Permits now required in Douglas County for riprapping, clearing and grading projects – Echo Press

Requirements for a permit to install riprap and standards that limit the use to active shoreline erosion, along with ensuring the maintenance or restoration of natural shoreline vegetation will be more protective of those critical areas, said Dave Rush, Douglas County Land and Resource Management director.

Rush explained the zoning ordinance changes to the Douglas County commissioners at the Tuesday, Dec. 21 regular board meeting before they approved the amendments to the ordinance.

Rush said the Douglas County Planning Advisory Commission made a recommendation to adopt the amendments to address the issues related to land alteration adjacent to lakes and rivers, which can negatively impact water quality and habitat to important county water resources.

All but one member of the Planning Advisory Commission voted to recommend the approval of all the changes at their Dec. 14 meeting. Jeff Oberg voted against it, but noted it was the changes to the riprap amendments he had issues with.

Rush told county commissioners that riprap is important for stabilization but that the county needs to protect more than just the lakeshore edge.

Public hearings on these issues were held on June 8 and Dec. 14 with little public comment, said Rush, adding that two township officials expressed support for the amendments.

Through conversations and feedback from state agencies, including the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, along with analysis of shoreland activity in the county, are other reasons changes are being made.

Rush said that the DNR has provided the county with a letter in support of the proposed changes.

Riprap, according to Rush, should only be used in situations where active erosion is occurring and not because homeowners like the clean look of it.

According to the amended ordinance, a shoreland alteration permit will be required within the shore impact zones and has to be done in accordance with applicable restrictions and standards for natural rock riprap where active erosion exists.

Rush said the county is not trying to prevent riprap and that rock and vegetation together can help stabilization.

We need to protect our resources that we have in our county, including our lakes, said Rush.

For clearing, grading and drainage permits, Rush said the changes will help address drainage problems before a project is completed. He said it is best to have a plan in place before any issues arise.

Land owners will have to apply for permits for these types of projects if the work is within 500 feet of protected waters, said Rush, and the work would disrupt more than 2,000 square feet of property.

We are not trying to over-permit, he said. If someone is already getting a permit for their project, they would not have to apply for this permit, too. People just have to meet the requirements. We are not trying to generate revenue. We are just trying to get ahead of issues that could arise.

Creation of a permit that requires a submission of detailed plans for clearing and grading will help Land and Resource Management staff ensure that lake water quality is protected and neighboring properties are not impacted by the construction with drainage issues, Rush told the commissioners.

The last proposed change will remove all mention of pervious pavement systems to bring the ordinance into compliance with the DNRs 2018 notice, said Rush.

The full amended ordinance can be found on the Douglas County website.

Douglas County commissioners approved the following other actions:

A letter of discontinuance of Prime Health medical plan, which will be effective as of Dec. 31, 2022.

Donations in the amount of $250 for the Douglas County Sheriffs Honor Guard from the Alexandria Rotary Club and the Minnesota Sheriffs Association.

An increase in civil process fees, which have not been raised in more than 15 years.

A resolution accepting the states opioid settlement agreement with pharmaceutical companies. If approved by all entities involved, the State of Minnesota could receive an estimated $296 billion, which would then be distributed.

The 2022 county ditch special assessments and loan adjustments.

A bid to Tradesmen Construction to build a visitor center at Lake Brophy County Park. The $1.8 million project will be paid for by Douglas County ($930,746) with a matching grant from the DNR ($930,746).

A resolution supporting a bike path along County Road 46. The resolution states that the county agrees to act as the sponsoring agency and that it is seeking Transportation Alternative Program funding. A resolution supporting maintenance of the bike path was also approved.

A contract with Waterfront Restorations for manual removal of weeds on a 100-foot by 250-foot area at Lake Brophy County Park beach. The cost is $13,500 for three removals and does not include weed disposal costs. The board chose the manual removal option over chemical treatment removal. The chemical option would have cost the county $1,800 for two treatments.

A donation from Lake Christina Church in the amount of $50 for Douglas County Social Services clients.

Amendments to the Douglas County Abatement Policy, which has been in place since 1990. Verbiage has been added to include that if an abatement exceeds $10,000, the county board will give notice within 20 days to the school board and other municipalities where the property is located.

Updates to the investment policy, which reflect the change in the county creating a separate finance department.

Excerpt from:
Permits now required in Douglas County for riprapping, clearing and grading projects - Echo Press