Scott County, MN Environmental Rules: Coastal Development (2026)
Key Facts
- Shoreland
- MN Rules Ch. 6120
- Setback
- From ordinary high water level
- Wetlands
- WCA no-net-loss
- LGU
- County, SWCD, or city
Summary
Scott County has no coast. Development near the lakes and the Minnesota River follows MN DNR shoreland rules (MN Rules Ch. 6120), and draining or filling wetlands triggers the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act.
Public waters wetlands may not be drained, and a permit authorizing drainage of public waters wetlands may not be issued, unless the public waters wetlands to be drained are replaced by wetlands that will have equal or greater public value.
Full Breakdown
Minnesota's Shoreland Management rules, MN Rules Chapter 6120, govern building near Prior Lake, Spring Lake, O'Dowd Lake, and the Minnesota River. They set structure setbacks from the ordinary high water level, impervious-surface caps, and vegetated shore buffers, enforced through the Scott County or city shoreland ordinance. Separately, the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act, MN Stat. §103G.221, requires no net loss of wetlands: draining or filling a wetland needs approval from the local government unit, Scott County, the Scott SWCD, or the city, and replacement of lost wetland value. Work in the Minnesota River floodplain adds NFIP floodplain review.
Violations & Fines
Building inside a shore setback or filling a wetland without local government unit approval brings restoration orders, replacement of lost wetland value, and fines. Shoreland and floodplain violations can block occupancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Scott County coastal?
Can I fill a wetland on my lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Scott County
Compare Scott County to another location·View the Minnesota environmental rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.