City Council Moves to Protect Mississippi River from Erosion

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the importance of protecting the Mississippi River, a vital resource for both local communities and the nation. The conversation centered on existing regulations aimed at preventing erosion and other environmental issues along the riverbanks, particularly concerning property owners' rights to expand their homes.

The current ordinance mandates a 100-foot setback from the river, with a 50-foot shore impact zone, which restricts lateral expansions of homes that encroach on these areas. Property owners with existing structures that violate these regulations can still expand their homes laterally, provided they do not encroach further toward the river. However, expansions are prohibited for homes located within the shore impact zone or within 20 feet of a bluff.

A significant point of discussion was the request from South Saint Paul for blanket flexibility from these regulations, which was granted due to their unique urban landscape and redevelopment needs. In contrast, Brooklyn Park officials emphasized that their situation is not comparable, as they primarily have residential properties along the river without the diverse land uses seen in South Saint Paul.

City staff recommended against seeking similar blanket flexibility, arguing that the existing variance process allows for individual assessments of property owner requests while ensuring the river's protection. The council members expressed support for maintaining the current regulations, highlighting the importance of transparency and communication with residents regarding the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) ordinance.

Concerns were raised about the responsibilities of property owners regarding erosion and the potential impact on their properties. Officials clarified that while property owners are responsible for maintaining their land, the city is exploring partnerships and grants to address broader environmental issues affecting the river.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adopt the updated land use code, which includes the MRCCA regulations, ensuring continued protection of the Mississippi River while allowing for necessary property modifications under strict guidelines.