Permitting Resources and FAQ

Do I need an MCWD permit?

MCWD issues permits for several land-disturbing activities, including stormwater management, erosion control, and floodplain alteration. Please refer to the “Do I Need a Permit” table for an overview of activities that require a permit. Visit our Regulations page to read the full list of MCWD’s regulations.

If you are unsure whether your project requires an MCWD permit, first verify that your project is located in the District by entering the address into our interactive map at the bottom of the homepage.

If you have confirmed the project is located within MCWD’s boundary, please fill out the Permitting Screening Tool to determine whether your project may require an MCWD permit.

Contact MCWD’s Permitting team with additional questions or for further clarification.

Will I need permits from other agencies?

Since the watershed encompasses numerous cities and townships, no single governing body has jurisdiction over all land use projects that impact its waters. This means projects may require permits from the city, county, MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR), MN Pollution Control Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and/or other agencies. MCWD recommends that you check with these agencies to determine if your project will require a permit(s) from them.

Please see the City Permitting Authority document to determine whether your city is responsible for issuing a particular permit.

Please note:

• MCWD does not issue permits for docks in Lake Minnetonka. Contact the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District for information on dock permits.
• MCWD does not issue permits for removal of aquatic vegetation. Contact the MN DNR for more information on aquatic vegetation permits.

Where can I find additional resources and reference materials?

Commonly requested resources are listed in the Permitting Resources box to the right. Contact MCWD’s Permitting staff with additional questions or concerns.

How do I apply for an MCWD permit?

MCWD uses an online portal system to receive and manage all permit applications.

To apply for a permit through the portal:

1. Navigate to the online permitting portal.
2. If you have already created an account, enter your email address and password and click “Sign in.” If you have not created an account yet, click “Create an account” and follow the prompts.
3. Once logged in, click “Apply for Permit” on the portal’s home screen.

How long does it take to receive a permit?

The time required to receive an MCWD permit depends on the complexity of the project, the need for public comment, the need for engineer review, and the quality and completeness of submitted application materials.

Visit the Permits webpage to see the full permitting process and what to expect as an applicant.

In general, MCWD staff must respond to the applicant on the status of their permit application within 15 business days of receiving the application. At this time, staff will inform the applicant of any missing application materials. The 15-day response period resets if materials are missing from an application.

MCWD will act within 60 calendar days of receiving a complete application and set of exhibits in compliance with the permit’s submittal requirements, as determined by MCWD.

Please note:

• Permit applications that require engineer review, Wetland Conservation Act review, or public notice can take up the entire 60 days.

The application checklists below provide specific guidance for submittal requirements that comply with MCWD’s permitting rules:

• Dredging General Permit
• Dredging
• Erosion Control General Permit
• Erosion Control
• Floodplain Alteration
• Shoreline & Streambank Stabilization
• Stormwater Management
• Waterbody Crossings & Structures
• Wetland Protection

How do I use MCWD’s online permitting portal?

MCWD uses an online permitting portal to receive and manage permit applications. Visit the online portal system to create an account or log in.

Permit applicants can use the portal to:

• Apply for a permit
• Check and track your permit’s status
• Upload required files
• Message Permitting staff assigned to your application
• Make a payment

See the video below for more information on using the portal. Contact Permitting staff with additional questions.

I received an error when trying to submit my application — what do I do?

Ensure the information for all application fields is entered in the correct format. Errors in the online portal often occur when numerical values are entered as text (e.g., “zero” instead of “0”, or “50 square feet” instead of “50” and selecting the square feet option).

Contact Permitting staff if you have correctly entered all information but continue to receive an error.

How do I make a payment?

To make a payment for your permit:

1. Log into the online permitting portal
2. Select “Pay Permit Fees” at the bottom of the portal’s home screen
3. Select the permit that has fees that are ready to be paid
4. Pay through the portal via credit card

Please note:

• If you have been informed that fees are ready to be paid but no permits show they are ready for payment on the portal, please call or email the Permitting staff member assigned to your permit.
• If you are unsure of the staff member assigned to your permit, please call 952-641-4532.