(A) Stairways and lifts are the preferred alternative to major topographic alterations for achieving access up and down bluffs and steep slopes to shore areas.
(B) Stairways and lifts shall meet the following design requirements:
(1) Stairways and lifts shall not exceed four feet in width. Wider stairways may be used for public open space recreational properties.
(2) Landings for stairways, landings at the bottom of stairways and lifts on residential lots shall not exceed 32 square feet in area. Landings larger than 32 square feet may be used for public open space recreational properties.
(3) Canopies or roofs shall not be permitted on stairways or landings.
(4) Stairways, lifts and landings may be either constructed above the ground on posts or pilings or placed into the ground, provided they are designed and built in a manner that ensures control of soil erosion.
(5) Stairways, lifts and landings shall be located in the most visually inconspicuous portions of lots, as viewed from the surface of the public water assuming summer, leaf-on conditions, whenever practical;
(6) Facilities such as ramps, lifts or mobility paths for physically handicapped persons are also allowed for achieving access to shore areas, provided that the dimensional and performance standards of divisions (B)(1) through (5) above are complied with in addition to the requirements of M.S. Ch. 1340 as it may be amended from time to time.
(7) Private docks that exceed five feet in width require a shoreland building permit.
(Ord. passed 3-9-93; Am. Ord. 98-02, passed 11-10-98; Am. Ord. 00-01, passed 5-9-00; Am. Ord. 00-03, passed 6-13-00; Am. Ord. 04-01, passed 8-10-04)