Adopting and Amending Shoreland Ordinances

Informing the DNR gives us a chance to schedule time to help your effort stay on schedule.

1. Complete the Notice of Intent to Adopt or Amend form.
2. Email your materials to the DNR using the submission button below.

The preliminary review is intended to help local governments develop “near final” language ready for conditional approval. The DNR’s involvement in this phase is especially important if the community will be adopting a new ordinance, making comprehensive changes to an existing ordinance, or requesting to deviate from shoreland provisions through the implementation flexibility process. The DNR will comment on draft language, identify issues early, and provide suggestions on language for DNR approval.

To request a DNR preliminary review of a rough draft ordinance/amendment, submit the following items as soon as the proposed ordinance is ready:

1. Proposed ordinance or amendment as a Word document:
   • showing all additions, deletions, and other changes from the model shoreland ordinance or the existing ordinance, and
   • explaining why provisions have been added, deleted, or changed using comments in the Word document. Clarifying and explaining changes will reduce back-and-forth communications and expedite the review.
2. Email explaining:
   • what you are trying to accomplish with the new ordinance or amendment,
   • proposed offsetting higher standards, if requesting implementation flexibility, and
   • anticipated schedule for public meetings, public hearings and adoption.

Note: The DNR may require a checklist, depending on the complexity of the ordinance or amendment.

Send an email, along with your proposed ordinance or amendment to the DNR using the submission button below.

The DNR will review proposed ordinances and amendments and provide comments for review at public hearings. The DNR will provide conditional approval if the ordinance or amendment is substantially compliant with the shoreland rules. If they deviate significantly, the DNR will suggest changes, but will not provide conditional approval until the changes have been made.

To request a DNR conditional review of a near final draft, submit the following items at least 30 days before a public hearing.

New Ordinance

1. Complete the New Ordinance Checklist.
2. The proposed ordinance as a Word document showing all additions and deletions from the model shoreland ordinance.
3. Notices of public hearings to consider the ordinance (must be submitted to the DNR at least 10 days before the public hearing, not 30 days).
4. Email your materials to the DNR using the submission button below.

Amendment to an Existing Ordinance

1. Complete the Amendment Checklist.
2. Proposed amendments as a Word document showing all additions and deletions.
3. A notice of public hearings to consider the ordinance (must be submitted to the DNR at least 10 days before the public hearing, not 30 days).
4. Email your materials to the DNR using the submission button below.

An amendment to an existing ordinance may require a comprehensive review of the entire shoreland ordinance for compliance with state rules. This will only occur in select cases where:

• the organization differs significantly from when it was last approved by the DNR,
• a spot check reveals deviations from minimum standards with no record of DNR approval, or
• there is strong citizen concern about non-compliance of the existing ordinance.

In these cases, the DNR will notify the local government immediately and work with them to make any necessary changes to achieve compliance.

The local government holds a public hearing to consider the ordinance or amendment. The DNR comments and conditional approval letter are read and/or entered into the public record. The ordinance or amendment is revised according to DNR conditions of approval before adoption.

The local government governing body adopts the ordinance or amendment and submits the final adopted ordinance to the DNR. The DNR will review the ordinance or amendment adopted by the governing authority for consistency with that receiving conditional approval. If they are consistent, the DNR will send a final approval letter to the local government and the ordinance or amendment will be effective.

To request DNR review and final approval of adopted ordinance or amendment, submit the following items within 10-days of adoption.

1. Adopted ordinance or amendment signed and dated by chief elected official (PDF document).
2. Summary of changes made to the ordinance or amendments that deviate from conditions of approval, if any.
3. Completed Ordinance Processing Checklist, and copies of all items required on the checklist, including affidavit of publication.
4. Email your materials to the DNR using the submission button below.