Source: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/6120/version/2015-09-30T10:18:02-05:00/full
Timestamp: 2019-05-22 17:46:41
Document Index: 715415815

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 6120', 'arts 6120', 'art 4', 'art 5', 'art 4', 'art 6120', 'art 2', 'arts 6120', 'art 6120', 'art 6120', 'art 6120', 'art 6', 'art 5', 'art 6', 'art 6120', 'art 5', 'art 6120', 'art 3', 'art 6120', 'art 3', 'art 6120', 'art 3', 'art 6120', 'art 4', 'art 6120', 'art 4', 'art 6120', 'art 5', 'arts 6120', 'art 5', 'art 6120', 'art 5', 'art 6120', 'art 5', 'art 3', 'art 6120', 'art 4', 'art 7', 'art 6120', 'art 4']

6120.0100 [Repealed, 13 SR 3029]
6120.0200 [Repealed, 13 SR 3029]
6120.0300 [Repealed, 13 SR 3029]
6120.0400 [Repealed, 13 SR 3029]
6120.0500 [Repealed, 13 SR 3029]
6120.0600 [Repealed, 13 SR 3029]
6120.0700 [Repealed, 13 SR 3029]
6120.0800 [Repealed, 13 SR 3029]
6120.0900 [Repealed, 13 SR 3029]
6120.1000 [Repealed, 13 SR 3029]
6120.1100 [Repealed, 13 SR 3029]
6120.1200 [Repealed, 13 SR 3029]
6120.1300 [Repealed, 13 SR 3029]
6120.1400 [Repealed, 13 SR 3029]
6120.1500 [Repealed, 13 SR 3029]
6120.1600 [Repealed, 13 SR 3029]
6120.1700 [Repealed, 13 SR 3029]
6120.1800 [Repealed, 13 SR 3029]
6120.1900 [Repealed, 13 SR 3029]
6120.2000 [Repealed, 13 SR 3029]
6120.2100 [Repealed, 13 SR 3029]
6120.2600 POLICY.
6120.2700 [Repealed, 13 SR 3029]
6120.2900 [Repealed, 13 SR 3029]
6120.3100 LAND USE DISTRICTS.
6120.3200 CRITERIA FOR LAND USE ZONING DISTRICT DESIGNATION.
6120.3600 [Repealed, 13 SR 3029]
6120.3700 [Repealed, 13 SR 3029]
6120.3800 PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT.
6120.5100 POLICY.
6120.5200 SCOPE.
6120.5300 SEVERABILITY.
6120.5400 LOCAL DUTIES.
6120.5500 COMMISSIONER'S DUTIES.
6120.5900 SUPPLEMENTAL STANDARDS AND CRITERIA FOR FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT.
6120.6000 REGULATION OF PUBLIC USES.
6120.6100 VARIANCE FROM STANDARDS.
6120.6200 GENERAL ADMINISTRATION OF FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT ORDINANCES.
6120.0100
6120.0200
6120.0300
6120.0400
6120.0500
6120.0600
6120.0700
6120.0800
6120.0900
6120.1000
6120.1200
6120.1300
6120.1400
6120.1500
6120.1600
6120.1700
6120.1800
6120.1900
6120.2000
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, section 84.083, and chapters 103A, 103B, 103E to 103G, 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.
6120.2700
6120.2900
The development of shorelands of public waters must be controlled by means of land use zoning districts which are designated to be compatible with the classes of public waters in part 6120.3000. Land use zoning districts may be established to provide for:
the management of areas unsuitable for development due to wet soils, steep slopes, flooding, inadequate drainage, severe erosion potential, presence of significant historic sites, or any other feature likely to be harmful to the health, safety, or welfare of the residents of the community;
the reservation of areas suitable for residential development from encroachment by commercial and industrial uses;
the centralization of service facilities for residential areas and enhancement of economic growth for those areas suitable for limited commercial development;
the management of areas for commercial or industrial uses which, by their nature, require location in shoreland areas;
the protection of valuable agricultural lands from conversion to other uses; and
the preservation and enhancement of the quality of water-based recreational use of public waters including provisions for public accesses.
The land use zoning districts established by local governments must be based on considerations of:
preservation of natural areas;
present ownership and development of shoreland areas;
shoreland soil types and their engineering capabilities;
topographic characteristics;
in-water physical characteristics, values, and constraints;
recreational use of the surface water;
socioeconomic development needs and plans as they involve water and related land resources;
the land requirements of industry which, by its nature, requires location in shoreland areas; and
the necessity to preserve and restore certain areas having significant historical or ecological value.
Designation of zoning districts.
Local governments with adopted land use zoning districts in effect on the date of adoption of parts 6120.2500 to 6120.3900 may continue to use the districts until revisions are proposed. When amendments to zoning districts on lakes are considered, local governments, at least for all the shoreland within the community of the public water involved and preferably for all shoreland areas within the community, must revise existing zoning district and use provisions to make them substantially compatible with the framework in subpart 4. On a river, zoning districts and use provisions for all shoreland on both sides within the same class in the community must be revised to make them substantially compatible with the framework in subpart 5. If the same river class is contiguous for more than a five-mile segment, only the shoreland for a distance of 2.5 miles up and down stream or to the class boundary, if closer, need be evaluated. When an interpretation question arises about whether a specific land use fits within a category in subpart 4 or 5, the question must be resolved through procedures in local government official controls and state statutes.
Land use district descriptions.
Land use district descriptions are as follows:
A special protection district is intended to be used for two basic purposes. The first purpose is to limit and properly manage development in areas that are generally unsuitable for development or uses due to flooding, erosion, limiting soil conditions, steep slopes, or other major physical constraints. A second purpose is to manage and preserve areas with special historical, natural, or biological characteristics.
A residential district is primarily intended to allow low to medium density seasonal and year-round residential uses on lands suitable for such uses. It is also intended to prevent establishment of various commercial, industrial, and other uses in these areas that cause conflicts or problems for residential uses. Some nonresidential uses with minimal impacts on residential uses are allowed if properly managed under conditional use procedures.
A high density residential district is intended for use on lands with heterogeneous mixes of soils, vegetation, and topography that are not well suited to residential development using standard, lot-block subdivisions. This approach enables such areas to be developed, often even with higher than lot-block densities, while also avoiding and preserving unsuitable terrain and soils. Other compatible uses such as residential planned unit development, surface water-oriented commercial, multiple unit single-family, parks, historic sites, and semipublic, are also allowed, primarily as conditional uses.
A water-oriented commercial district is intended to be used only to provide for existing or future commercial uses adjacent to water resources that are functionally dependent on such close proximity.
A general use district is intended to be used only for lands already developed or suitable for development with concentrated urban, particularly commercial, land uses. It should not generally be used on natural environment lakes or remote river classes. Several other intensive urban uses such as industrial and commercial planned unit development are allowed in this district if handled as conditional uses.
Shoreland classifications and uses; lakes.
For the lake classes, districts, and uses in this subpart, P = permitted uses, C = conditional uses, and N = prohibited uses.
Lake classes in special protection districts.
Uses General development Recreational development Natural environment
Forest management P P P
Sensitive resource management P P P
Agricultural: cropland and pasture P P P
Agricultural feedlots C C C
Parks and historic sites C C C
Extractive use C C C
Single residential C C C
Mining of metallic minerals and peat P P P
Lake classes in residential districts.
Single residential P P P
Semipublic C C C
Duplex, triplex, quad residential P P C
Lake classes in high density residential districts.
Residential planned unit developments C C C
*Surface water oriented commercial C C C
Duplex, triplex, quad residential P P P
Lake classes in water-oriented commercial districts.
Surface water-oriented commercial P P C
**Commercial planned unit development C C C
Public, semipublic C C C
Lake classes in general use districts.
Commercial P P C
Industrial C C N
Public, semipublic P P C
*As accessory to a residential planned unit development
** Limited expansion of a commercial planned unit development involving up to six additional dwelling units or sites may be allowed as a permitted use provided the provisions of part 6120.3800, subpart 2, are satisfied
Shoreland classifications and uses; rivers.
For the river classes, districts, and uses in this subpart, P = permitted uses, C = conditional uses, and N = prohibited uses.
River classes in special protection districts.
Uses Re-
mote For-
ested Trans-
ition Agri-
cultural Urban Tribu-
Forest management P P P P P P
Sensitive resource management P P P P P P
Agricultural: cropland and pasture P P P P P P
Agricultural feedlots C C C C C C
Parks and historic sites C C C C C C
Extractive use C C C C C C
Single residential C C C C C C
Mining of metallic minerals and peat P P P P P P
River classes in residential districts.
Single residential P P P P P P
Semipublic C C C C C P
Parks and historic sites C C C C C P
Duplex, triplex, quad residential C C C C P C
River classes in high density residential districts.
Residential planned unit developments C C C C C C
*Surface water oriented commercial C C C C C C
Semipublic C C C C C C
Duplex, triplex, quad residential P P P P P P
River classes in water-oriented commercial districts.
Surface water-oriented commercial C C C C C C
**Commercial planned unit development C C C C C C
Public, semipublic C C C P P P
River classes in general use districts.
Commercial C C C C P C
Industrial N C N N C C
Public, semipublic C C C C P C
6120.3600
6120.3700
Scope of planned unit development provisions.
Local governments must consider incorporating, with approval of the commissioner, provisions into shoreland management controls to allow planned unit developments. The provisions may allow planned unit developments for new projects on undeveloped land, redevelopment of previously built sites, or conversions of existing buildings and land. The provisions must be consistent with standards in this part. During the period between adoption of parts 6120.2500 to 6120.3900 and adoption of local government official controls meeting the planned unit development standards in part 6120.3800, preliminary plans for each planned unit development must be reviewed for consistency with part 6120.3800 and approved by the commissioner before final local government approval.
Land use district designation.
If local governments allow planned unit developments, the land use districts in which they are an allowable conditional use must be identified in their official controls and on a zoning map. Designation of the districts must be based on consideration of the criteria in part 6120.3200 and the following criteria:
existing recreational use of the surface waters and likely increases in use associated with planned unit developments;
physical and aesthetic impacts of increased density;
suitability of lands for the planned unit development approach;
level of current development in the area; and
amounts and types of ownership of undeveloped lands.
Expansions to existing commercial planned unit developments involving up to six dwelling units or sites, unless the density determined under subpart 6, item A is exceeded, may be allowed as permitted uses under standards developed by local units of government. The date of effect of official controls adopted by each local government under this part must be the base date for determination of expansions. Expansions exceeding these limits must be processed as conditional uses and meet the standards in this part.
Provisions for submission of adequate information by project proponents must be included in official controls. The provisions must include at least the following:
a site plan for the project showing property boundaries, surface water features, existing and proposed structures, sewage treatment systems, topographic contours at ten-foot intervals or less, and other facilities; and
documents that explain how the project is designed and will function. These ordinarily include covenants that require membership in a property owners association, various easements, a concept statement describing the project, floor plans for structures, and various other drawings or plans.
Dwelling unit or site density evaluation.
Proposed new or expansions to existing planned unit developments must be evaluated using the following procedures and standards:
The project parcel must be divided into tiers by locating one or more lines approximately parallel to a line that identifies the ordinary high water level at the following intervals, proceeding landward:
Shoreland Tier Dimensions
Unsewered (feet) Sewered (feet)
General development lakes - first tier 200 200
General development lakes - second and additional tiers 267 200
Recreational development lakes 267 267
Natural environment lakes 400 320
All river classes 300 300
The area within each tier is next calculated, excluding all wetlands, bluffs, or land below the ordinary high water level of public waters. This area is then subjected to either the residential (subpart 5) or commercial (subpart 6) planned unit development density evaluation steps to arrive at an allowable number of dwelling units or sites.
Residential planned unit development density evaluation steps and design criteria.
The density evaluation steps and design criteria for residential planned unit developments are contained in items A to D.
The area within each tier is divided by the single residential lot size standard for lakes or, for rivers, the single residential lot width standard times the tier depth unless the local unit of government has specified an alternative minimum lot size for rivers which shall then be used to yield a base density of dwelling units or sites for each tier. Proposed locations and numbers of dwelling units or sites for the residential planned unit development are then compared with these data and map of the evaluation. Local governments may allow some dwelling unit or site density increases for residential planned unit developments above the densities determined in the evaluation if all dimensional standards in part 6120.3300 are met or exceeded. Maximum density increases may only be allowed if all design criteria in subpart 5, item B, are also met or exceeded. Increases in dwelling unit or site densities must not exceed the maximums in the following table. Allowable densities may be transferred from any tier to any other tier further from the shoreland water body or watercourse, but must not be transferred to any other tier closer.
Maximum Allowable Dwelling Unit Or Site Density Increases
For Residential Planned Unit Developments
Density evaluation tiers Maximum density increase within each tier (percent)
Fifth 200
All residential planned unit developments must contain at least five dwelling units or sites.
Residential planned unit developments must contain open space meeting all of the following criteria:
At least 50 percent of the total project area must be preserved as open space.
Dwelling units or sites, road rights-of-way, or land covered by road surfaces, parking areas, or structures, except water-oriented accessory structures or facilities, are developed areas and should not be included in the computation of minimum open space.
Open space must include areas with physical characteristics unsuitable for development in their natural state, and areas containing significant historic sites or unplatted cemeteries.
Open space may include outdoor recreational facilities for use by owners of the dwelling units or sites, or the public.
The shore impact zone, based on normal structure setbacks, must be included as open space. At least 50 percent of the shore impact zone area of existing developments or at least 70 percent of the shore impact zone area of new developments must be preserved in their natural or existing state.
Open space must not include commercial facilities or uses, but may contain water-oriented accessory structures or facilities.
The appearance of open space areas, including topography, vegetation, and allowable uses, must be preserved by use of restrictive deed covenants, permanent easements, public dedication and acceptance, or other equally effective and permanent means.
Open space may include subsurface sewage treatment systems if the use of the space is restricted to avoid adverse impacts on the systems.
Centralization and design of facilities and structures must be done according to the following standards:
Residential planned unit developments must be connected to publicly owned water supply and sewer systems, if available. On-site water supply and sewage treatment systems must be centralized and designed and installed to meet or exceed applicable standards or rules of the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. On-site sewage treatment systems must be located on the most suitable areas of the development, and sufficient lawn area free of limiting factors must be provided for a replacement soil treatment system for each sewage system.
Dwelling units or sites must be clustered into one or more groups and located on suitable areas of the development. They must be designed and located to meet or exceed the following dimensional standards for the relevant shoreland classification: setback from the ordinary high water level, elevation above the surface water features, and maximum height. Setbacks from the ordinary high water level must be increased for developments with density increases. Maximum density increases may only be allowed if structure setbacks from the ordinary high water level are increased to at least 50 percent greater than the minimum setback, or the impact on the waterbody is reduced an equivalent amount through vegetative management, topography, or additional means acceptable to the local unit of government and the setback is at least 25 percent greater than the minimum setback.
Shore recreation facilities, including but not limited to swimming areas, docks, and watercraft mooring areas and launching ramps must be centralized and located in areas suitable for them. Evaluation of suitability must include consideration of land slope, water depth, vegetation, soils, depth to groundwater and bedrock, or other relevant factors. The number of spaces provided for continuous beaching, mooring, or docking of watercraft must not exceed one for each allowable dwelling unit or site in the first tier. Launching ramp facilities, including a small dock for loading and unloading equipment, may be provided for use by occupants of dwelling units or sites located in other tiers.
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.
Water-oriented accessory structures and facilities may be allowed if they meet or exceed design standards contained in part 6120.3300, subpart 3, item H, and are centralized.
Accessory structures and facilities may be allowed if they meet or exceed standards in part 6120.3300, subpart 3, item H, and are centralized.
Erosion control and storm water management for residential planned unit developments must:
Be designed, and their construction managed, to minimize the likelihood of serious erosion occurring either during or after construction. This must be accomplished by limiting the amount and length of time of bare ground exposure. Temporary ground covers, sediment entrapment facilities, vegetated buffer strips, or other appropriate techniques must be used to minimize erosion impacts on surface water features. Erosion control plans approved by a soil and water conservation district may be required if project size and site physical characteristics warrant.
Be designed and constructed to effectively manage reasonably expected quantities and qualities of storm water runoff.
Administration and maintenance requirements. Before final approval of all residential planned unit developments, local governments must ensure adequate provisions have been developed for preservation and maintenance in perpetuity of open spaces and for the continued existence and functioning of the development as a community.
Open space preservation. Deed restrictions, covenants, permanent easements, public dedication and acceptance, or other equally effective and permanent means must be provided to ensure long-term preservation and maintenance of open space. The instruments must include all of the following protections:
commercial uses prohibited;
vegetation and topographic alterations other than routine maintenance prohibited;
construction of additional buildings or storage of vehicles and other materials prohibited; and
uncontrolled beaching prohibited.
Development organization and functioning. Unless an equally effective alternative community framework is established, when applicable, all residential planned unit developments must use an owners association with the following features:
Membership must be mandatory for each dwelling unit or site purchaser and any successive purchasers.
Each member must pay a pro rata share of the association's expenses, and unpaid assessments can become liens on units or sites.
Assessments must be adjustable to accommodate changing conditions.
The association must be responsible for insurance, taxes, and maintenance of all commonly owned property and facilities.
Conversions. Local governments may allow existing resorts or other land uses and facilities to be converted to residential planned unit developments if all of the following standards are met:
Proposed conversions must be initially evaluated using the same procedures and standards presented in this part for developments involving all new construction. Inconsistencies between existing features of the development and these standards must be identified.
Deficiencies involving water supply and sewage treatment, structure color, impervious coverage, open space, and shore recreation facilities must be corrected as part of the conversion or as specified in the conditional use permit.
Shore and bluff impact zone deficiencies must be evaluated and reasonable improvements made as part of the conversion. These improvements must include, where applicable, the following:
removal of extraneous buildings, docks, or other facilities that no longer need to be located in shore or bluff impact zones;
remedial measures to correct erosion sites and improve vegetative cover and screening of buildings and other facilities as viewed from the water; and
if existing dwelling units are located in shore or bluff impact zones, conditions are attached to approvals of conversions that preclude exterior expansions in any dimension or substantial alterations. The conditions must also provide for future relocation of dwelling units, where feasible, to other locations, meeting all setback and elevation requirements when they are rebuilt or replaced.
Existing dwelling unit or dwelling site densities that exceed standards in this part may be allowed to continue but must not be allowed to be increased, either at the time of conversion or in the future. Efforts must be made during the conversion to limit impacts of high densities by requiring seasonal use, improving vegetative screening, centralizing shore recreation facilities, installing new sewage treatment systems, or other means.
Commercial planned unit development density evaluation steps and design criteria.
The density evaluation steps and design criteria for commercial planned unit developments are contained in items A and B:
Density evaluation steps:
Determine the average inside living area size of dwelling units or sites within each tier, including both existing and proposed units and sites. Computation of inside living area sizes need not include decks, patios, stoops, steps, garages, or porches and basements, unless they are habitable space.
Select the appropriate floor area ratio from the following table:
Floor Area Ratios*
Public waters classes
Average unit floor area (sq. ft.) Sewered general development lakes; first tier on unsewered general development lakes; urban, agricultural, tributary river segments Second and additional tiers on unsewered general development lakes; recreational development lakes; transition and forested river segments Natural environment lakes; remote river segments
200 .040 .020 .010
300 .048 .024 .012
400 .056 .028 .014
500 .065 .032 .016
600 .072 .038 .019
700 .082 .042 .021
800 .091 .046 .023
900 .099 .050 .025
1,000 .108 .054 .027
1,100 .116 .058 .029
1,200 .125 .064 .032
1,300 .133 .068 .034
1,400 .142 .072 .036
1,500 .150 .075 .038
*For average unit floor areas less than shown, use the floor area ratios listed for 200 square feet. For areas greater than shown, use the ratios listed for 1,500 square feet. For recreational camping areas, use the ratios listed at 400 square feet. Manufactured home sites in recreational camping areas shall use a ratio equal to the size of the manufactured home, or if unknown, the ratio listed for 1,000 square feet.
Multiply the useable area within each tier by the floor area ratio to yield total floor area for each tier allowed to be used for dwelling units or sites.
Divide the area computed in subitem (3) by the average determined in subitem (1). This yields a base number of dwelling units and sites for each tier.
Determine whether the project is eligible for any additional density increases. To be eligible, projects must meet all of the design standards in item B, and exceed one or more of them. The local unit of government may decide how much, if any, increase in density to allow for each tier, but must not exceed the maximum allowable density increases listed in the following table:
Maximum Allowable Dwelling Unit Or Site
Density Increases For Commercial
Tier Maximum density increase within each tier (percent)
Allowable densities may be transferred from any tier to any other tier further from the shoreland lake or river, but must not be transferred to any other tier closer.
Open space. Commercial planned unit developments must contain open space meeting all of the following criteria:
Dwelling units or sites, road rights-of-way, or land covered by road surfaces, or parking areas, except water-oriented accessory structures or facilities, are developed areas and should not be included in the computation of open space.
All shore impact zones within commercial planned unit developments must be included as open space, and at least 50 percent of these areas must be preserved in their natural or existing state.
Open space may include outdoor recreation facilities for use by guests staying in dwelling units or sites, or the public.
Open space may include subsurface sewage treatment systems if use of the space is restricted to avoid adverse impacts on the systems.
Design of structures and facilities must be done according to the following standards:
Commercial planned unit developments must be connected to publicly owned water supply and sewer systems, if available. On-site water supply and sewage treatment systems must be designed and installed to meet or exceed applicable rules of the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. On-site sewage treatment systems must be located on the most suitable areas of the development, and sufficient lawn area free of limiting factors must be provided for a replacement soil treatment system for each sewage system.
Dwelling units or sites must be located on suitable areas of the development. They must be designed and located to meet or exceed the following dimensional standards for the relevant shoreland classification: setback from the ordinary high water level, elevation above surface water features, and maximum height. Maximum density increases may only be allowed if structure setbacks from the ordinary high water level are increased to at least 50 percent greater than the minimum setback, or the impact on the waterbody is reduced an equivalent amount through vegetative management, topography, or other means acceptable to the local unit of government and the setback is at least 25 percent greater than the minimum setback.
Structures, parking areas, and other facilities must be designed and located in a manner that minimizes their visibility from surface water features, assuming summer, leaf-on conditions. The structure, dwelling unit, accessory structure, or parking area 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.
Water-oriented accessory structures and facilities may be located within shore impact zones if they meet or exceed design standards contained in part 6120.3300, subpart 3, item H.
Shore recreation facilities, including but not limited to swimming areas, docks, and watercraft mooring areas and launching ramps, must be centralized and located in areas suitable for them. Evaluation of suitability must include consideration of land slope, water depth, vegetation, soils, depth to groundwater and bedrock, or other relevant factors. The number of watercraft allowed to be continuously beached, moored, or docked must not exceed one for each allowable dwelling unit or site in the first tier, notwithstanding existing mooring sites in an existing harbor. Launching ramp facilities, including a small dock for loading and unloading equipment, may be provided for use by occupants of dwelling units or sites located in other tiers.
Erosion control and storm water management for commercial planned unit developments must:
Be designed and constructed to effectively manage reasonably expected quantities and qualities of storm water runoff. Impervious surface coverage within any tier must not exceed 25 percent of the tier area, except 35 percent impervious surface coverage may be allowed in the first tier of general development lakes with an approved storm water management plan and consistency with part 6120.3300, subpart 4.
The following standards and criteria establishing minimum floodplain management standards are promulgated in accordance with the authority granted in Minnesota Statutes 1969, section 104.05, and apply to land adjacent to all watercourses of the state except as herein provided.
These standards and criteria for the management of flood-prone areas and private and governmental uses located therein pertain to all watercourses, both intrastate and interstate, where the drainage area of the watercourse is over two square miles and where the commissioner finds a watercourse having a drainage area under two square miles has significant flood hazard.
The provisions of these rules shall be severable and the invalidity of any lettered paragraph, subparagraph, or subdivision thereof shall not invalidate any other lettered paragraph or subparagraph, subdivision, or any other part.
In accordance with Minnesota Statutes 1969, chapter 104, local governmental units shall:
submit to the commissioner for review a list of available flood data, floodplain maps, and degree of flood damage potential for each watercourse having flood hazards;
adopt or amend a floodplain management ordinance which meets these minimum standards and criteria for floodplain management, upon the determination of the commissioner that sufficient technical information is available for the delineation of floodplains and floodways on a watercourse;
submit proposed floodplain management ordinances to the commissioner for review and approval before adoption;
administer and enforce floodplain management ordinances upon adoption; and
submit to the commissioner for approval any amendments to floodplain management ordinances before adoption.
Establish statewide standards for management of floodplain areas which apply to private and governmental uses located therein.
Determine the availability of sufficient technical information for the delineation of floodplains and floodways on a watercourse.
Upon request, assist the local governmental unit in the drafting of a floodplain management ordinance which meets the provisions of Minnesota Statutes 1969, chapter 104 and the minimum standards set forth herein. This assistance may include, but not be limited to, creation of specific guidelines to be used locally in the formulation of reasonable regulations and other floodplain management practices based on sound technical data and consistent with state standards and community land use needs.
Review and approve floodplain management ordinances prior to adoption by the local governmental unit.
Where sufficient information is not available, cooperate to the fullest practical extent with appropriate federal agencies and local governmental units in securing adequate technical information which can be used for the delineation of floodplains and floodways along the state's watercourses.
Periodically review and upgrade floodplain management criteria based on new hydrologic, hydraulic, and other technical methodologies.
Disseminate to local governmental units, whenever available, technical information including information of federal programs involving floodplain areas, educational materials, and other material useful in carrying out a floodplain management program.
Survey the enforcement of floodplain management ordinances.
Coordinate federal, state, and local floodplain management activities in the state.
Supplemental measures for floodplain management should be included in local governmental comprehensive floodplain management programs and adopted or provided in addition to local zoning ordinances when sufficient technical data and resources are available for their effectuation. All local governmental units shall provide for control of the development and use of floodplains in flood hazard areas by adopting the following specific regulations and measures where practical to supplement and complement floodplain zoning ordinances and provide comprehensive floodplain management.
Local government floodplain subdivision regulations shall regulate floodplain land subdivision in order to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare; promote wise use of floodplain lands; assure that floodplain lands are suitable for building sites and public improvements; provide for adequate drainage of the subdivided area; provide for ingress and egress to all lands involved; promote proper surveying, legal description, and monumenting of subdivided land; and establish procedures for vacating, correcting, and revising plats. The subdivision regulations shall establish standards for protection of roads, sewers, water supply, and other facilities from floods. In addition the regulations shall provide that:
the floodplain, floodway, and flood fringe areas as determined by standards set forth in part 6120.5600, subpart 4, be clearly labeled on the plat;
subdivision of lands within floodplain areas may not be approved if the cost of providing governmental services would impose an unreasonable economic burden on the local government unit; and
restrictive deed covenants shall be filed with the final plat and shall provide that the floodplain area be left essentially in the state shown on the plat, establish finished elevations of buildings, structures, and private streets and roads, and require that additions or modifications to these facilities will not violate any provisions of the floodplain zoning ordinances or supplemental regulations.
Building codes shall provide for the control of the design, construction, addition, and modification of buildings or structures placed in floodplain areas under authorized floodplain management ordinances. Floodplain building codes shall provide for necessary construction measures to protect health, safety, and welfare and to reduce the damaging effects and hazards of floods subject to the following standards:
The degree of flood protection required for building construction by building codes shall be based on the flood protection elevation described in part 6120.5700, subpart 5, and on flood velocities and duration of the regional flood for the particular area.
Whenever feasible and compatible with floodplain zoning ordinances and other regulations, all new buildings or structures located, constructed, or reconstructed in the floodplain shall conform to the following provisions:
The first floors or basement floors of the buildings or structures shall be at or above the flood protection elevation in accordance with parts 6120.5700, subpart 5 and 6120.5800.
Those portions of buildings, structures, and appurtenances located below the flood protection elevation shall be adequately floodproofed as provided in item D.
Alterations or additions to existing buildings or structures may be permitted if such will:
decrease the flood damage potential of the building or structure;
not increase the degree of obstruction to flood flows;
provide for adequate protection of the building or structure to the flood protection elevations where applicable, in accordance with the provisions of part 6120.5700, subpart 5; and
not endanger human life.
Where floodproofing is incorporated into new buildings or structures, and into alterations or additions to existing nonconforming structures, floodproofing measures shall be provided to the flood protection elevations described in part 6120.5700, subpart 5, and designed to withstand flood velocities, depths, durations, forces, and any other factors associated with the regional flood. A plan or document certified by a registered professional engineer or architect that the floodproofing measures are adequately designed to withstand regional flood conditions shall be submitted to the local government unit for approval before authorization is granted for the proposed work. Where this is not practical because of the particular circumstances, the commissioner may authorize other methods to determine the adequacy of floodproofing measures. Authorized floodproofing measures may include such provisions as anchorage of structures to prevent flotation, installation of watertight barriers over openings, reinforcement of walls to resist water pressures, use of materials to reduce wall seepage, construction or modification of water supply and waste disposal systems to prevent entry of flood waters, placement of essential utilities above the flood protection elevation, and installation of pumping facilities for internal and subsurface drainage.
In addition to all applicable state rules, regulations, requirements and laws, and local laws, local sanitary regulations shall:
Require the floodproofing of proposed water supply systems in floodplain areas to prevent entry of flood waters by means of floodproofing techniques consistent with subpart 3, item D.
Control the location, construction, or modification of private and public liquid or solid waste treatment and disposal facilities in floodplain areas so that:
No new construction, addition, or modification to existing sewage, industrial waste, or other waste disposal systems shall be permitted within the floodplain unless emergency plans and procedures for action to be taken in the event of flooding are prepared, filed with, and approved by the state water pollution control agency.
Emergency plans and procedures established consistent with item B, subitem (1) must provide for measures to prevent introduction of any pollutant or toxic material into the flood waters.
Public or municipal collection and treatment facilities are used where available and where feasible.
There shall be no disposal of garbage or solid waste materials within any floodplain areas, except at those disposal sites approved by the state water pollution control agency provided there will be no further encroachment on the floodway.
Warning signs and public information regulations.
Local governmental regulations shall provide for adequate floodplain warning and public informational services as follows:
In urban areas the limits of the areas which have been or would be inundated by the regional flood or by experienced floods of greater magnitude shall be delineated in the field at reasonable intervals by means of firmly placed markers of a sufficient size to be easily read from a distance of 20 feet.
The markers shall record the maximum known depth of flooding or height to the flood protection elevation, whichever is greater, as well as the zoned land use classification of the area involved.
The local government unit may prescribe the shape, size, lettering, and installation instructions for floodplain markers.
The cost of preparing and installing floodplain markers in future subdivided areas should be borne by the subdivider and the markers shall be installed prior to the sale of lots and construction of any buildings or structures.
Provisions should be made to monument bench marks for vertical control data as provided in part 6120.5600, subpart 4.
To fulfill the intent of Minnesota Statutes 1969, section 104.03, every local governmental unit with flood hazard areas and a floodplain management program shall submit to the commissioner by March 30 an annual report outlining and summarizing the previous year's activity and progress in floodplain management activities on a form to be provided by the commissioner. The report shall include information as to:
progress in the acquisition of technical floodplain information, including a summary of any flood crest elevations, cross sectional data and maps or illustrative material prepared by or for the local governmental unit;
progress in floodplain management program administration, including a summary of zoning permits issued, subdivision plats approved, building permits issued, variances granted, enforcement action, etc.; and
flood warning and information sources, including a summary of flood warning systems established or implemented, emergency plans prepared, and public informational reports and studies concerning various aspects of local floodplain management.
Measures for flood control.
When local floodplain management plans provide for structural works for flood control, such as levees, floodwalls, channel improvements, and reservoirs, all structural works or land treatment practices shall be consistent with the following statewide standards and criteria for floodplain management practices:
Any proposed work in the beds of public waters, as defined in Minnesota Statutes 1969, chapter 105, which will change the course, current, or cross-section of public waters of the state shall be subject to the provisions of Minnesota Statutes 1969, chapter 105, and other applicable statutes.
The minimum height and structural design of any dikes, levees, floodwalls, or similar structural works in place, or proposed to be placed in the floodplain shall be based on the flood profile of the regional flood confined between the structures subject to the following:
The minimum authorized height and design of proposed structural works to remove an area from the regulatory floodplain shall meet or exceed the design, operation, and maintenance standards contained in Federal Emergency Management Agency Regulations, Code of Federal Regulations, title 44, section 65.10. If at that elevation, the commissioner determines that there is still a high risk of loss of life or property damage, then the commissioner, in accordance with subpart 7, may require a higher elevation, not to exceed the elevation of the standard project flood, as the commissioner determines is economically feasible and reasonable in cost for the extra protection provided.
Increases in upstream flood stages which would result from construction of dikes, levees, floodwalls, or similar structures for protection of urban areas and for agricultural uses in rural areas shall not increase the stage of the regional flood in excess of amounts listed in part 6120.5700, subpart 4, item A, and shall be reflected in the flood protection elevations for the upstream reach.
Modifications and additions to existing structural works shall be regulated to assure that the proposed work will provide a means of decreasing the flood damage potential in the area and will provide the most reasonable protection of properties in heavily populated floodplain areas consistent with these standards and criteria. Any existing structural work which potentially threatens public health or safety shall be modified or reconstructed in order to meet the standards contained herein within a reasonable period of time based on agreement between the local government unit and the commissioner.
Flood protection elevations and floodway limits which reflect proposed measures for flood control shall not be effective until such measures are constructed and operative unless the proposed measures will increase flood heights in a given reach.
Floodplain development landward of any levee or floodwall shall provide for interior drainage including designation of ponding areas to protect against flooding from interior drainage.
Criteria for commissioner's determination.
The criteria for the commissioner's determination of potential for high loss of life or property damage and requirement for higher levee elevation is as follows:
when the elevation of the standard project flood is more than three feet above the elevation of the 100-year flood;
when it is not possible to provide sufficient flood warning to evacuate the structures below the 100-year flood elevation during a flood predicted to be at or above the 100-year flood elevation; or
for Army Corps of Engineers flood control projects, the plan providing a higher level of flood protection is the recommended plan.
MS s 103F.135; 103F.141; 103F.155; 104.05
20 SR 2287
In accordance with Minnesota Statutes 1969, sections 104.03 and 104.05, all state agencies and local units of government, in the construction of buildings, structures, roads, bridges, or other facilities located within floodplain areas delineated by local ordinances shall comply with the standards set out in these administrative rules.
Local governmental units may permit variances to the provisions of their floodplain management ordinances where it appears that by reason of exceptional circumstances the strict enforcement of the local ordinance would cause undue hardship and strict conformity with the standards would be unreasonable, impractical, and not feasible under the circumstances. Variances granted by local governmental units must be consistent with the general purpose of these standards and the intent of applicable state and national laws and programs. Although variances may be used to modify permissible methods of flood protection, no variance shall provide for a lesser degree of flood protection than stated in these standards.
Local governmental units shall provide for the administration and enforcement of their floodplain management ordinances. To aid the commissioner in evaluating the effectiveness of local administration and enforcement, as provided in Minnesota Statutes 1969, section 104.03, the zoning administrator or other officer designated by the local governing body shall submit to the commissioner a copy of any application for a variance or special permit use where a hearing is to be held to consider such application. The commissioner shall receive at least ten days' notice of the hearing. Such notice shall specify the time, place, and subject matter of the hearing and shall be accompanied by such supporting information as is necessary to indicate the nature and effect of the proposed use. A copy of all decisions granting a variance or special permit to the provisions of the local floodplain management ordinance shall be forwarded to the commissioner within ten days of such action.
The local governmental unit may request technical assistance from the commissioner in evaluating requests for variances or special permits to the local floodplain management ordinance. Such assistance shall be provided by the commissioner within the limits of available appropriations and personnel.