Commission reviews lakefront setback comparisons and measurement methods
Summary
Staff presented a chart comparing lake-park setbacks for local lakes and surrounding counties; planners discussed differences between OHM and HKWM measurements, historic platting dates as a breakpoint for standards, and the role of lot elevation in setback determinations.
Deputy Director Richard Haugen presented the commission with a comparison chart of setback requirements for county lakes, citing examples for Lake Hendricks, Lake Poinsett and Lake Campbell and noting variation depending on county and whether lots were platted before or after local zoning changes.
Senior Planner Luke Muller clarified that some counties measure setbacks from the Ordinary Highwater Mark (OHM) while Brookings uses the Highest Known Water Mark (HKWM), and said he "liked the idea of setting a before and after where a number is set for before zoning and after zoning and looking at past variances." Commissioner Darrel Kleinjan suggested considering lot elevation relative to water because lots already 20 feet above water may need different setbacks than flat lots. Staff will research past variances and bring options for the commission to consider.
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