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<br />February 4, 2021 <br />Emily Weber, Community Development Assistant <br />City of Hugo <br />14669 Fitzgerald Avenue North <br />Hugo, MN 55038 <br /> <br />Re: DNR Approval of the Preliminary Plat and PUD for The Meadows at Hugo <br /> <br />Dear Ms. Weber, <br />Thank you for submitting to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) the Preliminary Plat and PUD for The <br />Meadows at Hugo. The plans, received January 19, 2021, were submitted to DNR prior to final approval by the <br />City as required by Minn. Rules 6120.3800, Subpart 1. <br />Minnesota’s shoreland management rules provide a comprehensive set of standards to preserve and enhance <br />the quality of surface waters, conserve the economic and natural environmental values of shorelands, and <br />provide for the wise use of water and related land resources. We greatly appreciate the early engagement <br />efforts by the developer and the City to work with DNR staff to apply the state’s shoreland standards for PUD <br />density and open space. As described in the attached email sent January 31, 2017 and in subsequent <br />communications, Hugo’s existing shoreland management ordinance does not include PUD standards compliant <br />with state law. Until the City amends its ordinance, DNR must approve all shoreland PUDs before final Council <br />approval to ensure compliance with the state’s shoreland PUD standards in Minn. Rules 6120.3800. <br />We reviewed the Preliminary Plat and PUD and determined it is compliant with the state’s rules for <br />residential PUDs in shoreland. <br />• The PUD preserves over 50% of the area within the shoreland district as permanent open space. The <br />actual percentage preserved is 58%. <br />• The PUD sets aside 70% of the shore impact zone for preservation in a natural state, including new on- <br />site wetland area for Wetland Conservation Act required mitigation. <br />• The developer properly conducted a density evaluation to determine the allowable number of dwelling <br />units in the shoreland district. By meeting the required design standards, the plan qualifies for a bonus <br />density increase in the allowable number of dwelling units (up to 27) in shoreland. The plan proposes a <br />total of 25 dwelling units in the shoreland district. <br />Prior to final approval by the City, please ensure that deed restrictions, covenants, permanent easements, public <br />dedication and acceptance, or other equally effective and permanent means are in place to ensure long-term <br />preservation and maintenance of the open space as required by Minn. Rules 6120.3800, Subpart 5(C).