Shoreland Management | Beltrami County

The Beltrami County Shoreland Management Ordinance # 6 (SMO) applies to the shorelands of public water bodies in the unincorporated areas of Beltrami County and incorporated areas by mutual agreement.

How do I know if my property is in a Shoreland Zone?

The Shoreland Zone is considered to be any land area within 1,000 feet of a lake or 300 feet of a river, even if your property does not include any actual shoreline. The county has also adopted and enforces the provisions of the Mississippi Headwaters Board (MHB) Comprehensive Plan which may include requirements more restrictive than in the SMO. The MHB plan expands the shoreland management zones of the Mississippi River to 500 feet and 1000 feet. Visit Online Mapping to help determine whether a project is located within a designated shoreland management area. If you are still unsure of whether or not you are in a shoreland zone, please contact ESD and staff will assist you with determining your land's classification.

Shoreland Management Zones NOT administered by Beltrami County

The Beltrami County Environmental Services Department administers the SMO within all designated Shoreland Management Zones (Zone Map) except the following:

Zone Area	Authority	Contact
City of Bemidji	City of Bemidji	Building Permits & Rental Inspections 317 4th St NW Bemidji, MN 56601 Phone: 218-759-3579 email
Northern Township	Township Zoning Administrator	Northern Township Zoning Mark Borseth 445 Town Hall Rd NW Bemidji, MN 56601 Phone: 218-751-4989 email
Frohn, Sugar Bush, Ten Lake Townships	Township Zoning Administrator	Jim Baruth Phone: 218-335-0172 email
City of Blackduck	City of Blackduck	Blackduck City Administration 8 Summit Ave E Blackduck, MN 56630 Phone: 218-835-4803 email
City of Kelliher	City of Kelliher	Kelliher City Administration 217 Main St E Kelliher, MN 56650 Phone: 218-647-8470 email
City of Wilton	City of Wilton	195 Melby Ln SW Wilton, MN 56601 Phone: 218-444-9110 email

Do I need a permit to start work on my property in a Shoreland Zone?

Building Permits are required for the construction of any structure, and Shoreland Alteration Permits are required for any dirt work or changes to the land or trees, within a designated Shoreland Zone. No owner, contractor, subcontractor, builder or other person shall begin a project regulated by the SMO without the necessary permits. Permits are required for the placement of structures or structure additions, including such activities as construction of residences, garages, decks, signs, second story additions, basements, and grading and filling activities. Violations – work without the required permit – are charged the regular fee plus a minimum administrative fee of two hours. See the County Fee Schedule for rates.