Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area

The Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) is a 72-mile corridor along the Mississippi River through the seven-county metropolitan area covering 54,000 acres of land in 30 local jurisdictions, including the City of Hastings. The district boundaries and rules were established by the Minnesota Legislature. Hastings has adopted these required local ordinance regulations.

Purpose

The purpose is to maintain the natural and scenic character of the Mississippi River corridor. Stormwater quality and vegetation and bluff protection are also goals of the regulations. 

Impact

Properties within the corridor have additional restrictions related to vegetation removal, land alteration, use restrictions and development standards based on the MRCCA district in which the property is located. The presence of primary conservation areas will also impact projects. 

Applications

The ordinance and application materials below specify what activities require city approval. 

Informational links

• Vegetation clearing application
  • Property owner guidance for vegetation clearing permits
• Land alteration application
  • Property Owner Guidance for Land Alteration Permits
• City Code Chapter 152A Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area
• MRCCA corridor and district map
• Primary conservation areas map