1C, Shoreland Ordinance - Laserfiche WebLink

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Guided by DNR Regulations and Guidelines: 1. Grading limits: The City's grading limits along the shoreline are considerably more lenient that the DNR model ordinance. The DNR's model ordinance is intended to limit shoreland alterations to protect water quality and shoreland vegetation. 2. Measuring structure/surface setbacks: a. Principal structures (homes): The City's principal structure shoreline setbacks are in line with the DNR's regulations, which is a 50 foot setback on Lakes Johanna and Josephine. However, both the City and the DNR include a provision for increasing this setback if the adjacent properties were built at a greater setback. This is often called a "string line" setback because it would be like taking a string from one structure to another and making that string the setback for any new structure in between. The purpose of the string line setback is to protect sight lines for existing structures. While the purpose is clear, it can be difficult to apply due to shoreland topography, curves in the shoreland, and considerable variability in setbacks of existing structures. Staff is reviewing how much this is an issue in Arden Hills and if the language can be tweaked to be more effective. b. Decks and water-oriented accessory structures: The DNR model ordinance has some provisions for allowing accessory structures in the shore land setback area. However, the DNR has recommended that cities do not allow structures and impervious surfaces, except for certain stairways and walkways, within the lake setback area. The Arden Hills ordinance is clear on its restriction for water-oriented accessory structures; however, the ordinance is not clear on decks, patios, and other surfaces in the shoreland area. The ordinance simply needs to be clarified on what is permitted in the shoreland setback area. 3. Stairs, landings, and walkways: While the city does get requests to construct stairs, walkways, and landings in the shoreland area, the City's code does not address these uses. The DNR model ordinance includes basic design regulations that allow stairs, landings, and walkways but limit them to protect the shoreland area. 4. Controlled access lots: A controlled access lot refers to a lake lot that is jointly owned by non-lake lots for shared access to public waters. The City has a handful of controlled access lots but no regulations for them. Staff is reviewing the DNR model ordinance to see if the model ordinance would be helpful to the City. The City is unlikely to have any new controlled access lots, and the DNR does not promote the creation of new controlled access lots. 5. Enhanced variance review standards: The DNR model ordinance includes additional variance review criteria that should be incorporated into the City's regulations. 6. Subdivisions: While the City only has a handful of shoreline properties that could be subdivided further, the City's regulations for subdividing properties on lakes could be enhanced based on the DNR model ordinance. The regulations are not meant to stop City of Arden Hills City Council Work Session for February 17, 2009 \ \Ahdocsl\ah\AHdata\Planning\Planning Cases\2009\09-003 Shoreland Preservation Ordinance \021 709 - CC report - Shoreland Regulation Ordinance. doc Page 3 of 5