Do I need a permit?

Select a topic for answers to questions about water and shoreland-related permits. If you have further questions, send them to [email protected].

Important: Other approvals may be required from federal, state, and local units of government, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, watershed districts, water management organizations, counties, townships, and cities.

 

Aeration systems

Is a DNR permit required to install an aeration system in the lake adjoining my property?

A DNR Aeration permit is required to install and operate aeration systems on public waters in Minnesota. You can learn more about it at our Lake Aeration Program webpage.

Aquatic vegetation

Is a DNR permit required to remove aquatic vegetation?

Any control of emergent vegetation, such as cattails, and the use of pesticides in public waters does require a DNR aquatic plant management permit. Aquatic plants such as cattail, bulrush, water lilies, and other aquatic vegetation are important because they reduce wave action (thereby reducing the threat of shoreline erosion), provide fish and wildlife habitat, buffer shorelines from pollutants, and provide other environmental benefits. DNR aquatic plant management permits are issued through Aquatic Plant Management Permitting Staff . The rules governing the destruction of aquatic vegetation are found in Minnesota Rules - Chapter 6280. For further information:

Beach sand blanket

Is a DNR permit required to haul sand onto my lakeshore to make a beach area?

A DNR public waters work permit is not required if the following conditions are satisfied:

  • Does not cover emergent vegetation, unless already authorized by an Aquatic Plant Management permit from the Department's Division of Fisheries.
  • Clean, inorganic sand or gravel, free of pollutants and nutrients.
  • No more than 6 inches thick, 50 feet wide along the shore, or one-half the width of the lot (whichever is less), and no more than 10 feet waterward of the ordinary high water level (OHWL).
  • Local watershed district and local zoning officials must be given at least 7 days prior notice.
  • The site is not a posted fish spawning area.
  • Installation of sand or gravel may only be repeated once at same location, not exceeding same amount and dimensions of the original sand blanket.

Important: Other approvals may be required from federal, state, and local units of government, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, watershed districts, water management organizations, counties, townships, and cities.

See the information sheet titled Shoreline Alterations: Beach Sand Blanket under DNR Waters Publications, or view Permit Requirements under the Public Waters Work Permits Program.

Beaver dams

Is a DNR public waters work permit required to remove the beaver dam from my property?

Beavers are protected animals under the game and fish laws, and their dams have  protection under those laws.  Landowners have the right to remove beaver dams from their property but DNR permits may be required:  

A DNR public waters work permit (on-line application here) may be required to remove a beaver dam if the bed of the lake or stream is excavated (i.e., by dragline, backhoe) in conjunction with the dam's removal. If a beaver dam has been in place for many years and affects other properties than your own, the other property owners should be contacted. In some cases, lakeshore has been developed in conformance with water levels resulting from a beaver dam controlling the outlet for many years. Before removing a beaver dam in that situation, it is recommended you contact the DNR area hydrologist.

In addition to a public waters work permit:

  • Please see "Living with Wildlife – Beavers" for additional information regarding removal of beaver or beaver dams under game and fish law provisions.
  • Trapping or killing beaver may require a special beaver permit from a Conservation Officer.  Questions regarding trapping or killing beaver should be directed to the local DNR conservation officer .

The DNR does not participate in the control of beaver populations or problem beavers.

Blasting

Is a DNR permit required to blow up the beaver dam on my property?

The use of explosives in public waters or public waters wetlands is restricted under Minnesota Statutes 97 C. 325, Subd. A(1). Before any blasting is done in public waters or public waters wetlands, the local DNR conservation officer must be contacted. In general, no DNR public waters work permit will be required to remove beaver dams, log jams, or other debris by the use of explosives. If use of explosives would result in substantial modification in the bed or banks of public waters or public waters wetlands, however, a DNR public waters work permit would be required.

To remove a dam by explosives, contact the local Sherriff’s office for the names of licensed explosives experts.

Bluffs

Is a DNR permit required to modify the steep slope grade (bluff) along my shoreline?

No. Land disturbance activity and land development above the Ordinary High Water Level (OHWL) are subject to local government regulations. It is likely to require a local government permit.

Your property may be within a local government zoning district that regulates activities on bluffs and steep slopes. These protections are often put in place to comply with state rules intended to reduce soil erosion, stabilize sensitive areas and protect property investments. If applicable, regulated activities include structure setbacks, land disturbances, vegetation removal and creating water access.

Boat house/boat storage structure

Is a DNR permit required to build or repair a boat house, boat storage structure, or storage shed adjacent to a lake or river?

Contact your city or county planning/zoning authority if you propose to construct or reconstruct an on-land boat house or other accessory structures along your lake or river shoreline.

After reading Water Access: Boat Storage Structures , contact the DNR for permit requirements if you have an existing in-water structure that needs repair. The DNR cannot issue permits for new boat storage structures.

Boat ramp

Is a DNR permit required to build a boat launching ramp?

A DNR public waters work permit is not required for privately owned ramps if the following conditions are satisfied:

  • Constructed only of gravel, natural rock, concrete, steel matting, or other durable inorganic material.
  • No more than 7 inches thick; 12 feet along the shore; and 10 feet waterward of the shoreline or into a water depth of 4 feet, whichever is less.
  • No more than 5 cubic yards of excavation, and no more than 5 cubic yards of fill consisting of crushed rock, gravel, clean sand, or small stone is allowed for a stable base.
  • Site is not a posted fish spawning area or on a federally designated wild and scenic river.

The same conditions apply for publicly owned ramps as those for privately owned ramps, except the ramp can be up to 36 feet wide and 30 feet waterward of the shoreline or into a water depth of 4 feet, whichever is less. Up to 80 cubic yards of fill consisting of crushed rock, gravel, clean sand, or small stone is allowed. Up to 200 cubic yards of excavation is allowed. The use of coffer dams constructed of metal sheet piling or other portable materials is allowed to construct and maintain public boat launching ramps if all materials are completely removed from public waters within 30 days of completion of the project.

Important: Other approvals may be required from federal, state, and local units of government, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, watershed districts, water management organizations, counties, townships, and cities.

See the information sheet titled Water Access: Installing a Boat Ramp under DNR Waters Publications

Bridge crossing

Is a DNR permit required to construct a bridge over the stream that flows through my land?

A DNR public waters work permit is not required to build a temporary bridge across a stream if the following conditions are satisfied:

  • The stream bank can support bridge without pilings, foundations, culverts, excavation, or other special site preparations.
  • Nothing is placed in the bed of the stream.
  • The bridge is capable of removal for maintenance and flood damage prevention.
  • The bridge is firmly anchored at one end and can swing away during flooding.
  • The lowest portion of the bridge is at least three feet above the ordinary high water level on navigable streams.
  • The bridge construction is consistent with floodplain, shoreland, and wild and scenic river ordinances.

See the information sheet titled Temporary Bridges and Low-Water Ford Crossings under DNR Waters Publications

Culverts

Is a DNR permit required to construct or replace a culvert on rivers and streams?

A DNR permit is required to construct new culverts. Minnesota law was changed in 2015 to exempt some culvert restoration and replacement projects from DNR permitting requirements. To apply for a DNR permit, visit the Minnesota Permitting and Reporting System (MPARS).

Dams

What are the permit requirements pertaining to dams?

A permit is needed from DNR Waters to construct, alter, repair, remove, or transfer ownership of a regulated dam.

For the definition of what is a dam and more details concerning dam permits, see the information sheet titled Dam Safety - Permit Guidelines for Dams under DNR Waters Publications

Dewatering

I'm a sewer contractor, and in many cases it is necessary to install a series of sandpoints in an area I need to lay sewer pipe. Is a DNR permit required to install the sandpoints?

A DNR water appropriation permit is not required to install sandpoints. However, a DNR water appropriation permit would be required to dewater the site if the amount of water that is appropriated from these wells exceeds 10,000 gallons per day or 1 million gallons per year. The installation of dewatering wells is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Health. If the water from the sandpoints is discharged to a body of water (lake, river, wetland), contact the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to learn more about its regulation of water discharges.

Diking adjacent to public waters

Is a DNR permit required to build a levee or dike adjacent to the stream, lake or wetland on my land?

Dikes and other development located adjacent to public waters are regulated by the local unit of government under its floodplain, shoreland management, and other land use controls. If the work is carried out within a mapped floodplain, the project will likely warrant some kind of hydraulic analysis to evaluate the impacts due to watercourse alteration. Evaluations are dependent on the impacts to adjacent development, as well as what flood zone the project would be located in. Levees intended to protect agricultural crops are allowed in most cases, but are limited to protecting only to such floods up to the 10-year event.

If the work is carried out along a public water, a community's shoreland management ordinance will outline standards related to land disturbances, erosion control, and intensive vegetation clearing.

In general, no DNR public waters work permit is required for the placement of dikes above the ordinary high water level (OHWL) of public waters. However, the county board of commissioners may give the DNR authority to grant permits for certain activities adjacent to public waters. Minnesota Statutes Section 103G.245, Subdivision 4 states the following:

The commissioner, subject to the approval of the county board, shall have power to grant permits under such terms and conditions as he shall prescribe, to establish, construct, maintain and control wharfs, docks, piers, levees, breakwaters, basins, canals and hangars in or adjacent to public waters of the state except within the corporate limits of a municipality.

If a county board passes an official resolution authorizing the commissioner to grant permits for dikes adjacent to public waters pursuant to the above statute, DNR Waters can regulate dikes using Minnesota Statutes 103G permit authority. Since there are no specific rules for diking, each permit would be evaluated based on the general criteria set forth in Minnesota Statutes 103G and Minnesota Statutes 116D (i.e., "reasonable need," "minimal impact solution," "effect on public health and safety"). Note that this authority is valid only within unincorporated areas of a county. Before DNR personnel discuss the use of this section by any county board, they must advise the DNR Waters director and secure approval to promote the use of this authority.

Docks, swim rafts, and structures along the shore

Is a DNR permit required to install a dock or swimming platform in a lake?

A DNR public waters work permit is not required to construct, reconstruct or install docks, floating or temporary structures, watercraft lifts and mooring facilities if the following conditions are satisfied:

  • Will not be an obstruction to navigation or create safety hazard.
  • Will not be detrimental to significant fish and wildlife habitat.
  • Site is not a posted fish spawning area.
  • Does not have a roof, walls or sewage facilities and is not used or intended to be used for human habitation or as a boat storage structure.
  • Allows for the free flow of water beneath it.
  • Is consistent with or allowed under local government zoning authority controls.
  • Other than a seasonal watercraft lift or canopy, is not more than 8 feet in width, and is not combined with other similar structures so as to create a larger structure.
  • Docks placed on rock filled cribs are located only on waters where the bed is incapable of accepting pilings.

Note: Temporary structures which do not extend from shore, such as: swim rafts, slalom courses, ski jumps or buoys of any kind, may not be placed in the waters of the state between sunset and sunrise without a permit from the county sheriff. Those structures not left in the water overnight are still required to be placed so that they do not create a hazard on the water body or obstruct navigation. Contact the water patrol unit of your county sheriff's department for permit information. 

Sometimes disputes regarding the installation of docks and other structures in front of adjacent properties occur. Such disputes are best settled by first discussing your concerns with your neighbor. If your neighbor is uncooperative, you may have to contact an attorney about the legalities of your neighbor's actions.

See the information sheet titled Docks and Access in Public Waters under DNR Waters Publications.

Dredging

Is a DNR permit required to dredge out my boat harbor that is connected to the lake?

A DNR public waters work permit is required to dredge a proposed or existing harbor by either mechanical or hydraulic methods when the excavation is intended for the mooring of watercraft Maintenance dredging of an existing harbor may already be permitted if a DNR permit was previously issued to the same riparian landowner proposing the dredging and the permit contains a maintenance provision. The permittee would be limited to dredging an area to the same dimensions as originally permitted. If the landowner is not the same, a new DNR permit would be required. A permittee is required to notify the DNR prior to conducting any maintenance excavation activity.

Dredging proposals may require a permit from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) pertaining to the management of the dredged material. See the MPCA Dredged Materials Management page for more information.

Fences

Is a DNR permit required to build a fence across or adjacent to a wetland or stream on my property? 

What are the regulations regarding putting a fence along my property into the lake to prevent people from trespassing onto my property?

In general, no DNR public waters work permit is required for the placement of farm fences in or across public waters or public waters wetlands. Fences more significant than a typical 2- or 3-wire farm fence would be regulated through a local unit of government?s floodplain ordinance if located in a mapped floodplain. During flood events, fences trap debris and can obstruct the free flow of water, which can alter flows and increase flood depths.

Landowners who fence their waters or shorelands can be prosecuted under the Water Safety Act (Minnesota Statutes 86B) and/or the Public Nuisance Law (Minnesota Statutes 609.74) if their fences obstruct navigation or pose a threat to public safety.

Fill

Is a DNR permit required to place fill in a lake, river, or wetland?

A DNR public waters work permit is required to place fill in a lake, many watercourses, and public waters wetlands. State rules specifically prohibit placement of fill into a water body by an individual or organization to create upland areas.

To determine whether a local permit is required or allowed, contact your city or county planning/zoning authority if you propose to haul fill onto the upland portion of your property. Any such placement of fill is very likely to trigger provisions in the local government?s shoreland or floodplain ordinances that regulated such activities.

Fish stocking

Is a DNR permit required to stock fish in the lake on which I live or in the dug-out pond on my property?

Stocking of fish in Minnesota's lakes, rivers, and ponds is regulated by the DNR Fisheries Division, (651) 259-5200.

Floating bogs

Who is responsible for removing a bog that floated across the lake and lodged on my shoreline? Is a DNR permit required to remove it?

If a floating bog becomes a nuisance, it is the responsibility of the property owner(s) where the bog is grounded to move the bog to an acceptable location. Moving a floating bog away from your property requires a DNR aquatic plant management permit issued through the DNR Regional Fisheries Office. DNR responsibility is limited to the following:

  • Provide advice and approval on bog disposition.
  • Remove any floating bogs lodged on state owned dams or other DNR property.

NOTE: Minnesota Rules 6280 describes permit requirements relating to the removal of aquatic vegetation. See also Aquatic Vegetation.

Groundwater

Is a DNR permit required to drill a well on my property?

Is a DNR permit required to drive a sandpoint well at my lake cabin?

The construction of wells is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Health-Division of Environmental Quality under Minnesota Statutes 103 I. A DNR permit may be required if the water pumped exceeds 10,000 gallons per day or 1 million gallons per year.

Is a DNR permit required to pump water out of the lake I live on to water my garden?

A DNR water appropriation permit is not required to pump water from a well, lake, wetland, watercourse, ditch, gravel pit, quarry, or human-made pond if the amount does not exceed 10,000 gallons per day (gpd) or 1 million gallons per year (gpy). See Water Appropriation Permit Program for more information.

Heat Pumps (Geothermal systems)

What is a ground-water heat pump (geothermal system) and is a DNR permit needed to install one?

A ground-water heat pump or geothermal system is an alternative method to heat and cool a building such as your home. Closed-loop geothermal systems, which do not use water, are preferred. In an open-loop system water is pumped from a well through the system in your home, which essentially extracts the heat in winter and cool in summer. The water is discharged to a water body or low area. In general, open-loop systems, otherwise called "pump and dump" or "once-through cooling", are discouraged. New once-through systems that use more than 10,000 gallons per day or 1 million gallons per year are prohibited as of January 1, 2015. Existing once-through systems that use more than these amounts require a water appropriation permit from the DNR. If you have questions about your water use, please talk with your HVAC contractor and your local DNR staff. Further information can be found in the Once-Through Geothermal Systems fact sheet.

A DNR public waters work permit is required for alterations to the bed of public waters, such as placement of energy exchanging loops or plates, directional boring, or trenching for system installation.

Water discharges are regulated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

Hydropower (Small scale)

Do I need a permit to install a micro/mini hydropower project to supplement power for my home?

Micro (or mini) hydro is a term used for hydroelectric (including hydrokinetic) installations that typically produce less than 100 kW of power. These installations will not require a DNR permit if the installation is a temporary structure, does not constitute a hazard to public health, safety, and welfare, does not obstruct navigation or create a water safety hazard, and is not detrimental to significant fish and wildlife habitat. It must allow the free flow of water beneath it. It may be attached to a dock or platform where the dimensions are in conformance with law. If attaching the installation to the dock or platform increases the width of either of these, a permit might be required.

A DNR water appropriation permit is required if water is diverted from a watercourse or water body to operate the system where the volume of water diverted exceeds 10,000 gallons per day or one million gallons per year.

Each community has its own set of codes and regulations. Be sure to contact your local Building Inspection Department. In addition, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulates small hydro projects. To see their requirements, visit the FERC website.

Ice ridges

Is a DNR permit required to remove or grade soil material ("ice ridge") pushed up by ice action onto my shoreline?

For most projects regarding work below the ordinary high water level (OHWL) of public waters, an individual Public Waters Work Permit is required.

ICE RIDGE PERMIT EXCEPTION: Under the following conditions an individual permit would not be required from the DNR for ice ridge removal or grading:

  • The ice ridge resulted from ice action within the last year;
  • The project is either exempt from local permits or is authorized by issuance of a local government permit;
  • Not more than 200 feet of shoreline is affected;
  • All ice ridge material that is composed of muck, clay or organic sediment is deposited and stabilized at an upland site above the ordinary high water level (OHWL);
  • All ice ridge material that is composed of sand or gravel is removed as provided above or graded to conform to the original cross-section and alignment of the lakebed, with a finished surface at or below the ordinary high water level (OHWL);
  • No additional excavation or replacement fill material occurs on the site;
  • All exposed areas are immediately stabilized as needed to prevent erosion and sedimentation; and
  • Local zoning officials, the Watershed District, if applicable, and the Soil and Water District are given at least seven days prior notice.

See the information sheet titled Shoreline Alterations: Ice Ridges under DNR Division of Waters Publications. Also see: Ice damage to shoreline property - Causes, Responses, Photo Gallery.

Irrigation, crop

I currently dry land farm corn and soybeans in western Minnesota on a rotational basis and I am considering installing a well and center pivot irrigation system. Do I need a DNR permit to irrigate these types of crops?

A DNR water appropriation permit is required to irrigate any type of crop if the amount of water appropriated (used) from a groundwater or surface water source exceeds 10,000 gallons per day, or one million gallons per year.

See: Water Use Permit Information

Irrigation, non-crop (including lawn watering)

Is a DNR permit required to pump water from a lake or river to irrigate my garden or lawn?

A DNR water appropriation permit is required to pump water or allow to flow by gravity from a lake, wetland, watercourse, spring, ditch, gravel pit, quarry, natural or artificial pond, or well; to irrigate gardens and lawns if the amount exceeds 10,000 gallons per day, or one million gallons per year.

A well-maintained lawn in Minnesota uses approximately one inch of water per week, regardless of whether this comes from rainfall or lawn watering. As a rule of thumb, an irrigated lawn greater than 1.4 acres in size will likely meet the threshold for requiring a DNR permit during a dry year.

See: Water Use Permit Information

Lakeshore frontage

What permits do I need to do certain activities on my lakeshore?

Work that is proposed below the ordinary high water level (OHWL) of public waters and public waters wetlands may require a DNR public waters work permit, and should be coordinated through the DNR area hydrologist representing the area where the work is being proposed. Examples of activities include filling or excavating.

If your proposal involves work on the upland portion of a riparian property, you should contact your local unit of government, who administer ordinances regulating floodplains and shoreland areas.

In addition, watershed districts, water management organizations, or conservation districts may regulate activities both above and below the OHWL of a water body or watercourse.

Lawn landscaping

Is a DNR permit required to landscape my lakeshore property to improve the appearance of my lawn?

No, landscaping work proposed on the upland part of your lakeshore or river property may require a permit from the local unit of government. Excessive vegetation removal and land disturbances on steep slopes, bluffs, and near-shore areas have the potential to trigger regulations in the community's shoreland management ordinance.

Ordinary high water level

If I need to apply for a permit, how do I know where the ordinary high water level is?

The ordinary high water level (OHWL) is a reference elevation that defines the DNR's regulatory authority over development projects that are proposed to alter the course, current or cross section of public waters and public waters wetlands. For lakes and wetlands, the OHWL is the highest water level that has been maintained for a sufficient period of time to leave evidence on the landscape. The OHWL is commonly that point where the natural vegetation changes from predominately aquatic to predominantly terrestrial. For watercourses, the OHWL is the elevation of the top of the bank of the channel. For reservoirs and flowages, the OHWL is the operating elevation of the normal summer pool. The OHWL is also used by local units of government as a reference elevation from which to determine structure setbacks from water bodies and watercourses.

Contact your local area hydrologist to determine the OHWL for a specific water body or watercourse.

Learn more about ordinary high water levels.

Permit applications

Where can I obtain a public waters work permit or water appropriation permit application?

Applications for both DNR public waters work permits and DNR water appropriation permits are available online through the Minnesota DNR Permitting and Reporting System (MPARS).

Public waters on federal lands

Is a DNR permit required to alter a lake on federal lands?

The DNR has the authority to regulate and manage the public waters and public waters wetlands located inside areas under federal jurisdiction (e.g., national forests). It is DNR's position that the federal government must obtain Minnesota Statutes103G.245 permits for work in public waters and public waters wetlands just as other private landowners must.

Public waters or public waters wetlands work

Most work in public water or public waters wetlands will require a permit from the DNR. Call your DNR Area Hydrologist to find out the locations of public waters, and go to the Public Waters Work Permit page for more information. 

Remodeling

Is a DNR permit required to landscape my lakeshore property to improve the appearance of my lawn?

No, but any development in shoreland or floodplain areas must comply with local zoning standards and local permitting requirements. Contact your city or county planning/zoning authority for local permitting requirements.

Retaining walls

Is a DNR permit required to build a retaining wall along my shoreline?

A DNR public waters work permit is required to build a retaining wall along your shoreline if the structure is proposed below the ordinary high water level (OHWL). The DNR discourages the construction of retaining walls, particularly when a water basin or watercourse is relatively undeveloped. The use of hard armoring (rock riprap) is a better alternative, but soft armoring (biovegetation) is encouraged.

For projects above the OHWL, natural vegetation is preferred for stabilizing steep slopes and bluffs. Retaining walls may be appropriate for areas that are actively eroding, and would be subject to the standards related to land alterations and intensive vegetation removal in the local government's shoreland ordinance. Contact your city or county planning/zoning authority for local permitting requirements if you propose to do any type of shoreline stabilization. The local community may encourage collaboration with the local watershed organization as well.

Riprap

What is riprap, what is it used for, and do I need a DNR permit to install it?

Riprap is the term used for large natural rock placed along a shoreline to control or stop erosion. Riprap can be either large boulder size rocks typically found along a farmer's fence line or a commercially mined rock product such as basalt (traprock).

The DNR recommends a natural approach to shoreline stabilization through the establishment and maintenance of natural vegetation. Aquatic vegetation, woody debris and near-shore vegetation are some of the best resources for protecting a shoreline from wave and ice erosion, and also provide important habitat for fish and wildlife.

River and stream erosion is a natural process that may require consultation with your local watershed district.

A DNR public waters work permit is not required if the following conditions are satisfied:

  • Installation allowed only where there is a demonstrated need to stop existing erosion or to restore and an eroded shoreline. The DNR area hydrologist should be consulted to determine whether a need for riprap exists.
  • The riprap does not cover emergent vegetation, unless authorized by an Aquatic Plant Management Permit from the Department's Division of Fisheries;.
  • Only natural rock is used, between 6 and 30 inches in diameter, free of debris that may cause pollution or siltation.
  • A filter of crushed rock, gravel or filter fabric material is placed underneath the rock.
  • No more than 6 feet waterward of the Ordinary High Water Level (OHWL).
  • Conforms to natural alignment of shore and does not obstruct navigation or the flow of water.
  • Minimum finished slope no steeper than 3:1 (horizontal to vertical)
  • No more than 200 feet of shoreline along lakes and wetlands, or along shorelines of streams, less than 5 times the average width of the affected watercourse.
  • Site is not a posted fish spawning area, designated trout stream, nor along the shore of Lake Superior.

Placement of riprap landward above the OHWL would be subject to shoreland provisions regulating the land alterations or intensive vegetation removal. Riprap can extend beyond 10 feet landward from the OHWL or 3 feet above. You city or county planning/zoning authority would oversee such activities.

Important: Other approvals may be required from federal, state, and local units of government, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, watershed districts, water management organizations, counties, townships, and cities.

Road construction

I want to construct a road on my property down to the lake or river to launch my boat. Is a DNR permit required?

A DNR public waters work permit is not required as long as no work is done below the Ordinary High Water Level (OHWL) of the water body.

Contact your city or county planning/zoning authority for development standards for developing a road. A road would be required to maintain vegetative screening to the greatest extent possible and meet standards for impervious surfaces.

Shoreline restoration

I want to restore my shoreline with natural plantings. Is a DNR permit required?

A DNR public waters work permit is not required to perform bank or shoreline zone restoration work using willow wattles, willow posts, brush mattressing, brush layering, fiber roll breakwaters, plant carpets, root wads, and other natural materials if they are installed by hand for the purpose of shoreline restoration work if:

  • The project is approved by DNR staff and is designed or reviewed by the local soil and water conservation district or the local watershed district;
  • The design does not interfere with navigation or other riparian uses of the waterbody;
  • the project is done during times of the year when it will not interfere with fish spawning or the nesting of protected bird species;
  • Local origin native plant species, adapted for the site, are used;
  • An aquatic plant management permit is obtained when aquatic plants are used;
  • The waterward encroachment is the minimum necessary for the project; and
  • A maintenance plan is developed for the project and a copy submitted for Review to the Department's Area Fisheries office.

The project may require a local permit. If the project involves land alterations or vegetation removal, the local shoreland ordinance would identify those standards. Your local permitting city or county planning/zoning authority will be able to guide you through applicable standards.

Sunken Log Removal

I want to harvest sunken logs from public waters. Is a DNR permit required?

You cannot remove sunken logs in Minnesota. Effective July 1, 2010, the DNR Commissioner is barred from issuing permits or leases for removing sunken logs from any public waters (Minnesota Statutes, section 103G.651).

Structure setbacks

I want to build a structure such as a deck or other structure on my lake or river frontage. What are the structure setbacks?

Minimum structure setbacks are identified in your community's shoreland ordinance. Your city or county planning/zoning authority should be able to assist in interpreting any other applicable provisions which may be triggered as a result of the development.

Tribal lands

Is a DNR permit required to alter a lake on tribal lands?

Riparian landowners who are enrolled members of federally recognized tribes, bands or communities in Minnesota who propose to do work in the bed (bottom) of public waters or public waters wetlands that are located within the boundaries of established tribal lands will not, until further notice, be subject to the permit requirements of Minnesota Statutes 103G.245.

However, riparian landowners who are not members of federally recognized tribes, bands, or communities in Minnesota are subject to Minnesota Statutes 103G.245 permit authority if they propose to work in the bed (bottom) of public waters or public waters wetlands that are located within the boundaries of established tribal lands.

These regulations do not preclude a non-member riparian landowner whose land lies within established tribal lands from first obtaining a DNR aquatic plant management permit from the Regional Fisheries Office if any destruction of emergent vegetation, such as cattails, bulrush or wild rice, is likely to result from working in the bed (bottom) of public waters or public waters wetlands (see Minnesota Statutes 103G.615).

Utility crossings

Do I need a DNR permit to run an electric cable underwater to an island that I own in the lake on which I live?

Utility crossings over or under public waters or public waters wetlands are subject to the statutory authority of both Minnesota Statutes 103G and Minnesota Statutes 84.415. However, by administrative agreement (December 11, 1974 and July 6, 1981), DNR Waters has delegated its Minnesota Statutes 103G regulatory authority to the DNR Division of Lands and Minerals. The Lands and Minerals Division Management "license," which is issued under Minnesota Statutes 84.415 and Minnesota Rules Parts 6135.0100 to 6135.1800, also constitutes the "permit" required under Minnesota Statutes 103G.

Problems arising from utility crossings over or under public waters should be jointly evaluated by DNR Waters and Lands and Minerals personnel. When necessary, corrective action should be initiated and directed by the Lands and Minerals Division. Local units of government may also have requirements for utility crossings and routes through land use management districts.

Vegetation removal

Is a DNR permit required to cut, clear, or eliminate the vegetation (trees and shrubs) along my lakeshore?

Your property may be within a shoreland zoning district that prohibits intensive vegetation clearing in shore impact zones, bluffs impact zones and steep slopes.

Steep slopes average 12 percent or more over a 50 foot horizontal distance. The shore impact zone is half the distance of the structure setbacks. The bluff impact zone encompasses slopes over 30 percent over a 25 foot rise, and includes all applicable setbacks.

Intensive clearing is allowed outside of these areas for residential lots. The DNR recommends to preserve and enhance vegetation near the shore to the greatest extent possible to reduce soil erosion and the movement of sediment into the water.

Limited clearing and trimming of trees and shrubs in the shore impact zones, bluff impact zones, and steep slopes is allowed to provide a view to the water from the principal dwelling and to accommodate the placement of stairways, landings, lifts, picnic areas, access paths. Check with your city or county planning/zoning authority to verify the limitations on vegetation removal for your property.

There are dead trees on my shoreline and in the lake. Is a DNR permit required to cut them down?

For lands within a shoreland management zoning district, dead or diseased trees, limbs, or branches that pose a safety hazard may be removed without a permit.

Is it environmentally OK for my neighbors to rake their leaves into the lake to dispose of them?

The DNR highly discourages individuals from dumping their leaves and grass clippings into a lake, river, or wetland. In addition, this material should not be raked into the street where it can wash into the storm sewer that drains to water bodies or watercourses. Leaves and grass clippings add nutrients that use up valuable oxygen as they decompose, on which aquatic organisms in the food chain depend.

The DNR encourages good stewardship of our water and land resources. There are alternative stewardship practices for disposing of leaf and grass clippings that are more environmentally friendly. The best way to dispose of this waste is to compost it either on your land or at a designated compost site in your community. An excellent source of information on the environmental benefits of proper leaf disposal is a DNR publication entitled "Lakescaping For Wildlife and Water Quality".

Reports of pollution or littering in public waters or public waters wetlands should be referred to the local DNR conservation officer, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and county officials such as sanitarian or sheriff.

Weed control and removal

Do I need a DNR permit to remove the cattails along my lakeshore?

The control or removal of emergent aquatic vegetation, such as cattails, bulrushes or wild rice, does require a DNR aquatic plant management permit (also see: Aquatic Vegetation). The DNR Section of Fisheries regulates the control or removal of aquatic vegetation by physical or chemical means. Permits can be applied for through the DNR Regional Fisheries Office serving the area where your shoreline property is located. They may be contacted at (651) 259-5100 for more information.

A DNR public waters work permit is not required unless you fill or excavate (See fill or dredge).

Also see the DNR Waters information sheet titled Shoreline Alterations: Lakescaping (1.1 Mb).

Well construction

Is a DNR permit required to drill a well on my property?

Is a DNR permit required to drive a sandpoint at my lake cabin?

The construction of wells is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Health-Division of Environmental Quality under Minnesota Statutes 103I.

Wildlife ponds

Is a DNR permit required to excavate a wildlife pond on my property?

I heard the DNR pays for wildlife ponds constructed on private property? Is that true?

A DNR public waters work permit is not required if the pond is not excavated below the ordinary high water level(OHWL) of a public waters or public waters wetland. A landowner can contact a DNR wildlife manager for information on how to construct a wildlife pond in a way that would be attractive to wildlife. The DNR does not pay individuals for constructing wildlife ponds on their private property. Local units of government may also have requirements for excavations.

Learn more about excavated ponds for wildlife

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