Agenda - Planning Commission - 02/02/2017

Home

During the comment period, DNR staff met with local governments and other stakeholders within the MRCCA to learn how MRCCA plans and ordinances had been administered and to identify local stakeholders to participate in work groups. In February 2010, the DNR formed four geographically -focused work groups consisting of stakeholders representing the diverse interests in the MRCCA, including: • local governments • builders and developers • property owners • economic development authorities • commercial and industrial businesses • recreational and environmental protection interests • other local, regional, and national interests Each committee met four times and was tasked with identifying issues and ideas, providing expert input, and providing feedback on draft districts and standards. In late 2010, the DNR held two public open houses to receive input on preliminary draft districts and standards. Based on the input throughout the entire public involvement process, the DNR completed draft rules in 2011. However, the rulemaking process was put on hold that same year before a notice of intent to adopt rules was issued. The DNR was unable to publish a notice of intent to adopt rules or notice of hearing within 18 months of the date of the legislative directive authorizing DNR to adopt the MRCCA rules, and its authority to complete the rulemaking lapsed. Minn. Stat. § 14.125 (2015). Rulemaking Project, 2013 — Present In 2013, the Legislature again revised Minn. Stat. § 116G.15 and directed the DNR to resume rulemaking, with the following key changes to the rulemaking process: • required DNR to consult with local governments before adopting rules; • added "redevelopment" of a variety of urban and recreational uses to the existing list of multiple resources for which the corridor is to be managed; • modified the considerations for creating new districts by removing the consideration of those river features in existence in 1979 and the intent of the districts in Executive Order 79-19 and adding consideration of both the natural character and the existing development of the river corridor, as well as the potential for new commercial, industrial, and residential development; • added commercial, industrial, and residential resources to the existing list of resources that must be protected or enhanced through guidelines and standards; • eliminated the 2009 requirement to establish regulatory bluff maps, while continuing to insure that bluff protection remains a priority; and • required the DNR to submit a status report to the Legislature by January 2014. The Legislature also waived the 18 month time constraint imposed by Minn. Stat § 14.125 to publish a notice of intent to adopt rules or a notice of hearing within 18 months after the effective date of the law authorizing the new rulemaking effort. 4