake or river that is critical to preserving water quality, wildlife habitat and visual screening of the developed area farther back from the shore. Within it, restrictions apply to the placement and size of structures, vegetation removal and shoreland alterations (grading and filling).
** Sewered/Unsewered
Other general standards that apply to all shoreland lots:
- Building Elevation must be a minimum of 3 feet above the highest known water elevation.
- Sewage System Elevation must be a minimum of 3 feet above the highest groundwater level or bedrock for all lake and river classes. A conforming sewage treatment system is required for all future development and any site improvements.
- Impervious Surfaces are not permitted to cover more than 25 percent of the total lot.
The standards specified in the tables and text above have been adopted by most counties and many cities into their local zoning ordinances. Stricter local standards may apply. Check local zoning office for guidance and approval.