Rock riprap, retaining walls, and other erosion control structures.
Saint Paul Legislative Code § 68.273
in effectSec. 68.273. - Rock riprap, retaining walls, and other erosion control structures.
(a) Construction, repair, or replacement of rock riprap, retaining walls, and other erosion control structures located at or below the OHWL must comply with Minnesota Rules, chapters 6115.0215, subpart 4, item E, and 6115.0216, subpart 2. Work must not proceed until approved by the commissioner, permitted by the US Army Corps of Engineers, and any other permits are obtained. See Figure 68.273.
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Figure 68.273. Riprap Guidelines
(b) Construction or replacement of rock riprap, retaining walls, and other erosion control structures within the bluff impact zone and the water quality impact zone are allowed with a permit consistent with provisions of section 68.276 provided that:
(1) If the project includes work at or below the OHWL, the commissioner has already approved or permitted the project.
(2) The structures are used only to correct an established erosion problem as determined by the zoning administrator.
(3) The size and extent of the structures are the minimum necessary to correct the erosion problem and are not larger than the following, unless a professional engineer determines that a larger structure is needed to correct the erosion problem. Retaining walls must not exceed five (5) feet in height and must be placed a minimum horizontal distance of ten (10) feet apart. Riprap must not exceed the height of the regulatory flood protection elevation.
(c) Repair of existing rock riprap, retaining walls, and other erosion control structures above the OHWL does not require a permit provided it does not involve any land alteration.
(Ord. No. 25-72, § 1, 12-10-25)
Source: City of Saint Paul, Minnesota, City Charter, Legislative Code and Administrative Code (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/mn/st._paul/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIILECO_TITVIIIZOCO_CH68ZOCOLOMARICOOVDI_ARTII68.200.MRMIRICOCRAROVDI_DIV768.270.LAALSTSTMA_S68.273RORIREWAOTERCOSTFetched: 11/1/2026