The definitions below relate specifically to the Shoreland Management City Code.
This definition list is only a summary of important definitions in relation to shoreland management and may assist you in understanding common terms associated with properties surrounding lakes or other public waters. Please refer to the City Code for all definitions.
Accessory Structure
A detached structure, building or facility, which is located on the same lot as the main building and the use of which is clearly incidental to the use of the main building. Such accessory structures shall include but not be limited to pools, tennis courts, water-oriented accessory structures, etc.
Clear cutting
Removal of all existing significant natural vegetation on a lot.
Ordinary High Water Level (OHWL)
The boundary of public waters and wetlands, and shall be at an elevation delineating the highest water level which has been maintained for a sufficient period of time to leave evidence upon the landscape, commonly that point where the natural vegetation changes from predominantly aquatic to predominantly terrestrial. For watercourses, the ordinary high water level is the elevation of the top of the bank of the channel. For reservoirs and flowage, the ordinary high water level is the operating elevation of the normal summer pool.
Public Waters
Any waters as defined in Minnesota Statutes 103G.005, Subd. 15 and Subd. 18.
Setback
The minimum horizontal distance between a structure, sewage treatment system or other facility, and an ordinary high water level, sewage treatment system, top of a bluff, road, highway, property line or other facility.
Shore impact zone
Land located between the ordinary high water level of a public water and a line parallel to it at a setback of 50% of the required structure setback.
Shoreland
Land located within the following distances from public waters:
- 1,000 feet from the OHWL of a lake, pond or flowage
- 300 feet from a river or stream, or the landward extent of a floodplain designated by code on a river or stream, whichever is greater
The limits of shoreland may be reduced whenever the waters involved are bounded by topographic divides which extend landward from the waters for lesser distances and when approved by the DNR Commissioner.
Shoreline
The shoreline for public waters is defined as the normal ordinary high water level.
Structure
Anything constructed or erected, the use of which requires location on the ground or attachment to something having a location on the ground.
Water-oriented accessory structure
A structure used solely for watercraft storage including storage of related boating and water-oriented sporting equipment.
