last updated August 5, 2024
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County Zoning Offices |
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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.
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County Zoning Office Contact(s) for Otter Tail County:
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Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) Contacts |
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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.
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Wetland Conservation Act Contact(s) for Otter Tail County:
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Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) |
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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.
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SWCD Contact(s) for Otter Tail County:
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Watershed Districts and Water Management Organizations |
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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).
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Watershed District or Water Management Organization Contact(s) for Otter Tail County:
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Local Water Planners |
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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.
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Local Water Planning Contact(s) for Otter Tail County:
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Lake Conservation Districts |
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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.
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Lake Conservation District Contact(s) for Otter Tail County:
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Minnesota Department of Natural Resources |
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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.
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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.)
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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.
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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.
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DNR Waters Area Hydrologist(s) for Otter Tail County:
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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.
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DNR Aquatic Plant Management Contact(s) for Otter Tail County:
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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.
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DNR Lands and Minerals Contact for Otter Tail County:
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Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) |
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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.
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Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Contact Information for Otter Tail County: |
Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) |
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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.
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Minnesota Department of Health Contact Information for Otter Tail County: |
Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) |
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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".
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Minnesota Department of Agriculture Contact Information for Otter Tail County:
MDA Chemigation Permit Program |
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
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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.
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U.S Army Corps of Engineers Contact Information for Otter Tail 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) |
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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 Otter Tail County:
USDA Service Centers (by county) |