St. Louis County Proposed Sub-division Rules

St. Louis County is seeking public comment on their sub-division rules and a public hearing will be held in March.  Below is a link to additional information:

http://www.stlouiscountymn.gov/HOME/tabid/53/ctl/details/itemid/447/mid/4064/proposed-revisions-to-st-louis-county-subdivision-regulations.aspx

Shoreland Vegetation Removal Guidelines

On all lakes, rivers and streams, the removal of natural vegetation, (including trees, shrubs, and plants), is limited within the shore impact zone and the bluff impact zone.  The limits are as follows:

You may remove dead, diseased and damaged trees, shrubs and plants.

You may trim and prune, trees, shrubs and plants. 

You may remove 25% of trees, shrubs and plants.  Removal must be throughout the entire wide of the property and not in a contiguous patch, strip or row.

You may not remove vegetation, including trees, shrubs and plants, beyond the parameters above, and replace them with grass (within the shore impact zone and bluff impact zone).

If you do remove vegetation, it is recommended you take pictures before and after.

Shore impact zone:  The land located between the ordinary high water level of a public water body and a line parallel to it at a 50’ setback.

Bluff impact zone:  A bluff and the land located within 20 feet from the top of the bluff.  An area with an average slope of less than 18 percent over a distance of 50 feet or more shall not be considered part of a bluff.  

Planning Commission Meeting, January 30, 2012

There will be a Planning Commission meeting on Janaury 30, 2012 at 6:30 at the Town Hall.  The topics on the agenda include the following:

• New CUP application
• Vacation houses
• Possible zoning changes

If you have any questions, please contact the Planning Director.  The public is always welcomed to attend.

New County Septic Rules on the Horizon

St. Louis County is looking at updating their rules for installation and permitting of septic systems.  Following is a link to an article that was in the paper.  The proposed changes could have a significant affect on lake shore development.

http://www.virginiamn.com/news/article_f0befe96-10db-11e1-becb-001cc4c002e0.html#user-comment-area

Storage of Structures, Recreational Vehicles and Temporary Residences on Property

Greenwood Township has rules governing the storage of structures, temporary residences and the parking of recreational vehicles on property in the Township.  Structures are allowed to be stored on the property without a permit from the Township if they are not being used for any purpose including the storage of materials.  The structure must meet all setbacks from property lines including the 75’ setback from the shoreline and the setback from the road center line.  The lot must also be a conforming lot, meaning it must large enough to obtain building permits.  If the building is going to be used for any purpose, then a building permit must be obtained from Greenwood Township. 

Typically, properties are only allowed one primary dwelling.  Primary dwellings include at least one bedroom and bathroom and a kitchen.  If a seasonal or year round residence is being constructed on the property with a building permit, property owners are also allowed a temporary residence through a special permit while the other building is being constructed.  An application must be completed for the temporary structure and a permit fee paid.  The permit for the temporary structure is good for two years.  The Planning Director may approve a one-year extension if the property owner requests one.  Once the temporary structure is removed from the property, the permit fee is refunded to the property owner. 

Recreational vehicles such as pull-behind campers, pickup campers or motorhomes and other camping are allowed on your property without a permit if they meet certain criteria.  Without a permit, you are allowed only one recreational vehicle per parcel and the recreational vehicle must have a current motor vehicle license.  The camper must meet all setbacks from the property lines, including the 75 foot setback from the shoreline and the road centerline.  Also, no structures, including decks, can be constructed and attached to the recreational vehicle.  If these criteria cannot be met, the property owner must obtain a permit from Greenwood Township.

Do You Need a Building Permit?

One of the most common questions people ask is if they need a land-use permit from Greenwood Township for their project.  No two Cities, Townships or Counties are exactly the same in their requirements for when a land-use permit is required and when one is not required.

Variance Meeting, May 23, 2011

The Greenwood Township Board of Adjustment's will be having a variance meeting on May 23, 2011 at 6:30 pm.  The meeting will be at the Town Hall located at 3000 County Road 77, Tower, MN.  Below is a link for more information:

http://www.greenwoodtownshipmn.com/htmls/boardofadjustmenthearing.html