We’ve all heard of the Governor’s buffer initiative, but did you know that the City has been requiring buffers on certain properties since the late 1990’s? Follow the link to learn more…
It's true, if your property was platted (as opposed to constructed) after October 9, 1997, a buffer may have been required if the lot was next to a lake, pond, or wetland. Required buffers range in width from 15’ to 50’ depending on when your property was platted, the type of waterbody, and the quality of the waterbody. The buffer is an area of undisturbed vegetation adjacent to the water. It is put in place to protect water quality. Water quality protection is accomplished in two ways by a buffer - erosion prevention and the filtering of pollutants from your lawn’s runoff. Buffers provide other benefits such as wildlife and pollinator habitat. Use is restricted in buffers - construction of structures, fill, and yard waste disposal are not allowed. Written permission from the City can be sought to improve vegetation quality in buffers. Section 152.57 of the Apple Valley Code of Ordinances covers buffer requirements.
If you would like to know if your property requires a buffer, begin by researching when your property was platted at http://gis.co.dakota.mn.us/dcgis/. To seek permission to make improvements to an existing buffer, contact Apple Valley Natural Resources at 952-953-2400. You can also learn about improving your buffer at an upcoming Landscaping for Clean Water Workshop http://www.dakotaswcd.org/blueth_form.html or by visiting http://bluethumb.org/shorelines/.