6.a Staff Report-shoreland ordinance
Staff Report
Date of Meeting: November 13, 2018
To: Planning Commission
From: Neil Soltis, Administrator
Re: Notable shoreland ordinance changes
Background:
In looking at implementation there are a few notable changes from the previous shoreland ordinance that merit
discussion:
Decks: Both the previous ordinance and the MnDNR model ordinance contained a provision for the addition of
decks not meeting the ordinary high water mark setback. Below is the language that is in both the previous and
model ordinances. It should be noted that the definition of impervious area includes decks. For the sake of
implementation the language in criteria 1 should be clarified as to the date of setbacks
Fences: The model ordinance and current ordinance are silent with regard to fences. Absent any amendments the
language in Chapter 2, Section 3.5(2) of the Development Code would apply.
The previous shoreland ordinance contained the following language. The significant change is that currently there
are not restrictions from constructing a fence to the ordinary high water mark.
Setbacks: The previous ordinance provided for a 10’ side yard setback for parcels 1.0 acres or less. The
current ordinance is silent with regard to side setbacks so the 20’ side setback for the zoning district in which
the parcel is located would apply.