Flood Control

Wetlands are like natural sponges, able to soak up and retain large quantities of water. They hold the water like a natural reservoir, releasing it slowly into the surrounding area and groundwater. They provide flood protection in developed areas where flood waters could be devastating.

Erosion Control

Habitat

Water Quality

A wetland buffer is an area of dense native vegetation in the transitional area along a wetland or waterbody. Wetland buffers filter rainwater runoff and help keep surface waters clean.

In an effort to protect water quality throughout the city, all developments after 1995 have protected buffers around all wetlands that are marked with wetland buffer posts.

Wetland buffers should be kept as natural areas and are generally low-maintenance. However, if invasive species are present in the buffer, periodic weeding can help protect the native plant community. Some common invasive plants that threaten buffers are buckthorn, purple loosestrife, and reed canary grass.

Mowing, cutting, or cultivating plants within a wetland buffer is not allowed. Wetlands and buffers are protected areas where native vegetation cannot be removed. There are exceptions for removing dead vegetation, DNR listed noxious weeds, and invasive species, such as buckthorn.

Yard waste and pet waste cannot be dumped in wetland buffers. Keep piles of leaves, sticks, and grass outside wetland buffers. Put pet waste in the garbage.

Structures cannot be placed in wetland buffers, and mandatory structure setbacks also apply. See the next page for more information and requirements.

Only Minnesota native plants may be planted in buffers. If you would like to improve habitat for wildlife and pollinators, you can purchase plants from a native plant nursery. Horticultural cultivars and general garden plants cannot be planted in wetland buffers.

Restoration plans must be approved by the City of Plymouth Engineering Division. If you want to do a buffer restoration project, contact the Engineering Division at 763-509-5500 or engineering@plymouthmn.gov.

Zoning Ordinance 

Section 21005 of the Zoning Ordinance defines wetland buffer strips and setbacks. Section 21670 defines specific requirements and protections for wetland buffers.

Structures and Setbacks

A setback is a minimum horizontal distance between a structure and a wetland buffer. No physical structure, such as patios, decks, gazebos, play equipment, fences, or sheds, can be within the buffer.

Enclosed structures, including sheds and gazebos, must have a minimum 15 foot setback from the buffer edge.

Open structures such as patios, pools and open decks have a minimum 9 foot setback from the buffer edge. Fences and retaining walls may be within the setback area as long as they do not disrupt water flow.

Native plant species have deep root systems that help filter and soak up rainwater runoff. The deep roots stabilize soils, prevent erosion and filter out pollutants. Native plants provide essential habitat for wildlife such as birds and pollinators.