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Page 2 of 4 the lands around them. They often are characterized by moderate levels of recreational use and existing development. Development consists mainly of seasonal and year-round residences and recreationally-oriented commercial uses. Many of these lakes have capacities for accommodating additional development and use. C. General development lakes are generally large, deep lakes or lakes of varying sizes and depths with high levels and mixes of existing development. These lakes often are extensively used for recreation and, except for the very large lakes, are heavily developed around the shore. Second and third tiers of development are fairly common. The larger examples in this class can accommodate additional development and use. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provides information on their website on the data points used in determination of lake classifications as noted below: Natural Environment Lakes – Natural Environment Lakes usually have less than 150 total acres, less than 60 acres per mile of shoreline, and less than three dwellings per mile of shoreline. They may have some winter kill of fish; may have shallow, swampy shoreline; and are less than 15 feet deep. Recreational Development Lakes – Recreational Development Lakes usually have between 60 and 225 acres of water per mile of shoreline, between 3 and 25 dwellings per mile of shoreline, and are more than 15 feet deep. General Development Lakes – General Development Lakes usually have more than 225 acres of water per mile of shoreline and 25 dwellings per mile of shoreline, and are more than 15 feet deep. In addition to lake size, shoreline, and depth, the DNR also considers existing development, crowing potential, ecological classification, soil, slope, and vegetation as part of their aggregate assessment. Ordinance Background In 1969, the State of Minnesota passed the Shoreland Management Act which directed the DNR to develop rules and oversee programs for shoreland management for Cities and Counties. The DNR adopted Shoreland rules for Cities in 1976. In response to the adoption of State rules, the City in 1984 studied the differences between our existing zoning controls and the State Shoreland Management Standards. On December 26, 1984, the City submitted a preliminary request to the DNR for comment prior to submittal of the formal request (Attachment B). This letter included a summary of City comments for seeking the lake reclassification of several lakes, and relaxation of lot area and lot coverage requirements. The City received a response from the DNR of a willingness to accept all of the requested changes. Based on that direction, the City Council passed Resolution 85-22, Lake Reclassification and Zoning Provision Modifications on May 13, 1985 to request official approval from the DNR (Attachment C). It was recently discovered that between 1985 and 2021, this resolution was either never sent or lost on the part of the DNR.