You about to purchase your dream property located on a beautiful northern Minnesota lake.  The problem is that you have heard about restrictions like water setbacks, limited tree clearing, bluff setbacks and more.  Where do you turn to find the answers you need to make a smart decision on this property?  The absolute best choice you can make is to go to the local County office and get a copy of the Zoning Ordinance and speak to the Zoning Administrator.  Bring in a copy of your plat or survey and find out what restrictions you may have to deal with.   Zoning issues have become very complex today and often differ greatly from one County to another.  You are setting yourself up for disappointment if you entirely rely on information from the real estate agent and/or builder.  Another smart research move is to check out the DNR's website at www.dnr.state.mn.us/ .  Here you will find answers to most questions that pertain to waterfront development such as sand beaches, docks, wetlands, weed removal, etc. as well as specific information on every lake in Minnesota.  Between the county office and the DNR you will find all the information you may need to make a smart purchase.

 Consumers need to realize that when they purchase property that is not part of a development they in effect become the developer.  The consumer will be responsible for the infrastructure of that property.  This will include the driveway, utilities, septic system, and water well.  Usually, if a reputable contractor has been hired to build your new home, they will organize and implement the installation of these items for you assuming you make it a part of your Building Contract.

The biggest concerns for most consumers are water setbacks.  Generally, lakes in Minnesota are classified into 3 lake categories called: natural, general And recreational.  This is one factor that will determine your setback from the high water mark.  Often times this distance is 75 to 100 feet.  Keep in mind that the setback is measured from the closest structure to the water.  This will be the deck if it is closer to the water than the building is. The consumer also needs to be aware of wetlands and the setbacks that pertain to these as well.  Another often confusing restriction is bluffs.  If you are looking at property that has a hill towards the lake it is considered a bluff if the slope is higher that 25' and has more than a 30% slope towards the water.  Generally there will be setbacks from the bluff and there may also be a Bluff Impact Zone where you are not allowed to excavate or disturb the soil in any fashion.  These restrictions will often times make a walkout basement difficult. 

By Greg Amundson

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