Saint Paul river regulations move forward
New rules to protect the Mississippis natural and cultural resources are moving ahead in Saint Paul.
The long awaited new river corridor regulations for Saint Pauls 17-mile stretch of the Mississippi River Critical Area are entering the citys formal approval process this spring. Deliberated upon by a citizen task force for nearly two years, the results are a set of rules for development within the corridor that will provide better protection of the rivers natural and cultural resources and provide better clarity to property owners about what they can build, alter or develop. The new regulations will constitute a chapter of the citys zoning code and replace current rules for the critical area in Saint Paul.
One of the key differences in the new zoning code is to impose stricter building height limits on the flats and valley floor. The new code also includes stronger regulation of vegetation management to prevent clear-cutting, encourage preservation/use of native plants, and provide vegetative screening of structures facing the river.
FMR supports the work of the Critical Area Zoning Task Force and will encourage the Planning Commission and City Council to approve the new river corridor zoning regulations. All 25 cities and townships within the 72-mile Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area are required to have updated plans and ordinances (i.e. zoning code) for their stretch of the corridor, but most have not updated their ordinances in over 20 years. Saint Pauls new zoning for the critical area could provide a great model for other corridor cities to follow.
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on June 15 at 8:30 am in Saint Paul City Hall room 40. The new river zoning code will go before the City Council later this summer. We encourage members, volunteers and others, especially Saint Paul residents, to attend and ask the Planning Commission to support the task forces proposed new zoning code. If you would like more information or assistance planning your testimony, please contact Irene Jones at 651-222-2193 x11 or through our contact form.
Good jobs, great river Pioneer Press editorial