Obtaining Lake Permits

Changes pending in obtaining lake permits in Scott County

In an effort to streamline the process, improve tracking capabilities and maintain a high level of public safety with regard to navigation on Scott County waterways, the Scott County Sheriff’s Office is making some changes to the permit process for water/ice related events and temporary structures such as buoys and floating docks.

If you already have a permit:
The changes will not affect you. Anyone who is seeking a new permit for an event or structure can click on the permit above. Please note the Liability Release permit needs to be signed at the Sheriff’s Office.

Applications for structure permits must be received 10 days in advance of placing the structure and event permit applications 30 days in advance of the event.

An event is defined as:
“A gathering of persons engaged in (organized) activities on waters of the state or public property adjacent to those waters that, in the Sheriff’s opinion, would have an impact on public safety or natural resources.”

Fishing tournaments have special permit requirements and may require an additional permit from the MN Department of Natural Resources.

With regard to a temporary structure:
MN Rule 6110.1800 states: “No person shall leave any temporary structure not extending from shore, or any buoy or sign in the waters of this state between the hours of sunset and sunrise without first obtaining a permit in writing therefore from the Sheriff of the county.”

If you have any questions regarding these permits, please contact Deputy Todd Beck at the Scott County Sheriff’s Office at 952-496-8723 or email tbeck@co.scott.mn.us.