11-1101.1

Statutory Authorization and Purpose.

(1)

Statutory Authorization. The legislature of the State of Minnesota has, in Minn. Stat. Ch. 103F and Ch. 462 delegated the responsibility to local government units to adopt regulations designed to minimize flood losses. Therefore, the City Council of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, does ordain as follows.

(2)

Purpose.

(a)

This Section regulates development in the flood hazard areas of Coon Rapids, Minnesota. These flood hazard areas are subject to periodic inundation, which may result in loss of life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and governmental services, extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection and relief and impairment of the tax base. It is the purpose of this Section to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare by minimizing these losses and disruptions.

(b)

National Flood Insurance Program Compliance. This Section is adopted to comply with the rules and regulations of the National Flood Insurance Program codified as 44 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 59—78, as amended, so as to maintain the community's eligibility in the National Flood Insurance Program.

(c)

This Section is also intended to preserve the natural characteristics and functions of watercourses and floodplains in order to moderate flood and storm water impacts, improve water quality, reduce soil erosion, protect aquatic and riparian habitat, provide recreational opportunities, provide aesthetic benefits and enhance community and economic development.

11-1101.2

General Provisions.

(1)

How to Use This Section. This Section adopts the floodplain maps applicable to Coon Rapids and includes three floodplain districts: Floodway, Flood Fringe, and General Floodplain.

(a)

Where Floodway and Flood Fringe districts are delineated on the floodplain maps, the standards in Subsections 11-1101.4 or 11-1101.5 will apply, depending on the location of a property.

(b)

Locations where Floodway and Flood Fringe districts are not delineated on the floodplain maps are considered to fall within the General Floodplain district. Within the General Floodplain district, the Floodway District standards in subsection 11-1101.4 apply unless the floodway boundary is determined, according to the process outlined in subsection 11-1101.6. Once the floodway boundary is determined, the Flood Fringe District standards in subsection 11-1101.5 may apply outside the floodway.

(2)

Lands to Which Ordinance Applies.

(a)

This Section applies to all lands within the jurisdiction of the City of Coon Rapids shown on the Official Zoning Map and/or the attachments to the map as being located within the boundaries of the Floodway, Flood Fringe, or General Floodplain Districts.

(b)

The Floodway, Flood Fringe and General Floodplain Districts are overlay districts that are superimposed on all existing zoning districts. The standards imposed in the overlay districts are in addition to any other requirements in this Section. In case of a conflict, the more restrictive standards will apply.

(3)

Incorporation of Maps by Reference. The Flood Insurance Rate Map panels enumerated below, all dated December 16, 2015 and all prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency together with all related materials, including the Flood Insurance Study for Anoka County, Minnesota, are hereby adopted by reference and declared to be a part of the Official Zoning Map and this Section. The following materials are on file in the City Engineer's office:

27003C0303E

27003C0304E

27003C0308E

27003C0309E

27003C0311E

27003C0312E

27003C0314E

27003C0316E

27003C0317E

27003C0318E

27003C0319E

27003C0381E

27003C0382E

(4)

Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation. The regulatory flood protection elevation (RFPE) is an elevation no lower than two feet above the elevation of the regional flood plus any increases in flood elevation caused by encroachments on the floodplain that result from designation of a floodway.

(5)

Interpretation. The boundaries of the zoning districts are determined by scaling distances on the Flood Insurance Rate Map.

(a)

Where a conflict exists between the floodplain limits illustrated on the official zoning map and actual field conditions, the flood elevations shall be the governing factor. The Zoning Administrator must interpret the boundary location based on the ground elevations that existed on the site on the date of the first National Flood Insurance Program map showing the area within the regulatory floodplain, and other available technical data.

(b)

Persons contesting the location of the district boundaries will be given a reasonable opportunity to present their case to the Board of Adjustment and Appeals and to submit technical evidence.

(6)

Abrogation and Greater Restrictions. It is not intended by this Section to repeal, abrogate, or impair any existing easements, covenants, or other private agreements. However, where this Section imposes greater restrictions, the provisions of this Section prevail. All other ordinances inconsistent with this Section are hereby repealed to the extent of the inconsistency only.

(7)

Warning and Disclaimer of Liability. This Section does not imply that areas outside the floodplain districts or land uses permitted within such districts will be free from flooding or flood damages. This Section does not create liability on the part of the City of Coon Rapids or its officers or employees for any flood damages that result from reliance on this Section or any administrative decision lawfully made hereunder.

(8)

Severability. If any section, clause, provision, or portion of this Section is adjudged unconstitutional or invalid by a court of law, the remainder of this Section shall not be affected and shall remain in full force.

(9)

Definitions. Unless specifically defined below, words or phrases used in this Section must be interpreted according to common usage and so as to give this Section its most reasonable application. The following definitions apply only to Section 11-1101:

(a)

"Accessory Use or Structure." A use or structure on the same lot with, and of a nature customarily incidental and subordinate to, the principal use or structure.

(b)

"Base Flood Elevation." The elevation of the "regional flood." The term "base flood elevation" is used in the flood insurance survey.

(c)

"Basement." any area of a structure, including crawl spaces, having its floor or base subgrade (below ground level) on all four sides, regardless of the depth of excavation below ground level.

(d)

"Conditional Use." a specific type of structure or land use listed in the official control that may be allowed but only after an in-depth review procedure and with appropriate conditions or restrictions as provided in the official zoning controls or building codes and upon a finding that:

(i)

Certain conditions as detailed in the zoning ordinance exist.

(ii)

The structure and/or land use conform to the comprehensive land use plan if one exists and are compatible with the existing neighborhood.

(e)

"Critical Facilities." Facilities necessary to a community's public health and safety, those that store or produce highly volatile, toxic or water-reactive materials, and those that house occupants that may be insufficiently mobile to avoid loss of life or injury. Examples of critical facilities include hospitals, correctional facilities, schools, daycare facilities, nursing homes, fire and police stations, wastewater treatment facilities, public electric utilities, water plants, fuel storage facilities, and waste handling and storage facilities.

(f)

"Development." Any manmade change to improved or unimproved real estate, including buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations, or storage of equipment or materials.

(g)

"Farm Fence." A fence as defined by Minn. Stat. §344.02, Subd. 1(a)—(d). An open type fence of posts and wire is not considered to be a structure under this Section. Fences that have the potential to obstruct flood flows, such as chain link fences and rigid walls, are regulated as structures under this ordinance.

(h)

"Flood." A temporary increase in the flow or stage of a stream or in the stage of a wetland or lake that results in the inundation of normally dry areas.

(i)

"Flood Frequency." The frequency for which it is expected that a specific flood stage or discharge may be equaled or exceeded.

(j)

"Flood Fringe." That portion of the floodplain outside of the floodway. Flood fringe is synonymous with the term "floodway fringe" used in the Flood Insurance Study for Anoka County, Minnesota.

(k)

"Flood Prone Area." Any land susceptible to being inundated by water from any source (see "Flood").

(l)

"Floodproofing." A combination of structural provisions, changes, or adjustments to properties and structures subject to flooding, primarily for the reduction or elimination of flood damages.

(m)

"Lowest Floor." The lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including basement). An unfinished or flood resistant enclosure, used solely for parking of vehicles, building access, or storage in an area other than a basement area, is not considered a building's lowest floor.

(n)

"Manufactured Home." A structure, transportable in one or more sections, which is built on a permanent chassis and is designed for use with or without a permanent foundation when attached to the required utilities. The term "manufactured home" does not include the term "recreational vehicle."

(o)

"Obstruction." Any dam, wall, wharf, embankment, levee, dike, pile, abutment, projection, excavation, channel modification, culvert, building, wire, fence, stockpile, refuse, fill, structure, or matter in, along, across, or projecting into any channel, watercourse, or regulatory floodplain which may impede, retard, or change the direction of the flow of water, either in itself or by catching or collecting debris carried by such water.

(p)

"One-Hundred-Year Floodplain." Lands inundated by the "Regional Flood" (see definition).

(q)

"Principal Use or Structure." All uses or structures that are not accessory uses or structures.

(r)

"Reach." A hydraulic engineering term to describe a longitudinal segment of a stream or river influenced by a natural or man-made obstruction. In an urban area, the segment of a stream or river between two consecutive bridge crossings would most typically constitute a reach.

(s)

"Recreational Vehicle." A vehicle that is built on a single chassis, is 400 square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projection, is designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light duty truck, and is designed primarily not for use as a permanent dwelling but as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use. For the purposes of this Section, the term recreational vehicle is synonymous with the term "travel trailer/travel vehicle."

(t)

"Regional Flood." A flood which is representative of large floods known to have occurred generally in Minnesota and reasonably characteristic of what can be expected to occur on an average frequency in the magnitude of the one-percent chance or 100-year recurrence interval. Regional flood is synonymous with the term "base flood" used in a flood insurance study.

(u)

"Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation (RFPE)." An elevation not less than two feet above the elevation of the regional flood plus any increases in flood elevation caused by encroachments on the floodplain that result from designation of a floodway.

(v)

"Repetitive Loss." Flood related damages sustained by a structure on two separate occasions during a ten year period for which the cost of repairs at the time of each such flood event on the average equals or exceeds 25 percent of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred.

(w)

"Special Flood Hazard Area." A term used for flood insurance purposes synonymous with "One Hundred Year Floodplain."

(x)

"Substantial Damage." Means damage of any origin sustained by a structure where the cost of restoring the structure to its before damaged condition would equal or exceed 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred.

(y)

"Substantial Improvement." Within any consecutive 365-day period, any reconstruction, rehabilitation (including normal maintenance and repair), repair after damage, addition, or other improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the "start of construction" of the improvement. This term includes structures that have incurred "substantial damage," regardless of the actual repair work performed. The term does not, however, include either:

(i)

Any project for improvement of a structure to correct existing violations of state or local health, sanitary, or safety code specifications which have been identified by the local code enforcement official and which are the minimum necessary to assure safe living conditions.

(ii)

Any alteration of a "historic structure," provided that the alteration will not preclude the structure's continued designation as a "historic structure." For the purpose of this Section, "historic structure" is as defined in 44 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 59.1.

11-1101.3

Establishment of Zoning Districts.

(1)

Districts.

(a)

Floodway District. The Floodway District includes those areas designated as floodway on the Flood Insurance Rate Map adopted in subsection 11-1101.2(3). For lakes, wetlands and other basins, the Floodway District includes those areas designated as Zone A and Zone AE without a floodway on the Flood Insurance Rate Map that are at or below the ordinary high water level as defined in Minn. Stat. §103G.005, subdivision 14.

(b)

Flood Fringe District. The Flood Fringe District includes those areas designated as floodway fringe on the Flood Insurance Rate Map adopted in subsection 11-1101.2(3), as being within Zone AE but being located outside of the floodway. For lakes, wetlands and other basins (that do not have a floodway designated), the Flood Fringe District includes those areas designated as Zone AE on the Flood Insurance Rate Map panels adopted in subsection 11-1101.2(3) that are below the one-percent annual chance (100-year) flood elevation but above the ordinary high water level as defined in Minn. Stat. §103G.005, subd. 14.

(c)

General Floodplain District. The General Floodplain District includes those areas designated as Zone A or Zone AE without a floodway on the Flood Insurance Rate Map adopted in subsection 11-1101.2(3), but not subject to the criteria in sections (a) and (b) above.

(2)

Compliance. Within the floodplain districts established in this Section, the use of any land, the use, size, type and location of structures on lots, the installation and maintenance of transportation, utility, water supply and waste treatment facilities, and the subdivision of land must comply with the terms of this Section and other applicable regulations. All uses not listed as permitted uses or conditional uses in subsections 11-1101.4, 11-1101.5 and 11-1101.6, respectively, are prohibited. In addition, a caution is provided here that:

(a)

New and replacement manufactured homes and certain recreational vehicles are subject to the general provisions of this Section and specifically subsection 11-1101.9.0.

(b)

Modifications, additions, structural alterations, normal maintenance and repair, or repair after damage to existing nonconforming structures and nonconforming uses of structures or land are regulated by the general provisions of this Section and specifically subsection 11-1101.11.

(c)

All structures must be constructed with electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, and air conditioning equipment and other service facilities that are designed and/or located so as to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components during conditions of flooding.

(d)

As-built elevations for elevated or floodproofed structures must be certified by ground surveys and flood-proofing techniques must be designed and certified by a registered professional engineer or architect as specified in the general provisions of this Section and specifically as stated in subsection 11-1101.10.

(e)

Critical facilities, as defined in subsection 11-1101.2(9)(e), are prohibited in all floodplain districts.

1101.4

Floodway District (FW).

(1)

Permitted Uses. The following uses, subject to the standards set forth in subsection 11-1101.4(2), are permitted uses if otherwise allowed in the underlying zoning district or any applicable overlay district:

(a)

General farming, pasture, grazing, outdoor plant nurseries, horticulture, truck farming, forestry, sod farming, and wild crop harvesting.

(b)

Industrial-commercial loading areas, parking areas, and airport landing strips.

(c)

Open space uses, including but not limited to private and public golf courses, tennis courts, driving ranges, archery ranges, picnic grounds, boat launching ramps, swimming areas, parks, wildlife and nature preserves, game farms, fish hatcheries, shooting preserves, hunting and fishing areas, and single or multiple purpose recreational trails.

(d)

Residential lawns, gardens, parking areas, and play areas.

(e)

Railroads, streets, bridges, utility transmission lines and pipelines, provided that the Department of Natural Resources' Area Hydrologist is notified at least ten days prior to issuance of any permit, and that the standards in subsections 11-1101.4(4)(a), 11-1101.4(4)(c)(i) and 11-1101.4(4)(f) are met.

(2)

Standards for Floodway Permitted Uses.

(a)

The use must have a low flood damage potential.

(b)

With the exception of the uses listed in subsection 11-1101.4(1)(e), the use must not obstruct flood flows or increase flood elevations and must not involve structures, fill, obstructions, excavations or storage of materials or equipment.

(c)

Any facility that will be used by employees or the general public must be designed with a flood warning system that provides adequate time for evacuation if the area is inundated to a depth and velocity such that the depth (in feet) multiplied by the velocity (in feet per second) would exceed a product of four upon occurrence of the regional (1% chance) flood.

(3)

Conditional Uses. The following uses may be allowed as conditional uses following the standards and procedures set forth in subsection 11-1101.10(4) and further subject to the standards set forth in subsection 11-1101.4(4), if otherwise allowed in the underlying zoning district or any applicable overlay district.

(a)

Structures accessory to the uses listed in 11-1101.4(1) above and the uses listed in (b)—(g) below.

(b)

Extraction and storage of sand, gravel, and other materials.

(c)

Marinas, boat rentals, docks, piers, wharves, and water control structures.

(d)

Storage yards for equipment, machinery, or materials.

(e)

Placement of fill or construction of fences that obstruct flood flows. Farm fences, as defined in subsection 11-1101.2(9)(g), are permitted uses.

(f)

Travel-ready recreational vehicles meeting the exception standards in subsection 11-1101.9(2).

(g)

Levees or dikes intended to protect agricultural crops for a frequency flood event equal to or less than the 10-year frequency flood event.

(4)

Standards for Floodway Conditional Uses.

(a)

All Uses. A conditional use must not cause any increase in the stage of the one-percent chance or regional flood or cause an increase in flood damages in the reach or reaches affected.

(b)

Fill; Storage of Materials and Equipment:

(i)

The storage or processing of materials that are, in time of flooding, flammable, explosive, or potentially injurious to human, animal, or plant life is prohibited.

(ii)

Fill, dredge spoil, and other similar materials deposited or stored in the floodplain must be protected from erosion by vegetative cover, mulching, riprap or other acceptable method. Permanent sand and gravel operations and similar uses must be covered by a long-term site development plan.

(iii)

Temporary placement of fill, other materials, or equipment which would cause an increase to the stage of the one-percent percent chance or regional flood may only be allowed if the City Council has approved a plan that assures removal of the materials from the floodway based upon the flood warning time available.

(c)

Accessory Structures.

(i)

Accessory structures must not be designed for human habitation.

(ii)

Accessory structures, if permitted, must be constructed and placed on the building site so as to offer the minimum obstruction to the flow of flood waters:

(aa)

Whenever possible, structures must be constructed with the longitudinal axis parallel to the direction of flood flow; and

(bb)

So far as practicable, structures must be placed approximately on the same flood flow lines as those of adjoining structures.

(iii)

Accessory structures must be elevated on fill or structurally dry floodproofed in accordance with the FP-1 or FP-2 floodproofing classifications in the State Building Code. All floodproofed accessory structures must meet the following additional standards:

(aa)

The structure must be adequately anchored to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement and designed to equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls; and

(bb)

Any mechanical and utility equipment in the structure must be elevated to or above the regulatory flood protection elevation or properly floodproofed.

(iv)

As an alternative, an accessory structure may be internally/wet floodproofed to the FP-3 or FP-4 floodproofing classifications in the State Building Code, provided the accessory structure constitutes a minimal investment and does not exceed 576 square feet in size. A detached garage may only be used for parking of vehicles and limited storage. All structures must meet the following standards:

(aa)

To allow for the equalization of hydrostatic pressure, there must be a minimum of two "automatic" openings in the outside walls of the structure, with a total net area of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding; and

(bb)

There must be openings on at least two sides of the structure and the bottom of all openings must be no higher than one foot above the lowest adjacent grade to the structure. Using human intervention to open a garage door prior to flooding will not satisfy this requirement for automatic openings.

(d)

Structural works for flood control that will change the course, current or cross section of protected wetlands or public waters are subject to the provisions of Minn. Stat. §103G.245.

(e)

A levee, dike or floodwall constructed in the floodway must not cause an increase to the one-percent chance or regional flood. The technical analysis must assume equal conveyance or storage loss on both sides of a stream.

(f)

Floodway developments must not adversely affect the hydraulic capacity of the channel and adjoining floodplain of any tributary watercourse or drainage system.

11-1101.5

Flood Fringe District (FF).

(1)

Permitted Uses. Permitted uses are those uses of land or structures allowed in the underlying zoning district(s) that comply with the standards in subsection 11-1101.5(2). If no pre-existing, underlying zoning districts exist, then any residential or nonresidential structure or use of a structure or land is a permitted use provided it does not constitute a public nuisance.

(2)

Standards for Flood Fringe Permitted Uses.

(a)

All structures, including accessory structures, must be elevated on fill so that the lowest floor, as defined, is at or above the regulatory flood protection elevation. The finished fill elevation for structures must be no lower than one foot below the regulatory flood protection elevation and the fill must extend at the same elevation at least 15 feet beyond the outside limits of the structure.

(i)

All service utilities, including ductwork, must be elevated or watertight to prevent infiltration of floodwaters.

(ii)

As an alternative to elevation on fill, an accessory structure that constitutes a minimal investment and that does not exceed 576 square feet in size may be internally floodproofed in accordance with subsection 11-1101.4(4)(c).

(b)

The cumulative placement of fill or similar material on a parcel must not exceed 1,000 cubic yards, unless the fill is specifically intended to elevate a structure in accordance with subsection 11-1101.5(2)(a), or if allowed as a conditional use under subsection 11-1101.5(3)(c) below.

(c)

The storage of any materials or equipment must be elevated on fill to the regulatory flood protection elevation.

(d)

The storage or processing of materials that are, in time of flooding, flammable, explosive, or potentially injurious to human, animal, or plant life is prohibited.

(e)

Areas filled must be mitigated by creating compensating volume storage at a one to one ratio such that there would be no net effect on the 100-year flood level.

(i)

Fill must be properly compacted and the slopes must be properly protected by the use of riprap, vegetative cover or other acceptable method.

(f)

All new principal structures must have vehicular access at or above an elevation not more than two feet below the regulatory flood protection elevation, or must have a flood warning /emergency evacuation plan acceptable to the City Council.

(g)

Accessory uses such as yards, railroad tracks, and parking lots may be at an elevation lower than the regulatory flood protection elevation. However, any facilities used by employees or the general public must be designed with a flood warning system that provides adequate time for evacuation if the area is inundated to a depth and velocity such that the depth (in feet) multiplied by the velocity (in feet per second) would exceed a product of four upon occurrence of the regional (one-percent chance) flood.

(h)

Interference with normal manufacturing/industrial plant operations must be minimized, especially along streams having protracted flood durations. In considering permit applications, due consideration must be given to the needs of industries with operations that require a floodplain location.

(i)

Flood fringe developments must not adversely affect the hydraulic capacity of the channel and adjoining floodplain of any tributary watercourse or drainage system.

(j)

Manufactured homes and recreational vehicles must meet the standards of Section 9 of this Section.

(3)

Conditional Uses. The following uses and activities may be allowed as conditional uses, if allowed in the underlying zoning district(s) or any applicable overlay district, following the procedures in subsection 11-1101.10(4). Conditional uses must meet the standards in subsections 11-1101.5(2)(d) through 11-1101.5(2)(j) and subsection 11-1101.5(4).

(a)

Any structure that is not elevated on fill or floodproofed in accordance with subsection 11-1101.5(2)(a).

(b)

Storage of any material or equipment below the regulatory flood protection elevation.

(c)

The cumulative placement of more than 1,000 cubic yards of fill when the fill is not being used to elevate a structure in accordance with subsection 11-1101.5(2)(a).

(4)

Standards for Flood Fringe Conditional Uses.

(a)

The standards listed in subsections 11-1101.5(2)(d) through 11-1101.5(2)(j) apply to all conditional uses.

(b)

Basements, as defined by subsection 11-1101.2(9)(c), are subject to the following:

(i)

Residential basement construction is not allowed below the regulatory flood protection elevation.

(ii)

Non-residential basements may be allowed below the regulatory flood protection elevation provided the basement is structurally dry floodproofed in accordance with subsection 11-1101.5(4)(d).

(c)

All areas of nonresidential structures, including basements, to be placed below the regulatory flood protection elevation must be floodproofed in accordance with the structurally dry floodproofing classifications in the State Building Code. Structurally dry floodproofing must meet the FP-1 or FP-2 floodproofing classification in the State Building Code, which requires making the structure watertight with the walls substantially impermeable to the passage of water and with structural components capable of resisting hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and the effects of buoyancy. Structures wet floodproofed to the FP-3 or FP-4 classification are not permitted.

(d)

The placement of more than 1,000 cubic yards of fill or other similar material on a parcel (other than for the purpose of elevating a structure to the regulatory flood protection elevation) must comply with an approved erosion/sedimentation control plan.

(i)

The plan must clearly specify methods to be used to stabilize the fill on site for a flood event at a minimum of the regional (one-percent chance) flood event.

(ii)

The plan must be prepared and certified by a registered professional engineer or other qualified individual acceptable to the City Council.

(iii)

The plan may incorporate alternative procedures for removal of the material from the floodplain if adequate flood warning time exists.

(e)

Storage of materials and equipment below the regulatory flood protection elevation must comply with an approved emergency plan providing for removal of such materials within the time available after a flood warning.

(f)

Alternative elevation methods other than the use of fill may be utilized to elevate a structure's lowest floor above the regulatory flood protection elevation. These alternative methods may include the use of stilts, pilings, parallel walls, etc., or above-grade, enclosed areas such as crawl spaces or tuck under garages. The base or floor of an enclosed area shall be considered above-grade and not a structure's basement or lowest floor if: 1) the enclosed area is above-grade on at least one side of the structure; 2) it is designed to internally flood and is constructed with flood resistant materials; and 3) it is used solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage. The above-noted alternative elevation methods are subject to the following additional standards:

(i)

Design and Certification—The structure's design and as-built condition must be certified by a registered professional engineer or architect as being in compliance with the general design standards of the State Building Code and, specifically, that all electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing and air conditioning equipment and other service facilities must be at or above the regulatory flood protection elevation or be designed to prevent flood water from entering or accumulating within these components during times of flooding.

(ii)

Specific Standards for Above-grade, Enclosed Areas—Above-grade, fully enclosed areas such as crawl spaces or tuck under garages must be designed to internally flood and the design plans must stipulate:

(aa)

The minimum area of openings in the walls where internal flooding is to be used as a floodproofing technique. There shall be a minimum of two openings on at least two sides of the structure and the bottom of all openings shall be no higher than one foot above grade. The automatic openings shall have a minimum net area of not less than one square inch for every square foot of enclosed area subject to flooding unless a registered professional engineer or architect certifies that a smaller net area would suffice. The automatic openings may be equipped with screens, louvers, valves, or other coverings or devices provided that they permit the automatic entry and exit of flood waters without any form of human intervention; and

(bb)

That the enclosed area will be designed of flood resistant materials in accordance with the FP-3 or FP-4 classifications in the State Building Code and shall be used solely for building access, parking of vehicles or storage.

11-1101.6

General Floodplain District (GF).

(1)

Permitted Uses.

(a)

The uses listed in subsection 11-1101.4(1), Floodway District Permitted Uses, are permitted uses.

(b)

All other uses are subject to the floodway/flood fringe evaluation criteria specified in subsection 11-1101.6(2) below. Subsection 11-1101.4 applies if the proposed use is determined to be in the Floodway District. Section 11-1101.5 applies if the proposed use is determined to be in the Flood Fringe District.

(2)

Procedures for Floodway and Flood Fringe Determinations.

(a)

Upon receipt of an application for a permit or other approval within the General Floodplain District, the Director must obtain, review and reasonably utilize any regional flood elevation and floodway data available from a federal, state, or other source.

(b)

If regional flood elevation and floodway data are not readily available, the applicant must furnish additional information, as needed, to determine the regulatory flood protection elevation and whether the proposed use would fall within the Floodway or Flood Fringe District. Information must be consistent with accepted hydrological and hydraulic engineering standards and the standards in subsection 11-1101.6(2)(c) below.

(c)

The determination of floodway and flood fringe must include the following components, as applicable:

(i)

Estimate the peak discharge of the regional (one-percent chance) flood.

(ii)

Calculate the water surface profile of the regional flood based upon a hydraulic analysis of the stream channel and overbank areas.

(iii)

Compute the floodway necessary to convey or store the regional flood without increasing flood stages more than one-half foot. A lesser stage increase than one-half foot is required if, as a result of the stage increase, increased flood damages would result. An equal degree of encroachment on both sides of the stream within the reach must be assumed in computing floodway boundaries.

(d)

The Director will review the submitted information and assess the technical evaluation and the recommended Floodway and/or Flood Fringe District boundary. The assessment must include the cumulative effects of previous floodway encroachments. The Director may seek technical assistance from a designated engineer or other expert person or agency, including the Department of Natural Resources. Based on this assessment, the Director may approve or deny the application.

(e)

Once the Floodway and Flood Fringe District boundaries have been determined, the Director must process the permit application consistent with the applicable provisions of subsections 11-1101.4 and 11-1101.5.

11-1101.7

Land and Development Standards.

(1)

In General. Recognizing that flood prone areas may exist outside of the designated floodplain districts, the requirements of this Section apply to all land within the City of Coon Rapids.

(2)

Subdivisions. No land may be subdivided which is unsuitable for reasons of flooding or inadequate drainage, water supply or sewage treatment facilities. Manufactured home parks and recreational vehicle parks or campgrounds are considered subdivisions under this Section.

(a)

All lots within the floodplain districts must be able to contain a building site outside of the Floodway District at or above the regulatory flood protection elevation.

(b)

All subdivisions must have road access both to the subdivision and to the individual building sites no lower than two feet below the regulatory flood protection elevation, unless a flood warning emergency plan for the safe evacuation of all vehicles and people during the regional (one-percent chance) flood has been approved by the City Council. The plan must be prepared by a registered engineer or other qualified individual, and must demonstrate that adequate time and personnel exist to carry out the evacuation.

(c)

For all subdivisions in the floodplain, the Floodway and Flood Fringe District boundaries, the regulatory flood protection elevation and the required elevation of all access roads must be clearly labeled on all required subdivision drawings and platting documents.

(d)

In the General Floodplain District, applicants must provide the information required in subsection 11-1101.6(2) to determine the regional flood elevation, the Floodway and Flood Fringe District boundaries and the regulatory flood protection elevation for the subdivision site.

(e)

If a subdivision proposal or other proposed new development is in a flood prone area, any such proposal must be reviewed to assure that:

(i)

All such proposals are consistent with the need to minimize flood damage within the flood prone area,

(ii)

All public utilities and facilities, such as sewer, gas, electrical, and water systems are located and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage, and

(iii)

Adequate drainage is provided to reduce exposure of flood hazard.

(3)

Building Sites. If a proposed building site is in a flood prone area, all new construction and substantial improvements (including the placement of manufactured homes) must be:

(a)

Designed (or modified) and adequately anchored to prevent floatation, collapse, or lateral movement of the structure resulting from hydrodynamic and hydrostatic loads, including the effects of buoyancy;

(b)

Constructed with materials and utility equipment resistant to flood damage;

(c)

Constructed by methods and practices that minimize flood damage; and

(d)

Constructed with electrical, heating, ventilation, plumbing, and air conditioning equipment and other service facilities that are designed and/or located so as to prevent water from entering or accumulating within the components during conditions of flooding.

11-1101.8

Public Utilities, Railroads, Roads, and Bridges.

(1)

Public Utilities. All public utilities and facilities such as gas, electrical, sewer, and water supply systems to be located in the floodplain must be floodproofed in accordance with the State Building Code or elevated to the regulatory flood protection elevation.

(2)

Public Transportation Facilities. Railroad tracks, roads, and bridges to be located within the floodplain must comply with subsections 11-1101.4 and 11-1101.5. These transportation facilities must be elevated to the regulatory flood protection elevation where failure or interruption of these facilities would result in danger to the public health or safety or where such facilities are essential to the orderly functioning of the area. Minor or auxiliary roads or railroads may be constructed at a lower elevation where failure or interruption of transportation services would not endanger the public health or safety.

(3)

On-site Water Supply and Sewage Treatment Systems. Where public utilities are not provided: 1) On-site water supply systems must be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the systems; and 2) New or replacement on-site sewage treatment systems must be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of flood waters into the systems and discharges from the systems into flood waters and they must not be subject to impairment or contamination during times of flooding. Any sewage treatment system designed in accordance with the state's current statewide standards for on-site sewage treatment systems is considered to be in compliance with this Section.

11-1101.9

Manufactured Homes, Manufactured Homes Parks, and Recreational Vehicles.

(1)

Manufactured Homes. New manufactured home parks and expansions to existing manufactured home parks are prohibited in any floodplain district. For existing manufactured home parks or lots of record, the following requirements apply:

(a)

Placement or replacement of manufactured home units is prohibited in the Floodway District.

(b)

If allowed in the Flood Fringe District, placement or replacement of manufactured home units is subject to the requirements of subsection 11-1101.5 and the following standards.

(i)

New and replacement manufactured homes must be elevated in compliance with subsection 11-1101.5 and must be securely anchored to an adequately anchored foundation system that resists flotation, collapse and lateral movement. Methods of anchoring may include, but are not limited to, use of over-the-top or frame ties to ground anchors. This requirement is in addition to applicable state or local anchoring requirements for resisting wind forces.

(ii)

New or replacement manufactured homes in existing manufactured home parks must meet the vehicular access requirements for subdivisions in subsection 11-1101.7(2)(b).

(2)

Recreational Vehicles. New recreational vehicle parks or campgrounds and expansions to existing recreational vehicle parks or campgrounds are prohibited in any floodplain district. Placement of recreational vehicles in existing recreational vehicle parks or campgrounds in the floodplain must meet the exemption criteria below or be treated as new structures meeting the requirements of this Section.

(a)

Recreational vehicles are exempt from the provisions of this Section if they are placed in any of the following areas and meet the criteria listed in subsection 11-1101.9(2)(b):

(i)

Individual lots or parcels of record.

(ii)

Existing commercial recreational vehicle parks or campgrounds.

(iii)

Existing condominium-type associations.

(b)

Criteria for Exempt Recreational Vehicles:

(i)

The vehicle must have a current license required for highway use.

(ii)

The vehicle must be highway ready, meaning on wheels or the internal jacking system, attached to the site only by quick disconnect type utilities commonly used in campgrounds and recreational vehicle parks.

(iii)

No permanent structural type additions may be attached to the vehicle.

(iv)

The vehicle and associated use must be permissible in any pre-existing, underlying zoning district.

(v)

Accessory structures are not permitted within the Floodway District. Any accessory structure in the Flood Fringe District must be constructed of flood-resistant materials and be securely anchored, meeting the requirements applicable to manufactured homes in subsection 11-1101.9(2)(b).

(vi)

An accessory structure must constitute a minimal investment.

(c)

Recreational vehicles that are exempt in subsection 11-1101.9(2)(b) lose this exemption when development occurs on the site that exceeds a minimal investment for an accessory structure such as a garage or storage building. The recreational vehicle and all accessory structures will then be treated as new structures subject to the elevation and floodproofing requirements of subsection 11-1101.5. No development or improvement on the parcel or attachment to the recreational vehicle is allowed that would hinder the removal of the vehicle should flooding occur.

11-1101.10

Administration.

(1)

Director. The Director must administer and enforce this Section.

(2)

Permit Requirements.

(a)

Permit Required. A permit must be obtained from the Director prior to conducting the following activities:

(i)

The erection, addition, modification, rehabilitation, or alteration of any building, structure, or portion thereof Normal maintenance and repair also requires a permit if such work, separately or in conjunction with other planned work, constitutes a substantial improvement as defined in this Section.

(ii)

The use or change of use of a building, structure, or land.

(iii)

The construction of a dam, fence, or on-site septic system, although a permit is not required for a farm fence as defined in this Section.

(iv)

The change or extension of a nonconforming use.

(v)

The repair of a structure that has been damaged by flood, fire, tornado, or any other source.

(vi)

The placement of fill, excavation of materials, or the storage of materials or equipment within the floodplain.

(vii)

Relocation or alteration of a watercourse - including new or replacement culverts and bridges), unless a public waters work permit has been applied for.

(viii)

Any other type of "development" as defined in this Section.

(b)

Application for Permit. Permit applications must be submitted to the Director on forms provided by the Director. The permit application must include the following as applicable:

(i)

A site plan showing all pertinent dimensions, existing or proposed buildings, structures, and significant natural features having an influence on the permit.

(ii)

Location of fill or storage of materials in relation to the stream channel.

(iii)

Copies of any required municipal, county, state or federal permits or approvals.

(iv)

Other relevant information requested by the Director as necessary to properly evaluate the permit application.

(c)

Certificate of Zoning Compliance for a New, Altered, or Nonconforming Use. No building, land or structure may be occupied or used in any manner until a certificate of zoning compliance has been issued by the Director stating that the use of the building or land conforms to the requirements of this Section.

(d)

Certification. The applicant is required to submit certification by a registered professional engineer, registered architect, or registered land surveyor that the finished fill and building elevations were accomplished in compliance with the provisions of this Section. Floodproofing measures must be certified by a registered professional engineer or registered architect.

(e)

Record of First Floor Elevation. The Director must maintain a record of the elevation of the lowest floor (including basement) of all new structures and alterations or additions to existing structures in the floodplain. The Director must also maintain a record of the elevation to which structures and alterations or additions to structures are floodproofed.

(f)

Notifications for Watercourse Alterations. Before authorizing any alteration or relocation of a river or stream, the Director must notify adjacent communities. If the applicant has applied for a permit to work in public waters pursuant to Minn. Stat. §103G.245, this will suffice as adequate notice. A copy of the notification must also be submitted to the Chicago Regional Office of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

(g)

Notification to FEMA When Physical Changes Increase or Decrease Base Flood Elevations. As soon as is practicable, but not later than six months after the date such supporting information becomes available, the Director must notify the Chicago Regional Office of FEMA of the changes by submitting a copy of the relevant technical or scientific data.

(3)

Variances.

(a)

Variance Applications. An application for a variance to the provisions of this Section will be processed and reviewed in accordance with applicable state statutes and Section 11-304.9 of the City Code.

(b)

Adherence to State Floodplain Management Standards. A variance must not allow a use that is not allowed in that district, permit a lower degree of flood protection than the regulatory flood protection elevation for the particular area, or permit standards lower than those required by state law.

(c)

Additional Variance Criteria. The following additional variance criteria of the Federal Emergency Management Agency must be satisfied:

(i)

Variances must not be issued by a community within any designated regulatory floodway if any increase in flood levels during the base flood discharge would result.

(ii)

Variances may only be issued by a community upon (i) a showing of good and sufficient cause, (ii) a determination that failure to grant the variance would result in exceptional hardship to the applicant, and (iii) a determination that the granting of a variance will not result in increased flood heights, additional threats to public safety, extraordinary public expense, create nuisances, cause fraud on or victimization of the public, or conflict with existing local laws or ordinances.

(iii)

Variances may only be issued upon a determination that the variance is the minimum necessary, considering the flood hazard, to afford relief.

(d)

Flood Insurance Notice. The Director must notify the applicant for a variance that: 1) The issuance of a variance to construct a structure below the base flood level will result in increased premium rates for flood insurance up to amounts as high as $25.00 for $100.00 of insurance coverage: and 2) Such construction below the base or regional flood level increases risks to life and property. Such notification must be maintained with a record of all variance actions.

(e)

General Considerations. The community may consider the following factors in granting variances and imposing conditions on variances and conditional uses in floodplains:

(i)

The potential danger to life and property due to increased flood heights or velocities caused by encroachments;

(ii)

The danger that materials may be swept onto other lands or downstream to the injury of others;

(iii)

The proposed water supply and sanitation systems, if any, and the ability of these systems to minimize the potential for disease, contamination and unsanitary conditions;

(iv)

The susceptibility of any proposed use and its contents to flood damage and the effect of such damage on the individual owner;

(v)

The importance of the services to be provided by the proposed use to the community;

(vi)

The requirements of the facility for a waterfront location:

(vii)

The availability of viable alternative locations for the proposed use that are not subject to flooding;

(viii)

The compatibility of the proposed use with existing development and development anticipated in the foreseeable future;

(ix)

The relationship of the proposed use to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and flood plain management program for the area;

(x)

The safety of access to the property in times of flood for ordinary and emergency vehicles;

(xi)

The expected heights, velocity, duration, rate of rise and sediment transport of the flood waters expected at the site.

(f)

Submittal of Hearing Notices to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The Director must submit hearing notices for proposed variances to the DNR sufficiently in advance to provide at least ten days' notice of the hearing. The notice may be sent by electronic mail or U.S. Mail to the respective DNR area hydrologist.

(g)

Submittal of Final Decisions to the DNR. A copy of all decisions granting variances must be forwarded to the DNR within ten days of such action. The notice may be sent by electronic mail or U.S. Mail to the respective DNR area hydrologist.

(h)

Record-Keeping. The Director must maintain a record of all variance actions, including justification for their issuance, and must report such variances in an annual or biennial report to the Administrator of the National Flood Insurance Program, when requested by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

(4)

Conditional Uses.

(a)

Administrative Review. An application for a conditional use permit under the provisions of this Section will be processed and reviewed in accordance with Section 11-304.3 of the City Code.

(b)

Factors Used in Decision-Making. In passing upon conditional use applications, the City Council must consider all relevant factors specified in other sections of this Section, and those factors identified in subsection 11-1101.10(3)(e).

(c)

Conditions Attached to Conditional Use Permits. The City Council may attach such conditions to the granting of conditional use permits as it deems necessary to fulfill the purposes of this Section. Such conditions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

(i)

Modification of waste treatment and water supply facilities.

(ii)

Limitations on period of use, occupancy, and operation.

(iii)

Imposition of operational controls, sureties, and deed restrictions.

(iv)

Requirements for construction of channel modifications, compensatory storage, dikes, levees, and other protective measures.

(v)

Floodproofing measures, in accordance with the State Building Code and this Section. The applicant must submit a plan or document certified by a registered professional engineer or architect that the floodproofing measures are consistent with the regulatory flood protection elevation and associated flood factors for the particular area.

(d)

Submittal of Hearing Notices to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The Director must submit hearing notices for proposed conditional uses to the DNR sufficiently in advance to provide at least ten days' notice of the hearing. The notice may be sent by electronic mail or U.S. Mail to the respective DNR area hydrologist.

(e)

Submittal of Final Decisions to the DNR. A copy of all decisions granting conditional uses must be forwarded to the DNR within ten days of such action. The notice may be sent by electronic mail or U.S. Mail to the respective DNR area hydrologist.

11-1101.11

Nonconformities.

(1)

Continuance of Nonconformities. A use, structure, or occupancy of land which was lawful before the passage or amendment of this Section but which is not in conformity with the provisions of this Section may be continued subject to the following conditions. Historic structures, as defined in subsection 11-1101.2(9)(y)(ii), are subject to the provisions of Sections 1011.11(1)(a)—1011.11(1)(f).

(a)

A nonconforming use, structure, or occupancy must not be expanded, changed, enlarged, or altered in a way that increases its flood damage potential or degree of obstruction to flood flows except as provided in subsection 11-1101.11(1)(b) below. Expansion or enlargement of uses, structures or occupancies within the Floodway District is prohibited.

(b)

Any addition or structural alteration to a nonconforming structure or nonconforming use that would result in increasing its flood damage potential must be protected to the regulatory flood protection elevation in accordance with any of the elevation on fill or floodproofing techniques (i.e., FP-1 thru FP-4 floodproofing classifications) allowable in the State Building Code, except as further restricted in subsection 11-1101.11(1)(a)-(c) and 11-1101.11(1)(g) below.

(c)

If the cost of all previous and proposed alterations and additions exceeds 50 percent of the market value of any nonconforming structure, then the entire structure must meet the standards of subsection 11-1101.4 or 11-1101.5 for new structures depending upon whether the structure is in the Floodway or Flood Fringe District, respectively. The cost of all structural alterations and additions must include all costs such as construction materials and a reasonable cost placed on all manpower or labor.

(d)

If any nonconforming use, or any use of a nonconforming structure, is discontinued for more than one year, any future use of the premises must conform to this Section. The Assessor must notify the Director in writing of instances of nonconformities that have been discontinued for a period of more than one year.

(e)

If any nonconformity is substantially damaged, as defined in subsection 11-1101.2(9)(x), it may not be reconstructed except in conformity with the provisions of this Section. The applicable provisions for establishing new uses or new structures in subsection 11-1101.4 or 11-1101.5 will apply depending upon whether the use or structure is in the Floodway or Flood Fringe, respectively.

(f)

If any nonconforming use or structure experiences a repetitive loss, as defined in subsection 11-1101.2.(9)(v) of this Section, it must not be reconstructed except in conformity with the provisions of this Section.

(g)

Any substantial improvement, as defined in subsection 11-1101.2.(9)(y), to a nonconforming structure requires that the existing structure and any additions must meet the requirements of subsection 11-1101.4 or 11-1101.5 for new structures, depending upon whether the structure is in the Floodway or Flood Fringe District.

11-1101.12

Penalties and Enforcement.

(1)

Violation Constitutes a Misdemeanor. Violation of the provisions of this Section or failure to comply with any of its requirements (including violations of conditions and safeguards established in connection with grants of variances or conditional uses) constitute a misdemeanor and will be punishable as defined by law.

(2)

Other Lawful Action. Nothing in this Section restricts the City from taking such other lawful action as is necessary to prevent or remedy any violation. If the responsible party does not appropriately respond to the Director within the specified period of time, each additional day that lapses will constitute an additional violation of this Section and will be prosecuted accordingly.

(3)

Enforcement. In responding to a suspected ordinance violation, the Director and City Council may utilize the full array of enforcement actions available to it including but not limited to prosecution and fines, injunctions, after-the-fact permits, orders for corrective measures or a request to the National Flood Insurance Program for denial of flood insurance availability to the guilty party. The City must act in good faith to enforce these official controls and to correct ordinance violations to the extent possible so as not to jeopardize its eligibility in the National Flood Insurance Program.

(a)

When a violation is either discovered by or brought to the attention of the Director, the Director shall immediately investigate the situation and document the nature and extent of the violation of the official control. As soon as it is reasonably possible, this information will be submitted to the appropriate State Department of Natural Resources and Federal Emergency Management Agency regional office along with the City's plan of action to correct the violation to the degree possible.

(b)

The Director shall notify the suspected party of the requirements of this Chapter and all other official controls and the nature and extent of the suspected violation of these controls. If the structure and/or use is under construction or development, the Director may order the construction or development immediately halted until a proper permit or approval is granted by the City. If the construction or development is already completed, the Director may either: 1) issue an order identifying the corrective actions that must be made within a specified time period to bring the use or structure into compliance with the official controls; or 2) notify the responsible party to apply for an after the fact permit/development approval within a specified period of time not to exceed 30 days.

11-1101.13

Amendments.

(1)

Floodplain Designation—Restrictions on Removal. The floodplain designation on the Official Zoning Map must not be removed from floodplain areas unless it can be shown that the designation is in error or that the area has been filled to or above the elevation of the regulatory flood protection elevation and is contiguous to lands outside the floodplain. Special exceptions to this rule may be permitted by the Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) if the Commissioner determines that, through other measures, lands are adequately protected for the intended use.

(2)

Amendments Require DNR Approval. All amendments to this Section must be submitted to and approved by the Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) prior to adoption. The Commissioner must approve the amendment prior to community approval.

(3)

Map Revisions Require Ordinance Amendments. The floodplain district regulations must be amended to incorporate any revisions by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to the floodplain maps adopted in subsection 11-1101.2(3).

(Ord. No. 2154, 12-15-15)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 2154, adopted Dec. 15, 2015, repealed the former § 11-1101 and enacted a new § 11-1101 as set out herein. The former § 11-1101 pertained to similar subject matter and derived from the original Code of 1982.

11-1102.1

Purpose. The purpose of these regulations is to achieve the policies described in the City's Wetland Management Plan relating to the protection and management of wetlands.

11-1102.2

Administration. The City Council hereby designates the Director of Public Services as the Administrator of these regulations. The City of Coon Rapids is the Local Government Unit (LGU) for the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA).

11-1102.3

Definitions. For the purpose of this Chapter the following definitions apply:

(1)

Buffer. An upland area covered with natural vegetation (preferably native vegetation) that experienced little to no human impact such as mowing or fertilizer application.

(2)

Best Management Practices (BMPs). Guidance and design criteria for storm water management facilities contained within the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's publication entitled, "Protecting Water Quality in Urban Areas", dated March 2000 and as amended.

(3)

City Wetland Management Plan Map. This map was developed as part of the Wetland Management Plan and shows the general locations of wetlands within the City. While an attempt was made to locate all wetlands within the City, omission of a wetland from this map does not exclude that wetland from this regulation.

(4)

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources ("DNR") Protected Waters/Wetlands. Those water bodies that the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has jurisdiction over up to the Ordinary High Water Level as noted on the DNR Protected Water and Wetland Inventory Map.

(5)

Growing Season. The portion of the year when soil temperatures are above biologic zero in the upper part. In the Metro Area, the growing season is generally between April 21 and October 15.

(6)

High Water Level (HWL). The 100-year water elevation of a water body determined by a hydrologic/hydraulic model.

(7)

New Wetland Credit (NWC). Wetland replacement credit that can be used for any portion of wetland replacement as specified in the Wetland Conservation Act, as amended.

(8)

Normal Water Level (NWL). The water elevation of the water body at the lowest controlling elevation as determined by an outlet structure, pump, etc. The Normal Water Level does not reflect the lowest elevation that may be attained naturally by infiltration, evaporation, or transpiration.

(9)

Public Value Credit (PVC). The wetland replacement credit that can only be used for the portion of wetland replacement required above a 1:1 ratio.

(10)

Sequencing. A five-step process outlined in the Wetland Conservation Act that evaluates the necessity of a project's impact on a wetland.

(11)

Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP). A panel consisting of the Local Government Unit, the local Board of Water and Soil Resources board conservationist, a member of the Soil and Water Conservation District. This panel provides technical wetland support to the Local Government Unit.

(12)

Wetland. Lands transitional between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table is usually at or near the surface of the land is covered by shallow water. See also Minnesota Rules 8421.0110, subp. 53.

11-1102.4

Wetland Management.

(1)

Boundaries. This regulation shall apply to those areas which are defined as jurisdictional wetland as per the 1987 Manual for Delineating and Identifying Jurisdictional Wetlands. These areas are shown in general on the City's Wetland Management Plan map. This map also shows the management classifications for each wetland that pertain to this regulation. These areas shall be field identified by the applicant's trained wetland professional and reviewed for accuracy by the Administrator if work is proposed within or adjacent to the wetland. The presence or absence of a wetland on the City's Wetland Management Plan map does not represent a definitive determination as to whether a wetland covered by this regulation is present or not. It is the responsibility of the applicant to determine whether a wetland exists on a subject property.

(2)

Application. The applicant shall submit the Minnesota Local/State/Federal Application Forms for Water/Wetland Projects to the Administrator for approval prior to any work that will impact wetlands. The Administrator shall follow the review timelines and notice requirements as outlined in the Wetland Conservation Act as set forth in Minnesota Rules Chapter 8420, as amended.

(3)

Wetland Regulations. The Wetland Conservation Act, as amended, and the rules implementing the Wetland Conservation Act as set forth in Minnesota Rules Chapter 8420, as amended, are incorporated as part of these regulations and shall govern draining, filling, and dredging in wetlands. Where the City's Wetland Management Plan deviates from the Wetland Conservation Act, the Wetland Management Plan shall apply.

(4)

Wetland Management. Wetlands within the City shall be managed as outlined below:

(a)

Wetland Buffers. Average buffer zones with a minimum buffer width of 15 feet around existing wetlands will be required for all new or redevelopment as follows:

Preserve: 40 feet

Manage 1: 25 feet for wetlands less than two acres

35 feet for wetlands larger than two acres

Manage 2: 15 feet for wetlands less than two acres

25 feet for wetlands larger than two acres

Manage 3: 15 feet

Restore: 25 feet

Storm Ponds: 15 feet

These buffer zones will be platted as easements and marked with monumentation. Public trails or sidewalks that are a maximum of ten feet in width can be included within the buffer provided the designated buffer width is maintained. Private access to a water body will be allowed provided that the dock or access is no more than 30 feet wide along the shoreline or one-half the width of the lot, whichever is less. Public water body access is not regulated by this ordinance. Storm water ponds are allowed within the buffer. A buffer commensurate with the width required for the wetland impacted is also required around newly created wetland mitigation sites. If the applicant believes that implementation of the buffer is a hardship, the applicant may apply for a variance in accordance with subsection 11-304.9.

(b)

Storm Water Management. Storm water runoff directed to the wetlands will be required to be managed as follows and as outlined in the Comprehensive Storm Water Management Plan:

Preserve: Maintenance of existing bounce for a 10-year storm if feasible; Pretreatment for sediment and nutrients.

Manage 1: Limit bounce to existing plus 0.5 ft for 10-year storm if feasible. Pretreatment for sediment and nutrients.

Manage 2: Limit bounce to existing level plus 1.0 ft for 10-year storm if feasible. Pretreatment for sediment and nutrients.

Manage 3: No limit on bounce. Can be used for storm water management and treatment.

Restore: Limit bounce to existing level plus 1.0 ft for a 10- year storm if feasible. Pretreatment for sediment and nutrients.

Storm Ponds: Use for storm water management.

If the applicant believes that implementation of the buffer is a hardship, the applicant may apply for a variance in accordance with subsection 11-304.9.

(c)

Wetland Sequencing. Sequencing for the different management classifications will be as follows:

Preserve: Impacts allowed only under extreme hardship. Sequencing must be in conformance with the WCA.

Manage 1: Sequencing in conformance with WCA.

Manage 2: Sequencing in conformance with WCA.

Manage 3: Significant sequencing flexibility provided.

Restore: Sequencing in conformance with WCA.

Storm Ponds: No sequencing required as storm ponds not within the jurisdiction of the WCA.

(d)

Wetland Mitigation Requirements. Wetland mitigation for unavoidable impacts is required as described below. Actions eligible for wetland mitigation credit are outlined within the Wetland Conservation Act.

Preserve: Replacement at 3:1 ratio with 1.5 acres of NWC minimum and 1.5 acres of PVC maximum.

Manage 1: 2:1 with 1 acre of NWC minimum and 1 acre of PVC maximum.

Manage 2: 2:1 with 1 acre of NWC minimum and 1 acre of PVC maximum.

Manage 3: 2:1 with 1 acre of NWC minimum and 1 acre of PVC maximum.

Restore: 2:1 with 1 acre of NWC minimum and 1 acre of PVC maximum.

Storm Ponds: No mitigation required.

Mitigation for passive recreation projects such as trails, scenic overlooks, and benches will be at a 1:1 ratio with 0.5 acres of NWC minimum and 0.5 acres of PVC maximum for every acre of impacted wetland. The City will maintain an overall 2:1 ratio of mitigation in the City as outlined in the Wetland Management Plan.

11-1102.5

Exemptions. Those exemptions outlined in the Wetland Conservation Act as set forth in Minnesota Rules Chapter 8420.0420 are exempt from this Section.

11-1102.6

Performance Bond Required. If an Application includes wetland or buffer strip alteration, the Applicant must file with the Administrator prior to release of the final plat, or if there is no plat involved, prior to the first building permit for the subject property, a performance bond, cash escrow, or letter of credit, surety, or other guarantee acceptable to the Administrator and in an amount determined by the Administrator.

11-1102.7

Appeals and Enforcement.

(1)

Enforcement. Enforcement of the Wetland Conservation Act shall be in accordance with Minnesota Rules 8420.0100.

(2)

Appeals. The management classification of a wetland can be appealed by the landowner, project proposer, or other interested party. This appeal must be submitted to the Administrator in writing and include documentation supporting the reasons for placing a wetland into a different management category. This written appeal must be submitted to the Administrator prior to or along with the wetland impact permit application. A fee will be required for each wetland being appealed. The appeal will be reviewed by City Staff and the Technical Evaluation Panel. A decision will be made regarding the appeal within 60 days of receipt of the appropriate documentation. If the appeal is submitting outside of the growing season, the decision will be made 60 days after the start of the growing season.

11-1103.1

Permit Required. It is unlawful for any person to remove, store, fill, or excavate rock, sand, dirt, gravel, clay, black dirt, peat, or similar material in the amount of up to 1,000 cubic yards without obtaining a mining permit from the City, nor more than 1,000 cubic yards without first having obtained a conditional use permit through the required procedure.

11-1103.2

Exceptions. This Section does not apply to:

(1)

The excavation, removal, or storage of rock, sand, dirt, gravel, clay, black dirt, peat, or other like material for the purpose of compliance with a grading plan approved as part of a subdivision plat or site plan, or for the purpose of the yard, accessory structure, foundation, or basement of a building in the process of being erected, built, or placed thereon contemporaneously with, or immediately following, such excavation, removal, or storage.

(2)

Grading in an isolated, self contained area, provided there is no danger to the public, and that such grading will not adversely affect adjoining properties.

(3)

The excavation, removal, or storage of rock, sand, dirt, gravel, clay, black dirt, peat, or other like material by a public agency incidental to the construction or maintenance of streets or utilities.

11-1103.3

Application. Application for a mining or conditional use permit will be made in writing to the Director on such form as the Director may designate and must include such information as may be required, including, but not limited to, the following:

(1)

The signature and address of the applicant and owner of the land.

(2)

The correct legal description of the premises from which the storage, removal, or excavation of rock, sand, dirt, gravel, clay, black dirt, peat, or similar materials shall occur.

(3)

The purpose of the removal, storage, or excavation.

(4)

The estimated time required to complete the removal, storage, or excavation.

(5)

The public rights-of-way within the City upon which the material excavated or removed shall be transported.

(6)

A map of the proposed excavation, the proposed finished elevations, and the land uses within 100 feet of the site.

11-1103.4

Mining Standards.

(1)

Fencing. Any pit or excavation that constitutes a danger or safety hazard must be enclosed by a fence or equivalent barrier of at least six feet in height.

(2)

Banks. The banks of any pit or excavation must be sloped to prevent sliding or caving of banks.

(3)

Drainage. Any pit or excavation must be so drained that it will not collect stagnant water.

(4)

Streets or Drives. Dust must be controlled on interior drives or streets so that it does not annoy other people.

(5)

Rehabilitation Plan. Upon completion of the removal, storage, or excavation of material, the site must be rehabilitated to the following minimum standards:

(a)

The banks of all excavation sites must be sloped at a grade of not less than two feet horizontal to one foot vertical. This slope must be maintained 20 feet beyond the water line, if water exists.

(b)

The finished grade of all excavation sites must not adversely affect the surrounding land or the development of the site on which the excavating is being conducted.

(c)

Soil banks must be graded to ground level.

(d)

All banks and extracted areas must be covered with at least four inches of black dirt and seeded with grass.

(e)

All excavation below the water table must be backfilled with non-noxious solid material to at least two feet above the water table. If the applicant can show that leaving the excavation as a permanent lake can serve a useful purpose to the development of the site or surrounding area, the applicant may be permitted to create such lake, provided that the lake has a flow of water through it to prevent stagnation of the water.

(6)

Time Period. A permit issued by the Director or Planning Commission for mining is valid for a period up to one year, with renewal permitted for subsequent one year periods.

(7)

Security Agreement. The applicant must submit security bond, cash escrow, or irrevocable letter of credit, in such form and sum as the City may require, conditioned to pay the City the cost and expense of repairing any public right-of-ways made necessary by the special burden resulting from hauling and transporting thereon by the applicant in the removal of rock, sand, dirt, gravel, clay, black dirt, peat, or other like material and conditioned further to comply with all the requirements of this Chapter and the particular mining or conditional use permit and to save the City free and harmless from any and all suits or claims for damages resulting from the negligent excavation, removal, or storage of rock, sand, dirt, gravel, clay, black dirt, peat, or similar material within the City. The security agreement must contain a clause indicating that cancellation shall only be by written release by the City of Coon Rapids.

11-1103.5

Land Reclamation Permit. The reclaiming of land by depositing of material so as to elevate the grade is permitted only after issuance of a land reclamation permit. Such permit is required in all districts on any lot or parcel upon which 200 cubic yards or more of fill is to be deposited for land reclamation. Such permits may be issued by the Director for deposits of up to 1,000 cubic yards of fill. Deposits of over 1,000 cubic yards must be processed as conditional use permits.

11-1103.6

Conditions of Permit. The permit must include as a condition thereof a finished grading plan which will not adversely affect adjacent land, and as a condition thereof must regulate the type of fill permitted, plans for the general maintenance of the site and adjacent area, and make provision for control of material dispersed from wind or hauling material to the site. All filled areas must be covered with a minimum of four inches of black dirt and seeded with grass. The use of solid waste materials as fill is subject to the provisions of subsection 11-1206.1(11).

The City may require a security agreement as a condition of the land reclamation permit in accordance with subsection 11-1103.4(7).