|
Permits & Rules
The PLSLWD is developing rapidly. While this development brings many positive benefits and
opportunities to the area, if not handled carefully is can create problems with water resources. Development and
other land-altering activities can affect the amount of runoff in the District (both rate and volume) and degrade
the quality of that runoff. If left unmanaged, runoff stresses our streams, ages our lakes, and degrades and
eliminates our wetlands.
PLSLWD Rules
To address these concerns, the District developed rules
to protect public health, welfare
and natural resources by regulating the improvement or alteration of land and waters within the District.
The rules are designed to accomplish the following goals:
- reduce the severity and frequency of high water,
- preserve floodplain and wetland storage capacity,
- improve the chemical and physical quality of surface waters,
- reduce sedimentation,
- preserve the hydrologic and navigational capacities of waterbodies,
- promote and preserve natural infiltration areas, and
- preserve natural shoreline features.
All land disturbing activities, whether or not they require a permit, are to be undertaken in compliance with the
standards and criteria of these rules and with best management practices.
Permitting Program
|
 |
| Example of a Silt Fence near new residential construction. |
The District implements its rules in part through a permitting program for new and re-development.
A PLSLWD permit is required for all land-disturbing activities within the District that will disturb more than 10,000
square feet of land in shoreland protection zones (i.e. near a lake, wetland or the outlet channel of
Prior Lake), or one acre of land elsewhere.
To assist in the permitting process the District has developed a
Permit Information & Rules handbook [2.2 MB]. The handbook
describes the District's permitting requirements and includes forms, checklists,
and a copy of the permit application.
As part of the permit process, the District's staff and Engineer review permit
applications from municipalities, counties, state agencies, and private developers that propose the alteration of
land. The District also inspects active project sites for permit compliance. Permit holders found to be non-compliant
are contacted by telephone, fax or mail and directed to conform to permit guidelines. Finally, the District works
closely with local municipalities to coordinate permit issuance and inspection activities.
For more information about the District's permitting program, including application deadlines,
contact the District office at 952-447-4166.
REMEMBER: Permits are also required by local municipalities in the PLSLWD.
See below for links. In addition, a construction storm-water permit from the MPCA is also
required before construction begins.
|
