HomeMy WebLinkAboutFINAL ORDINANCE NO. 08-166 CITY OF LAKE ELMO
COUNTY OF WASHINGTON
STATE OF MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO. 08-166
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SHORELAND MANAGEMENT DISTRICT RESTRICTIONS TO OBTAIN
COMPLIANCE WITH DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES SHORELAND ORDINANCE
REQUIREMENTS.
SECTION 1. The City Council of the City of Lake Elmo hereby amends Title XV: Land
Usage; Chapter 154: Zoning Code; Article XIX; Section 154.800 to read the following:
ARTICLE 19. SHORELAND MANAGEMENT OVERLAY DISTRICT
§154.800 Shoreland Management Overlay District
§154.800 Shoreland Management Overlay District
A. Purpose. The ordinance is adopted pursuant to the authorization and policies contained in
Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 103F, Minnesota Regulations, Parts 6120.2500-6120.3900, and the
planning and zoning enabling legislation in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 462. The purpose of the
Shoreland Management Overlay District is to preserve and enhance the quality of surface
waters and conserve the economic and natural environmental values of shorelands through the
following activities:
1. Regulate placement of sanitary and waste treatment facilities on shorelands of public
waters to prevent pollution of public waters and public health hazards resulting from the
facilities.
2. Regulate alteration of shorelands of public waters to prevent excessive sediment pollution,
increased water runoff and excessive nutrient runoff pollution.
3. Preserve and enhance the unique aesthetic appearance and ecological value of the
shoreland.
4. Regulate the construction of buildings and changes of land use in shorelands to minimize
property damage during periods of high water.
B. Definitions. Words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings
ascribed to them in Subd. 01: Definitions; of Chapter 11: General Code Provisions, except
where the context clearly indicates a different meaning.
C. Shoreland Management Overlay District
1. Shoreland Classifications. The public waters in Table 17-1 have been classified by the
commissioner of natural resources, consistent with the classifications assigned by the
commissioner under Minnesota Rules, part 6120.3300, as: natural environment (NE),
recreational development (RD) and tributary (T) shorelands.
Table 17-1: Shoreland Classifications
Ordinary
High Water
DNR ID# Name Location Level Class
Armstrong (north of
82011601 CSAH 10) Sec 28, T29, R21 1020.3 NE
1
Armstrong (south of
82011602 CSAH 10) Sec 28, T29, R21 1019.3 NE
82009900 Clear Sec 2 Et 11, T29, R21 - NE
82010100 DeMontreville Sec 4, 5 Et 9,T29, R21 929.3 RD
82010500 Berschen's Pond NE
82011000 Downs Sec 24, T29, R21 889.1 NE
82010900 Eagle Point Sec 22 Et 27, T29, R21 896.5 NE
Sec 13, 14, 23, 24 Et 26,
82010600 Elmo T29, R21 885.6 RD
82010800 Friedrich Pond Sec 15 Et 22, T29, R21 - NE
Sec 27, 34 Et 35, T29,
82011300 Goose R21 924.4 NE
82011100 H.J. Brown Pond Sec 26, T29, R21 - NE
82007400 Horseshoe Sec 25, T29, R21 876.8 NE
82010400 Jane Sec 9 Et 10, T29, R21 924.0 RD
82011700 Kramer Sec 35, T29, R21 - NE
82010300 Olson Sec 8 Et 9, T29, R21 929.3 RD
Raleigh Creek North Sec 16, 21 Et 22, T29,
N/A (to Eagle Point Lake) R21 - T
Raleigh Creek South
(Eagle Point Lake to Sec 22, 23 Et 227, T29,
N/A Lake Elmo) R21 - T
82011200 Rose Sec 25 Et 36, T29, R21 - NE
82010700 Sunfish Sec 14, T29, R21 896.4 NE
82010000 Unnamed Sec 4, T29, R21 - NE
82031300 Unnamed Sec 12, T29, R21 - NE
nnamed to Wilmes
U
N/A Lake I Sec 33, T29, R21 - T
N/A Unnamed Tributary Sec 25, T29, R21 - T
Classifications
RD = Recreational Development Lake Classification
NE = Natural Environment Lake Classification
T= Tributary River Classification
Notes to Table 17-1:
a. As measured from and perpendicular to the ordinary high water level (OHWL)
2. Land Uses in Shoreland Districts. All uses of land shall be regulated by the applicable zoning
district subject to applicable conditions. Notwithstanding the underlying zoning district,
the following uses shall be regulated in shoreland districts as specified in Table 17-2:
Table 17-2: Permitted (P) and Conditional (C) Uses, Shoreland Classifications
2
Shoreland Classification
Recreational Natural Tributary
Land Uses Development Environment River
Residential P P P
Commercial P C C
Public and Civic Uses P C C
Outdoor Recreationa C C C
Agricultural and Related Usesb>c P P P
Industrial and Extractive Uses
Utilities, Transportation and Communications C C C
Accessory Uses P P P
Planned Developments (PUDs) C C C
Forest Land Conversion C C C
Notes to Table 17-2:
a. City owned parks and open space and any uses or structures accessory to such uses are
permitted within shoreland areas.
b. Vegetative clearing within shore and bluff impact zones and on steep slopes is not permitted.
c. New feedlots are not allowed in any Shoreland Management Overlay District.
3. Shoreland Standards. The standards in Table 17-3 shall apply within shoreland areas to
principal, conditional and accessory uses and structures:
Table 17-3: Shoreland Standards
Shoreland Classification
Recreational Natural Tributary
Standards Development Environment River
Minimum structure setback from County, State
or Federal road right-of-way 50 feet 50 feet 50 feet
Minimum setback from right-of-way line of town
road, public street, or other roads or streets not
classified 20 feet 20 feet 20 feet
Minimum structure setback from an unplatted
cemetery or historical sites 50 feet 50 feet 50 feet
Minimum structure setback from the Ordinary High Water Level (OHWL)b, e
Seweredd 75 feet 150 feet 50 feet
Unseweredd 100 feet 150 feet 100 feet
Minimum structure setback from top of bluff 30 feet 30 feet 30 feet
Minimum septic system setback from OHWL 75 feet 150 feet 75 feet
Minimum low floor elevation above the 100-year 2 feet 2 feet 2 feet
flood elevation
Maximum impervious lot coverage
Sewerede 30%
3
Unsewered 15%
Minimum lot sizef, riparian lots
Sewered
Single family detached 20,000 sf 40,000 sf
Same as zoning
Two-family or duplex 35,000 sf 70,000 sf district
Triplex 120,000 sf 160,000 sf
Same as zoning
Quad 160,000 sf 200,000 sf district
Unsewered
Single family detached 40,000 sf 80,000 sf
Same as zoning
Two-family or duplex 80,000 sf 120,000 sf district
Minimum lot sizef, non-riparian lots
Sewered
Single family detached 15,000 sf 20,000 sf
Two-family or duplex 26,000 sf 35,000 sf
Same as zoning
Triplex 38,000 sf 52,000 sf district
Quad 49,000 sf 65,000 sf
Unsewered
Single family detached 40,000 sf 80,000 sf Same as zoning
Two-family or duplex 80,000 sf 160,000 sf district
Minimum lot width,',B riparian lots
Sewered
Single family detached 75 feet 125 feet 75 feet
Two-family or duplex' 135 feet 225 feet 115 feet
Triplex' 195 feet 325 feet 150 feet
Quad' 255 feet 425 feet 190 feet
Unsewered
Single family detached 150 feet 200 feet 100 feet
Two-family or duplexe 225 feet 300 feet 150 feet
Minimum lot width, nonriparian Lots
Sewered
Single family detached 75 feet 125 feet 75 feet
Two-family or duplexe 135 feet 220 feet 115 feet
Triplexe 190 feet 315 feet 150 feet
Quade 245 feet 410 feet 190 feet
Unsewered
Single family detached 150 feet 200 feet 100 feet
4
Two-family or duplexe 265 feet 400 feet 150 feet
Maximum Structure Height 35 feet 35 feet 35 feet
Notes to Table 17-3:
a. Reduction of the required setback from a historic site is permitted with the approval of the
office of the Minnesota State Archeologist.
b. Where structures exist 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 (OHWL), provided the proposed building is not located in a shore impact zone or bluff
impact zone.
c. Roads, driveways and parking areas shall meet the minimum structure setback. Where no
alternative exists, such improvements may be placed within the required structure setbacks
provided they are designed to adapt to the natural landscape, soil erosion is minimized and no
construction shall occur in shore or bluff impact zones. Exceptions to setback requirements must
comply with the rules and regulations of local watershed districts.
d. Commercial, public and civic uses located on lots with public waters frontage shall be setback
double the required setback or be substantially screened from the water by vegetation or
topography, assuming summer, leaf-on conditions.
e. Subdivisions of duplexes, triplexes, and quads within Natural Environment Shoreland districts
must also meet standards set forth in Section (C)(5)(c).
f. Minimum lot size and width requirements apply to residential uses only.
g. Lots Intended As Controlled Accesses to Public Waters or as Recreation Areas for Use by Owners
of Nonriparian Lots within Subdivisions. Must meet or exceed the following standards:
They must meet the width and size requirements for residential lots, and be suitable
for the intended uses of controlled access lots.
i. If docking, mooring, or over-water storage of more than six (6) watercraft
is to be allowed at a controlled access lot, then the width of the lot
(keeping the same lot depth) must be increased by the percent of the
requirements for riparian residential lots for each watercraft beyond six,
consistent with the following table:
Controlled Access Lot Frontage Requirements
Ratio of Lake Size to Shore Length Required increase in frontage
(acres/mile) (percent)
Less than 100 25%
100-200 20%
201-300 15%
301-400 10%
Greater than 400 5%
ii. They must be jointly owned by all purchasers of lots in the subdivision
or by all purchasers of nonriparian lots in the subdivision who are provided
riparian access rights on the access lot; and covenants or other equally
effective legal instruments must be developed that specify which lot
owners have authority to use the access lot and what activities are
allowed. The activities may include watercraft launching, loading, storage,
beaching, mooring, or docking. They must also include other outdoor
recreational activities that do not significantly conflict with general public
use of the public water or the enjoyment of normal property rights by
adjacent property owners. Examples of the non-significant conflict
activities include swimming, sunbathing, or picnicking. The covenants must
Limit the total number of vehicles allowed to be parked and the total
5
number of watercraft allowed to be continuously moored, docked, or
stored over water, and must require centralization of all common facilities
and activities in the most suitable locations on the lot to minimize
topographic and vegetation alterations. They must also require all parking
areas, storage buildings, and other facilities to be screened by vegetation
or topography as much as practical from view from the public water,
assuming summer, leaf-on conditions.
4. Design Criteria for Structures
a. Water Oriented Accessory Structures. Each lot may have one (1) water oriented
accessory structure not meeting the normal structure setbacks if the structure complies
with the following provisions:
i. Structure Height. The structure or facility must not exceed ten (10) feet in
height, exclusive of safety rails, from the average grade of the structure to
the peak of the roof. Detached decks must not exceed eight (8) feet above
grade at any point.
ii. Structure Size. Water oriented accessory structures cannot occupy an area
greater than two-hundred and fifty (250) square feet.
iii. Structure Setback. The setback of the structure or facility landward from
the Ordinary High Water Level (OHWL) must be at least ten (10) feet on a
recreational development lake and fifty (50) feet on a natural environment
lake.
iv. 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.
V. The roof of the structure may be used as a deck with safety rails, but must
not be enclosed or used as a storage area.
vi. The structure or facility must not be used for human habitation and must
not contain water supply or sewage treatment facilities.
vii. Watercraft Storage Facilities. As an alternative for recreational
development water bodies, water oriented accessory structures used solely
for watercraft storage, and including the storage of related boating and
water oriented sporting equipment, may occupy up to four hundred (400)
square feet provided the maximum width of the structure is twenty (20)
feet as measured parallel to the configuration of the shoreline.
b. 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:
i. Stairways and lifts must not exceed four (4) feet in width. Wider stairways
may be used for public open space or recreation properties.
ii. Landings for stairways and lifts must not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet
in area. Landings larger than thirty-two (32) square feet may be used for
public open space or recreation properties.
iii. Canopies or roofs are not allowed on stairways, lifts or landings.
iv. Stairways, lifts and landings may be either constructed above ground on
posts or pilings or placed into the ground, provided that they are designed
and built in a manner that ensures control of soil erosion.
V. Stairways, lifts and landing 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.
6
vi. Facilities such as public and private watercraft access ramps, lifts, access-
related parking areas, or mobility paths for physically handicapped persons
are also allowed for achieving access to shore areas, provided that the
dimensional and performance standards of subsections (i) through (v) above
are satisfied-and provided the vegetative screening and erosion control
requirements are met.
c. Roads, Driveways, and Parking Areas. Public and private roads, driveways, and parking
areas must be designed to take advantage of natural vegetation and topography to
achieve maximum screening from view from public waters. Documentation must be
provided by a qualified individual that all roads and parking areas are designed and
constructed to minimize and control erosion to public waters consistent with the field
office technical guides of the local soil and water conservation district, or other
applicable technical materials.
d. Steep slopes. Local government officials must evaluate possible soil erosion impacts
and development visibility from public waters before issuing a permit for construction
of 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 waters, assuming
summer, leaf-on vegetation.
5. Subdivision Standards. The following standards shall apply to subdivisions in shoreland
areas:
a. Each lot created through subdivision must be suitable in its natural state for the
proposed use with minimal alteration. In determining suitability the City will 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 at large.
b. Subdivisions must conform to all other official controls adopted by the City of Lake
Elmo. Subdivisions will not be approved that are designed so variances from one or
more standards in official controls would be needed to use the lots for their intended
purpose. Lots that would require use of holding tanks must not be approved,
c. On natural environment lakes, subdivisions of duplexes, triplexes, and quads must also
meet the following standards:
i. Each building must be set back at least 200 feet from the ordinary high water
level.
ii. Each building must have common sewage treatment and water systems that
serve all dwelling units in the building.
iii. Watercraft docking facilities for each lot must be centralized in one location
and serve all dwelling units in the building.
iv. No more than 25 percent of a Jake's shoreline can be in a duplex, triplex, or
quad environment.
6. Agricultural Activities. The following standards shall apply to agricultural activities in
shoreland areas:
a. The shore impact for parcels with permitted agricultural uses is equal to a line parallel
to and 50 feet from the OHWL.
7
b. General cultivation farming, grazing, nurseries, horticulture, truck farming, sod
farming, and wild crop harvesting are permitted uses if steep slopes and shore impact
zones are maintained in permanent vegetation or operated under an approved
conservation plan (resource management systems) consistent with the field office
technical guides of the local soil and water conservation district or the USDA Natural
Resources Conservation Service.
c. New animal feedlots are not allowed in shoreland. Modifications or expansions to
existing feedlots or resumption of old feedlots are conditional uses and must meet the
following standards:
i. Feedlots must be designed consistent with Minnesota Rules Chapter 7020;
ii. Feedlots must not further encroach into the existing ordinary high water level
setback or the bluff impact zone and must not expand to a capacity of 1,000
animal units or more; and,
iii. Old feedlots not currently in operation may resume operation consistent with
Minnesota Statute Section 116.0711.
d. The use of pesticides, fertilizers or animal wastes within shoreland areas shall be done
in such a way as to minimize impacts on shore impact zones by proper application or
use of earth or vegetation.
7. Shoreland Alterations. The purpose of this section is to prevent erosion into public waters,
fix nutrients, preserve shoreland aesthetics, preserve historic values, prevent back
slumping and protect fish and wildlife habitat. Shoreland alterations shall be allowed in
accordance with the following standards:
a. No principal or accessory structure or use shall be placed within bluff or shore impact
zones other than agricultural activities as permitted by subsection (C)(6)(b).
b. Shore impact zones shall be maintained in permanent vegetation or operated under an
approved conservation plan consistent with the field office technical guides of the local
soil and water conservation district.
c. Intensive Vegetative Clearing. Intensive vegetation clearing within shore and bluff
impact zones and/or steep slopes is not permitted. Intensive clearing within shoreland
areas outside of bluff or shore impact zones and steep slope areas is subject to
standards set forth in Subp. (C) (8) of this Section.
d. Limited Tree Clearing. Limited clearing of trees and shrubs and the cutting, pruning
and trimming of trees within bluff and shore impact zones or steep slopes to
accommodate picnic areas, trails and water access and to provide a view to the water
from a principal dwelling site shall be permitted provided the screening of structures,
as viewed from the water, is not substantially reduced and that the shading of water
surface is along rivers is preserved. These provisions do not apply to the removal of
tree limbs or branches that are dead or pose a safety hazard.
e. Grading in Shoreland Areas. All grading and filling activities must be in conformance
with the Wetland Conservation Act. Any grading or filling on steep slopes or within
shore or bluff impact zones involving the movement of ten (10) or more cubic yards of
material or involving more than fifty (50) cubic yards of material elsewhere in a
shoreland area shall require the submission of a Grading Permit. Approval shall be
granted only if the following conditions are met:
i. The smallest amount of bare ground is exposed for the shortest time
possible;
ii. Ground cover such as mulch is used for temporary bare soil coverage and
permanent ground cover, such as sod, is established;
iii. Methods to prevent erosion and trap sediment during construction are
employed;
8
iv. Altered areas are stabilized to accepted erosion control standards;
V. Fill is not placed so as to create unstable slopes;
vi. Plans to place fill or excavated material on steep slopes are certified by
qualified professionals as to slope stability and must not create finished
slopes of 30 percent or greater;
vii. Alterations below the OHWL of public waters must first be authorized by
the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources per
Minn. Stats. 5 103G.245 and 103G.405;
viii. Placement of natural rock riprap, 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 riprap is within ten feet of the OHWL and the
height of the riprap above the OHWL does not exceed three feet; and
ix. Alterations of topography shall only be permitted if accessory to a
permitted or conditional use.
X. Fill or excavated material must not be placed in bluff impact zone.
8. Forest management standards. The harvesting of timber and associated reforestation
or conversion of forested use to a nonforested use must be conducted consistent with
the following standards:
a. Timber harvesting and associated reforestation must be conducted consistent with the
Sustaining Minnesota Forest Resources: Voluntary Site-Level Forest Management
Guidelines for Landowners, Loggers and Resource Managers
b. Forest land conversion to another use requires issuance of a conditional use permit and
adherence to the following standards:
i. Shore and bluff impact zones must not be intensively cleared of vegetation.
ii. An erosion and sediment control plan is developed and approved by the
City and local soil and water conservation district and is consistent with the
City's Storm Water and Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance (150.270)
before issuance of a conditional use permit for the conversion.
9. Stormwater Management. Stormwater management shall be in accordance with the
City's Storm Water and Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance (5150.270). In
addition, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Minnesota Stormwater Manual shall
be used as guidance. Within shoreland areas, the following standards also apply:
a. Existing natural drainage ways, wetlands and vegetated soil surfaces must be used to
convey, store, filter and retain storm water in a manner consistent with local
watershed district rules and regulations 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, and erosion potential and reduce and 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 are removed.
c. Use of fertilizers, pesticides or animal wastes within shoreland areas must be done in a
way to minimize impact on the shore impact zone or public water by proper
application.
d. New constructed storm water outfalls to public waters must provide for filtering or
settling of suspended solids and skimming of surface debris before discharge.
10. Private Utilities. The following provisions shall apply in shoreland areas:
a. Private subsurface sewage treatment systems shall meet applicable City and County
requirements and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Chapter 7080 standards.
Publicly owned sewer systems shall be used where available.
9
b. Any private water supply to be used for domestic purposes shall meet quality
standards established by the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency.
i. 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.
11. Planned Unit Developments (PUD)
a. Purpose. To protect and enhance the natural and scenic qualities of shoreland areas
during and after development and redevelopment of high density residential uses.
b. Density. Deviation from the minimum lot size standards of Table 17-3 of this ordinance
is allowed if the standards in this Section are met.
c. Processing of PUDs. Planned unit developments are processed according to the
procedures and standards of Article XVI and Article XVII, whichever is more restrictive.
Approval cannot occur until all applicable environmental reviews are complete.
d. Application for a PUD. The applicant for a PUD must submit the following documents
prior to final action on the application request:
i. A property owners association agreement with mandatory membership, and
consistent with 11 (h) (iv) of this ordinance.
ii. Deed restrictions, covenants, permanent easements or other instruments that:
1. Address future vegetative and topographic alterations, construction of
additional buildings, beaching of watercraft, and construction of
commercial buildings in residential PUDs; and
2. Ensure preservation and maintenance of open space in perpetuity
accordance with the criteria and analysis specified in 11 (h) of this
ordinance.
e. Density Determination. Proposed new or expansions to existing planned unit
developments must be evaluated using the following procedures.
i. Step 1. Identify Density Analysis Tiers. Divide the project parcel into tiers by
drawing one or more lines parallel to the ordinary high water level at the
following intervals, proceeding landward:
Classification Tier Depth
No Sewer (ft) Sewer (ft)
Recreational Development Lakes 267 267
Natural Environment Lakes 400 320
Tributary Rivers 300 300
ii. Step 2. Calculate Suitable Area for Development. Calculate the suitable area
within each tier by excluding all wetlands, bluffs, or land below the ordinary
high water level of public waters.
iii. Step 3. Determine Base Density
10
1. Divide the suitable area within each tier by the minimum single
residential lot area in Table 17-3 (use required minimum riparian lot
areas for the ls' tier unless no lots within the lst tier are riparian) for
lakes to determine the allowable number of dwelling units, or base
density, for each tier. Allowable densities may be transferred from any
tier to any other tier further from the waterbody, but must not be
transferred to any tier closer to the waterbody.
2. All PUDs must meet the design standards in Section 11 (f) of this
ordinance.
iv. Step 4. Determine if the Site can Accommodate Increased Density.
The PUD may provide for an increase in density of up to 20% allowed in the
base zoning district or in Table 17-3, whichever is more restrictive, if:
Structure setbacks from the ordinary high water level:
1. Are increased to at least 50 percent greater than the minimum
setback; or
2. The impact on the waterbody is reduced an equivalent amount through
vegetative management, topography, or additional acceptable means
and the setback is at least 25 percent greater than the minimum
setback.
f. Design Criteria. All PUDs must meet the following design criteria:
i. General Design Standards.
1. Dwelling units must be clustered into one or more groups and located
on suitable areas of the development.
2. Dwelling units must be designed and located to meet the dimensional
standards, other than those for lot area and width, in Table 17-3:
3. Shore recreation facilities:
a. Must be centralized and located in areas suitable for them
based on a suitability analysis (as explained in Subd. (C) (5)
(a) of this Section).
b. The number of spaces provided for continuous beaching,
mooring, or docking of watercraft must not exceed one for
each allowable dwelling unit in the first tier.
c. Launching ramp facilities, including a small dock for loading
and unloading equipment, may be provided for use by
occupants of dwelling units located in other tiers.
4. At least 50 percent of the total project area shall be preserved as open
space and must meet standards outlined in 11 (g) of this ordinance.
5. PUDs shall be connected to public water supply and sewer systems.
When sewer is not available, individual septic systems are not allowed;
community sewage treatment systems are required.
6. Approval from the DNR is required to ensure compliance with
additional regulations.
11
ii. Structures, parking areas, and other facilities must be treated to reduce
visibility as viewed from public waters and adjacent shorelands by vegetation,
topography, increased setbacks, color, or other means acceptable to the local
unit of government, assuming summer, leaf-on conditions. Vegetative and
topographic screening must be preserved, if existing, or may be required to be
provided.
iii. Accessory structures and facilities, except water oriented accessory structures,
must meet the required structure setback and must be centralized.
g. Open Space Requirements.
i. Open space must constitute at least 50 percent of the total project area within the
shoreland and must include:
1. Areas with physical characteristics unsuitable for development in their
natural state and areas containing significant historic sites or unplatted
cemeteries;
2. Portions of the shore impact zone preserved in its natural or existing state
as follows:
i. For existing residential PUD's, at least 50 percent of the shore
impact zone
ii. For new residential PUDs, at least 70 percent of the shore impact
zone.
ii. Open space may include:
1. Outdoor recreational facilities for use by owners of lots in the subdivision and
by the general public; and
2. Stormwater detention facilities, subsurface sewage treatment systems (if the
use of the space is restricted to avoid adverse impacts on the systems), and
other required site improvements not prohibited herein may be applied to this
requirement.
3. Non-public water wetlands
iii. Open space shall not include:
1. Road rights-of-way, or land covered by roads, structures or parking surfaces;
2. Lots, unless owned in common by an owners association;
3. Commercial facilities or uses;
4. Land below the OHWL of public waters.
h. Open Space Maintenance and Administration Requirements.
i. Open space preservation. The appearance of open space areas, including
topography, vegetation, and allowable uses, must be preserved.
ii. Before final approval of a PUD is granted, the developer/owner shall provide for
the preservation and maintenance, in perpetuity, of open space and the
continuation of the development as a community.
iii. The instruments must prohibit:
1. Commercial uses ;
12
2. Vegetation and topographic alterations other than routine maintenance;
3. Construction of additional buildings or storage of vehicles and other materials;
and
4. Uncontrolled beaching of watercraft.
iv. Development organization and functioning. All planned unit developments must use
an owners association with the following features:
1. Membership must be mandatory for each dwelling unit owner and any
successive owner;
2. Each member must pay a pro rata share of the association's expenses, and
unpaid assessments can become liens on units or dwelling sites;
3. Assessments must be adjustable to accommodate changing conditions; and
4. The association must be responsible for insurance, taxes, and maintenance of
all commonly owned property and facilities.
12. Nonconformities.
a. All legally established nonconformities as of the date of this ordinance may continue,
but will be managed according to Minnesota Statutes, Section 462.357 Subd. 1e and
other regulations of this community for alterations and additions; repair after
damage; discontinuance of use; and intensification of use.
b. Alt additions or expansions to the outside dimensions of an existing nonconforming
structure must meet the setback, height, and other requirements of this ordinance.
Any deviation from these requirements must be authorized by a variance.
c. Setback averaging. 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 OHWL, provided the proposed structure is
not located in a shore impact zone or in a bluff impact zone;
d. Setbacks of decks. Deck additions may be allowed without a variance to a structure not
meeting the required setback from the ordinary high water level if all of the following
criteria and standards are met:
i. The structure existed on the date the structure setbacks were established.
ii. 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.
iii. 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.
iv. The deck is constructed primarily of wood, and is not roofed or screened.
13. Surface Water-Oriented Uses. Uses with needs to have access to and use of public waters
may be located on parcels or lots with frontage on public waters must meet the following
standards:
13
a. In addition to meeting impervious coverage limits, setbacks, and other zoning
standards, uses must be designed to incorporate topographic and vegetative screening
of parking areas and structures.
b. 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.
c. 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.
d. Signs may be placed, when necessary, within the shore impact zone if they are
designed and sized to be the minimum necessary to convey needed information.
e. 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.
D. Administration.
1. Variances. Variances may only be granted in accordance with Minnesota Statutes,
Section 462.357 and are subject to the following:
a. A variance may not circumvent the general purposes and intent of this ordinance;
and
b. For properties with existing sewage treatment systems, a certificate of compliance,
consistent with Minnesota Rules Chapter 7082.0700 Subp. 3, is required for variance
approval. A sewage treatment system shall be considered compliant if the only
deficiency is the system's improper setback from the ordinary high water level.
2. Conditional Uses. All conditional uses in the shoreland area are subject to a thorough
evaluation of the waterbody and the topographic, vegetation, and soil conditions 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 form public waters is
limited;
c. There is adequate 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 suitability of public waters to safely accommodate
these watercraft.
3. Mitigation.
a. In evaluating all variances, conditional uses, zoning and building permit applications,
the zoning authority shall require the property owner to address, when related to and
proportional to the impact, the following conditions to meet the purpose of this
ordinance, to protect adjacent properties, and the public interest:
i. Advanced storm water runoff management treatment;
ii. Reducing impervious surfaces;
14
iii. Increasing setbacks from the ordinary high water level;
iv. Restoration of wetlands;
v. Limiting vegetation removal and/or riparian vegetation restoration;
vi. Provisions for the location, design, and use of structures, sewage treatment
systems, water supply systems, watercraft launching and docking areas, and
parking areas; and
vii. Other conservation-designed conditions the zoning authority deems necessary.
b. In evaluating plans to construct sewage treatment systems, roads, driveways,
structures, or other improvements on steep slopes, conditions to prevent erosion and
to preserve existing vegetation screening of structures, vehicles, and other facilities as
viewed from the surface of public waters assuming summer, leaf-on vegetation shall be
attached to permits.
4. Notifications to the Department of Natural Resources
a. All notices of public hearings to consider variances, ordinance amendments, or
conditional uses under shoreland management controls must be sent to the
commissioner or the commissioner's designated representative at least ten days before
the hearings. Notices of hearings to consider proposed subdivisions/plats must include
copies of the subdivision/plat.
b. All approved ordinance amendments and subdivisions/plats, and final decisions
approving 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. When a variance is approved after the
Department of Natural Resources has formally recommended denial in the hearing
record, the notification of the approved variance shall also include the summary of the
public record/testimony and the findings of facts and conclusions which supported the
issuance of the variance.
c. Any request to change the shoreland management classification of public waters
must be sent to the commissioner or the commissioner's designated representative for
approval, and must include a resolution and supporting data as required by Minnesota
Rules, part 6120.3000, subp.4.
d. Any request to reduce the boundaries of shorelands of public waters must be sent to
the commissioner or the commissioner's designated representative for approval. The
boundaries of shorelands may be reduced when the shoreland of water bodies with
different classifications overlap. In these cases, the topographic divide between the
water bodies shall be used for adjusting the boundaries.
5. Subsurface Sewage Treatment System Certificate of Compliance. A certificate of
compliance, consistent with Minnesota Rules Chapter 7082.0700 Subp. 3, is required
whenever a permit or variance of any type is required for any improvement on or use
of the property. A sewage treatment system shall be considered compliant if the only
deficienct is the system's improper setback from the ordinary high water level.
SECTION 2. Effective Date. This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon
adoption and publication in the official newspaper of the City of Lake Elmo.
SECTION 43 Adoption Date. This Ordinance 08- (Wowas adopted on this 1�" day of NW61
2017, by a vote of 41 Ayes and (_�, Nays.
15
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL
Mike Pearson, Mayor
ATTEST:
Juli�Johnson, ' Clerk
This Ordinance 08- a(o was published on the-L-��-"day of Mcrc h , 2017.
16