Shoreland Model Ordinance

A shoreland ordinance is an important land use regulation that helps to protect surface water quality, near shore habitat, and shoreland aesthetics valued by Minnesotans. A shoreland ordinance contains provisions that guide land development around lakes and rivers. The DNR uses the shoreland model ordinance for evaluating whether new ordinances and amendments comply with Minnesota Rules 6120.2500 - 6120.3900.

 

The model is updated regularly with optional higher standards, to incorporate user feedback, and to maintain consistency with statutes and other agency rules that may change from time to time:

  • Shoreland Model Ordinance with Commentary – This MS Word document explains provisions that are confusing and often misinterpreted as well as optional higher standards for better administration and resource protection. The optional language is shown as blue bold additions and deletions to rule language.

  • Shoreland Model Ordinance –  This MS Word document only includes the model ordinance text included in the commentary document, It is intended for “cutting and pasting” text into a local government ordinance document.

Using the Model Ordinance

  • The shoreland model ordinance may be used by townships, cities, and counties in developing new shoreland ordinances or amending existing ordinances consistent with Minnesota Rules 6120.2500 - 6120.3900. The model includes the full array of zoning and subdivision regulations for most shoreland management situations.

  • The 1989 shoreland rules are dated and don’t address many contemporary development challenges. The model includes many provisions for higher standards addressing today’s challenges that are already being used by other local governments. The DNR may approve deviations from some minimum shoreland standards in return for adopting some higher standards. Higher standards that protect and restore natural shorelines are a high priority for the DNR.

  • Not all model language is relevant to all communities. For example, if a community does not allow feedlots or septic systems (only public sewer) then those model provisions would not be needed.

  • Use of the model format and language will expedite DNR approval of local ordinances, however, the DNR will accept any ordinance format and language that meets the intent of the shoreland rules.

Please refer to Adopting and Amending Shoreland Ordinances, which details the process for submitting ordinance amendments for DNR approval. Contact your Area Hydrologist with questions about the model ordinance or the ordinance approval process.

Shoreland includes areas within 1000 feet of a lake or basin, 300 feet from a river or stream, or in a floodplain

Click to enlarge
 

Bluff must include an area at with at least a 30 percent average slope over 25 vertical feet

Click to enlarge
 

Areas below the Ordinary High Water Level (OHWL) require DNR permit. Areas above OHWL require local permit

Click to enlarge

Back to top