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Page 3 of 4 <br /> <br /> <br />The City’s first ordinance adoption for shoreland requirements was in September 1985, <br />Ordinance No. 237, which was previously referred to as “Arden Hills Shoreland Management <br />Ordinance”. This ordinance incorporated the language and lake classifications as recommended <br />in the May 1985 resolution. The most substantive update of the shoreland ordinance occurred in <br />February 2010. This ordinance review was intended to address a number of holes that still <br />remained unaddressed after an earlier update in 2002. During this process the City conducted an <br />extensive review of development regulations including, but not exclusive to, exceptions to OHW <br />setbacks, wetland setbacks, accessory structure allowances, additional definitions, removal of <br />vegetation and grading and filling standards in order to gain a greater consistency with the DNR <br />guidelines. This research did not involve discussion of lake classifications. However, <br />incorporated into this ordinance amendment Little Johanna was shifted to a Recreational <br />Development Lake. It is suspected that the inconsistency in lake classification was caught as <br />part of that review and amended to reflect DNR categorization. Again, the inconsistency <br />between the City and DNR was due to the failure to finalize processing of Resolution 85-22. <br /> <br />This past month City staff contacted Dan Scollan, East Metro Area Hydrologist with the DNR, <br />regarding next steps and available options for proceeding with Resolution 85-22. Mr. Scollan had <br />indicated that the DNR had reviewed the 1984/85 documentation and would proceed with approval <br />of Resolution 85-22 as submitted. Their decision in support of the reclassifications is the result of <br />the lake classification factors having not appreciably changed since 1985. Looking at all of the <br />classification criteria holistically, the DNR still agreed with the City’s reasoning presented in 1985 <br />and concurred that the area development is still consistent with the 1985 Council request as <br />outlined. At the June 7, 2021, City Council Special Work Session, staff was given direction to <br />submit Resolution 85-22 to the DNR as approved on May 13, 1985. This action necessitated an <br />ordinance amendment to Section 1330.02 Subd. 1, Classification of Lakes to classify Little <br />Johanna as General Development. The City received approval of Resolution 85-22 by the DNR <br />on June 23, 2021 (Attachment D). <br /> <br />Additional Review <br />Minnesota Department of Natural Resources approved Shoreland Classifications as stated in <br />Resolution 85-22 on June 23, 2021. Preliminary request for comment of shoreland ordinance <br />amendment was sent to the DNR on July 26, 2021. <br />Findings of Fact <br /> <br />The Planning Commission must make a finding as to whether or not the proposed application <br />would adversely affect the surrounding neighborhood or the community as a whole based on the <br />aforementioned factors. Staff offers the following findings for consideration: <br /> <br />General Findings: <br />1. The City of Arden Hills is proposing amendments to the language of Chapter 13 – <br />Zoning Code of the City Code. <br />2. The City of Arden Hills is proposing to classify Little Johanna as a General Development <br />Lake.