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The proposed $45 million Silver Rapids Resort redevelopment project received the green light from the Lake County Planning Commission Wednesday night.
After a four hour meeting, the conditions were put in place and the project appears to be on the way toward construction.
The developers received approval for a total of 62 units including 33 in the Tier One area (within 300 feet of the shoreline) and 29 in Tier Two.
County staff had proposed cuts to as low as 29 total units, less than half of what the developers had requested.
That was a contentious debate at times with different formulas being used by country staff and the developers. Both appeared to agree the problem lies with the county ordinance which is for residential areas and is more restrictive that state rules.
The number of docks was agreed upon at 27, up from the current total of 15 on the over 3,000 feet of shoreline.
County staff had tried to remove docks from the White Iron side of the resort.
Not included was a proposed traffic study to be completed as recommended by the county highway engineer.
While the final wording wasn’t available Thursday morning, the agreed upon conditions unanimously approved were: 1. Occupancy limits and the total approved number of units allowed to be constructed will be determined by the approved, final septic design for the site. Bonding will be required in an amount to be determined by the County Attorney.
2. DNR Water Appropriation permit must be attained prior to beginning of phase two of the project.
3. The lodging establishment is subject to, and grantee must comply with Lake County Health Department & Minnesota Department of Health requirements.
4. Final site plan of the lodging establishment to be submitted to Lake County P&Z.
5. Emergency Response and Fire Wise Plans shall be developed and submitted to Lake County P&Z.
6. No retail sales at the While Iron Lake beach bathroom and shade building unless by variance.
7. Total number of units not to exceed 33 within the Tier One area and 29 in the Tier Two area (distance from shoreline).
8. There shall be no discharge of fireworks or firearms allowed on site.
9. All outdoor fires must be limited to use in a designated fire ring.
10. Quiet hours must be observed between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
11. There must be management onsite during resort operations.
12. The use of RV campers and park models on site is prohibited.
13. All vehicles and trailers must be contained on the property; on-street parking is prohibited.
14. Dwelling units located in bluff and shoreline structure setbacks may not be expanded in any exterior dimension.
15. AIS prevention plan required, which shall be reviewed by Lake County SWCD and WICOLA with final approval from Lake County P&Z.
16. Site Plan of docks and water facilities shall be submitted to P&Z and MN DNR to determine if permits are necessary. Docks shall be centralized and prohibited on the White Iron Lake frontage of the property except for the two associated with the boat launch.
17. The use of jet skis shall be highly discouraged, including no rental of jet skis.
18. The number of docks allowed will be 27, including the current 15 docks with 10 for restaurant guests, two for fueling/boat launch, two for motel guests and 13 for cabin owners. A total of 75 mooring spaces.
19. Rental of boats shall be limited to resort guests and unit owners.
20. Units shall be limited to rental to one party per unit.
Discussion on Wednesday night included whether hallways and bathrooms should be counted in living space square footage.
County staff said they have always used the same calculation while the owners said they use the DNR language.
