HomeMy WebLinkAboutFINAL ORDINANCE NO. 80-85STATE OF MINNESOTA
COUNTY OF WASHINGTON
CITY OF LAKE ELMO
ORDINANCE 80-85
AN ORDINANCE ADDING CHAPTER 308AND REPEALING CHAPTER 3070F THE
LAKE ELMO MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO
SHORELAND REGULATIONS
The City Council ordains that Chapter 308and its subserions shall be added to the
Lake Elmo Municipal code to read as follows:
308 SHORELAND ORDINANCE
PAGE
308.010 Shoreland Ordinance 1
308.020 Intent 1
308.030 Definitions 1
308.040
Administration
6
A.
Permits Required
6
B.
Variances
6
C.
Notifications to the DNR
7
308.050
Shoreland Classification System
7
A.
Classifications
7
1. Natural Environment Lakes
7
2. Recreational Development Lakes
8
3. Tributary Streams
8
B.
Land Use Regulations
9
308.060
Shoreland Standards
10
A.
General Provisions
10
B.
Lot Area - No Sewer
10
C.
Lot Width - No Sewer
10
D.
Placement. Design and Height of Structures
10
1. Placement
10
a. Structure and On -Site Sewage
System Setbacks
11
b. Additional Structure Setbacks
11
C. Bluff Impact Zones
it
d. Significant Historic Sites
11
e. Steep Slopes
11
f. Proximity to Roads and Highways
11
g. Uses without Water Oriented Needs
12
2. Design Criteria
12
a. High Water Elevations
12
b. Water -Oriented Accessory Structures
12
C. Stairways, Lifts and Landings
12
3. Height of Structures
13
E.
Shoreland Alterations
13
1. Vegetation Alterations
13
2. Topographic Alterations/Grading and Filling
14
F.
Placement and Design of Roads, Driveways
and Parking Areas
16
G.
Stormwater Management
17
1. General Standards
17
2. Specific Standards
18
TABLE OF CONTENTS, continued
H. Specific Provisions for Public/Semi-Public,
Agricultural 18
1. Standards for Public and Semi -Public Uses 18
2. Agricultural Use Standards 19
I. Water Supply and Sewage Treatment 19
1. Water Supply 19
2. Sewage Treatment 20
J. Conditional Uses 21
1. Evaluation Criteria 21
2. Conditions Attached to Conditional Use Permits 21
308.070 Nonconformities 22
A. Construction on Nonconforming Lots of Record 22
B. Additions/Expansions to Nonconforming Structures 22
1. Additions/Expansions 22
2. Decks 23
C. Nonconforming Sewage Treatment Systems 23
308.080 Subdivision/Platting Provisions 24
A. Land Suitability 24
B. Platting 24
C. Consistency with Other Controls 24
D. Information Requirements 24
E. Dedications 25
F. Controlled Access or Recreational Lots 25
308 SHORELAND DISTRICT
308.010 SHORELAND DISTRICT
The Shorelands within the City of Lake Elmo are hereby designated as
Shoreland District. Regulations set forth in this chapter shall
govern land use and other activities within this district. The
classification of the lakes shall govern the use, alteration and
development of land within the Shoreland district.
The uncontrolled use of shorelands adversely affects the public
health, safety and general welfare by contributing to pollution of
public waters and by impairing the local tax base. In furtherance of
the policies declared in Minnesota Statutes, Chapters 103G, 103F, 115,
116, 394, 396 and 462, the Commissioner provides the following minimum
standards and criteria for the subdivision, use and development of the
shorelands of public waters. The standards and criteria are intended
to preserve and enhance the quality of surface waters, conserve the
economic and natural environmental values of shorelands and provide
for the wise use of water and related land resources of the state.
308.020 INTENT
IT IS THE INTENT OF THE CITY OF LAKE ELMO TO:
A. Regulate placement of sanitary and waste treatment facilities on
shorelands of public waters to prevent pollution of public waters
and public health hazards resulting therefrom.
B. Regulate alteration of Shorelands of public waters to prevent
excessive sediment pollution, increased water runoff, excessive
nutrient runoff pollution.
C. To preserve and enhance the unique aesthetic appearance and
ecological value of the shoreland.
D. Regulate the construction of buildings and changes of land use in
Shorelands to minimize property damage during period of high
water.
308.030 DEFINITIONS
Unless specifically defined below, words or phases used in this
chapter shall be interpreted so as to give them the same meaning as
they have in common usage and so as to give this chapter its most
reasonable application. For the purpose of this chapter, the words
"must" and "shall" are mandatory and not permissive. All distances,
unless otherwise specified, shall be measured horizontally.
a. Accessory Structure or Facility. "Accessory Structure" or
"facility" means any building or improvement subordinate to a
principal use which, because of the nature of its use, can
reasonably be located at or greater than normal structure
setbacks.
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b. Bluff. "Bluff" means a topographic feature such as a hill,
cliff, or embankment having the following characteristics (an
area with an average slope of less than 18 percent over a
distance of 50 feet or more shall not be considered part of the
bluff):
(1) Part or all of the feature is located in a shoreland area;
(2) The slope rises at least 25 feet above the ordinary high
water level of the water body;
(3) The grade of the slope from the toe of the bluff to a point
25 feet or more above the ordinary high water level averages
30 percent or greater; and
(4) The slope must drain toward the water body.
C. Bluff Impact Zone. "Bluff Impact Zone" means a bluff and land
located within 20 feet from the top of a bluff.
d. Boathouse. "Boathouse" means a structure designed and used
solely for the storage of boats AND boating equipment.
e. Building Line. "Building Line" means a line parallel to a lot
line or the ordinary high water level at the required setback
beyond which a structure may not extend.
f. Commercial Use. "Commercial Use" means the principal use of land
or buildings for the sale, lease, rental or trade of products,
goods and services.
g. Commissioner. "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of the
Department of Natural Resources.
h. Conditional Use. "Conditional Use" means a defined land use in a
particular district which is allowed if the City Council
determines that such use will not be detrimental to the health,
safety, convenience, morals or general welfare of the community;
that such use will not cause serious traffic congestion or
hazards; that such use will not seriously depreciate surrounding
property values; and that such use is in harmony with the general
purpose and intent of the City's zoning regulations and
Comprehensive Plan.
i. Deck. "Deck" means a horizontal, unenclosed platform with or
without attached railings, seats, trellises, or other features,
attached or functionally related to a principal use or site and
at any point extending more than three feet above ground.
j. Dwelling Unit. "Dwelling Unit" means any structure or portion of
a structure or other shelter designed as short or long term
living quarters for one or more persons.
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k. Extractive Use. "Extractive Use" means the use of land for
surface or subsurface removal of sand, gravel, rock, industrial
minerals, other non-metallic minerals, and peat not regulated
under Minnesota Statutes, Sections 93.44 to 93.51.
1. Forest Land Conversion. "Forest Land Conversion" means the clear
cutting of forested lands to prepare for a new land use other
than re-establishment of a subsequent forest stand.
M. Hardship. "Hardship" means the proposed use of the property and
associated structures in question cannot be estbalished under the
conditions allowed by the City's zoning regulations and no other
reasonable alternative use exists; that the plight of the
landowner is due to the physical conditions unique to the land,
structure, or building involved and are not applicable to other
lands, structures, or buildings in the same zoning district; and
that these unique conditions of the site were not caused or
accepted by the landowner after the effective date of the City's
zoning regulations.
n. Height of Building. "Height of Building" means the vertical
distance between the lowest grade level at the building line and
the uppermost point on the roof.
o. Industrial Use. "Industrial Use" means the use of land or
buildings for the production, manufacture, warehousing, storage
or transfer of goods, products, commodities, or other wholesale
items.
p. Intensive Vegetation Clearing. "Intensive Vegetation Clearing"
means the complete removal of trees or shrubs in a contiguous
patch, strip, row or block.
q. Lift. "Lift" means the mechanical system designed to elevate or
lower someone or something up or down a topographical slope.
r. Lot. "Lot" means a parcel of land designated by plat, metes and
bounds, registered land survey, auditors plot, or other accepted
means and separated from other parcels or portions by said
description for the purpose of sale, lease or separation.
S. Lot, Non -Riparian. "Non -riparian Lot" means a separate parcel of
land within a designated shoreland area but which does not have
frontage along a lake or tributary stream.
t. Lot, Riparian. "Riparian Lot" means a separate parcel of land
within a designated shoreland area having frontage along a lake
or tributary stream.
U. Lot Width. "Lot Width" means the shortest distance between lot
lines measured at the midpoint of the building line.
- 3 -
V. Nonconformity. "Nonconformity" means any legal use, structure or
parcel of land already in existance, recorded, or authorized
before the adoption of zoning regulations or amendments thereto
that would not have been permitted to become established under
the terms of the zoning regulations as now written, if the zoning
regulations had been in effect prior to the date it was
established, recorded or authorized.
W. Ordinary High Water ELEVATION. "Ordinary High Water Elevation"
(OHW) means the boundary of public waters and wetlands, and shall
be an elevation delineating the highest water level which has
been maintained for a sufficient period of time to leave evidence
upon the landscape, commonly that point where the natural
vegetation changes from predominantly aquatic to predominantly
terrestrial. For watercourses, the ordinary high water level is
the elevation of the top of the bank of the channel. For
reservoirs and flowages, the ordinary high water level is the
operating elevation of the normal summer pool.
X. Public Waters. "Public Waters" means any waters as defined in
Minnesota Statutes, Section 105.37, Subdivisions 14 and 15.
Y. Setback. "Setback" means the minimum horizontal distance between
a structure, sewage treatment system, or other facility and an
ordinary high water level, sewage treatment system, top of a
bluff, road, highway, property line or other facility.
Z. Sewage Treatment System. "Sewage Treatment System" means a
septic tank and soil absorption system or other individual or
Cluster type sewage treatment system as described and regulated
in Section 5.8 of this ordinance.
as. Sewer System. "Sewer System" means pipelines or conduits,
pumping stations and forcemain, and all other construction,
devices, appliances or appurtenances used for conducting sewage
or industrial waste or other wastes to a point of ultimate
disposal.
bb. Shore Impact Zone. "Shore Impact Zone" means land located
between the ordinary high water level of a public water and a
line parallel to it at a setback of 50 percent of the structure
setback.
cc. Shoreland. "Shoreland" means land located within the following
distances from public waters: 1,000 feet from the ordinary high
water level of a lake, pond or flowage; and 300 feet from a river
or stream, or the landward extent of a floodplain designated by
ordinance on a river or stream, whichever is greater. The limits
of shorelands may be reduced whenever the waters involved are
bounded by topographic divides which extend landward from the
waters for lesser distances and when approved by the
Commissioner.
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dd. Significant Historic Site. "Significant Historic Site" means any
archaeological site, standing structure, or other property that
meets the criteria for eligibility to the National Register of
Historic Places or is listed in the State Register of Historic
Sites, or is determined to be an unplatted cemetery that falls
under the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, Section 308.08. A
historic site meets these criteria if it is presently listed on
either register or if it is determined to meet the qualifications
for listing after review by the Minnesota State Archaeologist or
the Director of the Minnesota Historic Society. All unplatted
cemeteries are automatically considered to be significant
historic sites.
ee. Steep Slope. "Steep Slope" means land where agricultural
activity or development is either not recommended or described as
poorly suited, due to slope steepness and the site's soil
characteristics, as mapped and described in available county soil
surveys or other technical reports, unless appropriate design and
construction techniques and farming practices are used in
accordance with the provisions of this ordinance. Where specific
information is not available, steep slopes are lands having
average slopes over 12 percent, as measured over horizontal
distances of 50 feet or more, that are not bluffs.
ff. Structure. "Structure" means any building or appurtenance,
including decks, except aerial or underground utility lines, such
as sewer, electric, telephone, telegraph, gas lines, towers,
poles and other supporting facilities.
gg. Subdivision. "Subdivision" means land that is divided for the
purpose of sale, rent or lease, including Planned Unit
Developments.
hh. Toe of the Bluff. "Toe of the Bluff" means the point on a bluff
where there is, as visually observed, a clearly identifiable
break in the slope, from gentler to steeper slope above. If no
break in the slope is apparent, the toe of the bluff shall be
determined to be the lower end of a 50-foot segment, measured on
the ground, with an average slope exceeding 18 percent.
ii. Top of the Bluff. "Top of the Bluff" means the point on a bluff
where there is, as visually observed, a clearly identifiable
break in the slope, from steeper to gentler slope above. If no
break in the slope is apparent, the top of the bluff shall be
determined to be the upper end of a 50-foot segment, measured on
the ground, with an average slope exceeding 18 percent.
jj. Variance. "Variance" means any modification of the provisions of
this chapter where it is determined that, by reason of
exceptional circumstances, the strict enforcement of the terms of
this chapter would cause a hardship.
kk. Water -Oriented Accessory Structure or Facility. "Water -Oriented
Accessory Structure or Facility" means a small, above ground
building or other improvement, except stairways, fences, docks,
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and retaining walls which, because of the relationship of its use
to a surface water feature, reasonably needs to be located closer
to public waters than the normal structure setback. Examples of
such structures and facilities include boathouses, gazebos,
screen houses, fish houses, pump houses and detached decks.
11. Wetland. "Wetland" means a surface water feature classified as a
wetland in the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Circular
No. 39 (1971 edition), which is hereby incorporated by reference,
is available through the Minitex interlibrary loan system and is
not subject to frequent change.
308.040 ADMINISTRATION
The local government must provide for the administration and
enforcement of their shoreland management controls by establishing
permanent procedures for building construction, installation of sewage
treatment systems, and grading and filling.
A. Permits Required
A permit is required for the construction of buildings or
building additions (including such related activities as
construction of decks and signs), installation and/or alteration
of sewage treatment systems, and those grading and filling
activities not exempted by Section 308.060 E of this ordinance.
Application for a permit shall be made to the City of Lake Elmo
on the forms provided. The application shall include the
necessary information so that the City can determine the site's
suitability for the intended use and that a compliant sewage
treatment system will be provided.
B. Variances
A variance only may be granted if there is a hardship. A
variance may not circumvent the general purposes and intent of
this ordinance. No variance may be granted that would allow any
use that is prohibited in the zoning district in which the
subject property is located. Conditions may be imposed in the
granting of a variance to ensure compliance and to protect
adjacent properties and public interest. In considering a
variance request, the board of adjustment must also consider
whether the property owner has reasonable use of the land without
the variance, whether the variance is being requested solely on
the basis of economic considerations, and the characteristics of
development on adjacent properties.
The board of adjustment shall hear and decide requests for
variances in accordance with the rules that it has adopted for
the conduct of business. When a variance is approved after the
Department of Natural Resources has formally recommended denial
- 6 -
in the hearing record, the notification of the approved variance
required in Section 308.040 C below shall also include the board
of adjustment's summary of the public record/testimony and the
findings of facts and conclusions which supported the issuance of
the variance.
For existing developments, the application for variance must
clearly demonstrate whether a conforming sewage treatment system
is present for the intended use of the property. The variance,
if issued, must require reconstruction of a nonconforming sewage
treatment system.
C. Notifications to the Department of Natural Resources
Copies of all notices of any public hearings to consider
variances, amendments or conditional uses under local shoreland
management controls must be sent to the Commissioner or the
Commissioner's designated representative and postmarked at least
ten days before the hearings. Notices of hearings to consider
proposed subdivisions/plats must include copies of the
subdivision/plat.
A copy of approved amendments and subdivisions/plats and final
decisions granting variances or conditional uses under local
shoreland management controls must be sent to the Commissioner or
the Commissioner's designated representative and postmarked
( within ten days of final action.
308.050 SHORELAND CLASSIFICATION
The public waters of Lake Elmo have been classified below, consistent
with the criteria found in Minnesota Regulations, Part 6120.3300, and
the Protected Waters Inventory Map for Washington County, Minnesota.
The shoreland area for the waterbodies listed below shall be defined
in Section 308.030 AA. and as shown on the City's Shoreland Management
Area Map.
A. Classifications
The classes of public waters for the City of Lake Elmo are
Natural Environment Lakes, Recreational Environment Lakes and
Tributary Streams.
1. Natural Environment Lakes
Generally small, often shallow lakes with limited capacities
for assimilating the impacts of development and recreational
use. They often have adjacent lands with substantial
constraints for development, such as high water tables,
exposed bedrock and unsuitable soils. These lakes,
particularily in rural areas, usually do not have much
existing development or recreational use.
- 7 -
2
DNR
I.D. #
LAKE NAME
LOCATION
OHW
100-YEAR ELEV.
82-74
Horseshoe
Sec.
25
876.8
877.4
82-99
Clear
Sec.
2.
11
938
82-100
Unnamed
Sec.
4
962
82-105
Berschen's
Pond
Sec.
10
925
82-107
Sunfish
Sec.
14
896.4
901
82-108
Friedrich
Pond
Sec.
15,
22
972.6
DNR
I.D. #
LAKE NAME
LOCATION
OHW
100-YEAR ELEV.
82-109
Eagle Point
Sec.
22,
27
896.5
901
82-110
Downs
Sec.
24
889.1
893
82-111
H.J. Brown
Pond
Sec.
26
900
82-112
Rose
(Sunfish)
Sec.
25.
36
888
82-113
Goose
Sec.
27,
34,
35
932
82-116
Unnamed
(Armstrong)
Sec.
28,
33
82-117
Kramer
Sec.
35
916
E
Recreational Development Lakes
Recreational Development Lakes are generally medium-sized
lakes of varying depths and shapes with a variety of
landforms, soil and groundwater situations on the lands
around them. They often are characterized by moderate
levels of recreational use and existing development.
Development consists mainly of seasonal and year-round
residences. Many of these lakes have capacities of
accommodating additional development and use.
DNR
I.D. # LAKE NAME
LOCATION
OHW
100-YEAR ELEV.
82-101 DeMontreville
Sec.
4, 5, 9
930
931.5
82-103 Olson
Sec.
8, 9
930
931.5
82-104 Jane
Sec.
9, 10
924
926.0
82-106 Elmo
Sec.
13, 14,
23,
24, 26
886
891.0
3. Tributary Streams
Tributary Stream segments
consist of watercourses
mapped in
the Protected Waters
Inventory that
have
not been assigned
one of the river classes.
These segments
have a wide
variety of existing land
and recreational
use
characteristics.
d
— 8 —
7
LOCATION STREAM NAME
Sec. 33 Unnamed to Wilmes Lake
Sec. 16, 21, 22 Unnamed to Eagle Point Lake (Eagle Point.
Creek North)
Sec. 22, 23, 27 Unnamed to Lake Elmo (Eagle Point Creek
South)
Sec. 25 Unnamed Tributary
Land Use Regulations
The permitted and conditional uses allowed in the underlying
zoning district shall be those allowed in the Natural Environment
Lakes, Recreational Development Lakes and Tributary Streams
shoreland districts.
Land Uses
Commercial Ag
Greenhouses
Kennels
Stables
Single -Family
Residential
Farming
Manu.Homes w/
sewer
Retail Uses
Office Uses
Manufacturing
Auto. Service
Restaurants
Churches and
Schools
we
P
CUP
CUP
CUP
P
P
LAND USE MATRIX
Zoning District
R-1 P HB GB R-3 RR RE LB B
P P
CUP
P
P P P
P P
P P
CUP
P
P
P
P = Permitted Use
CUP = Conditional Use Permit
CUP
P P P
P P P
9
P C
P P
Lq
NOTE: The land use matrix outlines general allowed uses, subject
to restrictions and provisions of the zoning ordinance.
Reference Section 301 of the Lake Elmo City Code for
specific allowable uses in each district.
- 9 -
308.060 SHORELAND STANDARDS
A. General Provisions
The following standards shall apply to all shorelands of the
protected waters. Where the requirements of the underlying
zoning district as shown on the official zoning map are more
restrictive than those set forth herein, the more restrictive
standards shall apply. Only land above the ordinary high water
level of public waters can be used to meet lot area standards,
and lot width standards must be met at both the ordinary high
water level and at the building line.
B. Lot Area - No Sewer
ZONING
DISTRICT
RE
R-1
RR
AG
R-3
W/SEWER
C
G
MINIMUM LOT AREAS
CLASSIFICATIONS
NATURAL
ENVIRONMENT LAKES
NON -
RIPARIAN RIPARIAN
2.5 AC
80,000 S.F.
10 AC
40 AC
40,o00 S.F.
Lot Width - No Sewer
Classification
RECREATION
DEVELOPMENT LAKES
NON -
RIPARIAN RIPARIAN
2.5 AC 2.5 AC 2.5 AC
80,000 S.F. 1.5 AC 1.5 AC
10 AC 10 AC 10 AC
40 AC 40 AC 40 AC
20,000 S.F. 20,000 S.F. 15,000 S.F.
Riparian Lot Non -Riparian Lot
Natural Environment 200 ft.
Recreational Development 150 ft.
Tributary Streams 100 ft.
Placement, Design and Height of Structures
1. Placement
200 ft.
150 ft.
n/a
When more than one setback applies to a site, structures and
facilities must be located to meet all setbacks. Where
structures exist on the adjoining lots on both sides of a
proposed building site, structure setbacks may be altered
without a variance to conform to the adjoining setbacks from
the ordinary high water level, provided the proposed
building site is not located in a shore impact zone or in a
bluff impact zone. Structures shall be located as follows:
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a. Structure and On -Site Sewage System Setbacks (in feet)
from Ordinary High Water Level
Setbacks from OHW
Classification
Sewage
Treatment
Structures System
Natural Environment 150 ft 150 ft
Recreational Development 100 ft 75 ft
Tributary 100 ft 75 ft
b. Additional Structure Setbacks. The following
additional structure setbacks apply, regardless of the
classification of the waterbody:
Setback From Setback (in feet
(1) top of bluff 30
(2) unplatted cemetery 50
(3) right-of-way line of federal,
state or county highways; and 50
(4) right-of-way line of town road
public street, or other roads
or streets not classified 30
C. Bluff Impact Zone. Structures and accessory
facilities, except stairways and landings, must not be
placed within bluff impact zones.
d. Significant Historic Sites. No structure may be placed
on a significant historic site in a manner that affects
the values of the site unless adequate information
about the site has been removed and documented in a
public repository.
e. Steep Slopes. The City shall evaluate possible soil
erosion impacts and development visibility from public
waters before issuing a permit for construction or
sewage treatment systems, roads, driveways, structures
or other improvements on steep slopes. When determined
necessary, conditions must be attached to issued
permits to prevent erosion and to preserve existing
vegetation screening of structures, vehicles, and other
facilities as viewed from the surface of public water,
assuming summer, leaf -on vegetation.
f. Proximity to Roads and Highways. No structure may be
placed nearer than 50 feet from the right-of-way line
of any federal, state or county highway; or 30 feet
from the right-of-way line of any town road, public
street or others not classified.
g. Use without Water -Oriented Needs must be located on
lots or parcels without public waters frontage, or, if
located on lots or parcels with public water frontage,
must either be set back double the normal ordinary high
water level setback or be substantially screened from
view from the water by vegetation or topography,
assuming summer, leaf -on conditions.
2. Design Criteria for Structures
a. High Water Elevations. Structures must be placed in
accordance with any floodplain regulations applicable
to the site. All principal structures shall have their
lowest floor at a level at least three feet above the
highest known water level or the ordinary high water
level, whichever is higher.
b. Water -Oriented Accessory Structures. Each lot may have
one water -oriented accessory structure not meeting the
normal structure setback in Section 308.060 D if this
water -oriented accessory structure complies with the
following provisions:
(1) the structure or facility must not exceed hirteen
feet in height, exclusive of safety rails
cannot occupy an area greater than 250 square
feet. Detached decks must not exceed eight feet,
above grade at any point
(2) the setback of the structure or facility landward
from the ordinary high water level must be at
least twenty feet on a recreational development
lake and fifty feet on a natural environment lake;
(3) the structure or facility must be treated to
reduce visibility as viewed from public waters and
adjacent shorelands by vegetation, topography,
increased setbacks or color, assuming summer,
leaf -on conditions;
(4) the roof may be used as a deck with safety rails,
but must not be enclosed or used as a storage
area;
(5) the structure or facility must not be designed or
used for human habitation and must not contain
water supply or sewage treatment facilities; and
c. Stairways, Lifts and Landings. Stairways and lifts
are the preferred alternative to major topographic
alterations for achieving access up and down bluffs and
steep slopes to shore areas. Stairways and lifts must
meet the following design requirements:
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(1) stairways and lifts must not exceed four feet in
width. Wider stairways may be used for public
open -space recreational properties;
(2) landings for stairways and lifts must not exceed
32 square feet in area. Landings larger than 32
square feet may be used for public open -space
recreational properties;
(3) canopies or roofs are not allowed on stairways,
lifts or landings;
(4) stairways, lifts and landings may be either
constructed above the ground on posts or pilings,
or placed into the ground, provided they are
designed and built in a manner that ensures
control of soil erosion;
(5) stairways, lifts and landings must be located in
the most visually inconspicuous portions of lots,
as viewed from the surface of the public water
assuming summer, leaf -on conditions, whenever
practical; and
(6) facilities such as ramps, lifts or mobility paths
for physically handicapped persons are also
allowed for achieving access to shore areas,
provided that the dimensional and performance
standards of sub -items 1 to 5 are complied with in
addition to the requirements of Minnesota
Regulations, Chapter 1340.
3. Height of Structures
All structures in residential districts, except churches and
non-residential agricultural structures, must not exceed 35
feet in height.
E. Shoreland Alterations
Alterations of vegetation and topography will be regulated to
prevent erosion into public waters, fix nutrients, preserve
shoreland aesthetics, preserve historic values, prevent bank
slumping and protect fish and wildlife habitat. Best Management
Practices are recommended to guide shoreland alteration
activities.
1. Vegetation Alterations
a. Vegetation alteration necessary for the construction of
structures and sewage treatment systems and the
construction of roads and parking areas regulated by
Section 308.060 F are exempt from the vegetation
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alteration standards that follow. Removal or
alteration of vegetation, except for agricultural uses
as regulated in Section 308.060 H (2) is allowed,
subject to the following standards:
(1) Intensive vegetation clearing within the shore and
bluff impact zones and on steep slopes is not
allowed.
(2) In shore and bluff impact zones and on steep
slopes, limited clearing of trees and shrubs, and
cutting, pruning and trimming of trees is allowed
to provide a view to the water from the principal
dwelling site and to accommodate the placement of
stairways and landings, picnic areas, access
paths, livestock watering areas, beach and
watercraft access areas and permitted water -
oriented accessory structures or facilities,
provided that:
a. the screening of structures, vehicles, or
other facilities as viewed from the water,
assuming summer, leaf -on conditions, is not
substantially reduced;
b. along rivers, existing shading of water
surfaces is preserved; and
C. the above provisions are not applicable to
the removal of trees, limbs, or branches that
are dead, diseased or pose safety hazards.
2. Topographic Alterations/Grading and Filling
a. Grading and filling and excavations necessary for the
construction of structures, sewage treatment systems,
and driveways under validly issued construction permits
for these facilities do not require the issuance of a
separate grading and filling permit. However, the
grading and filling standards in this Section must be
incorporated in the issuance of permits for
construction of structures, sewage treatment systems
and driveways.
b. Public roads and parking areas are regulated by Section
308.060 F.
C. Notwithstanding Items a. and b. above, a grading and
filling permit will be required for:
(1) the movement of more than ten (10) cubic yards of
material on steep slopes or within shore or bluff
impact zones; and
- 14 -
(2) the movement of more than 50 cubic yards of
material outside of steep slopes and shore and
bluff impact zones.
d. The following considerations and conditions in addition
to Chapter 306 must be adhered to during the issuance
of construction permits, grading and filling permits,
conditional use permits, variances and subdivision
approvals:
1. Grading and filling in any Type 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
or 8 wetland must be evaluated to determine how
extensively the proposed activity would affect the
following functional qualities of the wetland ":
a. sediment and pollutant trapping and
retention;
b. storage of surface runoff to prevent or
reduce flood damage;
C. fish and wildlife habitat;
d. recreational use;
e. shoreline or bank stabilization; and
f. noteworthiness, including special qualities
such as historic significance, critical
habitat for endangered plants and animals, or
others.
This evaluation must also include a
determination of whether the wetland
alteration being proposed requires permits,
reviews or approvals by other local, state or
federal agencies such as a watershed
district, the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources, or the United States Army Corps of
Engineers. The applicant will be so advised.
2. Alterations must be designed and conducted in a
manner that ensures only the smallest amount of
bare ground is exposed for the shortest time
possible;
3. Mulches or similar materials must be used, where
necessary, for temporary bare soil coverage, and a
permanent vegetation cover must be established as
soon as grading is complete;
- 15 -
r
4. Methods to minimize soil erosion and to trap
sediments before they reach any surface water
feature must be used;
5. Altered areas must be stabilized to acceptable
erosion control standards consistent with the
field office technical guides of the local soil
and water conservation districts and the United
States Soil Conservation Service;
6. Fill or excavated material must not be placed in a
manner that creates an unstable slope;
7. Plans to place fill or excavated material on steep
slopes must be reviewed by qualified professionals
for continued slope stability and must not create
finished slopes of 30 percent or greater;
8. Fill or excavated material must not be placed in
bluff impact zones;
9. Any alterations below the ordinary high water
level of public waters must first be authorized by
the Commissioner under Minnesota Statutes, Section
103c.245;
10. Alterations of topography must only be allowed if
they are accessory to permitted or conditional
uses and do not adversely affect adjacent or
nearby properties; and
11. Placement of natural rock rip rap, including
associated grading of the shoreline and placement
of a filter blanket, is permitted if the finished
slope does not exceed three feet horizontal to one
foot vertical, the landward extent of the rip rap
is within ten feet of the ordinary high water
level, and the height of the rip rap above the
ordinary high water level does not exceed three
feet.
e. Connections to public waters. Excavations where the
intended purpose is connection to a public water, such
as boat slips, canals, lagoons and harbors, must COMPLY
with all provisions of this Chapter. Permission for
excavations may be given only after the Commissioner
has approved the proposed connection to public waters.
F. Placement and Design of Roads, Driveways and Parking Areas
1. Public and private roads and parking areas must be designed
to take advantage of natural vegetation and topography to
achieve maximum screening from view of public waters.
Documentation must be provided by a qualified individual
- 16 -
that all roads and parking areas are designed and
constructed to minimize and control erosion to public
consistent with the field office technical guides of t::e
local Soil and Water Conservation District, or other
applicable technical materials.
2. Roads, driveways and parking areas must meet structure
setbacks and must not be placed within bluff and shore
impact zones, when other reasonable and feasible placement
alternatives exist. If the City Council, at its discretion,
determines that no alternative exists, such structures may
be placed within these areas and must be designed to
minimize adverse impacts.
3. Public and private (intended solely for the use of the
property owner) watercraft access ramps, approach roads, and
access -related parking areas may be placed within shore
impact zones, provided the vegetative screening and erosion
control conditions of this subpart are met. For private
facilities, the grading and filling provisions of Section
308.060 E. must be met.
G. Stormwater Management
The following general and specific standards shall apply:
1. General Standards:
a. Existing natural drainageways, wetlands, and vegetated
soil surfaces must be used to convey, store, filter and
retain stormwater runoff before discharge to public
waters.
b. Development must be planned and conducted in a manner
that will minimize the extent of disturbed areas,
runoff velocities, erosion potential, and rPdmrP r+*
delay runoff volumes. Disturbed areas must be
stabilized and protected as soon as grading is complete
and facilities or methods used to retain sediment on
the site.
c. When development density, topographic features and soil
and vegetation conditions are not sufficient to
adequately handle stormwater runoff using natural
features and vegetation, various types of constructer
facilities such as diversions, settling basins,
skimming devices, dikes, waterways and ponds may be
used. Preference must be given to designs using
surface drainage, vegetation and infiltratic.r, ir.LJ,a�i
than buried pipes and man-made materials arri
facilities.
d. Use of fertilizers, pesticides, or animal wastes within
shorelands must be done in such a way as to
impact on the shore impact zone or public watr�rhV
proper application.
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2. Specific Standards:
a. Impervious surface coverage of lots must not exceed '
6,000 S.F. or 15 percent of the lot area, whichever is
larger. -
b. When constructed facilities are used for stormwater
management, documentation must be provided by a
licensed civil engineer that they are designed and
installed consistent with the field office technical
guide of the local soil and water conservation
districts.
C. New constructed stormwater outfalls to public waters
must provide for filtering or settling of suspended
solids and skimming of surface debris before discharge.
H. Special Provisions for Public/Semi-Public, Agricultural and
Forestry
1. Standards for Public and Semi -Public Uses
a. Surface water -oriented public or semi-public uses with
similar needs to have access to and use of public
waters may be located on parcels or lots with frontage
on public waters. Those uses with water -oriented needs
must meet the following standards:
(1) in addition to meeting impervious coverage limits,
setbacks and other zoning standards in this
ordinance, the uses must be designed to
incorporate topographic and vegetative screening
of parking areas and structures;
(2) uses that require short-term watercraft mooring
for patrons must centralize these facilities and
design them to avoid obstructions of navigation
and to be the minimum size necessary to meet the
need;
(3) no advertising signs or supporting facilities for
signs may be placed in or upon public waters.
Signs conveying information or safety messages may
be placed in or on public waters by a public
authority or under a permit issued by the County
Sheriff; and
(4) other outside lighting may be located within the
shore impact zone or over public waters if it is
used primarily to illuminate potential safety
hazards and is shielded or otherwise directed to
prevent direct illumination out across public
waters. This does not preclude use of
navigational lights.
- 18 -
b. Use without water -oriented needs must be located on
lots or parcels without public waters frontage, or, if
located on lots or parcels with public waters frontage,
must either be setback double the normal ordinary high
water level setback or be substantially screened from
view from the water by vegetation or topography,
assuming summer, leaf -on conditions.
2. Agriculture Use Standards
a. General cultivation farming, grazing, nurseries,
horticulture, truck farming, sod farming, and wild crop
harvesting are permitted uses if steep slopes and shore
and bluff impact zones are maintained in permanent
vegetation or operated under an approved conservation
plan (Resource Management System) consistent with the
field office technical guides of the local soil and
water conservation districts or the United States Soil
Conservation Service, as provided by a qualified
individual or agency. Best Management Practices of the
Minnesota DNR must be used. The shore impact zone for
parcels with permitted agricultural land uses is equal
to a line parallel to and 50 feet from the ordinary
high water level.
b. Animal feedlots, as defined by the Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency rules, Chapter 7020.0100 - 7020.1900 for
compliance and permits, must meet the following
standards:
(1) new feed lots must not be located in the shoreland
of watercourses or in bluff impact zones and must
meet a minimum setback of 300 feet from the
ordinary high water level of all public water
basins; and
(2) modifications or expansions to existing feedlots
that are located within 300 feet of the ordinary
high water level or within a bluff impact zone are
allowed if they do not further encroach into the
existing ordinary high water level setback or
encroach on bluff impact zones.
I. Water Supply and Sewage Treatment
1. Water Supply. Any public or private supply of water for
domestic purposes must meet or exceed standards for water
quality of the Minnesota Department of Health and the
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Private wells must be
located, constructed, maintained and sealed in accordance
with or in a more thorough manner than the Water Well
Construction Code of the Minnesota Department of Health.
- 19 -
2. Sewage Treatment. Any premises used for human occupancy
must be provided with an adequate method of sewage
treatment, as follows:
a. Publicly -owned sewer systems must be used where
available.
b. All private sewage treatment systems must meet or
exceed Chapter 700 of the City Code or the Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency's standards for individual
sewage treatment systems contained in the document
titled "Individual Sewage Treatment Systems Standards,
Chapter 7080", a copy of which is hereby adopted by
reference and declared to be a part of this ordinance.
In all cases, the more restrictive regulation shall
apply.
C. On -site sewage treatment systems must be set back from
the ordinary high water level in accordance with the
setbacks contained in Section 308.060 D (1).
d. All proposed sites for individual sewage treatment
systems shall be evaluated in accordance with the
criteria in subitems (1) - (4). If the determination
of a site's suitability cannot be made with publicly
available, existing information, it shall then be the
responsibility of the applicant to provide sufficient
soil borings and percolation tests from on -site field
investigations.
Evaluation Criteria:
(1) depth to the highest known or calculated
groundwater table or bedrock;
(2) soil conditions, properties and permeability;
(3) slope;
(4) the existence of lowlands, local surface
depressions and rock outcrops.
e. Non -conforming sewage treatment systems shall be
regulated and upgraded in accordance with Section
308.070 C of this ordinance.
f. The discharge of non -treated raw sewage effluent into a
lake, wetland or stream is strictly prohibited and any
such condition will be required to be ceased
immediately; and within a reasonable period
(not -to -exceed 30 days) of notice and order to comply
by the Zoning Administrator, the property owner shall
install a system which complies with Minnesota PCA
Chapter 7080 and Chapter 700 of the City Code,
whichever is more restrictive.
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J
g. "Greywater", meaning liquid waste from a dwelling
produced by bathing, laundry, culinary operations and
floordrains associated with these sources, and
specifically excluding toilet waste, must be treated in
accordance with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Chapter 7080. Discharge of greywater directly into a
lake, wetland or stream is prohibited and such
condition shall cease immediately.
h. Any discharge of chemically treated water into a lake,
wetland or stream, such as an example only, the
drainage of a swimming pool, must not be done without
first obtaining all required permits from the Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency.
Conditional Uses
Conditional uses allowable within shoreland areas shall be
subject to the review and approval procedures, and criteria and
conditions for review of conditional uses established in Chapter
301. The following additional evaluation criteria and conditions
apply within shoreland areas:
1. Evaluation Criteria. A thorough evaluation of the waterbody
and topographic, vegetation and soils conditions on the site
must be made to ensure:
a. the prevention of soil erosion or other possible
pollution of public waters, both during and after
construction;
b. the visibility of structures and other facilities as
viewed from public waters is limited;
C. the site is adequate for water supply and on -site
sewage treatment; and
d. the types, uses and numbers of watercraft that the
project will generate are compatible in relation to the
ability of public waters to safely accommodate these
watercraft.
2. Conditions Attached to Conditional Use Permits. The City
Council, upon consideration of the criteria listed above and
the purposes of this ordinance, shall attach such conditions
to the issuance of the Conditional Use Permits as it deems
necessary to fulfill the purposes of this ordinance. Such
conditions may include, but are not limited to, the
following:
a. increased setbacks from the ordinary high water level;
b. limitations on the natural vegetation to be removed or
the requirement that additional vegetation be planted;
and
- 21 -
C. special provisions for the location, design and use of
structures, sewage treatment systems, watercraft
launching and docking areas, and vehicle parking areas.
308.070 NON -CONFORMITIES
All legally established non -conformities as of the date of this
ordinance may continue, but they will be managed according to
applicable state statutes and other regulations of this community for
the subjects of alterations and additions, repair after damage,
discontinuance of use and intensification of use; except that the
following standards will also apply in shoreland areas:
A. Construction on Non -Conforming Lots of Record
1. Lots of record in the office of the County Recorder on the
date of enactment of this chapter that do not meet the
requirements of Section 308.060 B may be allowed as building
sites without variances from lot size requirements, provided
the use is permitted in the zoning district, the lot has
been in separate ownership from abutting lands at all times
since it became substandard, was created compliant with
official controls in effect at the time, and sewage
treatment and setback requirements of this ordinance are
met.
i
2. A variance from setback requirements must be obtained before
any use, sewage treatment system or building permit is
issued for a lot. In evaluating the variance, the board of
adjustment shall consider sewage treatment and water supply
capabilities or constraints of the lot and shall deny the
variance if adequate facilities cannot be provided.
3. If, in a group of two or more contiguous lots under the same
ownership, any individual lot does not meet the requirements
of Section 308.060 B, the lot must not be considered as a
separate parcel of land for the purposes of sale or
development. The lot must be combined with the one or more
contiguous lots so they equal one or more parcels of land,
each meeting the requirements of Section 308.060 B as much
as possible.
B. Additions/Expansions to Non -Conforming Structures
1. Additions/Expansions
All additions or expansions to the outside dimensions of an
existing non -conforming structure must meet the setback,
height, and other requirements of Section 308.060. Any
deviation from these requirements must be authorized by a
variance pursuant to Section 308.040 B.
- 22 -
2. Decks
Deck additions may be allowed without a variance to a
structure not meeting the required setback from the ordinary
highwater level if all of the following criteria and
standards are met:
a. the structure existed on the date the structure
. setbacks were established;
b. a thorough evaluation of the property and structure
reveals no reasonable location for a deck meeting or
exceeding the existing ordinary high water level
setback of the structure;
C. the deck encroachment toward the ordinary high water
level does not exceed 15 percent of the existing
setback of the structure from the ordinary high water
level or does not encroach closer than 30 feet,
whichever is more restrictive; and
d. the deck is constructed primarily of wood and is not
roofed or screened.
C. Non -Conforming Sewage Treatment Systems
1. A sewage treatment system not meeting the requirements of
Section 308.060 I of this ordinance must be upgraded, at a
minimum, at any time a permit or variance of any type is
required for any improvement on, or use of, the property.
For the purposes of this provision, a sewage treatment
system shall not be considered non -conforming if the only
deficiency is the sewage treatment system's improper setback
from the ordinary high water level.
2. The City Council of the City of Lake Elmo has notified the
DNR Commissioner of its plan to identify nonconforming
sewage treatment systems in shoreland areas. The City of
Lake Elmo will require upgrading or replacement of any
nonconforming system identified by this program within a
reasonable period of time, which will not exceed 180 days of
notice and order to comply by the Zoning Administrator.
Sewage systems installed according to tall applicable local
shoreland management standards adopted under Minnesota
Statutes, Section 103F.201, in effect at the time of
installation may be considered as conforming unless they are
determined to be failing, except that systems including
cesspools, leaching pits, seepage pits, or other deep
disposal methods, or systems with less soil treatment area
separation above groundwater than required by the Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency's Chapter 7080 for design of
off -site sewage treatment systems, shall be considered
nonconforming.
- 23 -
308.080 Subdivision / Platting Provisions
A. Land Suitability.
Each lot created through subdivision must be suitable in its
natural state for the proposed use with minimal alteration.
Suitability analysis by the local unit of government shall
consider susceptibility to flooding, existence of wetlands, soil
and rock formations with severe limitations for development,
severe erosion potential, steep topography, inadequate water
supply or sewage treatment capabilities, near -shore aquatic
conditions unsuitable for water -based recreation, important fish
and wildlife habitat, presence of significant historic sites, or
any other feature of the natural land likely to be harmful to the
health, safety or welfare of future residents of the proposed
subdivision or of the community.
B. Platting.
All subdivisions shall be in accordance with the City's Platting
regulations and requirements.
C. Consistency with Other Controls.
Subdivisions must conform to all regulations for the City of Lake
Elmo. A subdivision will not be approved where a later variance
from one or more standards in official controls would be needed
to use the lots for their intended purpose. In areas not served
by publicly owned sewer and water systems, a subdivision will not
be approved unless domestic water supply is available and a
sewage treatment system consistent with Sections 308.060 D and
308.060 I can be provided for every lot. Each lot shall meet the
minimum lot size and dimensional requirements of Section 308.060
B and Section 308.060 C, including at least a minimum contiguous
vegetative area, that is free of limiting factors sufficient for
the construction of two standard sewage treatment systems. Lots
that would require use of holding tanks must not be approved.
D. Information Requirements.
Sufficient information must be submitted by the applicant for the
community to make a determination of land suitability. The
information shall include at least the following:
1. topographic contours at 2-foot intervals or less;
2. the surface water features required in Minnesota Statutes,
Section 505.02, Subdivision 1, to be shown on plats obtained
from United States Geological Survey quadrangle topographic
maps or more accurate sources;
3. adequate soils information to determine suitability for
building and on -site sewage treatment capabilities for every l
- 24 -
lot from the most current existing sources or from field
investigations such as soil borings, percolation tests or
other methods.
4. information regarding adequacy of domestic water supply;
extent of anticipated vegetation and topographic
alterations; near -shore aquatic conditions, including
depths, types of bottom sediments and aquatic vegetation;
and proposed methods for controlling stormwater runoff and
erosion, both during and after construction activities;
5. location of 100-year floodplain areas and floodway districts
from existing adopted maps or data; and
6. a line or contour representing the ordinary high water
level, the "toe" and "top" of bluffs, and the minimum
building setback distances from the top of the bluff and the
lake or stream.
E. Dedications
When a land or easement dedication is a condition of subdivision
approval, the approval must provide easements over natural
drainage or ponding areas for management of stormwater and
significant wetlands.
F. Controlled Access or Recreational Lots
Lots intended as controlled accesses to public waters or for
recreational use areas for use by nonriparian lots within a
subdivision must meet or exceed the sizing criteria in Section
308.060 3 and 308.060 C.
- 25 -
f'
STATE OF MINNESOTA
COUNTY OF WASHINGTON
CITY OF LAKE ELMO
ORDINANCE 80- 85
AN ORDINANCE ADDING CHAPTER 308AND REPEALING CHAPTER 307OF THE
LAKE ELMO MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO
SHORELAND REGULATIONS
The City Council ordains that Chapter 308and its subsections shall be added to the
Lake Elmo Municipal code to read as follows:
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C�
The City Council further ordains that Chapter 307of the Lake Elmo Municipal Code is
hereby repealed.
Effective Date: This ordinance shall be effective the day following its publication.
Adoption Date: Passed by the City Council of the City of Lake Elmo the 16 day of
February, 1993.
Wyn J , Ma
Attest: &!44ll//
2C�GL��
Mary Kueffner, Cit A ministrator
Published in the Stillwater Gazette the 24th day of February 1993.
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308 SHORELAND ORDINANCE
PAGE
308.010 Shoreland Ordinance 1
308.020 Intent 1
308.030 Definitions 1
308.040
Administration
6
A.
Permits Required
6
B.
Variances
6
C.
Notifications to the DNR
7
308.050
Shoreland Classification System
7
A.
Classifications
7
1. Natural Environment Lakes
7
2. Recreational Development Lakes
8
3. Tributary Streams
8
B.
Land Use Regulations
9
308.060
Shoreland Standards
10
A.
General Provisions
10
B.
Lot Area - No Sewer
10
C.
Lot Width - No Sewer
10
D.
Placement, Design and Height of Structures
10
1. Placement
10
a. Structure and On -Site Sewage
System Setbacks
11
b. Additional Structure Setbacks
11
C. Bluff Impact Zones
11
d. Significant Historic Sites
11
e. Steep Slopes
11
f. Proximity to Roads and Highways
11
g. Uses without Water Oriented Needs
12
2. Design Criteria
12
a. High Water Elevations
12
b. Water -Oriented Accessory Structures
12
C. Stairways, Lifts and Landings
12
3. Height of Structures
13
E.
Shoreland Alterations
13
1. Vegetation Alterations
13
2. Topographic Alterations/Grading and Filling
14
F.
Placement and Design of Roads, Driveways
and Parking Areas
16
G.
Stormwater Management
17
1. General Standards
17
2. Specific Standards
18
TABLE OF CONTENTS, continued
H. Specific Provisions for Public/Semi-Public,
Agricultural 18
1. Standards for Public and Semi -Public Uses 18
2. Agricultural Use Standards 19
I. Water Supply and Sewage Treatment 19
1. Water Supply 19
2. Sewage Treatment 20
J. Conditional Uses 21
1. Evaluation Criteria 21
2. Conditions Attached to Conditional Use Permits 21
308.070 Nonconformities 22
A. Construction on Nonconforming Lots of Record 22
B. Additions/Expansions to Nonconforming Structures 22
1. Additions/Expansions 22
2. Decks 23
C. Nonconforming Sewage Treatment Systems 23
308.080 Subdivision/Platting Provisions 24
A. Land Suitability 24
B. Platting 24
C. Consistency with Other Controls 24
D. Information Requirements 24
E. Dedications 25
F. Controlled Access or Recreational Lots 25
308 SHORELAND DISTRICT
308.010 SHORELAND DISTRICT
The Shorelands within the City of Lake Elmo are hereby designated as
Shoreland District. Regulations set forth in this chapter shall
govern land use and other activities within this district. The
classification of the lakes shall govern the use, alteration and
development of land within the Shoreland district.
The uncontrolled use of shorelands adversely affects the public
health, safety and general welfare by contributing to pollution of
public waters and by impairing the local tax base. In furtherance of
the policies declared in Minnesota Statutes, Chapters 103G, 103F, 115,
116, 394, 396 and 462, the Commissioner provides the following minimum
standards and criteria for the subdivision, use and development of the
shorelands of public waters. The standards and criteria are intended
to preserve and enhance the quality of surface waters, conserve the
economic and natural environmental values of shorelands and provide
for the wise use of water and related land resources of the state.
308.020 INTENT
IT IS THE INTENT OF THE CITY OF LAKE ELMO TO:
A. Regulate placement of sanitary and waste treatment facilities on
shorelands of public waters to prevent pollution of public waters
and public health hazards resulting therefrom.
B. Regulate alteration of Shorelands of public waters to prevent
excessive sediment pollution, increased water runoff, excessive
nutrient runoff pollution.
C. To preserve and enhance the unique aesthetic appearance and
ecological value of the shoreland.
D. Regulate the construction of buildings and changes of land use in
Shorelands to minimize property damage during period of high
water.
308.030 DEFINITIONS
Unless specifically defined below, words or phases used in this
chapter shall be interpreted so as to give them the same meaning as
they have in common usage and so as to give this chapter its most
reasonable application. For the purpose of this chapter, the words
"must" and "shall" are mandatory and not permissive. All distances,
unless otherwise specified, shall be measured horizontally.
a. Accessory Structure or Facility. "Accessory Structure" or
"facility" means any building or improvement subordinate to a
principal use which, because of the nature of its use, can
reasonably be located at or greater than normal structure
setbacks.
- 1 -
b. Bluff. "Bluff" means a topographic feature such as a hill,
cliff, or embankment having the following characteristics (an
area with an average slope of less than 18 percent over a
distance of 50 feet or more shall not be considered part of the
bluff):
(1) Part or all of the feature is located in a shoreland area;
(2) The slope rises at least 25 feet above the ordinary high
water level of the water body;
(3) The grade of the slope from the toe of the bluff to a point
25 feet or more above the ordinary high water level averages
30 percent or greater; and
(4) The slope must drain toward the water body.
C. Bluff Impact Zone. "Bluff Impact Zone" means a bluff and land
located within 20 feet from the top of a bluff.
d. Boathouse. "Boathouse" means a structure designed and used
solely for the storage of boats AND boating equipment.
e. Building Line. "Building Line" means a line parallel to a lot
line or the ordinary high water level at the required setback
beyond which a structure may not extend.
£. Commercial Use. "Commercial Use" means the principal use of land
or buildings for the sale, lease, rental or trade of products,
goods and services.
g. Commissioner. "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of the
Department of Natural Resources.
h. Conditional Use. "Conditional Use" means a defined land use in a
particular district which is allowed if the City Council
determines that such use will not be detrimental to the health,
safety, convenience, morals or general welfare of the community;
that such use will not cause serious traffic congestion or
hazards; that such use will not seriously depreciate surrounding
property values; and that such use is in harmony with the general
purpose and intent of the City's zoning regulations and
Comprehensive Plan.
i. Deck. "Deck" means a horizontal, unenclosed platform with or
without attached railings, seats, trellises, or other features,
attached or functionally related to a principal use or site and
at any point extending more than three feet above ground.
j. Dwelling Unit. "Dwelling Unit" means any structure or portion of
a structure or other shelter designed as short or long term
living quarters for one or more persons.
- 2 -
k. Extractive Use. "Extractive Use" means the use of land for
surface or subsurface removal of sand, gravel, rock, industrial
minerals, other non-metallic minerals, and peat not regulated
under Minnesota Statutes, Sections 93.44 to 93.51•
1. Forest Land Conversion. "Forest Land Conversion" means the clear
cutting of forested lands to prepare for a new land use other
than re-establishment of a subsequent forest stand.
M. Hardship. "Hardship" means the proposed use of the property and
associated structures in question cannot be estbalished under the
conditions allowed by the City's zoning regulations and no other
reasonable alternative use exists; that the plight of the
landowner is due to the physical conditions unique to the land,
structure, or building involved and are not applicable to other
lands, structures, or buildings in the same zoning district; and
that these unique conditions of the site were not caused or
accepted by the landowner after the effective date of the City's
zoning regulations.
n. Height of Building. "Height of Building" means the vertical
distance between the lowest grade level at the building line and
the uppermost point on the roof.
o. Industrial Use. "Industrial Use" means the use of land or
buildings for the production, manufacture, warehousing, storage
or transfer of goods, products, commodities, or other wholesale
items.
P. Intensive Vegetation Clearing. "Intensive Vegetation Clearing"
means the complete removal of trees or shrubs in a contiguous
patch, strip, row or block.
q. Lift. "Lift" means the mechanical system designed to elevate or
lower someone or something up or down a topographical slope.
r. Lot. "Lot" means a parcel of land designated by plat, metes and
bounds, registered land survey, auditors plot, or other accepted
means and separated from other parcels or portions by said
description for the purpose of sale, lease or separation.
S. Lot. Non -Riparian. "Non -riparian Lot" means a separate parcel of
land within a designated shoreland area but which does not have
frontage along a lake or tributary stream.
t. Lot, Riparian. "Riparian Lot" means a separate parcel of land
within a designated shoreland area having frontage along a lake
or tributary stream.
U. Lot Width. "Lot Width" means the shortest distance between lot
lines measured at the midpoint of the building line.
- 3 -
v. Nonconformity. "Nonconformity" means any legal use, structure or
parcel of land already in existence, recorded, or authorized
before the adoption of zoning regulations or amendments thereto
that would not have been permitted to become established under
the terms of the zoning regulations as now written, if the zoning
regulations had been in effect prior to the date it was
established, recorded or authorized.
W. Ordinary High Water ELEVATION. "Ordinary High Water Elevation"
(OHW) means the boundary of public waters and wetlands, and shall
be an elevation delineating the highest water level which has
been maintained for a sufficient period of time to leave evidence
upon the landscape, commonly that point where the natural
vegetation changes from predominantly aquatic to predominantly
terrestrial. For watercourses, the ordinary high water level is
the elevation of the top of the bank of the channel. For
reservoirs and flowages, the ordinary high water level is the
operating elevation of the normal summer pool.
X. Public Waters. "Public Waters" means any waters as defined in
Minnesota Statutes, Section 105.37, Subdivisions 14 and 15.
Y. Setback. "Setback" means the minimum horizontal distance between
a structure, sewage treatment system, or other facility and an
ordinary high water level, sewage treatment system, top of a
bluff, road, highway, property line or other facility.
Z. Sewage Treatment System. "Sewage Treatment System" means a
septic tank and soil absorption system or other individual or
Cluster type sewage treatment system as described and regulated
in Section 5.8 of this ordinance.
as. Sewer System. "Sewer System" means pipelines or conduits,
pumping stations and forcemain, and all other construction,
devices, appliances or appurtenances used for conducting sewage
or industrial waste or other wastes to a point of ultimate
disposal.
bb. Shore Impact Zone. "Shore Impact Zone" means land located
between the ordinary high water level of a public water and a
line parallel to it at a setback of 50 percent of the structure
setback.
cc. Shoreland. "Shoreland" means land located within the following
distances from public waters: 1,000 feet from the ordinary high
water level of a lake, pond or flowage; and 300 feet from a river
or stream, or the landward extent of a floodplain designated by
ordinance on a river or stream, whichever is greater. The limits
of shorelands may be reduced whenever the waters involved are
bounded by topographic divides which extend landward from the
waters for lesser distances and when approved by the
Commissioner.
- 4 -
dd. Significant Historic Site. "Significant Historic Site" means any
archaeological site, standing structure, or other property that
meets the criteria for eligibility to the National Register of
Historic Places or is listed in the State Register of Historic
Sites, or is determined to be an unplatted cemetery that falls
under the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, Section 308.08. A
historic site meets these criteria if it is presently listed on
either register or if it is determined to meet the qualifications
for listing after review by the Minnesota State Archaeologist or
the Director of the Minnesota Historic Society. All unplatted
cemetaries are automatically considered to be significant
historic sites.
ee. Steep Slope. "Steep Slope" means land where agricultural
activity or development is either not recommended or described as
poorly suited, due to slope steepness and the site's soil
characteristics, as mapped and described in available county soil
surveys or other technical reports, unless appropriate design and
construction techniques and farming practices are used in
accordance with the provisions of this ordinance. Where specific
information is not available, steep slopes are lands having
average slopes over 12 percent, as measured over horizontal
distances of 50 feet or more, that are not bluffs.
ff. Structure. "Structure" means any building or appurtenance,
including decks, except aerial or underground utility lines, such
as sewer, electric, telephone, telegraph, gas lines, towers,
poles and other supporting facilities.
gg. Subdivision. "Subdivision" means land that is divided for the
purpose of sale, rent or lease, including Planned Unit
Developments.
hh. Toe of the Bluff. "Toe of the Bluff" means the point on a bluff
where there is, as visually observed, a clearly identifiable
break in the slope, from gentler to steeper slope above. If no
break in the slope is apparent, the toe of the bluff shall be
determined to be the lower end of a 50-foot segment, measured on
the ground, with an average slope exceeding 18 percent.
ii. Top of the Bluff. "Top of the Bluff" means the point on a bluff
where there is, as visually observed, a clearly identifiable
break in the slope, from steeper to gentler slope above. If no
break in the slope is apparent, the top of the bluff shall be
determined to be the upper end of a 50-foot segment, measured on
the ground, with an average slope exceeding 18 percent.
jj. Variance. "Variance" means any modification of the provisions of
this chapter where it is determined that, by reason of
exceptional circumstances, the strict enforcement of the terms of
this chapter would cause a hardship.
kk. Water -Oriented Accessory Structure or Facility. "Water -Oriented
Accessory Structure or Facility" means a small, above ground
building or other improvement, except stairways, fences, docks,
- 5 -
and retaining walls which, because of the relationship of its use
to a surface water feature, reasonably needs to be located closer
to public waters than the normal structure setback. Examples of
such structures and facilities include boathouses, gazebos,
screen houses, fish houses, pump houses and detached decks.
11. Wetland. "Wetland" means a surface water feature classified as a
wetland in the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Circular
No. 39 (1971 edition), which is hereby incorporated by reference,
is available through the Minitex interlibrary loan system and is
not subject to frequent change.
308.040 ADMINISTRATION
The local government must provide for the administration and
enforcement of their shoreland management controls by establishing
permanent procedures for building construction, installation of sewage
treatment systems, and grading and filling.
A. Permits Required
A permit is required for the construction of buildings or
building additions (including such related activities as
construction of decks and signs), installation and/or alteration
of sewage treatment systems, and those grading and filling
activities not exempted by Section 308.060 E of this ordinance.
Application for a permit shall be made to the City of Lake Elmo
on the forms provided. The application shall include the
necessary information so that the City can determine the site's
suitability for the intended use and that a compliant sewage
treatment system will be provided.
H. Variances
A variance only may be granted if there is a hardship. A
variance may not circumvent the general purposes and intent of
this ordinance. No variance may be granted that would allow any
use that is prohibited in the zoning district in which the
subject property is located. Conditions may be imposed in the
granting of a variance to ensure compliance and to protect
adjacent properties and public interest. In considering a
variance request, the board of adjustment must also consider
whether the property owner has reasonable use of the land without
the variance, whether the variance is being requested solely on
the basis of economic considerations, and the characteristics of
development on adjacent properties.
The board of adjustment shall hear and decide requests for
variances in accordance with the rules that it has adopted for
the conduct of business. When a variance is approved after the
Department of Natural Resources has formally recommended denial
- 6 -
in the hearing record, the notification of the approved variance
required in Section 308.040 C below shall also include the board
of adjustment's summary of the public record/testimony and the
findings of facts and conclusions which supported the issuance of
the variance.
For existing developments, the application for variance must
clearly demonstrate whether a conforming sewage treatment system
is present for the intended use of the property. The variance,
if issued, must require reconstruction of a nonconforming sewage
treatment system.
C. Notifications to the Department of Natural Resources
Copies of all notices of any public hearings to consider
variances, amendments or conditional uses under local shoreland
management controls must be sent to the Commissioner or the
Commissioner's designated representative and postmarked at least
ten days before the hearings. Notices of hearings to consider
proposed subdivisions/plats must include copies of the
subdivision/plat.
A copy of approved amendments and subdivisions/plats and final
decisions granting variances or conditional uses under local
shoreland management controls must be sent to the Commissioner or
the Commissioner's designated representative and postmarked
within ten days of final action.
3o8.050 SHORELAND CLASSIFICATION
The public waters of Lake Elmo have been classified below, consistent
with the criteria found in Minnesota Regulations, Part 6120.3300, and
the Protected Waters Inventory Map for Washington County, Minnesota.
The shoreland area for the waterbodies listed below shall be defined
in Section 308.030 AA. and as shown on the City's Shoreland Management
Area Map.
A. Classifications
The classes of public waters for the City of Lake Elmo are
Natural Environment Lakes, Recreational Environment Lakes and
Tributary Streams.
1. Natural Environment Lakes
Generally small, often shallow lakes with limited capacities
for assimilating the impacts of development and recreational
use. They often have adjacent lands with substantial
constraints for development, such as high water tables,
exposed bedrock and unsuitable soils. These lakes,
particularily in rural areas, usually do not have much
existing development or recreational use.
- 7 -
2
DNR
I.D. #
LAKE NAME
LOCATION
OHW
100-YEAR ELEV.
82-74
Horseshoe
Sec.
25
876.8
877.4
82-99
Clear
Sec.
2,
11
938
82-100
Unnamed
Sec.
4
962
82-105
Berschen's
Pond
Sec.
10
925
82-107
Sunfish
Sec.
14
896.4
901
82-108
Friedrich
Pond
Sec.
15,
22
972.6.
DNR
I.D. #
LAKE NAME
LOCATION
OHW
100-YEAR ELEV.
82-109
Eagle Point
Sec.
22,
27
896.5
901
82-110
Downs
Sec.
24
889.1
893
82-111
H.J. Brown
Pond
Sec.
26
900
82-112
Rose
(Sunfish)
Sec.
25,
36
888
82-113
Goose
Sec.
27,
34,
35
932
82-116
Unnamed
(Armstrong)
Sec.
28,
33
82-117
Kramer
Sec.
35
916
Recreational Development Lakes
Recreational Development Lakes are generally medium-sized
lakes of varying depths and shapes with a variety of
landforms, soil and groundwater situations on the lands
around them. They often are characterized by moderate
levels of recreational use and existing development.
Development consists mainly of seasonal and year-round
residences. Many of these lakes have capacities of
accommodating additional development and use.
DNR
I.D. #
LAKE NAME
LOCATION
OHW
100-YEAR ELEV.
82-101
DeMontreville
Sec. 4, 5. 9
930
931.5
82-103
Olson
Sec. 8, 9
930
931.5
82-104
Jane
Sec. 9, 10
924
926.0
82-106
Elmo
Sec. 13, 14,
23, 24, 26
886
891.0
3. Tributary Streams
Tributary Stream segments consist of watercourses mapped in
the Protected Waters Inventory that have not been assigned
one of the river classes. These segments have a wide
variety of existing land and recreational use
characteristics.
- 8 -
LOCATION STREAM NAME
Sec. 33 Unnamed to Wilmes Lake
Sec. 16, 21, 22 Unnamed to Eagle Point Lake (Eagle PuD.nt
Creek North)
Sec. 22. 23, 27 Unnamed to Lake Elmo (Eagle Point Creek
South)
Sec. 25 Unnamed Tributary
B. Land Use Regulations
The permitted and conditional uses allowed in the underlying
zoning district shall be those allowed in the Natural Environment
Lakes, Recreational Development Lakes and Tributary Streams
shoreland districts.
Land Uses
Commercial Ag
Greenhouses
Kennels
Stables
Single -Family
Residential
Farming
Manu.Homes w/
sewer
Retail Uses
Office Uses
Manufacturing
Auto. Service
Restaurants
Churches and
Schools
LAND USE MATRIX
Zoning District
AG R-1 P HB GB R-3 RR
P P P
CUP
CUP CUP CUP
CUP
RE LB B
P P P P P
P P P P P P P
P
P P
P P
CUP
P
P
P = Permitted Use
CUP = Conditional Use Permit
r.
P C
P P
CUP C
NOTE: The land use matrix outlines general allowed uses, subject
to restrictions and provisions of the Zoning ordinance.
Reference Section 301 of the Lake Elmo City Code for
specific allowable uses in each district.
- 9 -
308.060 SHORELAND STANDARDS
A. General Provisions
The following standards shall apply to all shorelands of the
protected waters. Where the requirements of the underlying
zoning district as shown on the official zoning map are more
restrictive than those set forth herein, the more restrictive
standards shall apply. Only land above the ordinary high water
level of public waters can be used to meet lot area standards,
and lot width standards must be met at both the ordinary high
water level and at the building line.
B. Lot Area - No Sewer
MINIMUM LOT AREAS
CLASSIFICATIONS
NATURAL
ENVIRONMENT LAKES
ZONING NON -
DISTRICT RIPARIAN RIPARIAN
RE
2.5 AC
R-1
80,000 S.F
RR
10 AC
AG
40 AC
R-3
40,000 S.F
W/SEWER
C. Lot Width - No Sewer
Classification
RECREATION
DEVELOPMENT LAKES
NON -
RIPARIAN RIPARIAN
2.5 AC 2.5 AC 2.5 AC
80,000 S.F. 1.5 AC 1.5 AC
10 AC 10 AC 10 AC
40 AC 40 AC 40 AC
20,000 S.F. 20,000 S.F. 15,000 S.F.
Riparian Lot Non -Riparian Lot
Natural Environment
200
ft.
200 ft.
Recreational Development
150
ft.
150 ft.
Tributary Streams
100
ft.
n/a
D. Placement, Design and Height
of
Structures
1. Placement
When more than one setback applies to a site, structures and
facilities must be located to meet all setbacks. Where
structures exist on the adjoining lots on both sides of a
proposed building site, structure setbacks may be altered
without a variance to conform to the adjoining setbacks from
the ordinary high water level, provided the proposed
building site is not located in a shore impact zone or in a
bluff impact zone. Structures shall be located as follows:
- 10 -
a.
0
Structure and On -Site Sewage System Setbacks (in feet)
from Ordinary High Water Level
Setbacks from OHW
Classification
Natural Environment
Recreational Development
Tributary
Sewage
Treatment
Structures
System
150 ft
150 ft
100 £t
75 ft
100 ft
75 ft
Additional Structure Setbacks. The following
additional structure setbacks apply, regardless of the
classification of the waterbody:
Setback From Setback (in feet)
(1) top of bluff 30
(2) unplatted cemetery 50
(3) right-of-way line of federal,
state or county highways; and 50
(4) right-of-way line of town road
public street, or other roads
or streets not classified 30
C. Bluff Impact Zone. Structures and accessory
facilities, except stairways and landings, must not be
placed within bluff impact zones.
d. Significant Historic Sites. No structure may be placed
on a significant historic site in a manner that affects
the values of the site unless adequate information
about the site has been removed and documented in a
public repository.
e. Steep Slopes. The City shall evaluate possible soil
erosion impacts and development visibility from public
waters before issuing a permit for construction nr
sewage treatment systems, roads, driveways, structures
or other improvements on steep slopes. When determined
necessary, conditions must be attached to issued
permits to prevent erosion and to preserve existing
vegetation screening of structures, vehicles, and other
facilities as viewed from the surface of public water,
assuming summer, leaf -on vegetation.
f. Proximity to Roads and Highways. No structure may be
placed nearer than 50 feet from the right-of-way line
of any federal, state or county highway; or 30 feeet
from the right-of-way line of any town road, public
street or others not classified.
g. Use without Water -Oriented Needs must be located on
lots or parcels without public waters frontage, or, if
located on lots or parcels with public water frontage,
must either be set back double the normal ordinary high
water level setback or be substantially screened from
view from the water by vegetation or topography,
assuming summer, leaf -on conditions.
2. Design Criteria for Structures
a. High Water Elevations. Structures must be placed in
accordance with any floodplain regulations applicable
to the site. All principal structures shall have their
lowest floor at a level at least three feet above the
highest known water level or the ordinary high water
level, whichever is higher.
b. Water -Oriented Accessory Structures. Each lot may have
one water -oriented accessory structure not meeting the
normal structure setback in Section 308.060 D if this
water -oriented accessory structure complies with the
following provisions:
(1) the structure or facility must not exceed hi teen
feet in height, exclusive of safety rails '
cannot occupy an area greater than 250 square
feet. Detached decks must not exceed eight feet.,
above grade at any point;,
(2) the setback of the structure or facility landward
from the ordinary high water level must be at
least twenty feet on a recreational development
lake and fifty feet on a natural environment lake;
(3) the structure or facility must be treated to
reduce visibility as viewed from public waters and
adjacent shorelands by vegetation, topography,
increased setbacks or color, assuming summer,
leaf -on conditions;
(4) the roof may be used as a deck with safety rails,
but must not be enclosed or used as a storage
area;
(5) the structure or facility must not be designed or
used for human habitation and must not contain
water supply or sewage treatment facilities; and
C. Stairways, Lifts and Landings. Stairways and lifts
are the preferred alternative to major topographic
alterations for achieving access up and down bluffs and
steep slopes to shore areas. Stairways and lifts must
meet the following design requirements:
- 12 -
(1) stairways and lifts must not exceed four feet in
width. Wider stairways may be used for public
open -space recreational properties;
(2) landings for stairways and lifts must not exceed
32 square feet in area. Landings larger than 32
square feet may be used for public open -space
recreational properties;
(3) canopies or roofs are not allowed on stairways,
lifts or landings;
(4) stairways, lifts and landings may be either
constructed above the ground on posts or pilings,
or placed into the ground, provided they are
designed and built in a manner that ensures
control of soil erosion;
(5) stairways, lifts and landings must be located in
the most visually inconspicuous portions of lots,
as viewed from the surface of the public water
assuming summer, leaf -on conditions, whenever
practical; and
(6) facilities such as ramps, lifts or mobility paths
for physically handicapped persons are also
allowed for achieving access to shore areas,
provided that the dimensional and performance
standards of sub -items 1 to 5 are complied with in
addition to the requirements of Minnesota
Regulations, Chapter 1340.
3. Height of Structures
All structures in residential districts, except churches and
non-residential agricultural structures, must not exceed 35
feet in height.
E. Shoreland Alterations
Alterations of vegetation and topography will be regulated to
prevent erosion into public waters, fix nutrients, preserve
shoreland aesthetics, preserve historic values, prevent bank
slumping and protect fish and wildlife habitat. Best Management
Practices are recommended to guide shoreland alteration
activities.
1. Vegetation Alterations
a. Vegetation alteration necessary for the construction of
structures and sewage treatment systems and the
construction of roads and parking areas regulated by
Section 308.060 F are exempt from the vegetation
- 13 -
alteration standards that follow. Removal or
alteration of vegetation, except for agricultural uses
as regulated in Section 308.060 H (2) is allowed,
subject to the following standards:
(1) Intensive vegetation clearing within the shore and
bluff impact zones and on steep slopes is not
allowed.
(2) In shore and bluff impact zones and on steep
slopes, limited clearing of trees and shrubs, and
cutting, pruning and trimming of trees is allowed
to provide a view to the water from the principal
dwelling site and to accommodate the placement of
stairways and landings, picnic areas, access
paths, livestock watering areas, beach and
watercraft access areas and permitted water -
oriented accessory structures or facilities,
provided that:
a. the screening of structures, vehicles, or
other facilities as viewed from the water,
assuming summer, leaf -on conditions, is not
substantially reduced;
b. along rivers, existing shading of water
surfaces is preserved; and
C. the above provisions are not applicable to
the removal of trees, limbs, or branches that
are dead, diseased or pose safety hazards.
2. Topographic Alterations/Grading and Filling
a. Grading and filling and excavations necessary for the
construction of structures, sewage treatment systems,
and driveways under validly issued construction permits
for these facilities do not require the issuance of a
separate grading and filling permit. However, the
grading and filling standards in this Section must be
incorporated into the issuance of permits for
construction of structures, sewage treatment systems
and driveways.
b. Public roads and parking areas are regulated by Section
3o8.o6o F.
C. Notwithstanding Items a. and b. above, a grading and
filling permit will be required for:
(1) the movement of more than ten (10) cubic yards of
material on steep slopes or within shore or bluff
impact zones; and
- 14 -
(2) the movement of more than 50 cubic yards of
material outside of steep slopes and shore and
bluff impact zones.
d. The following considerations and conditions in addition
to Chapter 306 must be adhered to during the issuance
of construction permits, grading and filling permits,
conditional use permits, variances and subdivision
approvals:
1. Grading and filling in any Type 2, 3, 4, 5. 6, 7
or 8 wetland must be evaluated to determine how
extensively the proposed activity would affect the
following functional qualities of the wetland *:
a. sediment and pollutant trapping and
retention;
b. storage of surface runoff to prevent or
reduce flood damage;
C. fish and wildlife habitat;
d. recreational use;
e. shoreline or bank stabilization; and
f. noteworthiness, including special qualities
such as historic significance, critical
habitat for endangered plants and animals, or
others.
' This evaluation must also include a
determination of whether the wetland
alteration being proposed requires permits,
reviews or approvals by other local, state or
federal agencies such as a watershed
district, the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources, or the United States Army Corps of
Engineers. The applicant will be so advised.
2. Alterations must be designed and conducted in a
manner that ensures only the smallest amount of
bare ground is exposed for the shortest time
possible;
3. Mulches or similar materials must be used, where
necessary, for temporary bare soil coverage, and a
permanent vegetation cover must be established as
soon as grading is complete;
- 15 -
4. Methods to minimize soil erosion and to trap
sediments before they reach any surface water
feature must be used;
5. Altered areas must be stabilized to acceptable
erosion control standards consistent with the
field office technical guides of the local soil
and water conservation districts and the United
States Soil Conservation Service;
6. Fill or excavated material must not be placed in a
manner that creates an unstable slope;
7. Plans to place fill or excavated material on steep
slopes must be reviewed by qualified professionals
for continued slope stability and must not create
finished slopes of 30 percent or greater;
8. Fill or excavated material must not be placed in
bluff impact zones;
9. Any alterations below the ordinary high water
level of public waters must first be authorized by
the Commissioner under Minnesota Statutes, Section
103G.245;
10. Alterations of topography must only be allowed if
they are accessory to permitted or conditional
uses and do not adversely affect adjacent or
nearby properties; and
11. Placement of natural rock rip rap, including
associated grading of the shoreline and placement
of a filter blanket, is permitted if the finished
slope does not exceed three feet horizontal to one
foot vertical, the landward extent of the rip rap
is within ten feet of the ordinary high water
level, and the height of the rip rap above the
ordinary high water level does not exceed three
feet.
e. Connections to public waters. Excavations where the
intended purpose is connection to a public water, such
as boat slips, canals, lagoons and harbors, must COMPLY
with all provisions of this Chapter. Permission for
excavations may be given only after the Commissioner
has approved the proposed connection to public waters.
F. Placement and Design of Roads, Driveways and Parking Areas
1. Public and private roads and parking areas must be designed
to take advantage of natural vegetation and topography to
achieve maximum screening from view of public waters.
Documentation must be provided by a qualified individual
- 16 -
that all roads and parking areas are designed and
constructed to minimize and control erosion to pub.L.c
consistent with the field office technical guides of t::e
local Soil and Water Conservation District, or other
applicable technical materials.
2. Roads, driveways and parking areas must meet structure
setbacks and must not be placed within bluff and shore
impact zones, when other reasonable and feasible placement
alternatives exist. If the City Council, at its discretion,
determines that no alternative exists, such structures may
be placed within these areas and must be designed to
minimize adverse impacts.
3. Public and private (intended solely for the use of the
property owner) watercraft access ramps, approach roads, and
access -related parking areas may be placed within shore
impact zones, provided the vegetative screening and erosion
control conditions of this subpart are met. For private
facilities, the grading and filling provisions of Section
308.060 E. must be met.
G. Stormwater Management
The following general and specific standards shall apply:
1. General Standards:
a. Existing natural drainageways, wetlands, and vegetated
soil surfaces must be used to convey, store, filter and
retain stormwater runoff before discharge to public
waters.
b. Development must be planned and conducted in a manner
that will minimize the extent of disturbed areas,
runoff velocities, erosion potential, and rPducP )'+rv'
delay runoff volumes. Disturbed areas must be
stabilized and protected as soon as grading is complete
and facilities or methods used to retain sediment on
the site.
C. When development density, topographic features and soil
and vegetation conditions are not sufficient to
adequately handle stormwater runoff using natural
features and vegetation, various types of constructer
facilities such as diversions, settling basins,
skimming devices, dikes, waterways and ponds may b,�
used. Preference must be given to designs using
surface drainage, vegetation and infiltration iat.i,er
than buried pipes and man-made materials anci
facilities.
d. Use of fertilizers, pesticides, or animal wastes within
shorelands must be done in such a way as to miniu:.ze
impact on the shore impact zone or public water 1,y
proper application.
- 17 -
2. Specific Standards:
a. Impervious surface coverage of lots must not exceed
6,000 S.F. or 15 percent of the lot area, whichever is
larger.
b. When constructed facilities are used for stormwater
management, documentation must be provided by a
licensed civil engineer that they are designed and
installed consistent with the field office technical
guide of the local soil and water conservation
districts.
C. New constructed stormwater outfalls to public waters
must provide for filtering or settling of suspended
solids and skimming of surface debris before discharge.
H. Special Provisions for Public/Semi-Public, Agricultural and
Forestry
1. Standards for Public and Semi -Public Uses
a. Surface water -oriented public or semi-public uses with
similar needs to have access to and use of public
waters may be located on parcels or lots with frontage
on public waters. Those uses with water -oriented needs
must meet the following standards:
(1) in addition to meeting impervious coverage limits,
setbacks and other zoning standards in this
ordinance, the uses must be designed to
incorporate topographic and vegetative screening
of parking areas and structures;
(2) uses that require short-term watercraft mooring
for patrons must centralize these facilities and
design them to avoid obstructions of navigation
and to be the minimum size necessary to meet the
need;
(3) no advertising signs or supporting facilities for
signs may be placed in or upon public waters.
Signs conveying information or safety messages may
be placed in or on public waters by a public
authority or under a permit issued by the County
Sheriff; and
(4) other outside lighting may be located within the
shore impact zone or over public waters if it is
used primarily to illuminate potential safety
hazards and is shielded or otherwise directed to
prevent direct illumination out across public
waters. This does not preclude use of
navigational lights.
b. Use without water -oriented needs must be located on
lots or parcels without public waters frontage, or, if
located on lots or parcels with public waters frontage,
must either be setback double the normal ordinary high
water level setback or be substantially screened from
view from the water by vegetation or topography,
assuming summer, leaf -on conditions.
2. Agriculture Use Standards
a. General cultivation farming, grazing, nurseries,
horticulture, truck farming, sod farming, and wild crop
harvesting are permitted uses if steep slopes and shore
and bluff impact zones are maintained in permanent
vegetation or operated under an approved conservation
plan (Resource Management System) consistent with the
field office technical guides of the local soil and
water conservation districts or the United States Soil
Conservation Service, as provided by a qualified
individual or agency. Best Management Practices of the
Minnesota DNR must be used. The shore impact zone for
parcels with permitted agricultural land uses is equal
to a line parallel to and 50 feet from the ordinary
high water level.
b. Animal feedlots, as defined by the Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency rules, Chapter 7020.0100 - 7020.1900 for
compliance and permits, must meet the following
standards:
(1) new feed lots must not be located in the shoreland
of watercourses or in bluff impact zones and must
meet a minimum setback of 300 feet from the
ordinary high water level of all public water
basins; and
(2) modifications or expansions to existing feedlots
that are located within 300 feet of the ordinary
high water level or within a bluff impact zone are
allowed if they do not further encroach into the
existing ordinary high water level setback or
encroach on bluff impact zones.
I. Water Supply and Sewage Treatment
1. Water Supply. Any public or private supply of water for
domestic purposes must meet or exceed standards for water
quality of the Minnesota Department of Health and the
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Private wells must be
located, constructed, maintained and sealed in accordance
with or in a more thorough manner than the Water Well
Construction Code of the Minnesota Department of Health.
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2. Sewage Treatment. Any premises used for human occupancy
must be provided with an adequate method of sewage
treatment, as follows:
a. Publicly -owned sewer systems must be used where
available.
b. All private sewage treatment systems must meet or
exceed Chapter 700 of the City Code or the Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency's standards for individual
sewage treatment systems contained in the document
titled "Individual Sewage Treatment Systems Standards,
Chapter 7080", a copy of which is hereby adopted by
reference and declared to be a part of this ordinance.
In all cases, the more restrictive regulation shall
apply.
C. On -site sewage treatment systems must be set back from
the ordinary high water level in accordance with the
setbacks contained in Section 308.060 D (1).
d. All proposed sites for individual sewage treatment
systems shall be evaluated in accordance with the
criteria in subitems (1) - (4). If the determination
of a site's suitability cannot be made with publicly
available, existing information, it shall then be the
responsibility of the applicant to provide sufficient
soil borings and percolation tests from on -site field
investigations.
Evaluation Criteria:
(1) depth to the highest known or calculated
groundwater table or bedrock;
(2) soil conditions, properties and permeability;
(3) slope;
(4) the existance of lowlands, local surface
depressions and rock outcrops.
e. Non -conforming sewage treatment systems shall be
regulated and upgraded in accordance with Section
308.070 C of this ordinance.
f. The discharge of non -treated raw sewage effluent into a
lake, wetland or stream is strictly prohibited and any
such condition will be required to be ceased
immediately; and within a reasonable period
(not -to -exceed 30 days) of notice and order to comply
by the Zoning Administrator, the property owner shall
install a system which complies with Minnesota PCA
Chapter 7080 and Chapter 700 of the City Code,
whichever is more restrictive.
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g. "Greywater", meaning liquid waste from a dwelling
produced by bathing, laundry, culinary operations and
floordrains associated with these sources, and
specifically excluding toilet waste, must be treated in
accordance with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Chapter 7080. Discharge of greywater directly into a
lake, wetland or stream is prohibited and such
condition shall cease immediately.
h. Any discharge of chemically treated water into a lake,
wetland or stream, such as an example only, the
drainage of a swimming pool, must not be done without
first obtaining all required permits from the Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency.
J. Conditional Uses
Conditional uses allowable within shoreland areas shall be
subject to the review and approval procedures, and criteria and
conditions for review of conditional uses established in Chapter
301. The following additional evaluation criteria and conditions
apply within shoreland areas:
1. Evaluation Criteria. A thorough evaluation of the waterbody
and topographic, vegetation and soils conditions on the site
must be made to ensure:
a. the prevention of soil erosion or other possible
pollution of public waters, both during and after
construction;
b. the visibility of structures and other facilities as
viewed from public waters is limited;
C. the site is adequate for water supply .and on -site
sewage treatment; and
d. the types, uses and numbers of watercraft that the
project will generate are compatible in relation to the
ability of public waters to safely accommodate these
watercraft.
2. Conditions Attached to Conditional Use Permits. The City
Council, upon consideration of the criteria listed above and
the purposes of this ordinance, shall attach such conditions
to the issuance of the Conditional Use Permits as it deems
necessary to fulfill the purposes of this ordinance. Such
conditions may include, but are not limited to, the
following:
a. increased setbacks from the ordinary high water level;
b. limitations on the natural vegetation to be removed or
the requirement that additional vegetation be planted;
and
- 21 -
C. special provisions for the location, design and use of
structures, sewage treatment systems, watercraft
launching and docking areas, and vehicle parking areas.
308.070 NON -CONFORMITIES
All legally established non -conformities as of the date of this
ordinance may continue, but they will be managed according to
applicable state statutes and other regulations of this community for
the subjects of alterations and additions, repair after damage,
discontinuance of use and intensification of use; except that the
following standards will also apply in shoreland areas:
A. Construction on Non -Conforming Lots of Record
1. Lots of record in the office of the County Recorder on the
date of enactment of this chapter that do not meet the
requirements of Section 308.060 B may be allowed as building
sites without variances from lot size requirements, provided
the use is permitted in the zoning district, the lot has
been in separate ownership from abutting lands at all times
since it became substandard, was created compliant with
official controls in effect at the time, and sewage
treatment and setback requirements of this ordinance are
met.
2. A variance from setback requirements must be obtained before
any use, sewage treatment system or building permit is
issued for a lot. In evaluating the variance, the board of
adjustment shall consider sewage treatment and water supply
capabilities or constraints of the lot and shall deny the
variance if adequate facilities cannot be provided.
3. If, in a group of two or more contiguous lots under the same
ownership, any individual lot does not meet the requirements
of Section 308.060 B, the lot must not be considered as a
separate parcel of land for the purposes of sale or
development. The lot must be combined with the one or more
contiguous lots so they equal one or more parcels of land,
each meeting the requirements of Section 308.060 B as much
as possible.
B. Additions/Expansions to Non -Conforming Structures
1. Additions/Expansions
All additions or expansions to the outside dimensions of an
existing non -conforming structure must meet the setback,
height, and other requirements of Section 308.060. Any
deviation from these requirements must be authorized by a
variance pursuant to Section 308.040 B.
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2. Decks
Deck additions may be allowed without a variance to a
structure not meeting the required setback from the ordinary
highwater level if all of the following criteria and
standards are met:
a. the structure existed on the date the structure
. setbacks were established;
b. a thorough evaluation of the property and structure
reveals no reasonable location for a deck meeting or
exceeding the existing ordinary high water level
setback of the structure;
C. the deck encroachment toward the ordinary high water
level does not exceed 15 percent of the existing
setback of the structure from the ordinary high water
level or does not encroach closer than 30 feet,
whichever is more restrictive; and
d. the deck is constructed primarily of wood and is not
roofed or screened:
C. Non -Conforming Sewage Treatment Systems
1. A sewage treatment system not meeting the requirements of
Section 308.060 I of this ordinance must be upgraded, at a
minimum, at any time a permit or variance of any type is
required for any improvement on, or use of, the property.
For the purposes of this provision, a sewage treatment
system shall not be considered non -conforming if the only
deficiency is the sewage treatment system's improper setback
from the ordinary high water level.
2. The City Council of the City of Lake Elmo has notified the
DNR Commissioner of its plan to identify nonconforming
sewage treatment systems in shoreland areas. The City of
Lake Elmo will require upgrading or replacement of any
nonconforming system identified by this program within a
reasonable period of time, which will not exceed 180 days of
notice and order to comply by the Zoning Administrator.
Sewage systems installed according to tall applicable local
shoreland management standards adopted under Minnesota
Statutes, Section 103F.201, in effect at the time of
installation may be considered as conforming unless they are
determined to be failing, except that systems including
cesspools, leaching pits, seepage pits, or other deep
disposal methods, or systems with less soil treatment area
separation above groundwater than required by the Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency's Chapter 7080 for design of
off -site sewage treatment systems, shall be considered
nonconforming.
- 23 -
308.080 Subdivision / Platting Provisions
A. Land Suitability.
Each lot created through subdivision must be suitable in its
natural state for the proposed use with minimal alteration.
Suitability analysis by the local unit of government shall
consider susceptibility to flooding, existence of wetlands, soil
and rock formations with severe limitations for development,
severe erosion potential, steep topography, inadequate water
supply or sewage treatment capabilities, near -shore aquatic
conditions unsuitable for water -based recreation, important fish
and wildlife habitat, presence of significant historic sites, or
any other feature of the natural land likely to be harmful to the
health, safety or welfare of future residents of the proposed
subdivision or of the community.
B. Platting.
All subdivisions shall be in accordance with the City's Platting
regulations and requirements.
C. Consistency with Other Controls.
Subdivisions must conform to all regulations for the City of Lake
Elmo. A subdivision will not be approved where a later variance
from one or more standards in official controls would be needed
to use the lots for their intended purpose. In areas not served
by publicly owned sewer and water systems, a subdivision will not
be approved unless domestic water supply is available and a
sewage treatment system consistent with Sections 308.060 D and
308.060 I can be provided for every lot. Each lot shall meet the
minimum lot size and dimensional requirements of Section 308.060
B and Section 308.060 C. including at least a minimum contiguous
vegetative area, that is free of limiting factors sufficient for
the construction of two standard sewage treatment systems. Lots
that would require use of holding tanks must not be approved.
D. Information Requirements.
Sufficient information must be submitted by the applicant for the
community to make a determination of land suitability. The
information shall include at least the following:
1. topographic contours at 2-foot intervals or less;
2. the surface water features required in Minnesota Statutes,
Section 505.02. Subdivision 1, to be shown on plats obtained
from United States Geological Survey quadrangle topographic
maps or more accurate sources;
3. adequate soils information to determine suitability for
building and on -site sewage treatment capabilities for every
0
- 24 -
lot from the most current existing sources or from field
investigations such as soil borings, percolation tests or
other methods.
4. information regarding adequacy of domestic water supply;
extent of anticipated vegetation and topographic
alterations; near -shore aquatic conditions, including
depths, types of bottom sediments and aquatic vegetation;
and proposed methods for controlling stormwater runoff and
erosion, both during and after construction activities;
5. location of 100-year floodplain areas and floodway districts
from existing adopted maps or data; and
6. a line or contour representing the ordinary high water
level, the "toe" and "top" of bluffs, and the minimum
building setback distances from the top of the bluff and the
lake or stream.
E. Dedications
When a land or easement dedication is a condition of subdivision
approval, the approval must provide easements over natural
drainage or ponding areas for management of stormwater and
significant wetlands.
F. Controlled Access or Recreational Lots
Lots intended as controlled accesses to public waters or for
recreational use areas for use by nonriparian lots within a
subdivision must meet or exceed the sizing criteria in Section
308.060 a and 308.060 C.
-z5-
f
w
THE LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL ORDAINS THAT THE FOLLOWING SECTION
OF THE LAKE ELMO MUNICIPAL CODE IS HEREBY REPEALED:
SECTION 307- SHORELAND ORDINANCE
A complete copy of Ordinance 80-85 Shoreland Regulations within the City of Lake
Elmo is on file in the office of the city administrator and can be viewed by the public
during normal business hours.
Signed
W ayor
Attest:
Mary Ku ffner, of Administrator
Published in the Stillwater Gazette the 24th day of Februarg 1993
C
C)
14
a. 7
Affldravlt of Publication
STILLWATER EVENING GAZETTE
STATE OF MINNESOTA )
)sa.
COUNTY OF WASHINGTON )
Mike Mahoney, being duly sworn, on oath says that he Is the publisher or authorized agent
and employee of the publisher of the newspaper known as Stillwater Evening Gazette, and
has full knowledge of the facts which are stated below.
(A) The newspaper has compiled with all of the requirements constituting qualification as a quell•
tied newspaper, as provided by Minnesota Statute 331 A.02, 331 A.07, and other applicable laws, as
amended.
(B)The printed Summary of Ordinance No. 80-85 _
which Is attached was cut from the columns of said newspaper, and was Printed and published once
each week, for 1 successive degil weeks; It was first published on
Wed. ge 24th dayol February 1g 93,and was
thereafter printed and published on every Wi-rj to and Including the
24th d■yol February ,tg 24ndpdntedbelowisacopyof
the lower case alphabet from A to 2, both Inclusive, which Is hereby acknowledged as being the size
'nd of type used in the composition and Publication
/�off the natal
awdafohgklmnopgraluvwIIi BYfb,�11U �tjZ""z'
TITLE: Publisher
Subscribed and sworn to bofore me on this ,r ELEAf OR E. MOFIN
24th day of February ,10U e, NOTARY PUBLIC-MINN SOj
WASHINGTON COUN
My Comrtrission Ezpvau July:
5.
Notary Public
RATIS INFORMATION
(1) Lowest classified fete bald by commercial West$ for comparable $pace a 36.00
(Line, word, or Inch rate)
(2) Maximum fate allowed by law for the above mazer-
(Llne, word, or Inch rsb)
(a) Rate aatually charged for the above matter a 36 - 00
(Line, word, or Inch rate)
R000lvedPaymem„, �_ - _..—,to—
BTILLWATER EVENING GAZETTE
By.—._._.. -—
Gazette Extra, Feb. 24,1993
CITY OF AK MO
WASHINGTON COUNTY
�_AMARY OF ORDINANCE 80-85
RELATING TO SHORELAND REGULATIONS
On February 16, 1993 the Lake Elmo City Council adopted Ordinance 80-85 relating to Shoreland
Regulations in the City of Lake Elmo.
On February 16, 1993, the Lake Elmo City Council received a summary of Ordinance 8045 and by
5 affirmative votes,; approved the publication of a summary of this ordinance, to -wit:
THE LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL ORDAINS THAT THE FOLLOWING SECTION OF THE LAKE
ELMO MUNICIPAL CODE IS HEREBY ADOPTED:
SECTION 308 - SHORELAND REGULATIONS
Section 38 Shoreland District
Section 308.020 Intent
Section 308.030 Definitions -
Section308.040 Administrationf
A. Permits Required
B. Variances
C. Notifications of the DNR
Section 308.050 Shoreland Classification System
A. Classifications
B.Land Use Regulations
Section 308.060 Shoreland Standards
A. General Provisions
B. Lot Area- No Sewer
C. Lot Width - No Sewer
D. Placement, Design and Height of Structures
E. Shoreland Alterations
F. Placement and Design of Roads, Driveways and Parking
areas
G. Stormwater Management -
H. Specific Provisions of PubliciSemi-Public Agricultural
I. Water Supply and Sewage Treatment
J. Conditional Uses.
Section 308.070 Nonconformities
Section 38.080 SubdivisiorVPlatting Provisions
The CityCouncil furtherordains that Chapter307ofthe Lake Elmo Municipal Code is hereby repealed,
Effective Date- This ordinance shall be effective the day following Its publication.
Adoption Data, Passed by the City Council of the. City of Lake Elmo the 16 day of February, 1993.
/s/ Wyn John, Mayor
Attest:
Mary Kueffner, City Administrator
X2l24
CITY OF LAKE ELMO
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE 8086
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS 212.012, 212.013 AND 212.027
OF THE LAKE ELMO MUNICIPAL CODE AS IT RELATES TO THE
HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION
AMENDMENT: The City Council ordains that Sections 212.012,
212.013 and 212.027 of the Lake Elmo Municipal Code shall be
amended to read as follows:
212.012 COMPOSITION: The Heritage Preservation
Commission (H.P.C.) shall consist of five (5) members,
two alternate members, and shall include, if available,
a member of the Washington County Historical Society.
212.013 QUALIFICATIONS: Each commission member must be
a person with demonstrated interest and expertise in
historic preservation and must reside within the City of
Lake Elmo with the exception of ex-officio members.
212.027 POWERS: To actively promote historical
preservation within the City. To establish and maintain
liaison with civic, church, and other groups for the
purpose of promoting historic preservation. To promote
gifting of structures, or money to promote the activities
involved in historical preservation.
ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Lake Elmo this
2nd day of March 1993. ,
n John ayor
ATTEST:
Mary'Kue'fJ55i6r, City Administrator
Published in the Stillwater Gazette Extra on the 24th day
of March , 1993.
Cv, I
CITY OF LAKE ELMO
WASHINGTON, COUNTY
SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE 8085
RELATING TO SHORELAND REGULATIONS
On February 16, 1993 the Lake Elmo City Council adopted Ordinance 80-8-5relating-to
Shoreland Regulations in the City of Lake Elmo.
On February 16, 1993, the Lake Elmo City Council received a summary of Ordinance
80125 and by 5 affirmative votes, approved the publication of a summary of this
ordinance, to wit:
THE LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL ORDAINS THAT THE FOLLOWING SECTION
OF THE LAKE ELMO MUNICIPAL IS HEREBY ADOPTED:
SECTION 308 - SHORELAND REGULATIONS
Section 308
Shoreland District
Section 308.020
Intent
Section 308.030
Definitions
Section 308.040
Administration
A. Permits Required
B. Variances
C. Notifications to the DNR
Section 308.050
Shoreland Classification System
A. Classifications
B. Land Use Regulations
Section 308.060
Shoreland Standards
A. General Provisions
B. Lot Area - No Sewer
C. Lot Width - No Sewer
D. Placement, Design and Height of Structures
E. Shoreland Alterations
F. Placement and Design of Roads, Driveways
and Parking Areas
G. Stormwater Management
H. Specific Provisions for Public/Semi-Public
Agricultural
I. Water Supply and Sewage Treatment
J. Conditional Uses.
Section 308.070
Nonconformities
Section 308.080
Subdivision/Platting Provisions
5A
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