Shoreland

Purpose

The uncontrolled use of shorelands of Aitkin County, Minnesota affects the public health, safety and general welfare, not only by contributing to the pollution of public waters, but also by impairing the local tax base. Therefore, it is in the best interests of the public health, safety and welfare to provide for the wise subdivision, use and development of shorelands of public waters.

Responsibility

The Legislature of Minnesota has delegated responsibility to local governments of the state to regulate the subdivision, use and development of the shorelands of public waters and thus preserve and enhance the quality of surface waters, conserve the economic and natural environmental values of shorelands, and provide for the wise use of waters and related land resources.

Shoreland Definition

Land located within the following distances from public waters: 1,000 feet from the ordinary high water level of a lake, pond, or flowage; and 300 feet from a river or stream, or the landward extent of a floodplain designated by ordinance on a river or stream, whichever is greater.

For property owners who live on or near the Mississippi River there is also the Mississippi Headwaters Board Comprehensive Management Plan to refer to in addition to Aitkin County Ordinances.

Alterations

Most alterations within a Shoreland District require a land alteration or vegetation alteration permit from the Aitkin County Planning & Zoning Office. An application can be applied online using our online permit system.

Below are some examples of projects that require a land alteration or vegetation alteration permit from the County. For a full list refer to our Shoreland Management Ordinance.

• Clearing vegetation
• Grading and filling
• Rip-rap
• Excavation
• Annual Ice Ridge Repair

Dead, Diseased and Hazardous Trees

Only dead, diseased and hazardous trees may be removed without a vegetation alteration permit. It is recommended and encouraged to replace them by planting a species suitable for the site. Please reach out to Zoning staff prior to removal of any trees to ensure they meet the criteria.

Ordinary High Water Level

The Ordinary High Water Level (OHWL) is an elevation delineating the highest water level that has been maintained for a sufficient period of time to leave evidence upon the landscape. This elevation is set by the MN DNR and can be found on MN DNR Lake Finder if one has been established.

Below the OHWL, the DNR issues Public Water Work Permits and above the OHWL, the County issues permits.

Work Without a Permit

Conducting work without a permit can be costly, with the requirements of an After-the-fact permit fee, reimbursement of County Zoning and Attorney staff time, and the cost of restoring the landscape. Even through the restoration process, it is impossible to regain the original value of damaged shorelands. Failure to comply with county-ordered restorations is a misdemeanor offense which may be prosecuted.