Agenda - Council - 02/08/2022 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area Proposed Code Updates Dear Resident: Your property is within the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA), which is a State of Minnesota designation encumbering a 72- mile stretch of the Mississippi River, and is intended to protect the Mississippi River and its natural, cultural, and scenic resources. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is requiring all units of government within the MRCCA to remove any limitations that restrict the height of vegetation, including grasses and forbs, within designated areas. Designated areas include the Shore Impact Zone (SIZ), Bluff Impact Zone (BIZ), areas within 50 feet of a wetland or natural drainage way, areas of native plant communities, and significant vegetative stands identified in the MRCCA plan. On February 8, 2022, the City Council will consider adopting Ordinance #22-07, exempting vegetation within the above noted areas of the MRCCA Overlay District from height restrictions identified in the Nuisances Chapter of City Code (which states that grass and weeds shall not exceed a height of 8 inches). In short, if this ordinance is passed, it would mean that grasses and other vegetation within the BIZ and SIZ would not have to be routinely mowed (note that this does not prohibit mowing within these areas; it simply exempts taller vegetation from being classified as a public nuisance). Leaving taller vegetation can assist in capturing, slowing down, and filtering stormwater before entering the river, which can improve the water quality for everyone. Moreover, native vegetation, with its deeper root systems, can assist with bank stabilization, helping prevent the literal loss of property into the river. This ordinance amendment would complement the Critical Area Implementation Plan, in Ramsey's 2040 Comprehensive Plan, which plans to prioritize areas of preservation, protect significant vegetation areas, and reduce erosion. To get more information on your property, please call us. 1 i Interested in learning more? The City Council is holding a public hearing on this change, and to provide the public an opportunity to comment, and seek answers regarding the proposed changes to the Public Nuisance Chapter of Ramsey's City Code. The proposed change would exempt certain areas from the vegetation height restrictions in the MRCCA overlay district. Ramsey Municipal Center Council Chambers 7550 Sunwood Drive NW Ramsey, MN 55303 Date: Tuesday, Feb 8, 2022 Time: 7 p.m. For more information: Contact Community Development Staff at 763-433-9860 www.cityoframsey.com