Ordinances

Here is a clear and concise summary of the Wabana Township Shoreland Management Ordinance No. 2022‑1, adopted on February 2, 2022, which updates and expands upon the earlier Ordinance No. 101 (June 2019):

Overview of Ordinance No. 2022‑1 (Adopted Feb 2, 2022)

  • Purpose: Implements standards for land use, development, and conservation within the Shoreland Overlay District to align with Minnesota state rules and protect water quality, habitat, and shoreline aesthetics 

Key Provisions and Updates

1. Jurisdiction & Compliance

  • Applies to lands within 1,000 feet of lakes and 300 feet of rivers/streams.

  • Enforces consistency with county shoreland controls, ensuring local regulations are not less restrictive than county rules 

2. Land Use Regulations

  • Defines permitted, conditional, and prohibited uses across different shoreland zones—including residential, commercial, agricultural, extractive, and accessory structures 

3. Dimensional Standards

  • Establishes minimum lot sizes and widths for riparian and non-riparian parcels, with criteria for sewered vs. unsewered properties.

  • Sets setbacks, building elevations, and flood protection requirements (structures must be ≥3 ft above high-water levels) 

4. Environmental Protections

  • Limits impervious surface coverage (typically up to 25%) and requires stormwater management, erosion control, and vegetative buffers to protect water quality 

  • Regulates vegetation removal in shore and bluff zones, allowing limited trimming for views while protecting shoreline integrity 

5. Special Use Situations

  • Sets rules for resort-style developments, planned unit developments (PUDs), and controlled-access lots, including open space and shore-impact requirements 

  • Permits forest management, extraction (gravel/mining), and feedlots under Conditional Use Permits with restorative and containment plans 

6. Enforcement & Permitting

  • Requires shoreland compliance certificates, conditional use permits, variances, and permits for grading/fill activities within regulated zones.

  • Violations can result in penalties or injunctive enforcement actions 

7. Coordination & DNR Notice Requirements

  • Any amendments, variances, or public hearings must be notified to the Minnesota DNR within specified timeframes.

  • Local ordinances must remain consistent with Minnesota Rules 6120.2500 – 6120.3900 

Summary

Ordinance No. 2022‑1 modernizes and comprehensively reinforces Wabana Township’s shoreland regulations beyond Ordinance No. 101 (2019). It establishes robust standards for land subdivision, construction, environmental protection, and enforcement, aligning local policy with both county and DNR rules. It ensures consistent, protective management of private and public waterside development.

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