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Like the people who enjoy them, Minnesota’s lakes are plentiful and diverse, ranging from the sterile, rock bottom lakes of the Arrowhead to the naturally fertile and shallow basins of the southwest prairie regions. Depending on what you want to do with your lake home, it would be wise to familiarize yourself with these different classifications to ensure that the lake you build next to suits your needs.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources divides Minnesota’s lakes into three separate categories: Natural Environment Lakes, Recreational Development Lakes, and General Development Lakes.

Natural Environment Lakes are the most numerous lakes classified by the DNR. They usually have less than 150 total acres, less than 60 acres per mile of shoreline, and less than three dwellings per mile of shoreline. Maximum depth of Natural Environment Lakes is 15 feet.

Because of their small size and shallow depth, these types of lakes are best for those looking for a nice quiet place to get away, relax, and have a nice view of the water. Lots on Natural Environment Lakes are the largest of the three types of lakes. Statewide minimum shoreline standards call for a minimum lot size of 125 feet across and an area of 40,000 square feet (200 feet and an area of 80,000 square feet if the lake is unsewered.). All buildings must be built a minimum of 150ft from the lake with the shore land impact zone being set at 75 feet from the water’s edge.

The impact zone is the land immediately around the water’s edge that serves a critical function in preserving the water quality, wild life habitat, and the privacy of the developed property. Any building or modifications (plant removal, landscaping, etc…) within this zone is subject to restrictions set by the local county government.       

Recreational Development Lakes are the next classification of lakes. They usually have between 60 and 225 acres of water per mile of shoreline and average between 3 and 25 dwellings per mile of shoreline. Generally, Recreational Development Lakes are deeper than 15ft.

Depending on how you want to develop your property, Recreational Development Lakes can accommodate most on-the-water activities while still maintaining a sense of seclusion. Though regulations will vary from county to county, statewide minimum shoreline standards call for a minimum lot size of 75 feet across and an area of 20,000 square feet for sewered lakes. Unsewered lakes have a minimum of 150 feet across and 40,000 square feet. All buildings must be set back at least 75 feet from the lake,100 feet if unsewered. The shoreland impact zone ends 37.5 feet from the water for sewered lakes and 50 feet for unsewered ones.

General Development Lakes are the largest and deepest class of lakes in Minnesota. They usually have more than 225 acres of water per mile of shoreline and average 25 dwellings per mile of shoreline. The size and depth General Development Lakes makes them the most versatile and popular for water enthusiasts.General Development Lakes are ideal for fishing, boating, water skiing, swimming because of their depth and width-just watch out for your neighbor. Space is at a premium, however, with quite of few of these lakes reaching development saturation.

Minimum lot size for these lakes is 75 feet across and 15,000 square feet for sewered and 100 feet across and 20,000 square feet for unsewered. The shoreland impact zone is 50 feet for sewered and 75 feet for unsewered lakes.

These regulations are generally uniform around the state, but it is still a good practice to check with the local government to make sure. Stricter standards may apply.

Al Josef is the editor of LakeshoreDreams.com