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1 Revised 10/03/2019 Ordinance Language Commentary 1.0 STATUTORY AUTHORIZATION AND POLICY 1.1 Statutory Authorization. This shoreland ordinance is adopted pursuant to the authorization and policies contained in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 103F, Minnesota Rules, Parts 6120.2500 - 6120.3900, and the planning and zoning enabling legislation in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 394 (for counties) or Chapter 462 (for municipalities). 1.2 Policy. The Legislature of Minnesota has delegated responsibility to local governments of the state to regulate the subdivision, use and development of the shorelands of public waters and thus preserve and enhance the quality of surface waters, conserve the economic and natural environmental values of shorelands, and provide for the wise use of waters and related land resources. This responsibility is hereby recognized by (insert name of Community). 2.0 GENERAL PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS 2.1 Jurisdiction. The provisions of this ordinance apply to the shorelands of the public water bodies as classified in Section 4.1 of this ordinance, and to the shorelands of public water bodies greater than 10 acres in unincorporated areas in which the city has, by ordinance, extended the application of its zoning regulations as provided by Minnesota Statute, Chapter 462.357 Subd 1. Pursuant to Minnesota Rules, Parts 6120.2500 - 6120.3900, no lake, pond, or flowage less than 10 acres in size in municipalities or 25 acres in size in unincorporated areas need be regulated in a local government’s shoreland regulations. A body of water created by a private user where there was no previous shoreland may, at the discretion of the governing body, be exempt from this ordinance. 2.2 Enforcement. The (insert name of local government or designated official) is responsible for the administration and enforcement of this ordinance. Any violation of the provisions of this ordinance or failure to comply with any of its requirements (including violations of conditions and safeguards established in connection with grants of variances or conditional uses constitutes a misdemeanor and is punishable as defined by law. Violations of this ordinance can occur regardless of whether or not a permit is required for a regulated activity listed in Section 3.2 of this ordinance. 2.3 Severability. If any section, clause, provision, or portion of this ordinance is adjudged unconstitutional or invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this ordinance shall not be affected thereby. 2.4 Abrogation and Greater Restrictions. It is not intended by this ordinance to repeal, abrogate, or impair any existing easements, covenants, or deed restrictions. However, where this ordinance imposes greater restrictions, the provisions of this ordinance shall prevail. All other ordinances inconsistent with this ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of the inconsistency only. 2.5 Definitions. Unless specifically defined below, words or phrases used in this ordinance shall be interpreted to give them the same meaning they have in common usage and to give this ordinance its most reasonable 1.1. Ensures that LGU authority to administer and enforce the ordinance is connected to state regulatory policy. 1.2. Reinforces the responsibility of local governments to regulate shorelands in their jurisdiction. 2.1. Identifies the size of waterbodies that must be included in the ordinance as directed by rule. Water bodies meeting these thresholds must be listed in Section 4.0. Optional provision for cities that have extra-territorial zoning authority. 2.2 – 2.4. If these provisions are already included in the zoning ordinance, they are not needed. 2.5. These definitions are the minimum necessary for a compliant ordinance. Some definitions may not be needed if a given feature or land use is not present or not allowed in the community.