Adopt a shoreland ordinance for all river and lake shoreland areas.

• NOTE: This BPA previously included floodplain and NFIP guidance which was moved to BPA 19.8 in 2021. You may continue to find action reports related to floodplains listed under this BPA. 

Ordinances: 

• Waters subject to shoreland rules are public waters basins 10 acres or larger or public waters streams draining more than two square miles. For assistance crafting shoreland standards/ordinances, contact your area DNR hydrologist.
• A shoreland ordinance is an important land use regulation that helps to protect surface water quality, near shore habitat, and shoreland aesthetics valued by Minnesotans. A shoreland ordinance contains provisions that guide land development around lakes and rivers. The DNR uses the Shoreland Management Model Ordinance for evaluating whether new ordinances and amendments comply with Minnesota Rules 6120.2500 - 6120.3900. 
• For example, Aitkin County ordinance requires mitigation for variances in shoreland. 

Additional Considerations: 

• If 75% of lakeshore remains mainly forested the chance of maintaining lake quality is good, according to the MN Dept. of Natural Resources (2015). But when natural cover falls below 60%, lake water quality begins to deteriorate.
• Include light falling on water in the ordinance, as this impacts both water quality and aquatic ecosystems. Use the International Dark-Sky Association Light Pollution Effects on Wildlife and Ecosystems guide. See the GreenStep Dark Skies best practices for more.