§ 20-406. Wetland classification.

(a)

All wetlands delineated under section 20-405 of this article that have not been previously classified shall be classified using the results from the Minnesota Routine Assessment Method for Evaluating Wetland Functions (MnRAM Version 3.0), or future versions.

(b)

A MnRAM shall be completed by the property owner or applicant for each previously unclassified wetland. An electronic version of the MnRAM evaluation must be submitted to and approved by the city to establish the classification of each wetland prior to any alteration or impact to the wetland.

(c)

MnRAM 3.0 assessments have been completed by the city as a component of the city wetland inventory. Applicants, however, may appeal the determination, and submit a request to change the classification. To do so, the applicant must submit an electronic copy of the MnRAM for each affected basin to the WCA agent. The forms must be filled out by a qualified wetland scientist. The WCA agent will consult with the technical evaluation panel to determine if a change in the classification is warranted. In all cases, the burden to demonstrate the need for a change in classification lies with the applicant.

(Ord. No. 449, § 2, 5-14-07)