Agenda - Planning Commission - 02/02/2017

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Minn. R. 6106.0080, subp. 6, and the proposed subdivision and land development standards in proposed Minn. R. 6106.0170, subp. 4. Public River Corridor Views The term public river corridor views was developed to assist local governments and other stakeholders to identify and protect scenic resources through their planning processes. It recognizes that many of the most highly valued views within the river corridor are "views toward the river from public parkland, historic properties, and public overlooks," as well as views towards bluffs from the opposite shore (a subset of the "readily visible" definition below). Proposed Minn. R. 6106.0050, subp. 56. The term is used throughout the proposed MRCCA rules. The definition is intended to provide local governments with an opportunity to identify specific views deemed important to that community, and to protect such views through the development review process. Readily Visible The term readily visible was developed to create a performance based standard to clarify visual standards and replace the outdated and vague term "visual intrusion" from Executive Order 79-19. This clarification was requested by local governments and other stakeholders. The term refers to development that is easily seen from the ordinary high water level at the opposite shore of the Mississippi River. Proposed Minn. R. 6106.0050, subp. 60. This term is used throughout the proposed MRCCA rules, and the definition describes an appropriate level of visibility for structures from a specified vantage point and during specified conditions. The definition is not used to prohibit development, but to ensure that visual resources are considered in development review by local governments. River -dependent Uses The term river -dependent uses clarifies those types of commercial, industrial and utility land uses that require a riverfront location and shoreline facilities in order to conduct business. Proposed Minn. R. 6106.0050, subp. 65. This term is consistent with the goal of preservation and enhancement of economic, recreational, cultural, and historical resources within the river corridor to meet the purposes set forth in Minn. Stat. § 116G.15, subd. 1 (2015). Specific standards apply to these uses as provided by proposed Minn. R. 6106.0110, subp. 6, and 6106.0180. Selective Vegetation Removal The proposed MRCCA rules specifically allow selective vegetation removal without a permit while requiring a permit for intensive vegetation clearing. See Proposed Minn. R. 6106.0150, subp. 3. Selective vegetation removal is vegetation removal that does not substantially reduce tree canopy or understory cover. Proposed Minn. R. 6106.0050, subp. 66. The definition is based on that found in Executive Order 79-19 and modified with input from local governments, most of whom already regulate removal of vegetation using similar definitions. 33