Minnesota Statewide Rule

Minnesota Lake Superior Shoreland Development Standards (North Shore Plan)

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Minnesota (2026)

Key Facts

Rule: Minn. Rules 6120.2800, subp. 1a
Statutory authority: Minn. Stat. 103F.211
Applies to: Lake Superior shoreland, excludes Duluth
Governing plan: 1988 North Shore Management Plan
Agency: Dept. of Natural Resources

Last verified: July 31, 2026

Summary

Development along Minnesota's Lake Superior shoreland outside Duluth must meet the standards in the North Shore Management Plan, set statewide by Minnesota Rules 6120.2800, subpart 1a. North Shore counties and cities had 18 months to adopt conforming shoreland controls administered under DNR oversight.

The minimum standards and criteria for the subdivision, use, and development of the shoreland of Lake Superior, other than for the city of Duluth, are those specified in the North Shore Management plan, A Shoreland Management Plan for Lake Superior's North Shore, December 1988, adopted by the North Shore Management Board on November 29, 1988.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Minnesota Rules 6120.2800, subp. 1a fixes the statewide minimum standards for subdividing, using, and developing the Lake Superior shoreland everywhere except the city of Duluth. It incorporates the December 1988 North Shore Management Plan by reference and directs local governments to administer their controls under part 6120.3900, subpart 6. Each North Shore county and municipality had to adopt conforming shoreland controls within 18 months of the rule's effective date. The Department of Natural Resources oversees shoreland management statewide; the rule's statutory authority is Minnesota Statutes 103F.211, the commissioner's power to set shoreland standards and criteria.

Violations & Penalties

Development that fails to meet the plan's standards is enforced through the local shoreland ordinance the rule requires; the DNR can compel a noncompliant North Shore county or city to adopt and apply conforming controls before permits issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this apply to Duluth?

No. Subpart 1a excludes the city of Duluth. The North Shore Management Plan standards cover Lake Superior shoreland in Carlton, Cook, Lake, and St. Louis counties outside Duluth.

What is the North Shore Management Plan?

"A Shoreland Management Plan for Lake Superior's North Shore," adopted December 1988 by the North Shore Management Board and incorporated by reference into Minnesota Rules 6120.2800, subpart 1a.

Who enforces it?

Local governments administer conforming shoreland controls, and the Minnesota DNR oversees shoreland management statewide and requires jurisdictions to adopt controls matching the plan.

Sources

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