Agenda - Planning Commission - 02/02/2017

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Minn. R. 6106.0050, subp. 27 and subp. 40. These definitions were developed to address concerns raised about the negative impacts of intensive (hard surface) trail development due to extensive grading and clearing of vegetation in sensitive bluff areas. The definitions are derived from the DNR's Trail Planning, Design, and Development Guidelines referenced in proposed Minn. R. 6106.0090, D. These terms are used in the proposed design standards for public recreational facilities in proposed Minn. R. 6106.0130, subp. 8. Land Alteration Land alteration refers to changing the contours of or disturbing the earth surface. It includes earth - moving activities such as filling and grading that leave soil exposed and susceptible to erosion but excludes gardening and other minor disturbances. Proposed Minn. R. 6106.0050, subp. 32. The term is used in the proposed standards for land alterations in proposed Minn. R. 6106.0160, subps. 3 and 4. Lot Width The term lot width is provided to ensure sufficient river frontage to protect riparian areas for new lots that abut the Mississippi River in the proposed Rural and Open Space (CA-ROS) district, and to add clarity to the lot width measurement proposed in proposed Minn. R. 6106.0170, subp. 4. Proposed Minn. R. 6106.0050, subp. 36. The definition is derived from the state shoreland rules. Minn. R. 6120.2500, subp. 9 (2015). Natural Vegetation Natural vegetation refers to the types of plant growth within the MRCCA that stabilize soils, retain and filter run off, provide habitat and recharge ground water. Proposed Minn. R. 6106.0050, subp. 41. This term is intended to address the biological and ecological functions provided by natural vegetation, even though the vegetation may have been altered by human activity. The definition provides the basis for the proposed standards encouraging the retention and restoration of natural vegetation found throughout the proposed MRCCA rules. Planned Unit Development The proposed definition for Planned Unit Development is based on that found in the state shoreland rules. Minn. R. 6120.2500, subp. 11 (2015). However, the definition proposed for the MRCCA rules is broader and does not distinguish between residential and commercial planned unit developments or distinguish between the types of structures. Proposed Minn. R. 6106.0050, subp. 50. Given the frequent use of this type of development in the MRCCA, it is reasonable to have an inclusive and consistent definition of the term that is applicable across the MRCCA. Primary Conservation Areas The term primary conservation areas defines the key natural and cultural resources and features that are addressed by the MRCCA proposed rules. Proposed Minn. R. 6106.0050, subp. 53. The resources and features listed in the definition are derived from Minn. Stat. § 116.15, subd. 4(b)(2015). This definition consolidates natural and cultural resources and features listed in the statute into a single definition to shorten the rules. The term is used in several parts of the rules to ensure that key resources and features are given priority consideration for protection, including contents of local plans proposed in proposed Minn. R. 6106.0070, subp. 4, project submittal information proposed in proposed 32