Development Permits

The goal of the District’s Development Permits are to help commercial and industrial entities protect the watershed’s water resources so that all CMSCWD residents and visitors can continue to enjoy the local lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands. It is through compliance with District Rules and our permitting program that we are able to protect critical water resources from the cumulative impacts caused from many small or any large projects across the landscape.

Have questions about the applicable rules to your project?

Please submit a pre-permit application request to notify us of your upcoming project.

District staff are here to provide assistance and help guide you through the permitting process to ensure your project will meet our District Rules. Additional questions? Please contact the Riparian Permit Specialist (Tom Langer) or District Administrator (Mike Isensee).

District Rules & Definitions

District Staff will help you interpret how your project aligns with the Rules and Requirements. Permit requirements are detailed in the District Rules and include the following categories:

  • Rule 2: Stormwater Management

  • Rule 3: Erosion and Sediment Control

  • Rule 4: Lake, River, Stream, and Wetland Buffer Requirements

  • Rule 5: Shoreline and Streambank Alterations

  • Rule 6: Watercourse and Basin Crossings

  • Rule 7: Floodplain and Drainage Alterations

  • Rule 8: Wetland Management

  • Rule 9: Variances

  • Rule 10: Enforcement

All qualifying projects requiring a permit must submit a complete application to the District twenty-eight days prior to the next scheduled board meeting. Information on what to submit is outlined in the Important Documents below.

Important Documents

To help understand the process and timelines pertaining to a District permit, we have compiled supporting documents that highlight our permitting process and submittal deadlines. Documents entail:

  • Submittal Deadlines

  • Pre-Permit & Permit Application Process Guidance

  • Permit Closeout Process Guidance

Directing water to a raingarden or infiltration basin provides on-site stormwater treatment, ground water recharge, and helps reduce off-site water discharge.

Required Application Submittals

If a District Permit is required for your project, we have compiled developed supporting documents to outline the permitting process and deadlines. Documents entail:

  1. Complete and Signed Development Application

  2. Full payment (fee & surety) via check sent to the District Office, and

  3. Plans and specifications that address District Rules and Engineer’s Report