The rapid increase of shoreland development in the 1960s raised concerns that unplanned growth was negatively affecting shoreland character, animal habitat, and clean water important to all Minnesotans. In the late 1960s, researchers, business leaders, local governments, builders and legislators worked together to pass the 1969 Shoreland Management Act. This act was one of the first state efforts in the nation to protect shorelands and, along with the Floodplain Management Act, the first time Minnesota guided local land use for resource protection.
The Shoreland Act resulted in statewide regulations that guide development of land along lakes and rivers through local zoning ordinances. The purposes was to minimize development impacts to water quality, habitat and lakeshore character. The regulations include standards for minimum lot size, structure and septic system setbacks from lakes and rivers, building height, and vegetation and land alteration. Prior to the Shoreland Act, land development around lakes and rivers was unregulated.
Under the Shoreland Management Act, the DNR establishes shoreland regulations. Counties and cities implement those regulations through local zoning. The day-to-day work of cities and counties guide shoreland property owners to make the best possible development decisions. It’s a difficult job but their efforts protect shoreline resources for the benefit of all Minnesotans. Many counties are going over and beyond the minimum shoreland regulations, and have adopted higher standards in their zoning ordinances.