Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 01/18/2017

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Item-by-item guidance Chapter information. If no such plans exist in the area,the EAW should so indicate. If there is a plan,but the project is not subject to the plan,the EAW should indicate why not. These plans are typically prepared to address a broad array of issues from any number of projects that could occur within a specific area. One purpose of these plans is to minimize negative environmental effects from potential future conditions. If an individual project is compatible with a plan there may be specific measures or actions in that plan that are meant to mitigate potential cumulative effects. If this is the case,provide a discussion in response to Items 9b or 9c,which assess compatibility with nearby land uses,or Item 19 which discusses cumulative potential effects. iii. Zoning and other official controls.Zoning is a regulatory measure to ensure compatible land use development.The local government unit with zoning authority can identify the zoning of the project area. Include the current zoning of the project area with a brief description of that zoning district. Determine if the proposed project is an allowed use, a conditional use,or currently not permitted within the zoning district. Other official controls that apply to the project's potential environmental effects should also be described. Examples could be subdivision regulations or ordinances that are separate from the actual zoning ordinance. The local planning and zoning office should be contacted regarding zoning ordinances that relate to the environment or use of natural resources.For example,shoreland,flood plain and wild or scenic river land use districts are protected by special zoning ordinances designed to protect the resources of such lands. The local planning and zoning office should be contacted regarding local shoreland and flood plain ordinances that may apply. The EAW should discuss whether the project fully complies with all these special zoning requirements. Wild,scenic,and recreational river districts and the Mississippi River Critical Area are special districts that contain additional protections for these resources. Contact the local planning and zoning office or the applicable DNR Regional or Area Hydrologist's office regarding restrictions that apply along these rivers.There may be a specific plan or study that forms the basis of a special zoning ordinance or other protection measures. Such a plan or study should be noted here or in Item 9.a.11. Land use permits such as conditional use permits may be required depending on the specific project and the applicable zoning ordinance. These permits should be identified in response to Item 8. b. Project Compatibility The point of this question is to identify any potential conflicts between the project and the land uses, plans, and regulatory measures identified in sub-Item 9.a, and in particular,conflicts involving environmental aspects. If the project is subject to plans or zoning ordinances related to the environment or use of natural resources, the EAW should identify the requirements relevant to the project and discuss how the project complies with the plans and ordinances.The RGU should consult with the government unit responsible for the implementation of the plan regarding provisions that relate to the project and about the consistency of the project with the plans and ordinances. Emphasis in the EAW should be given to any conflicts or incompatibilities between the project and plan or zoning provisions that relate to the environment or use of natural resources. Note that a perceived land use conflict may or may not involve environmental matters.Minnesota Rules 4410.0200, Subpart 23,define "environment" as"physical conditions existing in the area that may be affect by a proposed project. It includes land,air,water,minerals,flora,fauna, ambient noise,energy resources, and man-made objects or natural features of historic,geologic or aesthetic significance". This definition should be considered for the purposes of an EAW analysis. A public safety issue in and of itself is not necessarily an environmental effect. Analyses of environmental matters in an EAW may well bring to light non- Environmental Quality Board EAW Guidelines—October 2013 19