SB 309

This bill provides that neither the Department of Natural Resources nor a

county may enforce a guideline or standard for local zoning ordinances applicable to

the Lower St. Croix riverway, a general zoning standard, or a stipulation made

between a county and a property owner to prohibit the operation of an event facility

and lodging establishment in existing buildings on a property located in the riverway

that was historically used as a recreational campground.

Under current law, DNR is required to promulgate rules establishing

guidelines and standards for local zoning ordinances that apply to the banks, bluffs,

and bluff tops of the Lower St. Croix River, and counties and municipalities located

in the riverway are required to adopt zoning ordinances complying with the

guidelines and standards. Current law also prohibits a county or municipality from

modifying or providing a variance from the ordinances without DNR consent. The

bill eliminates this prohibition.