Shoreland property owners who want to build or rebuild on their land could be helped by HF519. The bill is the result of key players building consensus between property owners and state and local governments charged with protecting lakes, rivers and streams.
The House Environment Policy and Oversight Committee approved the bill March 26 and sent it to the House floor. A companion, SF747, sponsored by Sen. Ann Rest (DFL-New Hope), awaits action by the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee.
Without the legislation, sponsored by Rep. Mike Nelson (DFL-Brooklyn Park), some lots would be considered unbuildable due to setback requirements or because the lot sizes are too small based on Department of Natural Resources’ shoreland regulations.
As proposed, if an existing non-conforming cabin or other structure is damaged more than 50 percent of its market value by fire, tornado or another disaster, the property owner would be allowed to rebuild, but not increase the size of a home or cabin in the same space. If there is room to conform to setback requirements, the new structure would be relocated on the lot to meet the standards.
Doling out resources
Omnibus environment and natural resources law also contains energy provisions
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Published 6/1/2010
Definitions matter
Language for environment and energy spending called into question
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Published 5/13/2010
Supplant or supplement?
Some think constitutionally dedicated funds may be filling traditional funding void
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Published 4/29/2010
Sinking the law on sunken timber
DNR intends to let sleeping logs lie
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Published 4/29/2010
Minnesota Index: Earth, wind and fire
Figures and statistics on Earth Day and the environment
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Published 4/15/2010
Minnesota Index: Quality of life
Figures and statistics on Minnesota's quality of life
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Published 3/25/2010
Talkin’ trash
PCA discovers interpreting the letter of the law isn’t easy
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Published 3/18/2010
Land wHOa!
Audit suggests DNR has more land than they can manage
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Published 3/11/2010
Safe Drug Disposal Act
Leftover drugs find their way to fish and teens
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Published 2/11/2010
At Issue: Money for outdoors, arts gets green light
Legacy bill passes but still needs work
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Published 5/29/2009
At Issue: Unearthing the state’s past
Legacy bill moves through final process quickly, awaits floor action
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Published 5/8/2009
At Issue: Funding environment and energy
Conferees make additional spending cuts
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Published 5/8/2009
First Reading: Wildfire in slow motion
Emerald ash borer ignites prevention policies
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Published 5/1/2009
At Issue: Animal, vegetable, mineral … or chemical?
Toxic Free Kids Act survives House floor omnibus debate
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Published 4/24/2009
At Issue: Control-alt-delete
Electronic waste collections called ‘too successful’
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Published 4/10/2009
Minnesota Index: Extreme weather
Figures and statistics on weather records in Minnesota
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Published 4/10/2009
At Issue: Spending new proceeds
Lessard Outdoor Heritage Council considers projects for new tax receipts
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Published 2/6/2009