NOTE: MCWD now accepting and processing permit applications online

MCWD is pleased to announce a new online permitting portal that makes it easier for applicants to apply for, track, modify, and pay for permit in a comprehensive and intuitive online digital format.  

Visit MCWD's online permitting system

Learn more about how to use MCWD's online permit system here. 

MCWD will continue to accept paper and PDF applications until June 18, 2021, to ensure a smooth transition for applicants and partners.  After June 18, 2021, paper and PDF applications will no longer be accepted. 

Contact Permitting Staff with any questions at permitting@minnehahacreek.org or 952-641-4532.

To see what Rule your project may trigger, see the Activities that Require Permits page.  Please contact the Permitting Department with questions on what projects require a permit.

Download and submit all required materials for the following rules. If a project triggers more than one rule, fill out only one Water Resource Permit Application Form.

Erosion Control Rule

• The Water Resource Permit Application Form is required for an Erosion Control permit
• The Erosion Control Supplemental Information form is required for an Erosion Control permit
• The Erosion Control Checklist is a guide for submittals for an Erosion Control permit
• The Erosion Control Self Inspection Form is a supplemental form for routine site inspections
• See the Erosion Control Rule for all required submittals

Floodplain Alteration Rule

• The Water Resource Permit Application Form is required for a Floodplain Alteration permit
• The Floodplain Alternation Checklist is a guide for submittals for a Floodplain Alteration permit
• See the Floodplain Alteration Rule for all required submittals

Wetland Protection 

Note for Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) applicants:

Field reviews for WCA permits are able to be conducted during the spring, summer, and fall, when ground conditions are thawed enough for inspection and vegetation is able to be readily identified. Field reviews are not feasible during winter, due to frost conditions, snow cover, and lack of vegetation. 

In 2020, MCWD will be performing field reviews for WCA applications submitted prior to November 6, 2020. Applications submitted after this date will not receive a field review until the growing season commences in Spring 2021. Applications requiring in-field verification will be extended until the onset of the growing season in Spring 2021 when field reviews are possible.  

If you have any questions, or would like to submit a WCA application, contact wca@minnehahacreek.org. 

Wetland Protection Rule

• The Water Resource Permit Application Form is required for a Wetland Protection permit
• See the Wetland Protection Rule for all required submittals
• The Wetland Protection Checklist is a guide for submittals for a Wetland Protection permit
• Additional submittals, like the Wetland Boundary and Type application, may be required through the Wetland Conservation Act
• This fact sheet lays out the timeline for obtaining a wetland permit

Dredging Rule

• The Water Resource Permit Application Form is required for a Dredging permit
• The Dredging Checklist is a guide for submittals for a Dredging Permit
• See the Dredging Rule for all required submittals

Waterbody Crossings & Structures Rule

• The Water Resource Permit Application Form is required for a Waterbody Crossings & Structures permit
• See the Waterbody Crossings & Structures Rule for all required submittals

Stormwater Management Rule

• The Water Resource Permit Application Form is required for a Stormwater Management permit
• The Stormwater Management Checklist is a guide for submittals for a Stormwater Management Permit
• See the Stormwater Management Rule for all required submittals
• All best management practices (BMPs) should be designed in accordance with the Minnesota Stormwater Manual

Shoreline & Streambank Stabilization Rule

• The Lake Shoreline Stabilization Permit Application Form is required for all projects to be completed on the shoreline of all lakes or ponds; projects within this category may be subject to a fast track permit if they conform to the requirements in section 6 of the rule
• The Streambank Stabilization Permit Application Form is required for all projects to be completed along streams, creeks or rivers; all projects within this category are subject to non-fast track permit requirements
  
• The Erosion Intensity Score Sheet is required for a Non Fast Track Shoreline & Streambank Stabilization permit
• The Shoreline Stabilization Checklist is a guide for submittals for a Non Fast Track Shoreline & Streambank Stabilization permit
• The Vegetative and Bioengineering Checklist is a guide for projects that are incorporating bioengineering devices and functional vegetation
• See the Shoreline & Streambank Stabilization Rule for all required submittals

Sandblanket Installation

• A Sandblanket Application Form is required for a Sandblanket permit
• The Sandblanket Checklist is a guide for submittals for a Sandblanket permit
• See the Shoreline & Streambank Stabilization Rule for all required submittals

Variance and Exception Rule

• The Variance Request Form is required when an applicant is requesting a variance from compliance with a provision of the District's rules where strict compliance would cause an undue hardship
• The Exception Request Form is required when an applicant is requesting an exception from compliance with a provision of the District's rules where the proposed project will afford greater water resource protection than strict compliance with the rule

Permit Renewal

• A Permit Renewal Form is required when an applicant is requesting a one year extension for their permit

Please completely fill out the application and submit it along with any supplemental materials to MCWD offices at:

MCWD Regulatory Department
15320 Minnetonka Boulevard
Minnetonka, MN 55345

Applications can also be submitted electronically to permitting@minnehahacreek.org.

Important Note:

Grading and excavating must not begin until the applicant has been noticed that a permit has been issued and required erosion control measures are in place. Working without a permit where required is in violation of MCWD Rules and is a misdemeanor subject to penalty by law.

Organizational Background:

The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) is a local unit of government responsible for managing and protecting water resources within the 178 square miles that drain into Lake Minnetonka, the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes, Minnehaha Creek and ultimately the Mississippi River. Over the past 50 years, the MCWD has collected and maintained extensive water and natural resource data which have supported implementation of over 70 capital projects resulting in the conservation and restoration of over 700 acres of land. MCWD employs a dedicated professional staff of 25 who specialize in natural resource planning, project development, land conservation, land use policy, water quality monitoring, permitting, education, and communication.

Project Overview:

MCWD seeks a Government Relations Consultant to provide an ongoing process of advancing the interests of the MCWD by assisting in the development and promotion of the District’s legislative agenda and by:

• Identifying the legislative consequences of choices;
• Discuss alternatives;
• Educate the Board and District staff about the issues involved; and
• Inform the District Administrator of potential legislation that might affect District governance, programs, or operations.

In this function the District Government Relations Consultant shall possess an understanding of current MCWD programs and priorities; establish and maintain a professional relationship with key legislators and other elected or appointed officials and agency representatives; and seek to advance MCWD priorities in formal and informal settings.

The District Government Relations Consultant shall possess considerable experience in; 1) legislative process, 2) watershed/natural resource governance, and 3) agency and local government, as related to water and natural resource management.  In addition, the District Government Relations Consultant will have a working knowledge of the statutes and rules under which watersheds operate.