Agenda - Planning Commission - 01/07/2021

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Guide to City and Township MRCCA Zoning Updates What is the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area MRCCA? The Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) is a corridor of landalong each side the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area with coordinated state, regional and local land use planning and zoning. It includes 54,000 acres in 30 local governments along a 72-mile stretch of the river. Land development in the MRCCA has been regulated by city and township-adopted MRCCA plans and zoning regulations since 1976 in compliance with state provisions. These local zoning standards have regulated structure height and setbacks from the river and bluffs as well as vegetation management and removal, land alteration, and subdivision of land to preserve the corridor’s unique natural, recreational, and cultural features. The MRCCA was designated a critical area in 1976 by Executive Order following passage of the Minnesota Critical Areas Act of 1973. The Executive Order was the governing regulation until it was superseded by MRCCA rules in 2017 (Minnesota Rules Chapter 6106). The rules more consistently protect habitat, scenic views and water quality, and allow redevelopment to address contemporary needs such as higher density and mixed uses. In 1988, the National Park Service designated the Mississippi National River & Recreation Area (MNRRA), which shares the same border as the MRCCA. There are no federal land planning or zoning regulations associated with the MNRRA. Why is the MRCCA important? The Mississippi River is one of the most famous rivers in the world. It is the defining feature for the many communities along its banks. Through the Twin Cities metro area, the MRCCA supports a diverse mix of residential, commercial, industrial and recreational uses, as well as river-related industry and transportation. Though the river corridor has been extensively developed, many intact and remnant cultural, natural and scenic areas remain, including bluffs, islands, floodplains, wetlands, historic resources, and native plants and animals. The state rules and local MRCCA plans and zoning regulations are designed to protect these resources while accommodating continued growth and redevelopment. Why is my community updating its MRCCA zoning regulations? Starting in January 2020 and going through approximately December 2022, all communities in the MRCCA will be adopting new MRCCA zoning standards consistent with 2017 MRCCA rules and local MRCCA plans that were recently updated as part of the comprehensive plan 10-year updates. Until a community adopts the new standards, its existing MRCCA zoning standards apply. Contact your local city or township zoning staff with questions about relevant standards and permit requirements that apply to your property. The DNR’s role is to ensure that local government MRCCA zoning regulations comply with the state rules and to provide technical assistance and oversight to local zoning staff. 01/13/2020