Mississippi River Critical Corridor Area

Mississippi River Critical Corridor Area (MRCCA)

The Mississippi River Critical Corridor Area is a 72-mile corridor of land along both sides of the Mississippi River through the Twin Cities, including South St. Paul.  Development of this land has been regulated since 1976 to preserve natural, recreational, and cultural resources while accommodating growth and redevelopment.

The Minnesota Legislature updated MRCCA rules in 2017. These updates required cities to adopt coordinated regulations, including enhanced protections for Primary Conservation Areas (PCAs) such as bluffs, shoreland, significant tree coverage, and native plant communities.

South St. Paul updated its Critical Area Plan and zoning code to reflect the State’s MRCCA rules. These changes were adopted on August 21, 2023. The new rules guide building and construction, vegetation management, and land alteration based on MRCCA zoning districts. South St. Paul’s ordinance includes two special zoning areas allowing flexibility due to existing development and redevelopment plans. View the zoning flexibility map: MRCCA Zoning Flexibility Areas Map (PDF).

Is Your Property in the MRCCA?

If you plan to do work on your property and it falls within the MRCCA, additional permits may be required. To determine if your property is within the MRCCA boundary, use this interactive map.

Permit Applications and Guides

• MRCCA Land Alteration Permit Application (PDF)
• Land Alteration Permit Property Owner Guide (PDF)
• MRCCA Vegetation Permit Application (PDF)
• Vegetation Permit Property Owner Guide (PDF)