Crow Wing County commissioners on Dec. 30 adopted a package of land‑use ordinance amendments that update shoreland buffering, incorporate Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) septic guidance and correct a statutory reference related to commercial cannabis.

Staff said the ordinance originated at a Oct. 21 committee meeting and was placed on a 30‑day public comment period; nine comments were received and are included in the packet. The DNR provided conditional approval for shoreland elements and the MPCA suggested administrative edits to align septic language with its model ordinance.

A central change discussed at the board hearing was buffering: staff recommended keeping a 25‑foot natural environment buffer for certain untouched shorelines but using a 10‑foot buffer for general development or recreation development on already‑developed lots; for properties that have never been developed staff said some standards would strengthen protections (for example, greater protection distances for truly natural shorelines). Commissioners questioned definitions such as "no maintenance" and how the rule would apply to existing nonconforming lots. Staff explained the proposal differentiates between lots that have never been cleared and those previously developed; the package, staff said, is intended to increase vegetation on shorelines and improve long‑term water quality.

After clarifying questions and an amendment to adopt staff recommendations, the board voted to adopt the ordinance amendment by roll call. The motion passed with recorded votes.