The District adopted its Rules and Regulations as required by Minnesota Statute to conserve the natural resources of the State and Watershed. The Rules reflect our intent to minimize and mitigate for the cumulative impacts of both small to large land disturbing activities that could result in the degradation of the Watershed’s lakes, streams, wetlands, and natural resources. Our permitting standards include requirements for stormwater management, erosion and sediment control, buffers for water resources, shoreline alterations, water crossings, and flood control.
Permit Rules and Application
The permit rules and application are for all projects. Based on the proposed project, utilize the rules to determine which rules are triggered, the standard, and required submittals.
Staff are available for a free pre-application meeting (typically virtually) to discuss your proposed project early in your process to help you determine what rules are triggered, what submittals will be required, and the amount of the permit fee. Contact [email protected] to set up a pre-application meeting.
Why are Permits Required?
- Protect the water resources for all current and future users
- Reduce the severity and frequency of flooding
- Preserve floodplain and wetland storage capacity
- Improve the chemical and physical quality of surface water
- Reduce sediment build-up to preserve the flow of lakes and streams
- Minimize public expenditures to correct damage in the future
- Preserve natural shoreline and habitat for aquatic life
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What is the Permit Process?
- Schedule a pre-application meeting with staff to determine applicable rules (highly recommended).
- Submit application, including signed application, fees, and all required submittals.
- BCWD staff will determine completeness within 15 business days.
- BCWD staff will review application within 60 days from time of complete submittal.
- BCWD staff will make a permit decision:
- Denied – the permit does not meet the rules.
- Approved – the permit meets the rules and will be issued.
- Conditionally Approved – the permit will be issued once conditions have been met (most common).
Rules Support - SONARs and Support Memos
These documents support and explain the BCWD Board of Managers’ decisions to adopt and amend the rules.
- 2020 - Rules Support Memo
- Stakeholder Input Summary from December 2018 Workshop
- Transcription for Participant Review - Question 1
- Transcription for Participant Review - Question 2
- February 2019 Memo - Regulatory Program Evaluation Next Steps
- June 2019 Memo - MIDS Evaluation and Peer Review
- July 2019 - Community Meeting Summary
- August 2019 Memo - Rate Control Evaluation
- August 2019 - Community Meeting Summary
- September 2019 - Summary of Rule Revision Discussions
- 2018 - Rules Support Memo (formerly referred to as the SONAR)
- 2007 - Statement of Need and Reasonableness (SONAR)
- 1998 - Statement of Need and Reasonableness (SONAR)