(A) Designation of districts.
(1) For the purpose of protecting the natural resources and natural scenic values of the land within the boundaries of the Lower St. Croix Riverway and because there is a difference in development patterns, rural and urban districts shall be established.
(2) The boundaries of the Lower St. Croix Riverway and the urban and rural zoning districts within the riverway include all of the land riverward of the legally described boundary line in the official copy of the Lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway Master Plan and as shown on the map designated as the official zoning map.
(3) The boundaries of the Lower St. Croix Riverway zoning districts on the map designated as the official zoning map published herewith is made a part of this chapter and is on file with the Zoning Administrator.
(4) Lake St. Croix Beach is an urban district. M.S. § 104.25.
(B) Minimum district dimensional requirements.
(1) The following chart sets forth the minimum area, setbacks and other requirements of each district:
Rural District | Urban District | Urban District with Public Sewer and Water |
Rural District | Urban District | Urban District with Public Sewer and Water | |
Building setback from bluffline | 100 feet | 40 feet | 40 feet |
Building setback from ordinary high water mark | 200 feet | 100 feet | 100 feet |
Lot width at building setback line | 200 feet | 150 feet | 100 feet |
Lot width at water line | 200 feet | 150 feet | 100 feet |
Maximum structure height | 35 feet | 35 feet | 35 feet |
Maximum total lot area covered by impervious surface | 20% (1/2 acre) | 20% (8,700 square feet) | 20% (4,000 square feet) |
Minimum lot size above ordinary high water mark | 2-1/2 acres | 1 acre | 20,000 square feet |
On slopes less than 12%, the controlled vegetative cutting areas setback are from: | |||
ordinary high water mark | 200 feet | 100 feet | 100 feet |
blufflines | 40 feet | 40 feet | 40 feet |
On-site sewage treatment system setback from bluffline | 40 feet | 40 feet | - |
On-site sewage treatment system setback from ordinary high water mark | 200 feet | 100 feet | - |
(2) No structures shall be placed or grading done on any slopes greater than 12% (12 feet vertical rise in 100 feet horizontal distance).
(3) No structures shall be placed in any floodway. Structures proposed within a floodplain shall be consistent with city and state floodplain ordinances.
(4) Exceptions to the minimum dimensional requirements include the following:
(a) In rural districts, structure setback from the bluffline may be varied to within the 40-100 foot range from the bluffline only by the variance procedure of this chapter. In the event that such a variance is necessary, the following items shall be considered conditions of the variance.
1. The existing drainage patterns shall not be disturbed.
2. All construction and grading excavation or disruption of the natural ground cover due to the on-site construction shall be resodded or seeded within 180 days of the date of issuance of the building permit.
3. To the greatest extent possible, vegetation over six inches in diameter shall not be removed.
4. The structure shall be visually inconspicuous as viewed from the river during summer months.
5. The site shall be capable of supporting a standard septic treatment system as required in Chapter 52.
(b) Developments which provide service to the public and which by their nature require a location on or adjacent to the public waters and which also require approval of the Commissioner of Natural Resources;
(c) Temporary or seasonal docks which extend into the water a minimum distance necessary for the launching or mooring of watercraft;
(d) Signs which are necessary for public health and safety or which designate areas available or not available for public use;
(e) Visually inconspicuous stairways and lifts enabling access to the river from steep slopes; and
(f) On a vacant bluffland or shoreland lot which has two adjacent lots, with principal dwelling structures on both such adjacent lots within 200 feet of the common lot line, any new structure shall be setback the average setback of said adjacent structures plus 40 feet or the minimum standard setback, whichever is less.
(Ord. passed - -) Penalty, see § 10.99