Wright County

last updated May 13, 2020
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Local State Federal
County Zoning Offices Department of Natural Resources Corps of Engineers
Wetland Conservation Act Contacts Pollution Control Agency USDA (FSA and NRCS)
Soil and Water Conservation Districts Department of Health
Watershed Districts Department of Agriculture
Local Water Planners
Lake Conservation Districts

County Zoning Offices

County zoning offices issue permits for the unincorporated portion of the county, as described in local zoning ordinances. Local ordinances generally address building standards, floodplain regulations, shoreland regulations, shoreland-wetland regulations, and other development issues. If you live within the corporate limits of a city or village, you will need to contact your community's office for information on their regulations.

Examples of projects that may need a county permit: Construction of buildings (including accessory buildings like garages, sheds, etc.), additions to buildings, building repairs/improvements, utility replacements, on-site sewer systems, grading and filling, fences (especially in floodplain areas), etc.

County Zoning Office Contact(s) for Wright County:


Wright County Planning & Zoning (website)
10 2nd St, Room 140
Buffalo, MN 55313
763-682-7338
stacy.Marquardt@co.wright.mn.us

Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) Contacts

Wetlands of all types/sizes have been regulated under the Wetland Conservation Act since 1991. It is important to note that an area can be a wetland even if there is not water visible on the surface. Permits are needed for filling and draining wetlands. Depending on your city/county, your contact may be: city staff, county zoning staff, a watershed district or the Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). The State Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) has local Board Conservationists who assist the WCA local contacts.

Examples of projects that may need a permit from the Wetland Conservation Act Contact: Filling and draining wetlands covered under the Wetland Conservation Act.

related links:
   What is a Wetland?
   Wetland regulations in Minnesota
   Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR)

Wetland Conservation Act Contact(s) for Wright County:


Wright SWCD (website)
311 Brighton Ave S, Suite C
Buffalo, MN 55313
763-682-1970


WCA Local Governmental Unit Contacts (cities and watershed districts)


BWSR Board Conservationists (by county)

Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD)

Soil and Water Conservation Districts can help direct citizens to the agency that issues permits for projects affecting all types/sizes of wetlands, lakes and rivers/streams. The SWCD's primary role is providing technical and financial assistance for land and water conservation practices, but can be the agency issuing permits in some areas (especially those projects affecting wetlands).

Examples of projects that may need a permit from the Soil and Water Conservation District: Filling and draining wetlands covered under the Wetland Conservation Act. Shoreline stabilization projects such as bioengineering and riprap.

related links:
   What is a Soil and Water Conservation District?
   Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR)
   Directory of SWCDs in Minnesota

SWCD Contact(s) for Wright County:


Wright SWCD (website)
311 Brighton Ave S, Suite C
Buffalo, MN 55313
763-682-1970

Watershed Districts and Water Management Organizations

In many parts of the state, watershed districts (or water management organizations) play an active role in water-related planning and management. Many of the watershed districts require permits for activities affecting wetlands, lakes and streams/rivers, or their floodplains. These permits may be in addition to other state/local permits, or the state/local permit authority may be delegated to the watershed authority.

Examples of projects that may need a permit from a Watershed District or Water Management Organization: Construction, reconstruction, or repair of bridges, culverts, and storm water outfalls. Filling or grading in the floodplain. Drainage (including tiling). Shoreline alterations (retaining walls, riprap).

related links:
   Map of Watershed Districts in Minnesota
   Metro Area Surface Water Management
   Map Showing Status of Metro Watershed Management Plans

Watershed District or Water Management Organization Contact(s) for Wright County:


Clearwater River WD (website)
Cole Loewen
3147 S 15th Ave
St. Cloud, MN 56301
320-274-3935
cole.loewen@crwd.org

Local Water Planners

The 1985 Comprehensive Local Water Management Act encourages counties to develop and implement comprehensive water plans. Especially in areas where there is not an organized watershed authority, the county water planner can be a helpful resource to direct citizens to appropriate permit authorities and available technical assistance.

related links:
   Comprehensive Local Water Management
   What is a Lake Improvement District

Local Water Planning Contact(s) for Wright County:


Wright SWCD
311 Brighton Ave S, Suite C
Buffalo, MN 55313
763-682-1970

Lake Conservation Districts

Lake conservation districts regulate surface water use, including dock placement, marinas, speeds, no wake zones, special events, etc. Permits or approvals may be required.

Examples of projects that may need a permit from a Lake Conservation District: New marinas or marina expansions/reconfigurations; dock placement; special events on the lake; etc.

related links:
   What is a Lake Conservation District?

Lake Conservation District Contact(s) for Wright County:


None in this county

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Floodplain and Shoreland Management:

DNR Area Hydrologists can answer questions about county, city and township administered floodplain and shoreland management. The DNR is the technical advisor to the communities and has statutory responsibility for oversight of the programs. DNR Area Hydrologists do not issue local land use permits, this is done by local governments. In some parts of the state, Wild and Scenic River and DNR Mississippi Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) Program regulations also exist.

related links:
   DNR Floodplain Management Program
   DNR Shoreland Management Program
   DNR Wild and Scenic Rivers Program
   DNR Mississippi Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) Program

Work in Public Waters:

DNR Area Hydrologists issue permits for work in the bed of public waters. In some parts of the state, permit administration has been delegated to the local level (i.e., cities, counties or watershed districts) for some water bodies.

Examples of public water projects that may require permits: Excavating, filling, bridge/culvert crossings, storm sewer outfall structures, permanent structures (i.e., docks, etc.). Go to the program link below for information on categories of minimal impact projects that exempt from needing permits (i.e., seasonal docks, shoreline stabilization and beach sand meeting certain criteria, etc.)

related links:
   DNR Public Waters Work Permit Program

Water Appropriations:

DNR Area Hydrologists issue permits for the appropriation of water from surface/ground water sources.

Examples of appropriations that may require permits: Any withdrawal of surface or ground water that exceeds 10,000 gallons/day or 1 million gallons/year, including: municipal water supplies, commercial uses, crop or golf course irrigation, dewatering for construction or mining operations, etc.

related links:
   DNR Water Use Permit Information

Dam Safety:

The DNR Dam Safety Program exists to ensure that dams in Minnesota are safe, are operated responsibly, and are removed when they become obsolete. DNR hydrologists can answer questions about dam safety permits.

related links:
   DNR Dam Safety Program

DNR Waters Area Hydrologist(s) for Wright County:


DNR Eco/Waters (website)
James Bedell
DNR Eco/Waters 1035 South Benton Drive
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
320-223-7850
james.bedell@state.mn.us

Aquatic Plant Management:

The DNR Aquatic Plant Management Specialist issues permits for the removal of aquatic plants in public waters.

Examples of projects that may need a Aquatic Plant Management Permit: Cutting or removal of any amount of emergent plants (i.e., cattails, bulrushes), cutting or removal of floating or submergent (underwater) plants and use of chemicals to kill/remove any amount of aquatic vegetation.

related links:
   DNR Aquatic Plant Control Permit Information

DNR Aquatic Plant Management Contact(s) for Wright County:


DNR Fisheries (website)
Aquatic Plant Management
16543 Haven Rd
Little Falls, MN 56345
320-616-2450, ext 235

Public Utilities License to Cross Public Lands or Waters:

Minnesota Statute 84.415 requires that a license be obtained from the Department of Natural Resources for the passage of any utility over, under or across any state land or public waters.

Examples of projects that may need a Utility Crossings License: Telephone, fiber optic, electrical or other lines, cables or conduits. Also pipelines or mains for gases, liquids, or solids in suspension.

related links:
   DNR Utility Crossing License Information

DNR Lands and Minerals Contact for Wright County:


DNR Lands and Minerals (website)
Regional Operations Supervisor
1200 Warner Rd
St. Paul, MN 55106
651-259-5792

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issues permits for projects affecting water quality.

Examples of projects that may need a permit from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency: National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and State Discharge System permits for water, including stormwater, being discharged to state waters with pollutants. General NPDES permits for construction activities disturbing more than one acre.

related links:
   Minnesota Pollution Control Agency - Water Resources

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Contact Information for Wright County:

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Regional Offices

Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)

The Minnesota Department of Health oversees all well construction activities and public water supplies.

Examples of projects that may need a permit from the Minnesota Department of Health: Well location and construction, guidelines for private well water quality testing.

related links:
   Minnesota Department of Health - Water Well Information
   Minnesota Department of Health - Drinking Water Information

Minnesota Department of Health Contact Information for Wright County:

Minnesota Department of Health District Offices

Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA)

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture oversees several permit and technical assistance programs affecting water resources.

Examples of projects that may need a permit from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture: Pesticide and fertilizer use, including "Chemigation" and to "Transport Noxious Weed Propagating Parts in Infested Material or Equipment".

related links:
   Minnesota Department of Agriculture - Protecting Our Lands & Waters

Minnesota Department of Agriculture Contact Information for Wright County:

MDA Chemigation Permit Program
MDA County Agricultural Inspectors

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issues permits for wetland-related projects.

Examples of projects that may need a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Filling (or discharge of fill/dredge material) in all types of wetlands (see Section 404 of Clean Water Act). On navigable waters ("Section 10 waters") for excavation, filling, docks, etc.

related links:
   Frequently Asked Questions about Corps of Engineers Permits

U.S Army Corps of Engineers Contact Information for Wright County:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Contacts (by county)

U.S. Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Farm Service Agency (FSA)

Landowners receiving Federal Farm Benefits need to ensure continued eligibility by complying with the provisions in the Food Security Act.

Examples of projects that need to be reviewed include: drainage manipulation (improve or modify existing drainage system), filling, dredging, land clearing and stump removal. Landowners proposing land alteration projects submit review plans with the assistance of the local Farm Service Agency (FSA) staff. The FSA contact coordinates with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCA) and Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) staff to review wetland maps and ensure the project meets the provisions of the federal Food Security Act.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Contact Information for Wright County:

USDA Service Centers (by county)

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