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<br />February 4, 2023 <br />Ben Hetzel, City Planner <br />City of Lake Elmo <br />3800 Laverne Avenue North <br />Lake Elmo, MN 55042 <br /> <br />Re: DNR Approval of the Preliminary Plat and PUD for Schiltgen South <br /> <br />Dear Mr. Hetzel, <br />Thank you for submitting to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) the Preliminary Plat and PUD for <br />Schiltgen South PUD in Lake Elmo. <br />Minnesota’s shoreland management rules provide a comprehensive set of standards to preserve and enhance <br />the quality of surface waters, conserve the economic and natural environmental values of shorelands, and <br />provide for the wise use of water and related land resources. <br />In accordance with Item #9 in the city’s conditions of approval for the Preliminary Plat and PUD, we reviewed <br />the PUD and tiering plan submitted by GWSA Land Development, and determined it is compliant with the <br />requirements in state rules and the city’s shoreland ordinance for residential PUDs in shoreland. <br />• The developer properly conducted a tiering and density evaluation to determine the allowable number <br />of dwelling units in the shoreland district. <br />• The PUD sets aside over 50% of the area within the shoreland district as open space. Per Item #3 in the <br />city’s conditions of approval, the city will be taking ownership of the large Outlot A along Sunfish Lake <br />and will be requiring the developer to obtain permits for any passive recreational features such as <br />walking trails in Outlot A. <br />• Per Item #10 in the city’s conditions of approval, the applicant shall provide for the preservation and <br />maintenance, in perpetuity, of the open space required by the Shoreland Overlay Zone. The easement <br />must prohibit commercial uses, vegetation and topographic alterations other than routine maintenance, <br />construction of additional buildings or storage of vehicles and other materials, and uncontrolled <br />beaching of watercraft. <br />• The plans and resolution do not propose any water-based recreational facilities such as watercraft <br />mooring facilities or docks. DNR’s approval is contingent upon no docking or mooring facilities at this <br />development. <br />Given that the city will be taking ownership over much of the protected open space, DNR wishes to remind the <br />City of Lake Elmo of the need to manage the open space consistent with the terms of the resolution. Will the <br />developer provide any financial contribution to the city to ensure the open space is maintained in perpetuity as <br />required in Condition #10?