Minnesota Resort and Campground Association Fall Conference

Government Approvals Chad Conner, Land Surveyor Navigating Local Government Approvals Chad Conner, Land Surveyor

Presentation Outline Know what you have Define your project Building your team Understanding the rules Establish your plan Approaching the LGU Making the Submittal Application The Public Hearing

Know what you have Resort owners are very knowledgeable of their properties. Lake front widths, numbers of units-cabins-rooms, occupancy rates, booking dates, dock slips and what works and doesn’t work. Available resources to gather additional information: GIS Mapping Aerials LIDAR Contours Good for Planning NWI Wetland Data Existing Surveys Building Plans Previous Permits

Define your project Scope of Project Adding a unit Improvements to existing facilities Expansion or Conversion – Platting or Subdivision Determine your level of need Building Permit Conditional Use Permit Variance Stormwater Permit Subdivision Plat

Building your team Surveyor Architect Building Contractor Accurate Existing Conditions Survey Valuable for Future Improvements, Impervious Surfaces, Utilities Septic System, Utilities, Bluff, Property Lines and Setbacks Base for all future applications – eliminate the uncertainty Architect New buildings – Lodge, Unit designs ADA/Health Department Building code compliance Building Contractor Local regulations, familiarity with local permitting agencies/staff Septic Designer/Installer

Understanding the Rules City / County / State Offices Land Services, Environmental services, Planning and Zoning, building department, MNDNR waters, Watershed District, MPCA Minnesota Shoreland Management Program DNR and BWSR developed model ordinance language LGU’s must create land use controls for protection of waters Local DNR provides assistance http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt_section/shoreland/index.html

Understanding the Rules (cont’d) Local Land Use Ordinance, City Code Shoreland Classification Shore Impact Zone(s) SIZ Vegetative Buffers Tiers Density of Units Each has their own formulas resort, commercial and residential Complex and require detailed area calculations for accuracy Impervious surfaces 25% or less for new lots Stormwater Management may allow increases Mooring spaces Residential PUD – Commercial Harbor

Understanding the Rules (cont’d) Bluff Determination 30% Slope and 25 feet of vertical rise, toe/top definition Stormwater Retention Runoff storage requirements vary, SWPPP Flood Plain Finished floor elevations Docking Local or DNR regulated, relates to 1st tier density Health Department Accessibility Resort Classification Look for opportunities to benefit your plan Allowances for pre-existing

Establish your plan Prepare the necessary documentation Building Plans Site Sketch Required for minor improvements Detailed Survey Existing Conditions, Bluff, Impervious Septic System Compliance Design Stormwater Runoff Buffers Simple / Engineered plan

Approaching the LGU Initial meeting to review your plan Make LGU staff part of the team if possible, get them on board with your plan and gain their support Be prepared to make concessions to gain staff support Asking for more than allowed results in delays Ask questions about concerns of the board commission Understand submittal calendar, multiple steps/meetings

Making the Submittal Application Submit a complete application including all requirements Surveys, septic, stormwater design, photos Prepare a statement of your plan Prepare for the on-site visit or site walk Obtain Letters of Support for your plan Time of year considerations

The Public Hearing Prepare your statement - presentation Thank the staff and commission for their time and consideration Discuss your project and how it meets the intent of the ordinances Highlight positives and describe the ways you meet requirements Stick to the facts, opinions are not necessary Understand the board’s concerns and address them with your statement Answer the oppositions questions before they are asked

The Public Hearing (cont’d) Expect opposition Respond to the chair/commissioners Keep your responses to the details that support your application Respond to each valid concern with details of how your plan complies or addresses them Your preparation will pay off and better your chances of approval

FEMA Map Updates FEMA Risk Map Program Updated Maps More Accurate LIDAR Updates trigger notice to lenders who are federally mandated for coverage County/FEMA/DNR GIS maps indicate coverage Elevation Certificate Used to determine insurance rate LOMA Letter of Map Amendment Used to Remove property or structures from the flood hazard Requires Survey Crew http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt_section/floodplain/fema_map_mod_mn.html

THANK YOU MRCA!! Chad Conner, LS, VP Widseth Smith Nolting 7804 Industrial Park Road Baxter, MN 56425 218-316-3632 chad.conner@wsn.us.com