DNR releases preliminary draft of updated shoreland rules

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has released a preliminary draft of the updated shoreland rules. This is the next step of a project, which started in January 2008.
 

The draft is available online.

“We’ve had an open and engaging process, with lots of public input and oversight,” said Kent Lokkesmoe, director of the DNR Division of Waters. “The preliminary draft reflects key resource values, and is adaptable to a variety of local issues and needs, based on development trends.”
 

The proposed standards include, but are not limited to: better water quality standards achieved by improved rainwater runoff management; increased drainfield setbacks, and higher shoreline buffer standards for new development; greater protections for vulnerable areas (e.g. sensitive lakeshore, trout streams, bluffs); and improved standards for planned unit developments.
 

Other updated standards include specific resort standards allowing for expansion and improvements while addressing water quality and habitat concerns; higher standards for new development and new lots (e.g. impervious surface, open space, shoreline buffers); advanced subdivision controls, including promotion of conservation subdivisions and other creative developments over conventional (lot and block) subdivisions; and revisions that allow for more options for local government implementation.
 

The preliminary draft also shows how general elements of the wild and scenic rules may be incorporated into the shoreland standards.