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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – August 4, 2021 8 A. Natural environment lakes are generally small, often shallow lakes with limited capacities for assimilating the impacts of development and recreational use. They often have adjacent lands with substantial constraints for development such as high water tables, exposed bedrock, and unsuitable soils. These lakes, particularly in rural areas, usually do not have much existing development or recreational use. B. Recreational development lakes are generally medium-sized lakes of varying depths and shapes with a variety of landform, soil, and groundwater situations on 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. Senior Planner Jagoe provided further comment on the Ordinance background and provided the following Findings of Fact: 1. The City of Arden Hills is proposing amendments to the language of Chapter 13 – Zoning Code of the City Code. 2. The City of Arden Hills is proposing to classify Little Johanna as a General Development Lake. 3. Amendments to the Shoreland Regulations require approval from the Minnesota DNR. 4. Amendments to the Zoning Code regulations require a public hearing prior to action by the City Council.