Permit Process
To minimize water pollution and negative impacts to properties, the Coon Creek Watershed District requires permits and inspections for a variety of construction-type activities. Examples include development or home building/renovation, many yard enhancements, wetland & floodplain impacts, culvert replacements, other land-disturbing activities, and more.
Submit an application
New Permit Applications
Ready to submit a permit application? Use the Application Portal below.
Wetland Decision Applications
A wetland decision application may be required for your project if you plan to fill, drain or excavate wetlands. The Coon Creek Watershed District is the Local Government Unit (LGU) for the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) within the boundaries of the District. Please submit both the Joint Application form and the CCWD Wetland Application form to permitsubmittals@cooncreekwd.org.
Permit applications under review
Required documentation may include but is not limited to:
- Construction Plans
- Stormwater Management Report
- Geotechnical Report
- Wetland information
Have you been asked to provide additional information?
If you have already submitted a permit application, and have been asked to provide more information, check your email for a unique link to update your existing application. Submitting a new application through the portal may delay review of your permit.
Permit Application Review Process
- Completeness review and notification of missing application materials
- Review and comment period to ensure design meets District Standards
- Review and approval by the Board of Managers
- Permit issued upon the completion of approval conditions
Manage an existing permit
Site Inspections
Once a site is under construction, inspections are conducted either once a month or once every two months. The frequency depends on the inspection priority of your project, and will continue until the project is complete or becomes inactive.
Final Inspection
Is your site ready for final inspection? To pass final inspection the site requires the following:
- The site is constructed according to the approved plan
- There is a minimum of 70% uniform vegetation
- There are no erosion or sediment control issues
- All synthetic BMPs have been removed (e.g. silt fence, inlet protection)
If you believe your site is ready for final inspection, email Watershed Development staff requesting a final inspection.
Permit Close-Out
A permit can be closed out once the site has passed final inspection and all stipulations listed on the permit have been satisfied. These stipulations may include:
- As-builts
- Infiltration tests
- The submittal of a copy of the Recorded O&M Agreement
If you believe your site is ready for permit closeout, review the Project Close-Out Needs Form and fill out a Escrow Return Request Form.
As-Builts
As-builts are reviewed to ensure the site was constructed according to the approved plan. If you are unsure what items require as-builts, review the handout below.
Infiltration Tests
The Coon Creek Watershed District accepts both Double Ring Infiltrometer Testing and Flood Testing. Please notify Watershed Development staff at least 24 hours in advance of the tests, so staff can witness the testing.
Resources & FAQ
Resources
Erosion Control Info
Engineering
Best Management Practice Specifications (BMPs) are for guidance. They are not requirements. Use of these practices will warrant modification per site conditions or requirements. They will need to pass our infiltration test or final inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit?
Use our permit cheat sheet to determine if your project requires a permit. If you’re still unsure, submit a Technical Assistance Form.
What fees do I need to pay?
Review our Fees & Escrow Information Page to determine the fees associated with your project.
How long will it take to get a permit?
The time it takes to receive a permit depends on the complexity of the project. View our Applications Under Review section for more details.
Is a wetland delineation required for my project?
If wetlands are present within the site boundary, a wetland delineation will likely be required, especially if you intend to fill, drain or excavate wetlands. If you are still unsure if a wetland delineation would be required, submit a Technical Assistance Form.
Technical Assistance
Technical Assistance is available to determine if & how you need to proceed with a Permit application. It is often used to check for floodplain, wetlands, or drainage easements.