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City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT policies require monitoring to ensure that they are meeting .community needs and effectively protecting the City's natural resources. In addition to lake protection, several high-priority natural areas, endangered and protected species, and historic sites have been identified as significant in the City. These significant resources are highly valuable and have features that may require special levels of protection. Preserving the City's natural setting is of the utmost importance to residents of Arden Hills. 10.2 Water Resources Covering nearly 550 acres in Arden Hills, the seven lakes have always been a focal point in the community. Early settlers and development took advantage of the recreational and scenic qualities of the lakes, and they continue to be an attractive characteristic for residents and visitors. Most of the shoreland development took place prior to the adoption of modern development regulations; and the City is experiencing redevelopment pressure along the City's shorelines. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requires communities to adopt shore land ordinances, which typically regulate lot size, minimum shoreline width. lot coverage, and structure setbacks for development along water bodies. Development regulations vary depending on the lake classification set by the DNR (!mm ONR web"e htlp:IlWoNW .dnr.state.mn .us/waters/watenngmt_ section/shorelandflake _ shoreland _ classifications.html): o Natural Environment Lakes and Streams (NE) - 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. o Recreational Development Lakes (RD) - 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. o General Development Lakes (GD) - 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. The DNR is currently in the process of reviewing the Statewide shoreland regulations. Upon completion of that regulatory review, the City should evaluate the shoreland requlations to determine if updates are needed. DRAFT 5/15/2008 {E~~~~City___~~==~~~~~.; 66