FAQ

FAQ

How was the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (LMCD) created?

The LMCD was created in 1967 by state enabling legislation, which was a result of concerned citizens working for nearly a decade to improve Lake Minnetonka.  The two primary general responsibilities included: 1) to regulate the use of the Lake, and 2) to develop a comprehensive program to eliminate pollution.

How has the LMCD evolved over the years?

Red algae blooms caused by untreated regional sanitary sewage were resolved in the early 1970’s.  Other activities have evolved subsequently.  This includes: 1) the creation of the authorized dock use area in the early 1970’s (where docks and boats must be stored), 2) the establishment of Quiet Water Areas in the early 1970’s (minimum-wake speeds), 3) the adoption of boat density regulations in 1978 (applies to both licensed and unlicensed sites), 4) the management and prevention of aquatic invasive species, and 5) the licensing and permitting of a number of activities.

What activities does the LMCD regulate?

The LMCD has adopted regulations for the licensing and permitting of a number of activities on Lake Minnetonka.  This includes: 1) Multiple Docks (approved, legal storage of five or more restricted watercraft), 2) District Mooring Areas (sailboat buoy fields), 3) Watercraft for Hire (charter boats), 4) Intoxicating Liquor, Wine, and Non-Intoxicating Malt Liquor License (for charter boats), and 5) Winter De-icing.  The LMCD also has the authority to issue permits for special events, although this has been been delegated to the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Water Patrol.

What rules apply to docking and boat storage on Lake Minnetonka?

All docks and boats on Lake Minnetonka must be contained within an area called the “authorized dock use area” (“DUA”).  Each site on the Lake has a DUA that is defined by a specified length from the shoreline and side setbacks that must be maintained from the side property lines of the site extended into the Lake.  See the “Rules and Regulations” section for further details on DUA requirements.

How many restricted watercraft may one store at a site?

The number of restricted watercraft (including personal watercraft) allowed at a site is as follows:

• The General Rule is one restricted watercraft for each 50 feet of continuous shoreline (no reference to ownership of watercraft); or
• Unless a greater number is allowed by the General Rule, up to two restricted watercraft are allowed at a residential site in existence on August 30, 1978 (no reference to watercraft); or
• Three or four restricted watercraft may be moored or dock at all sites on the Lake, provided a number of conditions are met.  Some of these include: 1) there is only one single family residence on the site, and 2) all restricted watercraft must be owned and registered to residents to persons living in the single family residential structure.
• An unlimited number of unrestricted watercraft may be stored at a site, provided they are stored within the site’s DUA.  An unrestricted watercraft is defined as: 1) 16 feet or less in length and non-motorized (or which uses a motor of 10 horsepower or less), and 2) 20 feet or less in length and non-motorized (or which is propelled soley by human power).
• You need to contact the municipality where you reside to verify if they have rules relating to the number of watercraft that may be stored at a site.

Do I need a permit to install a dock at my residence?

In most cases, a permit is not needed.  However, there are two cases where a permit is needed.  First, if you have the shoreline to store five or more restricted watercraft, you need an annual multiple dock license from the LMCD.  Second, if you would like to install a permanent dock, you need a permit from the LMCD.  A seasonal dock is a dock that is constructed so that it may be removed on a seasonal basis (although this is not required).  The most common example of a permanent dock is what you see at a number of the commercial marinas on the Lake.

How does the LMCD interpret a docking easement(s) on Lake Minnetonka?

The LMCD ordinances do not recognize docking easements on the Lake because it only recognizes legally, platted sites.  Where easements exist on the Lake, DUA and restricted watercraft regulations apply to the overall site, not to the easement.  As a result of this, it is quite common that the number of restricted watercraft allowed at the site is very limited because all of the restricted watercraft would not be owned and registered to the single-family residential structure that owns the shoreline.  LMCD ordinances in most cases does not provide for grandfathering of docking easements on the Lake.

Can I commercially sell products on the Lake (such as a hot dog stand, beverages, or other products) from my boat to other boats on the Lake?

No.  It is unlawful for any person to sell food, beverages, supplies, or any other merchandise from any watercraft.  However, food and beverages may be sold on a watercraft to passengers who leave the shore and return on the same watercraft (charter boats).

How do I get to the LMCD Office?

The LMCD Office is located on at 23505 Smithtown Road (Suite 120), Shorewood, MN 55331.  This location is 0.5 miles northwest of Highway 7 on County Road 19 (Smithtown Road) and 3.7 miles south of the County Roads 15 and 19 intersection in Navarre.

What are the office hours for the LMCD Office?

Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.