Chapter 116G — Critical Areas Act of 1973

116G.01 Citation This section provides the official short title for Minnesota's land use planning law for sensitive areas: the 'Critical … 116G.02 Policy This section states the legislature's purpose for the Critical Areas Act. The legislature found that development of … 116G.03 Definitions This section defines key terms used throughout the Critical Areas Act. 'Board' means the Minnesota Environmental Quality … 116G.04 Rules This section requires the Environmental Quality Board to adopt rules under the Minnesota Administrative Procedure Act as … 116G.05 Selection Criteria for Areas of Critical Concern This section directs the Environmental Quality Board to establish criteria for selecting areas of critical concern. Two … 116G.06 Designation This section establishes the process for designating areas of critical concern. The board studies and recommends areas … 116G.07 Preparing, Reviewing, and Approving Plans and Regulations This section establishes the framework for developing, reviewing, and approving land use plans and regulations for … 116G.08 Exceptions This section provides two safety valves in the planning process. First, the board can extend deadlines if a local … 116G.09 Failure to Prepare and Submit Plans and Regulations This section gives the board authority to step in and adopt plans and rules if a local government fails to prepare … 116G.10 Updating and Reevaluating Plans and Regulations This section requires regular review and updating of critical area plans. Local governments may voluntarily amend their … 116G.11 Suspending Development This section automatically suspends development permits in a designated critical area upon designation, unless the … 116G.12 Development Permits This section governs when development permits may be issued in designated critical areas. Before plans are adopted, … 116G.13 Protecting Landowners' Rights This section protects property owners and developers from unconstitutional takings under the Critical Areas Act. The Act … 116G.14 Planning Grants This section authorizes state planning grants to local governments and regional development commissions to fund critical … 116G.15 Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area This section designates the federal Mississippi National River and Recreation Area as an area of critical concern under … 116G.151 Required Environmental Assessment Worksheet; Facilities in Mississippi River Area This section requires an environmental assessment worksheet (EAW) before any state or local permit can be issued for a …