ADDENDUM TO ZONING ORD (1973?)
ADDENDUM I TO ZONDrG
ORDINANCE
ORDINANCE FOR THE IJf.ANAGEMENT OF THE
MISSISSIPPI rrTLD, SCENIC, AND RECREATIONAL RIVER SYSTEM
A1tD THE SHORELAND AP..EAS OF THE CITY OF ELK RIVER
1.0 GENERAL PROVISIONS
1.1 STATUTORY AUTHORIZATION
This Shore land Management Ordinance is adopted pursuant to the
authorization contained in the laws of Minnesota 1973, Chapter 379, 272,
and in furtherance of the policies declared in Minnesota Statutes 1976,
Chapters 104, 105, 115, 116, and 462 and Minnesota Regulations NR 78-81,
Rules and Regulations for Wild, Scenic, and Recreational River~, NR 82-84,
Rules and Regulations for the Management of Shore land areas within municipalities,
and NR 2400-2420, Rules and Regulations Relating to the designation, classification
and Management of the Mississippi River in Stearns, Sherburne, Wright, Anoka,
and Hennepin Counties.
1.2 POLICY
The uncontrolled use of shore lands of the City of Elk River affects the
public health, safety, and general welfare not only by contributing to pollutior:
of public waters, but also by impairing the local tax base. Therefore, it is
in the best interests of the public health, safety, and welfare to provide
for the wise development of shorelands of public waters. TheLLegislature of
Minnesota has delegated responsibility to the municipalities of the S:;ate to
regulate the subdivision, use, and development of the shore lands of public '0:;'.
waters and thus preserve and enhance the quality of surface waters, preserve
the econo~ic and natural environmental values of shorelands, and provide for
the 1'1i8e utilization of waters and related resources. This reponsibility is
hereby reco~lized by the City of Elk River.
It is in the interest of present and future generations to preserve and
protect the outstanding sceniC, recreational, natural, historical, and
Scientific Values of the Mississippi River and its adjacent lands. Accordingly,
the Commissioner of Natural Resources provides standards and criteria for the
preservation, protection, and management of the Mississippi River as authorized
by the Laws of Minnesota 1973, Chapter 271, and Minnesota Regulations NR 78-81
and NR 2400-2420.
1.3 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
To achieve the policies described in Section 1.2 and to:
1.31 Designate suitable land use zoning districts compatible with
the shore land management classification and consistent with
~m 2L!00-2420.
1.32 Regulate the m1n1mum dimensions for the size and length of
water frontage of lots suitable for buildingsites;
1.
1.33 Regulate the placement of structures in relation to shorelines
and roads;
1.34 Regulate the amount of impervious surface allowed on each lot;
1.35 Regulate the type of placement of sanitary and waste disposal
facili tes;
1.36 Regulate alteration of the natural shore lands vegetation
and topography.
1.37 Regulate paacement of raads and parking areas;
1.38 Regulate the subdivision of land;
1.39 Regulate the location of utility transmission crossings
of shorelands.
1.40 Regulate the construction or reconstruction of public roads
in shoreland areas.
1.41 Provide for the enforcement and administration of municipal
shore land management ordinances and management of the Recreational
River ordinances within the City of Elk River.
1.4 JURISDICTION
The jurisdiction of this Ordinance shall include the shore lands of all
public water in the City of Elk River as depicted on the Official
Zoning Map of the City of Elk River and the Recreational river land
use district as discribed in !ffi 2420.
1.5 COMPLIANCE
The use of any shoreland of public ,waters; the size and shape of lots;
the use, Size, typet and location of structures on lots; the installation
and maintenance of water supply and wast'edisposalfacilities; the filling.,
grading, lagooning, or dredging of any shoreland area; the cutting of
shoreland vegetation; and the's'libdivisiofiof lots. shall be ih full .
compliance with the terms of this ordinance and other applicable regulations.
Construction of buildings, private water supply, and sewage disposal systems
and erection of signs shall require a permit unless otherwise expressly
excluded by the requirements of this Ordinance.
1.6 ABROGATION AND GREATER RESTRICTION
1.61 The provisions of the existing zoning ordinance and zoning map
of the City of Elk River, Minnesota, ,_.'
are hereby incorporated by reference and shall, be made as much a
part of this Ordinance as if the matter described were fully set out
herein.
1.62 It is not otherwise intended by this Overlay Ordinance to
repeal, abrogate, or impair any existing deed restrictions or
ordinances other than zoning to the extent specified in Sec-
tion 1.6 of this Ordinance; however, where this Ordinance imposes
greater restriction, the provisions of this Ordinance shall prevail.
1.7 INTERPRETATION
?-
In their interpretation and application, the prOV1Slons of this
Ordinance shall be held to be minimum requirements and shall be
liberally construed in favor of the City and shall not be deemed
a limitation or repeal of any other powers granted by Minnesota
Statutes.
1.8 SEVEEABILITY
The provisions of this Ordinance shall be severable, and the invality
of any paragraph, sub-paragraph, or subdivision thereof shall not
make void any other paragraph, sub-paragraph, subdivision, or any other
part. .
(IJote: These cefini tions are in addition to those of the existing ordinance
for the areas under the jurisdiction cf this overlay)
1.9 DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this Ordinance, certain terms or words used herein
shall be interpreted as follows: the word "shall" is mandatory, not
permissive. All distance unless otherwise specified shall be measured
horizontally.
"Boathouse" means a structure used solely for the storeage of boats
or boating equipment.
"Building Line" means that line measured across the width of the lot
at the point where the main structure is placed in accordance with
setback provisions.
"Clear-cutting" means the removal of an entire stand of trees.
"Hardship" means the property in question cannot be put to a reasonable
use under the conditons allowed by the official controls; the plight
of the landowners is due to circumstances unique to his property, not
created by the landowner;. and the variance, if granted, will not alter
the essential character of the locality. Economic considerations
alone shall Rot constitute a hardship if a reasonable use for the
property exists under terms of the official controls.
"Local Unit" means City of Elk River.
"Lot" means a parcel of land designated by metes and bounds description,
registered land survey, auditors plat, or other accepted means and
separated from other parcels or portions by said description for the
purposes of sale, lease, or separation thereof. For the purposes of these
re~~lations, a lot shall be considered to be an individual building site
which shall be occupied by no more than one principal structure equipped
vdth sanitary facilities.
"Ordinary High "later Mark" means a mark delineating the highest water
level which has been maintained for a sufficient period of time to
leave evidence upon the landscape. The ordinary high water mark is
commonly that point where the natural vegetation changes from predominatly
aquatic to predominantly terrestrial.
3.
"Planned Unit Development'" means a type of development which may
incorporate a variety of land uses planned and developed as a unit.
The Planned Unit Development is distinquished from the traditional
subdivision process of development in that zoning standards such as
densi ty, setbacks, height limits, and minimum lot~si:zes may be altered
by negotiation and agreement between the developer, the municipality,
and the Commissioner of Natural Resources.
"Public i.laters" means any vlaters of the State which serve, a beneficial
public purpose, as defined in Minnesota Statutes 1976, Section 105.37,
Subdivision 6. However, no lake, pond, or flowage of less than ten (10)
acres in size and no river or stream having a total drainage area less
than two (2) square miles shall be regulated for the purposes of these
regulations. A body of water created by a private user where there was
no previous shoreland, as defined herein, for a designated private
use authorized by the Commissioner of,Natural Resources shall be exempt
from the provision of these regulations.
The official determination of the size and physical limits of drainage
areas of rivers and streams shall be made by the Commissioner of Natural
Resources. The official size of lakes, ponds, or flowages shall be the
areas listed in the Division of Water Bulletin 25, An Inventory of Minn-
esota Lakes, or in the event that lakes , ponds, or flowages are not
listed th~rein, official determination" of size and. physical limits'shall
be made by the Commissioner of Natural Resources in cooperation with the
municipali ty.
"Setback" means the mJ.nJ.mum horizontal distance between a structure or
sanitary facility and the ordinary high watermark, or between a structure
or sanitary facility and a road, highway, or property lines.
"Shore land" means land located wi thin the following distances from public
water:
a. 1,000 feet from the ordinary high water mark of a lake, pond,
or flowages; and
b. 300 feet from a river or stream, or the landward extent of a
flood plain designated by ordinance on such river or stream, whichever
isg~ater.. The practical limits of shore lands may be less than the
statutory limits were such limits are designated by natural drainage
divides at lesser distances, as shown on the official zoning map of
the City of Elk River.
c. The area included in the recreational Land Use Districts for the
Mississippi River as defined in Minnesota Regulations 1m 2400-2420.
A.
"Subdivision" means improved or \lnimproved land or lands which are
divided for the purposes of ready sale or lease, or divided successively
within a five (5) year period for the purpose of sale or lease, into three
(3) or more lots or parcels of less than five (5) acres each, contiguous
in area, and which are under common ownership or control.
"Substandard Use" means any use of shorelands existing prior to the date
of enactment of this Ordinance which is permitted within the applicable
zoning district but does not meet the minimum lot area and length of water
frontage, structure setbacks, or other dimensional standards of 'the
Ordinance.
2.0 DESIGNATION OF TYPES OF LAN'D USE
In order to guide the wise development and utilization of shore lands
of public water for the preservation of water quality, natural characteristics,
economic values, and the general health, safety, and welfare, of public waters
in the City of Elk River have been given a shore land management classification
by the Commissioner of~atural Resources, and uses of shore land in these classes
are hereby designated~ land use districts, based on the compatibility of the
designated type of land use with the shore land management classification.
2 .1 SHORELAND riIANAGEMENT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
The public waters of the City of Elk River have been classified by
by the Commissioner of N"atural Resources as "General Development
Lakes and Streams" which include the rJIississippi River and Otter
Creek. In Addition the Mississippi River has been designated as a
tlRecrational" component of Minnesota's Wild, Scenic and Recreational
Rivers System.
2.2 SHORELAND OVERLAY DISTRICT
The shore lands of the City of Elk River are hereby designated
as a Shore land OVerlay District. The purpose of the Shoreland
Overlay District is to provide for the wise utilization of
shore land areas in order to preservethe quality and natural
character of the public water of the City, of Elk River.
2.21 Permitted Uses. All permitted usP~ allowed and regulated
by the applicable zoning district undei'"l;Ving this shore land overlay
district as indicated on the official zoning rnap of the City of
Elk River.
2.22 Conditional Uses. All conditional uses and applicable
attached conditions allowed and regulated by the applicable zoning
district '6.nder1,ylng this shore land overlay district as indicated on
the official zong map of the City of Elk River.
2.23 General Prqvisions. The following standards shall apply to
all shoreland o~ all publiC waters within the City of Elk River.
iihere the requirements of the underlying zoning district as shown
on the official zoning map are more restrictive than those set
forth herein, then the more restrictive standards shall apply.
I).
UN'SE'dERED AREA
Lot Area (feet)
Water Frontage and Lot Width
at Building Line (feet)
Building Setback from Ordinary
High Water 1.lark (feet)
Building Setback from Roads
and Highways (feet)
Elevation of Lowest Floor Above
Highest Known Water Level (feet)
Building Height Limitation (feet)
Total Lot Area Covered by
Impervious Surface (1%)
Sewage System Setback from
Ordinary High Water Mark (feet)
Sewage System Elevation Above
Highest Groundwater .. Level or
Bedrock (feet)
SEWEHED AP..EA.
GENERAL
DEVELOP1-1ENT VIA TE.RS
20,000
100
75
50 Federal, State or County
20 Municipal or Private
3
35
30
50
4
GE17EP..AL
DEVELOPMENT HA"'l::.H.S
All provision for unsewered areas shall apply to sewered
areae except for the following, which shall supersede the
provisions applied to unsewered areas:
Lot Area (feet)
Waterfront Lots
Water Frontage and Lot Width
at Building Line (feet)
Building Setback from Ordinary
High Water Mark (feet)
6.
15,000 abutting public waters
10,000 not abutting public waters
75
2.24 Vegetative Cutting Provisions & Grading and Filling (Rec-
reational River)
a. On lands within the building setback from the normal
high water the Mississippi River and the protion of 0tter
Creek within the Recreational land use district.
I. Clea~cutting except for any authorized
public services such as roads and utilities shall
not be permitted.
II. Selective cutting of trees in excess of four inches
in diameter at breast he.ight is perrili tted provided that
cutting is space~ in several cutting operations and a
continuous tree cover is maintained, uninterrupted by
large openings. In cases where the existing openings
in the past) selective cutting should be performed so
a~ to maintain a continuous tree cover in the remaining
wooded areas.
III. 'I'he above cutting provisions will not be deemed to
prevent:
The removal of diseased or insect infested trees, or of
rooten or damaged trees that present safety hazards;
Pruning understory vegetation, shrubs, plants, bushes,
grasses, or from harvesting crops, or cutting suppressed
trees, or trees less than four inches in diameter at
breast height
b. Clear-cutting anywhere in'Wild, Scenic, or Recreational River
Land Use Districts is subject to the following standards and
criteria:
I. Clear-cutting shall ~not be used as a cutting method
where soil, slope, or other water-shed conditions are fragile
and subject to injury.
II. Clea~cutting shall be conducted only where clear-cut blocks,
patches,~or strips are, in all cases, shaped and blended with
the natural terrain.
III. ,}'he size of clear cut blocks, patches, or strips shall be
kept at the minimum necessary.
IV. Where feasible all clear cuts shall be conducted between
September 15 and May 15. If natural regeneration will not
result in adequate vegetative cover, areas in which clea~
cutting is conducted shall be replanted to prevent erosion,
and to maintain the aesthetic quality of the area. h~ere feasible,
replaning shall be performed in the same spring, or the following
spring.
7.
c. Grading and filling in of the natural topography which is not
accessory to. a. permitted or conditional use shall not be permitted in
tlie land use district.
d. Grading and filling in of the natural topography which is
accessory to a permitted or conditional use shall be performed in
a manner which minimizes earthmoving, erosion, tree clearing, and
the destraction of natural amenities and shall be controlled by the
local ordinance.
e. Grading and filling in of the natural topography shall also meet
the follO'tring standards:
I. The smallest amount of bare ground is exposed for as short
a time as feasible;
II. Temporary ground cover, such as mulch, is used and permanent
ground cover, such as sod is planted;
III. Methods to prevent erosion and trap sediment are-employed;
and
IV. Fill is stabilized to accepted engineering standards.
f. Escavation of material from, or filling in a Recreational River,
or construction of any permanent structures or navigational obstructions
therein is prohibited, unless authorized by a permit from the Commissioner
pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section )05.42.
g. No state or local authority shal1authoritethe
drainage or filling in of wetlands within the Recreational River Land
Use District.
2.25 Vegetative Cutting, Grading and Filling (other Public waters)
a. The removal of natural vegetation shall be restricted to prevent
erosion into public waters, to consume nutrients in the soil, and to
preserve shore land aesthetics. Removal of natural vegetation in the
shoreland overlay district shall be subject to the following provisions:
I. Selective removal of natural vegetation shall be allowed,
provided that sufficient vegetative cover remains to screen
cars, dwellings and other structures when viewed from the water.
II. Clear cutting of natural vegetation shall be prohibited.
III. Natural vegetation shall be restored insofar as feasible
after any construction project is completed in order to retard
surface runoff and soil erosion.
IV. The prOV~Slons of this section shall not apply to permitted
uses which normally require the removal of natural vegetation.
8.
b. Grading and filling in shore land areas or any alterations of the
natural t9PQgraphy whe~~ the slope of the land is toward a public water
or a wateroourse . leading to a pUblic water ImlSt be authorized by a "
conditional use permit.
The permit may be granted.subject to the conditions that:
I. The s~allest amount of bare ground is exposed for as short a
time as feasible,
II. Temporary ground cover, such as mulCh, is used and permanent
ground cover, such as SOd, is planted,
III. Fill is stabilized to accepted engineering standards.
c. Excavations on shore lands where the intended purpose is
connection to a publiC water shall require a permit from the Zoning
Administrator before construction is begun. Such permit may be obtained
only after the Commissioner of Natural Resources has issued a permit for
vmrk in the beds of public waters.
2.26 Utility Companies, Standards, and Criteria for Utility Crossings.
"AII transmission services constructed wi thin the MiSSissippi River
Recreational shoreland district shall require a conditional use
permit. The constructions of such transmission services shall be
subject to the standards and criteria of Minnesota Regulations NR 79
(i) (2). No conditional use permit,shall be required for high voltage
transmission lines under control v the Environmental Quality Council
pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 116c.61."
2.27 Public Roads, River Crossings
"All new construction or reconstruction of public roads within the
Mississippi River Recreational Shore land District shall require a
conditional use permit. Such construction or reconstruction shall
be subject to the standards and criteria of Minnesota Regulations
NR 79-(j) (2). A conditional use permit is not required for Minor
public street which are street intended to serve primarily as an
access to abutting properties. "Public roads" include tovmship
county and muniCipal roads and highways which serve or are designed to
serve flows of traffic between communities or other traffic generating
areas."
:'"
q.
3.0 SANITARY PROVISIONS
3.1 WATER SUPPLY
Any public or private supply of water for domestic purposes must conform
to Minnesota Department of Health standards for water quality.
3.11 Public water supplies shall be used where available and where
feasible.
3.12 Permit. No person, firm or corporation shall install, alter,
repair or extend any private welLwithout obtaining a permit therefor
from the Zoning Administrator for the specific installation, alteration,
repair or extension.
a. Application for permits shall be made in writing> _
upon printed blanks or forms furnished by the Zoning Administrator
and shall be signed by the applicant.
b. Each application for a permit shall have thereon the correct
legal description of the property on which the proposed installation,
alteration, repair or extension is to take place. Each application
for a permit shall be accompanied by a plan of the site of reasonable
scale and accuracy showing the location of any proposed or existing
buildings located on the property with respect to the boundary
lines of the property, and complete plans of the proposed water
supply system with substantiating data, if necessary, attesting
to the compliance with the minimum standars of this ordinance.
A complete plan shall include the location, size and design
of all parts of the well to be installed, altered, repaired or
extended. The application shall also show the present or
proposed location of sewage treatment facilities and the name
and license number of the person, firm or corporation ,..ho is
to install the system and shall provide such further information
as may be required by the Zoning Administratbr~.
c. Administration. The Zoning Administrator may assign
responsibility for administration of these provisions to a
qualified inspector.
3.13 Private wells shall be so located and constructed so that the~
are in compliance with the rUnnesota Department of Health well drillers
code.
3.14 Private wells shall be so located and constructed that they will
not be contaminated by any existing or future sewage treatment
systems. They shall also be constructed to minimize the possible
contamination from all possible external sources within the
geological strata surrounding the well.
3.15 Private wells shall be located in a manner to be free from
flooding and the top shall be so constructed and located as to be
above all possible sources of pollution. Wells already existing
in areas subject to flooding shall be flood proofed.
10
3.2 WASTE DISPOSAL
3.21 The disposal of sewage, industrial wastes, or other wastes as
defined in Minnesota Statutes 1976, Chapter 115 shall be subject to
the standards, criteria, rules and regulations of the Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency and the Minnesota Department of Health.
3.22 No rubbish or trash of any sort shall be thrown or discarded
in any mariller into any public water or into any watercourse leading to a
public water.
3.23 No solid waste disposal site shall be located within the jurisdiction
of this ordinance, unless approved by the Pollution Control Agency.
3.3 SErJAGE TREATMENT
Any premises intended for human occupancy must be provided with an adequate
method of sewage treatment to be maintained in accordance ~dth acceptable
practices.
3.31 Public or mUni~ipal collection and treatment facilities shall be
used where availabe:and where feasible.
3.32 Permit. No person, firm or corporation shall install, alter,
repair or extend any individual sewage tre~tment system without first
obtaining a permit therefor from the Zoning Administrator for the specific
installation, alteration, repair or extension.
a. Jlpplication for permits shall be made in writing upon
printed blanks or forms furnished by the Zoning Administrator
and shall be signed by the applicant.
b. Each application for a permit shall have thereon the
correct legal description of the property on which the proposed
installation, alteration, repair or extension is to take place
and each application for a permit shall be accompanied by a plan
of the site, of reasonable scale and accuracy, showing the
location of any proposed or existing buildings located on the
property with respect to the boundary lines of the property and
complete plans of the proposed sev~e treatment system with
substantiating data, if necessary, attesting to the compliance
wi th the minimum standards of this ordinance. A complete
plan shall include the location, size and design of all parts
of the system to be installed, altered, repaired or extended.
The application shall also show the present or proposed location
of water supply facilities and water supply piping, and the name
of the person, firm or corporation who is to install the system,
and shall provide such further information as may be required
by the Zoning Administrator.
11.
c. Administration. The Zoning Administrator may assign
responsibility for administration of these provisions to
a qualified inspector.
d. Inspection. All systems shall be inspected,by the
Zoning Administrator or his designated inspecto~before
they are backfilled.
3.33 General Requirements
a. Location and installation of the individual sewage treat-
ment system shall be such that, with reasonable maintenance,
it will function in a sanitary manner and will not create a
hUisance, endanger the safety of any domestic water supply,
nor pollute any waters of the state. In determining a suitable
location for the system, consideration shall be given to
the size and shape of the lot, slope6f natural and finished
iSTade, soil permeability, high ground water elevation, geology,
proximity to existing or furture water supplies, and future
expansion of the system.
(). Raw sewage, septic tank effluent, or seepage from a soil
absorption system shall not be discharged on to the ground
surface, into abandoned well, or bodies of surface water, or
into any soil or rock formation, the structure of which is
not conduciVe to purification of water by filtration, or into
any well or other requirements of this ordinance. This
requirement shall not apply to the treament of sewage in accor-
dance with a process approved by the State Board of Health and
Pollution Control Agency.
c. Bulldozers, trucks, or other heavy machinery shall not be
driven over the system after installation.
3.34 Privies
a. Privies shall be considered to be an adequate method of
sewage treatment, provided they are maintained in a clean
condition and do not constitute a public nuisance.
b. Privies shall be located at least 10 feet from a dwelling
or lot line, and they shall meet the structural setbacks from
public waters specified in Section 4.21.
3.35 Septic Tanks
a. Only septic tanks meeting the specifications prescribed
by the Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency may be installed or constructed.
1?
b. Location of septic tanks shall be subject to the following
restrictions: 10 feet from any building intended for human
occupancy; 10 feet from a lot line; 50 feet from a well or
other water supply; and where feasible, the septic tank shall
be placed downslope from a well.
3.36 Soil Abosorption Systems
a. Placement of soil absorption systems shall be in accordance
with the shore land management classification of the applicable
public water body and shall be subject to the following
specifications, where soil conditions are adequate:
1. On Natural Environment Lakes and Streams, at least
150 feet from the ordinary high water mark.
2. On Recreational Development Lakes and Streams, at least
75 feet from the ordinary high water mark.
3. On General Development Lakes Streams, at least 50 feet
from the ordinary high water mark.
b. In addition, placement of soil absorption systems shall be
subject to the following specifications: 10 feet from a lot linej
20 feet from a building intended for human occupancy; and 50
feet fromciwell.or other water supply source.
c. Minimum seepage area of the disposal field (total flat area)
of trench bottom exclusive of sidewall area) shall be determined
by the following percolation test procedure as applied to Table 1.
1. Number and location of tests. Two or mbre tests shall
be made in spearate test holes spaced uniformly over the
proposed absorption field site.
2. Type of test hole. A 'hole with horizontal dimensions
of 4 to 12 inches and vertical sides shall be dug or bored
with an auger of not less than 4-inch diameter.
3. Preparation of test hole. The bottom and sides of the
hole shall carefully scratched with a knife blade or sharp
pointed instrument to remove any smeared soil surfaces and
to provide a natural soil interface into which water may
percolate. All loose material shall be removed from the
hole and 2 inches of coarse sand or fine gravel shall be
added to protect the bottom from scouring.
4. Saturation and swelling of the soil. The hole shall be
carefully filled with clear water to minimum depth of 12
inches over the gravel. Water shall be -kept in the hole
for at least 4 hours, and preferabley overnight, by refillin[
if necessary, or by supplying a surplus reservoir of water,
such as in an automatic siphon.
13.
In sandy soils containing little or no clay, the swelling
procedure shall not be required and the test may be made as
described under item (c) (5) (cc) after the water form one
filling of the hole has completely seeped away.
5. Percolation rate measurement. With the exception of
sandy sOils, percolation rate measurements shall be made
on the day following the procedure described under item
(c) (4).
aa. If water remains in the test hole after the overnight
swelling period, the depth shall be adjusted to approximately
6 inches over the gravel. From a fixed reference point the
drop in water level shall be measured over a 30 minute period.
This drop shall be used to calculate the percolation rate.
bb. If no water remains in the hole after the overnight
swelling period, clear water shall be added to bring the
depth of water in the hole to approximately 6 inches over
the gravel. From a fixed reference point the drop in
water level shall be measured at approximately 30 minute
intervals for four h011rs, refilling 6 inches over the gravel
if necessary. The drop that occurs during the final 30
minute period shall be used to calculate the percolation
rate.
cc. In sandy soils or other soils in which the first 6
inches of water seeps away in less than 30 minutes after
the overnight swelling period, the time interval between
measurements shall be taken as 10 minutes and the test
shall be used to calculate the percolation rate.
6. A modification of the percolation test may be used where the
I,ercolation test procedure has been previously ~sed and know-
ledge is available on the character and uniformity of the soil.
Table 1: Absorption Area Requirements for Private
Residences and Other Establishments
(Per Bedroom CoIUTIh~ Provides for Residential Garbage Grinders
and Automatic Sequence Washing Machine~)
Percolation rate
(Time required for
water to fall 1 inch
in minutes)
Required Absorption
area in square feet
standard trench and
seepage pits
Per
. bedroom
Per gallon of
waste per day
1 or less
2
"),
-'
70
85
100
115
125
165
190
.20
.30
.35
.40
.45
.65
.80
4
5
10
15
1/L
Per Per gallon of
bedroom waste per day
30 250 1.10
45 300 1.25
60 330 1.65
Absorption area for standard trenches is figured as trench-bottom area.
Absorption area for seepage pits is figured as effective sidewall area
beneath the inlet.
In every case sufficient area should be provided for at least 2 bedrooms.
Unsuitable for seepage pits if over 30.
Unsuitable for absorption system if over 60.
d. Soil absorption systems shall not be acceptable for
treatment of domestic sewage wastes for developments on lots
adjacent to public waters under the following condition:
1. Low swampy areas or areas subject to recurrent
flooding; or
2. Areas where the highest known ground water table is
within four feet of the bottom of the soil absorption system
at any time; or
3. Area of exposed bedrock or shallow bedrock within four
feet of the bottom of a soil absorption system or any other
geologic formation which prohibits percolation of the effluer,t j or
4. Areas of ground slope where there is danger of seepage
of effluent onto the surface of the ground, in accordance
with the following critical slope values:
Percolation Critical
Rate (Minutes) Slope
Less than 3 2etfo or more
3-45 15% or more
45-60 1etfo or more; or
5. Soils where the percolation rate is slower than one
(1) inch in sixty (60) minutes.
3.37 Servicing of septic tanks and soil absorption units shall conform
to theM innesota Department of Health and Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency specifications. Disposal of sludge and scum removed from the
system shall be:
a. Into a municipal sewage treatment system where practicable.
b. In the absence of public sewer, at q. disposal site designated
by the Zoning Administrator.
c. Sludge shall not be discharged into any lake or watercouse,
nor on land without burial.
3.38 Alternative Systems
a. Alternative methods of sewage treatment such as holding
tanks, electric or gas incinerators, biological and/or tertiary
waste treatment plants or land disposal systems, wherever required
or allowed in particular circumstances, shall be subject to
11;_
the standards, criteria, rules and re~lations of the Minnesota
Department of Health and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
3.4 AGRICULTURAL WASTE DISPOSAL
Any agricultural waste disposal operations in shoreland areas must conform
to the standards, criteria, rules and regulations of the Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency.
4.0 Administration of Shoreland Overlay District. (note: these administrative
procedures are in addition to'those of the Ci~y of Elk River Zoning Ordinance.)
4.1 Notification
a. Copies of all notices of any public hearing to consider variances,
amendments, conditional uses, or inconsistent plats in shoreland areas
shall be received by the Commissioner at least 10 days prior to such
hearings.
b. Copies of all final decisions granting variances, amendments,
conditional uses, or inconsistent plats and copies of all plats in
shoreland areas shall be received by the Commissioner within 10 days
of the final action.
4.2 Permits
a. Permits from the zoning administrator are required for bUilding
construction, installation of sewer and water facilities and. grading
and filling in shore land areas.
4.31 The grant of a variance within the shore land districts requires the
presence of the following conditions:
a. The strict enforcement of the land use controls will result in
unnecessary hardship.
b. Granting of the variance is not contrary to the purpose and intent
of the zoning provision herein established by these standards and
criteria.
c. There are exceptional circumstances unique to the subject property
which were not created by the landowners.
d. Granting of the variance will not alter the essential character of
locality.
4.4 Nonconforming Uses, Substandard Uses
4.41 Nonconforming Uses. Uses which are prohibited by this ordinance
but which are in existence prior to the effective date of this ordinance
shall be non-conforming uses. Such uses shall hot be intenSified,
enlarged, or expanded beyond the permitted or delineated boundaries of
use or activity as stipulated in most current permit issued prior to the
adoption of this ordinance.
16.
4.42 Nonconforming Sanitary Systems. All sanitary facilities inconsistent
wi th the performance standardS of section 3.0 and the minimum standards of
the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Minnesota Department of Health
shall be brought into conformity of discontinued within five (5) years of the
date of enactment of this or other applicable ordinance.
4.43 Substandard Uses. All uses in existence prior to the effective date of
enactment or amendment of this ordinance which are permitted uses within the
newlyestablish~d land use district, but do not meet the minimum lot area,
setbacks or other dimensional requirements of this ordinance are substandard
uses. All substandard uses, except for substandard signs, shall be allowed
to continue subject to the following conditions and exceptions:
1. Any structural alteration or addition to a substandard use which
will increase the substandard dimensions shall not be al101.;ed.
2. Substandard signs shall be gradually eliminated over a period of
time not to exceed five (5) years from,the date of enactment of this
ordinance.
3. i1here '3. setback pattern from the ordinary high watermark has
already been established on both sides of a proposed building site,
the setback of the proposed structure may be allowed to conform to that
pattern. (this provision shall apply to lots which do not meet the
minimum lot width requirements (Section 502.02 (3) of this ordinance.)
4.5 CERTIFICATION (FOR THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER "RECP.EATIONAL" LAND USE
DISTRICT ONLY.)
4.51 Certain land use decisions which directly affect the use of land within
the designated land use districts and involve any of the following actions
must be certified by the commissioner, (Section 1007.02):
1'. Adopting or amending an ordinance regulating the use of land
including rezoning of particular tracts of land.
2. Granting a variance from a provision of this ordinance which
relates to the zoning dimension provision of Section 5 of this ordinance
and any other zoning dimension provisions established in NR 2400-2420.
3. Approving a plat which is inconsistent with the local land use ordinance.
4.52 Certification Procedure
1. A copy of all notices of any public hearing, or where a public
hearing is not required, a copy of the application to consider zoning
amendments, variances, or inconsistent plats under local ordinance shall
be sent so as to be received by the commissioner at least ten (10) days
prior to such hearings or meetings to consider such actions. The notice
of applicationslialTinclude a copy of the proposed ordinances or amendment t
or a cop,y of the proposed inconsistent plat, or a description of the
requestea variance.
2. (local units) shall notify the commissioner of its final decision
on the proposed action ~nthin ten (10) days of the decision.
3.
The action becomes effective when and onlv when either:
a. 'The final decision taken by (local ~it) has previously
received certification of approval from the commissioner, or
b. (local unit) receive certification of approval after its
final decision; or
c. Thirty (30) days have elapsed from the day the commissioner
received notice of the final decision, and the (local unit) has received
from the commissioner neither certification of approval nor notice
of non-approval; or.
d. The commissioner certifies his approval within thirty (30) days
after conduction a public hearing.
4. In case the commissioner gives notice of non-approval of an
ordinance, variance of inconsistent plat, either the applicant or
the chief executive officer of (local unit) may within thirty (30)
days of said notice, file with the commissioner a demand for hearing.
If the demand for hearing is not made within thirty (30) days, the
notice of non-approval becomes final.
a. The hearing will be held in an appropriate local community
within sixty (60) days of the demand and after at least two (2)
weeks published notice.
b. The hearing will be conducted in accordance with Minnesota Statutes
105.44, subdivision 5 and 6 (1971) as amended.
c. The commissioner shall either certify his approval or disapproval
of the proposed action within thirty (30) days of the hearing.
18.
ADDENDUM II TQ;;;ZeNING ORDINANCE
",--
SECTION 1.0 STATUTORY AUTHORIZATION, FINDINGS OF FACT AND PURPOSE
1.1 Statutory Authoriztion The Legislature of the State of Minnesota
has in Minnesota Statutes 1969, e. 104, and
" 462"
~elegated the responsibility to local governmental units to adopt
regulations designed to minimize flood losses. Therefore, the
City Council
(governing body)
of The City of Elk River Minnesota do ordain as follows:
(local unit)
1.2 Findings of Fact
1.21 The flood hazard areas of "Elk River" ,Minnesota, are
(local unit)
subject to periodic inundation which may result in potential loss
of life, loss of property, health and safety hazards, disruption
of commerce and governmental services, extraordinary public
expenditures for flood protection and relief, and impairment of
the tHX base, all of which adversely ijffect the public health,
safety and general welfare.
1.22 Methods Used to Analyze Flood Hazards. This Ordinance is based
upon a reasonable method of analyzing flood hazards which is
consistent with the standards; established by the PIinnesota
Department of Natural Resources.
1.3 Statement of Purpose. It is the purpose oJl this Ordinance to promote
the public bealth, safety and general welfare and to minimize those
losses described in Section 1.21 by provisions contained herein.
2.5 Abregation and Greater Restrictions. It is not intended by this
Ordinance to repeal, abregate or impair any existing easements,
covenants, or deed restrictions, o:b:cOrdinanc'es.> Hbwev'er,~':where
this Ord:inance-dmpos:e:s' gbeater':restrfu-ctions, nthe>proVi:sionof this-
Ordinance shala:: prevail-~
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2.6 Interpretation. In their interpretation and application, the
provisions of this Ordinance shall be held to be minimum requirements
and shall be liberally construed in favor of the governing body and
shall not be deemed a limitation or repeal of any other powers
granted by State Statutes, or Ordinances.
2.7 Warning and Disclaimer of Liability. This Ordinance does not imply
that areas outside the flood plain districts or land uses permitted
within such districts will be free from flooding or flood damages.
This Ordinance shall not create liability on the part of
!pe City of Elk River or any officer or employee thereof for any
~name of local unit)
flood damages that result from reliance on this Ordinance or any
administrative decision lawfully made thereunder.
2.8 Seyerability. If any section, clause, provision, or portion of this
Ordinance is adjudged unconstitutional or invalid by a court of
competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this Ordinance shall not be
affected thereby.
2.9 Definitions. Unless specifically defined below, words or phrases
used in this erdinance shall be interpreted so as to give them the
same meaning as they have in common usage and so as to give this
Ordinance its most reasonable application.
Accessory Use or Structure - a use or structure on the same lot
with, and of a nature customarily incidental and subordinant
to the principal use or structure.
Equal Degree of Encroachment - a method of determi~ng the
location of encroachment lines so that the hydraulic capacity
of flood plain lands on each side of a stream are reduced by
an eqtlal amount when calculating the increases in flood
stageG due to flood plain encroachments.
F~ood - A temporary rise in stream flow or stage that results in
inundation of the areas adjacent to the channel.
Flood Frequ~ncy - the average frequency, statistically determined,
for which it is expected that a specific flood stage or
discharge may be equalled or exceeded.
Flood Fringe - that portion of the flood plain outside of the
floodHay.
Flood Plain - the areas adjoining a watercourse, which have been
or hereafter ~ay be covered by the regional flood.
Flood Proofi~ - a combination of structural provisions, changes,
or adjustments to properties and structures subject to flooding
primarily for the reduction or elimination of flood damages.
Floodway - the channel of the watercourse and those portions of the
adjoirdng flood plains which are reasonably required to carry
and discha:sge the regional flood.
Obstruction - any dam, wall, wharf, embankment, levee, dike, pile,
abutment, projection, excavation, channel rectification, culvert,
buildjng, wire, fence, stockpile, refuse, fill, structure, or
matter in, along, across, or projecting into any channel, water-
course, or regulatory flood hazard area which may impede, retard,
or change the direction of the flow of water, either in itself or
by catching or collecting debris carried by such water, or that
is placed where the flow of water might carry the same downstream
to the damage of life or property.
Reach - a hydraulic engineering term to describe a longitudinal
segment of a stream or river influBnced by a natural or man-
made obstruction. In an urban area, the segment of a stream
or river between two consecutive bridge crossings WOQld most
typically constitute a reach.
Regional Flc~d - a flood which is representative of large floods
known to have occurred generally in Minnesota and reasonably
characteristic of what can be expected to occur on an average
frequency in the magnitude of the 100 year recurrence interval.
Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation - a point not less than one
foot above the water surface profile associated with the
regional flood plus any increases in flood heights attributable
to encroachments on the flood plain. It is the elevation to
which uses regulated by this Ordinance are required tocbe
elevated or flood proofed.
Structure - anything constructed or erected on the ground or
attached to the ground, including, but not limited to,
buildings, factories, shed~, cabins, mobile homes, and
other similar items.
SECTION 2.0 GENERAL PROVISIONS
2.1 Lands to Which Ordinance Applies. This Ordinance shall apply to all
lands vdthin the jurisdiction of The City of Elk River shown on the
(local unit name)
Official Zoning Map as being located within the boundaries of the
Floodway and Flood Fringe Districts and by the Flood Insurance Study for
the City of Elk River as an unnumbered A Zone.
2.2 Establishment of Official Zoning Map. The Official Zoning Map
together with all explanatory matter thereon, and attached thereto
is hereby adopted by reference and de~lared to be a part of this
Ordinance. The Official Zoning Map shall be on file in the office
of the The Flood Insurance Stucly
the Federal Insuranc~ Admini-
straticn, dated May 2, 1977, and the water surface profiles and Flood
Boundary and Floodway Maps therein are attached to and made part of the
Official Zoning Map and this Ordinance.
2.3 Rules for Interpretation of District Boundaries. The Flood Hazard
boundarieSl shall be determined by scaling distances otl the Federal'_
Insurance Administration Flood Insurance Study Map. Where interpretation
is needed as to the exact location of the boundaries of the flood district,
as for example where there appears to be a conflict between a mapped
bounda~1 and actual field conditions, the Board of Adjustment shall make
the necessary interpertation based on elevations on the applicable water
surface profile. The person contesting the location of the district
boundar:r shall be given a reasonable opportunity to present his case to
the Board and to submit technical evidence if he so desires.
2.4 Compliance. No structure or land shall hereafter be used and no
structu:~e shall be located, extended, converted, or structurally
altered without full compliance with the terms of this Ordinance
and other applicable regulations which apply to uses within the
jurisdiction 'of this:'Ordinance.
SECTION 3.0 ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONING DISTRICTS.
The flood plain areas within the jurisdiction of this ordinance are hereby
divided into two districts: Floodway Districts (FW) and Flood Fringe Districts
(FF). The boundaries of these districts are shown on the Federal Insurance
Administration Flood Insurance Study Map.
Permit applications for areas designated as unnumbered A Zones by the Flood
Insurance Study for the City of Elk River shall be evaluated in accordance with
procedures in Section 9.52. Based on this evaluation, the area in question shall
be assigned to the Floodway Distric~ or the Flood Fringe District as appropriate
and a flood protection elevation shall be det~rmined.
SECTION 4.0 FJLOODWAY :DISTRI-'cT (F'w) The floodway District is established for
areas of the flood plain which because of their location to the water
course and channel during flood stage, must be kept relatively free
of obstructions to property discharge flood waters without creating
additional flooding or delaying flood discharge.
4.1 Permitted Uses. The fallowing uses having a ~ow flood damage potential
and not obstructing flood flows shall be permitted within the Flooaway
District to the extent that they are not prohibited by any other
ordinance and provided they do no require structures, fill, or storage
of materials or equipment. In addition, no use shall adversely affect
the capacity of the channels or floodways of any tributary to the main
stream, drainage ditch, or any other drainage facilit~. or system.
4.11 Agricultural uses such as general farming, pasture, grazing,
outdoor plant nurseries, horticulture, truck farming, forestry,
sod farming, and wild crop harvesting.
4.12 Private and public recreational uses such as golf courses, tennis
courts, driving ranges, archery ranges, picnic LTounds, boat
launching ramps, swimming areas, parks, wildlife and nature
preserves, game farms, fish hatcheries, shooting preserves,
target ranges, trap and skeet ranges, hunti~g and fishing areas,
hiking and horseback riding trails.
4.13 Residential uses such as lawns, gard~ns, parking areas and
play areas.
4.2 Conditional Uses. The following open space uses which require only accessory
structures (temporary or permanent), or fill or storage of materials or equip-
ment may be permitted in the Floodway District only upon application to
the Zo~ing Administrator and the issuance of a special permit by the
Board of Adjustment as provided in Section 9.5, Conditional Use
Permits, of this Ordinance. These uses are also subject to the
provisions of Section 4.3, which applies to all floodway Conditional
Uses.
4.21 Circm;es , carnivals, and similar transient amusement enter-
priseE;.
4.22 Extraction of sand, gravel, and other materials.
4.23 Marinas, boat rentals, docks, piers, warves, and water
control stlmctures.
4.24 Railroads, streets, bridges, utility transmission lines, and
pipe lines.
Storage yards for equipment, machinery, or materials.
Kennels and stables.
Other uses similar in nature to uses described in Section 4.1
which are consistent with the provisions set out in
Section 1.3 and 4.0 of this Ordinance.
4.3 Standards for Floodway Conditional Uses
4.31 All UE,es. No structure (temporary or permanent), fill
(including fill for roads,and levees), deposit, obstruction;
storage of materials or equipment, or other uses may be
allowed as Conditional Uses which, acting alone or in combin-
ation with existing or anticipated future uses, unduly affects
the c~pacity of the floodway or unduly increases flood heights.
Consiceration of the effects of a proposed use shall be based on the
reasonable assumption that there will be an equal degree of
encro;::;chment extending for a significant reach on both sides of the
4.25
4.26
4.27
stream.
4.32 Fill
(1) Any fill proposed to be deposited in the floodwGY must be
shown to have some beneficial purpose and the amount thereof
must not exceed that necessary to achieve the intended purpose,
as demonstrated by a plan submitted by the owner showing the uses
to which the filled land will be put and the final dimensions
of the proposed fill or other materials.
(2) Such fill or other materials ,win be protected against. erosion
by rip-rap, vegetative cover, or bulkheading.
4.33 Accessory Structures (temporary or permanent) permitted as Conditional Uses
by Section J+e21
(1) Accessory structures shall not be designed for human habitation.
(2) Accessury structures shall have a low flood damage potential.
(3) Accessory structures, if permitted, shall be constructed and
placed on the building site so as to be removed prior to flooding.
(a) Whenever possible, structures shall be constructed with the
longitudinal axis parallel to the direction of flood flow,
and
(b) So far as practicable, structures shall be placed approxi-
mately on the same flood flow lines as those of adjoining
structures.
(4) Accessory structures shall be flood proOfed" in accordance With
the State Building Code.
~.34 Storage of Haterial and Equipment
(1) The storage or processing of materials that are in time of
flooding buoyant, flammable, explosive, or could be injurious
to human animal, or plant life is prohibited.
(2) Storage of other material or equipment may be allowed if not
subject, to major damage by floods and firmly anchored to prevent
flotation or reamily removable from the area within the time
available after flood warning.
4.35 Garbage anc Solid Waste Disposal
(1) No Conditional Use Permits for garbage and waste disposal
sites shall be issued for floodway areas.
(2) Provided further, there shall be no further encroachment
upon the floodway at existing sites.
4.36 Structural Works for Flood Control. Structural works for .flood
control such as dams, levees, dikes, and floodwalls shall be
allowed only upon issuance of a Conditional Use Permit. In
addition, any porposed work in the beds of public waters which
~dll change the course, current, or cross-section of the waters
shall be subject to the provisions of Minnesota Statutes 1969,
c. 105, and other applicable statutes.
SECTION 5.0 FLOOD FRINGE DISTRICT (FF) The Flood Fringe District is established for
Areas of the Flood Plain not a part of the water course or channel, and
would not dintract from the discharge of a flood, but are subject to backwaters
and inundation during flood stage. Limited development may be permitted in
this District provided the development is protected from the flood waters.
5.1 Permitted Uses. The following uses shall be permitted uses within the
Flood Fringe District to the extent that they are not prohibited by
any other ordinance:
5.11 Any use permitted in Section 4.1
5.12 Residences and other structures constructed on fill so that the
basement floor or first floor if there is no basement is above
the regulatory flood protection elevation. The finished fill
elevat:Lon shall be no lower than the regional flood elevation and
shall extend at such elevation at least fifteen (15) feet beyond the
limits of any structure or building erected thereon. Fill shall be
compacted and the slopes shall be protected by rip-rap or vegetative
covering.
No use shall be permitted which will adversely affect the capacity of
channels or floodways of any tributary to the main stream, drainage
ditch, or any other drainage facility or system.
5.2 Conditional l~ other uses are permitted only upon application to
the Zoning Administrator and the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit
by the Board of Adjustment as provided in Section 9.5 of this Ordinance
and subject t.o the following provisions:
5.21 Residences. Where existing street, utilities, and small lot sizes
preclude the use of fill, other methods of elevating the first floor
(including basesments) above the flood protection elevation may be
authorized. Residences that do not have access at or above an
elevation not more than,one foot below the regional flood elevation
shall not be permitted unless granted a variance by the Board of
Adjustment. In granting a variance the Board shall specify
limitations on period of use or occupancy of the residence.
5.22 Residential Basements. Upon the granting of a waiver by the Federal
Insurance k:lministration to the City of Elk River or to the State of
Minnesota,residehtial basements below the flood protection
elevation may be authorized only if they are flood proofed to FP-l classisfi-
cation in accordance with the State Building Code. No floor or portion
of a residence below the flood protection elevation may be used for
human occupancy.
5.23 other Structures. Commercial, manufacturing and industrial structures
shall ordinarily be elevated on fill so that their first floor
(including basement) is above the regulatory flood protection elevation
but may in special circumstances be flood proofed in accordances with
the State Building Code. Any space in such structure that is not
elevated to above the flood protection elevation shall be flood
proofed to ?P-l or FP-2 classification in accordance with the State
Building Code. Spaces flood proofed to FP-3 or FP-4 classification
shall not be permitted prior to changes in Federal Insurance Administration
regulations that would allow such uses.
5.3 Standard For Flood Fringe Uses
5.31 Commercial Uses. Accessory land uses, such as yard, railroad
tracks, and parking lots may be at elevations lower than the
Flood Proctection Elevation. However, a permit for such facilities
to be used by the general public shall not be granted, in the
absence of a flood warning system, if the area is inundated to
a depth greater than two feet or subject to flood velocities
greater than four feet per second upon the occurrence of the
regional flood.
5.32 Manufacturing and Industrial Uses. Measures shall be taken to
minimize interference with normal plant operations especially
for streams having protracted flood durations. Certain accessory
land uses such as yards and parking lots may be at lower elevations
subject to requirements set out in Section 5.22 above. In reviewing
permit applications, the Board shall give due consideration to needs
of an indus"try whose business requires that it be located in flood
plain areas.
5.33 Utilities, ILailroad Tracks, Street, and Bridges. Public utility
facilities, roads, railroad tracks, and bridges within the flood
plain shall be designed to minimize increases in flood elevations and
shall be compatible with local comprehensive flood plain development
plans. Protection to the regulatory flood protection elevation shall
be provided where failure or interruption of these public facilities
would result in danger to the public health or safety or where such
facilities &re essential to the orderly functioning of the area. Where
failure or interruptioncof service~would(notendangerlife or health,
a lesser de5'Tee:of protection may be provided for minor or auxiliary
road, railroads, or utilities.
5.34 Waste Treatment and Waste Disposal.
(+.) No ne~ constTUctioJ;l, adclitlion, or modification' toeristing
waste treatment facilities shall be permitted within the
flood plain unless emergency plans and procedures for
action to be taken in the event of flooding are prepared,
filed ~dth, and approved by the Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency. The emergency plans and procedures must
provide for measures to prevent introduction of any
pollutant or toxic material into the flood waters.
(2) There shall be no disposal of garbage or solid waste
materiels within flood plain areas except upon issuance
of a Conditional Use Permit for sites approved by the
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and subject to the
requirements of Section 4.35.
5.35 Flood Control Works, Flood control works shall be subject to
the provisions of Section 4.36 and the following provisions:
(1) The minimum height and design of any dikes, levees, floodwalls,
or similar structural works shall be based upon the flood
profile of the regional flood confined between the structures
f;ubjectto'the following:
(a) For urban areas the mininmm height and design of
structural works shall be at least three feet above
the elevation of the regional flood, as confined by
structures, or at the elevation of the standard
project flood, whichever is greater.
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(2) Flood protection elevations and floodway limits which
reflect proposed measures for flood control shill not
be effective until such measures are constructed and
operative unless the proposed measures ~rlll increase
flood heights, in which event, the regulatory flood
protection elevations and flood plain limits shall
reflect the anticipated increases.
(3) Detailed plans shall be submitted to the Board for
aIT;{ new developments placed on the flood plain landward
from dikes, floodwalls, and similar structures. The
plans must provide for ponding areas or other measures
to protect against flooding from internal drainage.
SECTION 6.0 SUBDIVIE; IONS
No land shall be subdivided which is held unsuitable by The City
for reason of flooding, inadequate drainage or inadequate water supply
or sewage treatment facilities. All lots cantained within the flood
plain dist.ricts shill contain a building site at or above the flood
protection elevation. All subdivisions shall have access and water and
sewage disposal facilities that comply with provisions of this Ordinance.
In all areas designated an unnumbered A Zone in the Flood Insurance Study J~or
the City, subdividers shall provide the information required in
Section 9.52 and the subdivision shall be evaluated in accordance with
procedures therein.
Section 7.0 PUBLIC UTILITIES
All public utilities and facilities such as gas, electrical, sewer, and
water supply systems to be located in the flood plain districts shall
be designed and constructed in a manner to minimize or eliminate flood
damage. Sewer and water supply systems shall be designed to minimize
infiltration by flood waters.
SEeTION 8.0 MOBIL HOMES AND MOBILE HOME PARKS
8.1 New mobile home parks and expansions to existing mobile home parks
shall be subject to the provisions placed on subdivisions by Section 6.0.
8.2 Mobile homes on permanent sites in existing mobile parks may be
replaced if the site is located in the Flood Fringe District. Replacement
mobile hones that lie below the flood protection elevation shall be
anchored by tiedowns that comply with requirements of Minnesota
Statutes Chapter 327.32
SECTION 9.0 ADMINIfjTRATION
9.1 Zoning Adninistrator The Zoning Administrator designated in the
City Zoning Ordinance shall administer and enforce this Ordinance. If
he finds a violation of the provisions of this Ordinance he shall
notify tho person responsible for such violation, indicating the
nature of the violation, and ordering the action necessarY to
correct it.
9.2 Permits
9.21 BuiJ.ding Permit Required. A Building Permit or Certificate of
of Zoning Compliance issued by the Zoning Administrator in con-
fornity with the provisions of this Ordinance shall be secured
prior to the erection, addition, or alteration of any building,
structure, or portion thereof; prior to the use or change of use
of < building, structure, or land; prior to the change or extension
of & Nonconforming Use; and proir to the placement of fill or
excc.vation of materials within the floodplain.
9.22 Application for Building Permit required..Application for Building
Permit shall be made to the Zoning Administrator on forms furnished
by the City and shall include the following where applicable plans
in duplicate drawn to scale, showing the nature, location, dimension';,
and elevations of the lot; existing or proposed str~ctures, fill, or
storage of materials; and the location of the foregoing in relation
to the channel.
~.23 State and Federal Permits. Prior to granting a Use Permit or
processing an application for a Conditional Use Permit or Variance.
the Zoning Administrator shall determine that the applicant has
obtained all necessary State and Federal Permits.
9.24 Cert.ificate of Zoning Compliance for New or Altered, Uses. It
shall be unlawful to use, occup,y or permit the use or occupancy
of any building or premises, or both, or part thereof hereafter
created, erected, changed, converted, or wholly or partly altered
or e.nlarged in its use or structure until a Certificate of
Zoning Compliance shall have been issued therefore by the Zoning
Admi.nistrator stating that the use of the building or land conforms
to the requirements of this Ordinance.
9.25 Construction and Use to be as Provided in Applications, Plans,
Permits, and Certificates of Zoning Compliance. Building Permits,
Conditional Use Permits, or Certificates of Zon:iiJ.g Compliance
issued on the basis of approved plans and applications authorize
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only the use, arrangement, and construction set forth in such
approved plans and applications, and no other use, arrangement,
or construction. Any use, arrangement, or construction at
varimce with that authorized shall be deemed violation of this
Ordinance, and punishable as provided by Section 10.0. The
applicant shall be required to submit certification by a
registered professional engineer or architect that the finished
fill and building elevations, flood proofing or other flood
protection measures were accomplished in compliance with the provisions
of this Ordinance. A registered land surveyor may certify fill
and building elevations.
9.26 Record of First Floor Elevations. The Zoning Administrator shall
maintain a record of the elevation of the first floor (including
basement) of all new structures or additions to existing structures
in tJle flood plain districts. He shall also maintain a record of
the elevations to which structures or additions to structures are
flood proofed.
9.3 Board of Adjustment. The Board of Adjustment shall be the Board of Adjustments
established in the City Zoning Ordinance and shall function under the authority,
rules and regulations of the Zoning Ordinance and shall also perform the
additional functions denoted in this Ordinance.
9.31 Administrative Review. The Board shall hear and decide appeals
where it is alleged there is error in any order, requirement,
dec:"_sion, or determination made by an administrative official in
the enforcement or administration of this Ordinance.
9.32 Variances. It may hear upon appeal in specific cases such
Var:tance from the terms of this Ordinance as will not be contrary
to the public interest, where owing to special conditions and
literal enforcement of the provisions of the Ordinance will result
in tUlnecessary hardship and so that the spirit of the Ordinance
shaJ.l be observed and substantial justice done. No Variance shall
have the effect of allowing in any district uses prohibited in
that district, permit a lower degree of flood protection than the
flood protection elevation for the particular area, or permit
standards lower than those required by State law.
e.4 Hearings cLOd Decisions of the Board of Adjustment
9.41 Hearings. Upon filing with the Board of Adjustment of an appeal
from a decision of the Zoning Administrator, or an application for
a Variance, the Board shall fix a reasonable time for a hearing
and give due notice to the parties in interest. The Board shall
submit to the Commissioner of Natural Resources a copy of the
application for proposed Variances or Conditional Uses sufficiently
in advance so that the Commissioner will receive at least ten days
notice of the hearing.
9.42 Decisions. The Board shall arrive at a decision on such appeal
Concitional Use or Variance within~ reasonable period of time.
In Jassing upon an appeal the Board may, so long as such action
is in conformity with the provisions of this Ordina4ce, reverse
or affirm, wholly or in part, or modify the order, :r-equirement,
decision, or determination appealed from and it shall make its
decision in writing setting forth the findings of fact and the
reasons for its decisiom;, the Board shall submit their recommendaticns
to the City Council who shall make the final deterrrrLnation as
defined in the City Zoning Ordinance. In granting a Variance
the Board may prescribe appropriate conditions and ~;afeguards, in
addition to those specified in SectIori6. 55, wIrfch
are in conformity with the purposes of this Ordinance. Violations
of s,lch conditions and safeguards, when made a part of the terms
under which the Conditionsl Use Permit or Variance is granted,
shall be deemed a violation of this Ordinance punisr~ble under
Section 11.0. A co~ of all decisions granting Variances or
Cond~tional Use Permits shall be forwarded to the Commissioner
of Natural Resources within ten (10) days of such action.
9.43
(For use by municipalities)
City Council
(governing body)
Appeals from any decision of the Board
Appeal to the
and District Court.
may be taken by any person or persons, jointly or sEverally,
aggr:.eved by any decision of the Board, or any taxpayer,
officer, department, board, or bureau of the ~cipality, to
the City CO:t.m.Cil,.," . The decision of the City, Council
{gov~rning body) (governing body)
may 'be applealed to the district court, of this jurisdiction
as provided in Minnesota Statutes 462.361
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9.5 Conditional Use Permits
9.51 Any use requiring a special permit under this Ordinance may be
allowed only upon application to the Zoning Administrator on
forns furnished by him and issuance of a Conditional Use Permit
by the Planning Commision and Council. Upon receipt of the application,
the Zoning Administrator shall forthwith submit it ~o the Planning
Commission.
9.52 Procedure to be followed by the Planning Commission in Passing on
Conditional Use Permits. Upon receiving an application for a
Conditional Use Permit involving the use of fill, construction of
structures, or storage of materials, the City shalL proir to renderi:1.g
a decision thereon:
I
(1) Require the applicant to furnish such of the folloWling
information and additional information as deemEd
necessary by the Board for determing the suitability
of the particular site for the proposed use:
(a)
Plans in triplicate drawn to scale showing the
nature, location, dimensions, and elevation of the
lot, existing or proposed structures, fill, storage
of materials, floodproofing measures, and the rela-
tionship of the above to the location of the channel.
(b)
A typical valley cross-section showing the channel
of the stream, elevation of land areas adjoining
each side of the channel, cross-sectional areas to
be occupied by the proposed development, and high
water information.
( c)
Plan (surface view) showing elevations'~or contours
Of'"the ground; pertinent structure, fill, or storage
elevations; size, location and spatial arrangement
of all proposed and existing structures on the site;
location and elevation of streets, water supply,
sanitary facilities; photographs showing e:cisting
land uses and vegetation upstream and downstream;
and soil type s .
(d) Profile showing the slope of the bottom of the
channel or flow line of the stream.
(e) Specifications for building construction ~nd materials,
floodproofing, filling, dredging, grading, channel
improvement, storage of materials, water supply, and
sanitary facilities.
(2) Transmit one copy of the information described in subsection
(1) to a designated engineer'or other expert person or
agency for technical assistance, where necessary in evaluating
the proposed project in relation to flood heights and
velocities, the seriousness of flood damage to the use, the
adequacy of the plans for protection, and other technical
matters.
(3) Based upon the technical evaluation of the designated
engineer or expert, the Board shall determine the specific
flood hazard at the site and evaluate the suitablility of
the proposed use in relation to the flood haza~d.
9.53 Factors Upon Which the Decision of the Planning Co~nision and Council
Shall Be Based. In passing upon Conditional Use apJ)lications, the
Plarning Commission and Council shall consider all relevant factors
specified in other sections of this Ordinance, and
(1) The danger to life and property due to increased flood
heights or velocities caused by encroachments.
(2) The danger that materials may be swept onto other lands
or downstream to the injury of others.
(3) The proposed water supply and sanitation systems and the
ability of these systems to prevent disease, contamination,
and unsanitary conditions.
(4) The susceptibility of the proposed facility and its
contents to flood damage arld the effect of such damage
on the individual owner.
(5) The importance of the services provided by the proposed
facility to the community.
(6) The requirements of the facility for a waterfront location.
(7) The availability of alternative locations not subject to
flooding for the proposed use.
(8) The compatibility of the proposed use with exinting develop-
ment and development anticipated in the foreseeable future.
(9) The relationship of the proposed use to the comprehensive
plan and flood plain management program for the area.
(10) The safety of access to the property in times of flood for
ordinary and emergency vehicles.
(11) The expected heights, velocity, duration, rate of rise, and
sediment transport of the flood waters expected at the site.
(12) Such other factors which are relevant to the purposes of
this Ordinance.
9.54 Time for Acting on Application. The Planning Commision shall act
on fn application in the manner above described Within thirty (30)
daYf> from receiving the application, except that where additional
infcrmation is required pursuant to Section 6.52(1) of this Ordinance.,
theJ' shall render a written decision within sixty (60) days from the
recfipt of such information, their decision shall b:~ forwarded to
the Council for action at their next offical meeting.
9.55 Concitions Attached to Conditional Use Permits. Upon consid-
eration of the factors listed above and the PUrposes of this
Ordinance, the City may attach such conditions to the granting
of Conditional Use Permits as it deems necessary to fulfill the
purposes of the Ordinance. Such conditions may include, but are
not limited to, the following:
(1) Modification of waste disposal and water supply facilities.
(2) Limitations on period of use, occupancy, and operation.
(3) Imposition of operational controls, sureties, and deed
restrictions.
(4) Requirements for construction of channel modifications,
dikes, levees, and other protective measures.
(5) Flood proofing measures, in accordance with the State Building
Code. The Board of Adjustment shall require that the applicant
submit a plan or document certified by a registered professional
engineer or architect that the flood proofing neasures are con-
sistent with the regUlatory flood_protection elevation and
associated flood factors for the praticular area.
SECTION 10.0 NONCONFORMING USES
10.1 A s+.ructure or the use of a structure or premises which was lawful
before the passage or amendment of the Ordinance but which is not
in eonformity with the provisions of this Ordinance may be. continued
subject to the following conditions:
10.11 No such use shall be expanded, changed, enlarged, or altered
in a way which increases its nonconformity.
10. .c2 No structural alteration or addition to any nonconforming
structure over the life of the structure shall exceed 50 percent
of its value at the time of its becoming a Nonconforming Use
unless the structure is permanently changed to a Conforming
Use.
10.13 If such use is discontinued for 12 consecutive months, any
future use of the building premises shall conform to this
Ordinance. The Zoning Administrator shall be responsible fo;'
recording of and notification of instance of Nonconforming
Uses which have been discontinued for a period of 12 months.
10.<,4 If any Nonconforming Use is destroyed by any~means, including
floods, to an extent of 50 percent or more of its assessed
value, it shall not be reconstructed except in conformity with
the provisions of this Ordinance.
10. ~~5 Uses or adjuncts thereof which are or becorre nuisances
shall not be entitled to continue as Nonconforming Uses.
10.16 Except as provided in Section 10.15, any use which has been
permitted as a Conditionsl Use shall not be considered as
a Nonconforming Use.
10.17 Nonconforming Uses located in the Floodway District shall be
eliminated or brought into conformity with the standards
contained in this Ordinance within a reasonf.ble period of
time. The City shall make its determination upon the basis
of the normal useful life of any improvement.upon the premise3.
In addition, the monetary value of any comp~tative advantage
derived by the operation of such Nonconforming Use, by reason
of the limitation on establishment of competing businesses
as a result of this Ordinance, shall be comidered as a
reduction of losses resulting from the requirement of
termination of the use under this Ordinance.
10.1(~ Any alteration or addition to any Nonconforrr.ing Use which
would result in substantially increasing its flood damage
potential shall be protected in accordance 1I>:ith Section 6.55
of this Ordinance.
10.19 The Zoning Administrator shall prepare a list of those
Nonconforming Uses which have been floodproofed or otherwise
adequately protected in conformity with Section 9.55. He
shall present such list to the Planning Comrr~ssion which ~ay
issue a certificate to the owner stating that such uses as
a result of these corrective measures are in conformity with
the provisions of this Ordinance.
SECTION 11.0 PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION
Violation of the provisions of this Ordinance or failure -':.0 comply with ar10l
of its requirements (including violations of conditions and safeguards established
in connection ....ith grants of Variances or Conditional Uses) shall constitute a
misdemeanor. Any person who violates this Ordinance or fails to comply with any
of its requirements shall upon conviction thereof be fined not more than three
hundred ($300.00) dollars or imprisoned for not more than ninety (90) days, or
both, and in addition shall pay all costs and expenses involved in the case.
Each day such violation continues shall be considered a seperate offense.
Nothing herein contained shall prevent the City of Elk River from taking
such other lawful action as is necessary to prevent or remedy any violation.
SECTION 12.0 fMENDMENTS
The flood plain designation on maps described in this Ordinance, shall not
be removed from flood plain areas unless it can be shown that the designation iE.
in error. Special exceptions to this rule may be permitted by the Commissioner
of Natural Rescurces if he determines that, through other measures, lands are
protected adeq~ately for the intended uses.
All amendrrents to this ordinance including amendments to "~he Official
Zoning Map must be submitted to and approved by the Commissioner of Natural
Resources prior to adoption. Changes to the Official Zoning Map require
approval by the Federal Insurance Administrator.