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<br />that local communities consider requiring buffers based on the local situation. <br />Wetlands vary so much within the state that it is often best to have a local inventory <br />using MnRAM methodology, or similar, and consider local conditions and values as a <br />basis for this process. <br /> <br />Wetland Buffers Ordinances from other communities in the Twin Cities area are <br />available for review by the City as examples. <br /> <br />Steep slopes/bluffs ordinance <br />The NRI has identified areas with steep slopes within Elk River. Given the sandy soils <br />in much of the area, these slopes may be particularly prone to erosion when disturbed. <br /> <br />The City's code includes a section on erosion and sediment control (Section 30-416) <br />that addresses requirements for slopes over 10 percent in a general way. The City <br />may wish to consider a specific steep slopes ordinance for the future. Such <br />ordinances often include specific requirements for grading, storm water management, <br />buffers etc., for slopes over 10 or 12 percent, and may prohibit development on very <br />steep slopes (typically over 25 percent). <br /> <br />Steep Slopes/Bluffs Ordinances from other communities in Minnesota are available for <br />review by the City as examples. <br /> <br />New Approaches-Environmental Protection Zones Overlay Districts <br />Overlay districts are commonly used in zoning ordinances to identify special areas and <br />requirements applied to these areas. The Elk River code includes a Shoreland overlay <br />district and a Floodplain overlay district, which are included in most city codes. <br /> <br />The Minnesota Environmental Quality Board has suggested an option of using a <br />broader overlay district called a Sensitive Natural Environment Areas overlay district <br />for protecting and conserving significant natural resources in the community. This <br />overlay district can provide protection for a full range of natural community types- <br />woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and shorelands. It could replace the need for separate <br />woodland protection and wetland buffer protection elements discussed under #1 and <br />#2. The areas may also include natural resource corridors or greenways identified in <br />the community. <br /> <br />City of Elk River, MN - Natural Resauce Inventory <br />Bonestroo Natural Resources, September 2004 <br /> <br />46 <br />