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Community Assets & <br /> Development Department <br /> <br /> MEMORANDUM <br /> <br /> <br />DATE: May 14, 2015 <br /> <br />TO: Planning Commission <br /> <br />FROM: Janice Gundlach, Asst. Director of Community Assets & <br />Development/Planning Director <br /> <br />SUBJECT: Draft Shoreland Ordinance <br /> <br />Attached is a draft Shoreland Ordinance for Commission discussion at a work session to <br />be held in place of the regular meeting on May 19, 2015 at 7pm. This draft has been <br />prepared by WSB & Associates, a consultant hired by the City to manage the ordinance <br />drafting process. While WSB has taken the lead in research and ordinance drafting, <br />nearly all aspects of the draft ordinance have involved City staff discussion and input. <br /> <br />The main issues examined in the ordinance include: <br /> Establishment of what water bodies are included in the shoreland. <br /> Includes definitions unique to the shoreland. <br /> Requires a shoreland alternation permit if activity isn’t already covered by a <br />building or grading permit (there are some exceptions noted in the ordinance). <br /> Requires notification to DNR for variances, special use permits, or subdivisions <br />applied for within the defined shoreland. <br /> Establishes development standards in the shoreland that match the development <br />standards for all of New Brighton’s residential property. This includes a 50% <br />hardcover allotment. <br /> Establishes a structure setback from water bodies included in the shoreland. This <br />includes 50’ and 150’ setbacks. The setbacks noted in the draft ordinance are <br />consistent with the model ordinance, except for Jones Lake and Poplar Lake, <br />where the DNR would enforce a 150’ setback and staff is proposing a 50’ setback. <br />This decreased setback is based upon existing development surrounding these <br />lakes, existing low level water quality, and limited plant and wildlife habitats. <br /> In addition to the water body setbacks, the ordinance implements an “average <br />setback” when existing structures are closer to the water body than the minimum <br />50’ or 150’ setback. This does not apply when a more restrictive setback would <br />result by applying the average setback. <br /> Provides exceptions to the shoreland setback for various structures, including <br />stairways, lifts, landings, watercraft lifts, docks, fences, walls, public park <br />structures and beaches. <br /> Provides fencing standards for the shoreland similar to existing zoning <br />regulations, except: