Agenda - Planning Commission - 02/02/2017

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Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area Program Frequently Asked Questions: Minnesot... Page 6 of 7 nonconformities and allows their continued use. The law also allows local governments to permit limited expansion. The new rules have been designed to minimize the creation of new nonconforming structures. Some nonconformities will result from an increase in setback requirements. Howeverother previously nonconforming structures will become conforming due to a reduction in setback requirements and the elimination of minimum lot sizes. What about vegetation on my property? The rules do not affect the type of vegetation a property owner can plant and do not require restoration of natural vegetation on a property that does not currently have it. Activities such as lawn and garden maintenance are not restricted. The rules do, however, prohibit intensive vegetation clearing in sensitive areas, including along the river, on bluffs, and within native plant communities and other significant vegetative stands identified by local governments. Exceptions to these restrictions are allowed through local government permit in some situations. Only removal of native plant communities, failure to acquire a permit, or violation of permit conditions will require vegetation restoration. Will the new rules change the character of the MRCCA? No. Executive Order 79-19 and the 2016 rules recognize that much of the MRCCA is developed and that the area must be managed for multiple uses and purposes including commercial, industrial, residential, and recreational development. Minnesota Statutes ?116G.15 clearly states the MRCCA should be managed as a multipurpose resource that "conserves the scenic, environmental, recreational, mineral, economic, cultural and historic resources and functions of the river corridor." http://www.dnr. state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt_section/critical_area/fags.html 1/26/2017