Resources

Code of Ordinances

Lake Minnetonka is for everyone to enjoy, and our code of ordinances helps manage and regulate this incredible natural resource.

Current LMCD Code

(Effective January 1, 2025; Adopted August 28, 2024)

LMCD Adopted Ordinances

• Index of Adopted Code Amendments (1970 to 2016)
• Ordinances 1 to 226 (please contact the LMCD office)
• Ordinance 227  effective 03/16/2016 (no public hearing for additional ports of call)
• Ordinance 228 effective 05/18/2016(special events, publication, & variances)
• Ordinance 229 effective 08/24/2016 (nuisance noise and liquor)
• Ordinance 230 effective 10/19/2016 (reconfiguration of nonconforming structure minor change)
• Ordinance 231  effective 02/17/2017 (setbacks and dock use areas)
• Ordinance 232  effective 02/17/2017 (reconfiguration of nonconforming structures)
• Ordinance 233 effective 07/14/2017 (underage drinking)
• Ordinance 234 effective 04/25/2019 (executive director power to act)
• Ordinance 235 effective 09/19/2019 (MN statute – above ordinary high-water mark)
• Ordinance 236 effective 09/19/2019 (recodification)
• Ordinance 237 effective 01/23/2020 (marine toilets & sewage discharge)
• Ordinance 238 effective 10/08/2020 (recodification clarifications)
• Ordinance 239 effective 10/08/2020 (deicing amendments)
• Ordinance 240 effective 02/25/2021 (corrective amendments DUA)
• Ordinance 241 effective 09/23/2021 (commercial sales on lake)
• Ordinance 242 effective 09/23/2021 (speed limit exemptions emergency response)
• Ordinance 243 effective 06/09/2022 (QWA Cedar Point W)
• Ordinance 244 effective 01/01/2023 (watercraft & personal watercraft speed limits)
• Ordinance 245 effective 07/13/2023 (moratorium on watercraft for hire)
• Ordinance 246 effective 10/12/2023 (water skier observer amendment)
• Ordinance 247 effective 01/01/2025 (rental watercraft amendment)

Code Effective January 24, 2024 to December 31, 2024

Code Effective January 1, 2023 to January 23, 2024

Code Effective June 10, 2022 to December 31, 2022

Code Effective February 17, 2022 to June 9, 2022

Code Effective October 27, 2019 to February 16, 2022

Code Prior to Recodification- Effective Until October 27, 2019

Disclaimer

Efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website.  However, due the compatibility of different web browsers, changes to source material, and the possibility of unauthorized access to this site, information contained on this website should not be deemed reliable for legal purposes.  Please contact the LMCD office at (952) 745-0789 to verify the accuracy of the information or questions about specific projects.

Handouts & Manuals

You have questions; we have answers. Browse our quick reference handouts and manuals for detail on common rules and regulations.

• Summer Rules 2024
• Residential Docks, Structures, & Watercraft
• Rental Watercraft Inspection Checklist (HCSO Water Patrol)
• Summary of LMCD Bowfishing Rules as of 05/2013
• Marine Toilets & Sewage Discharge
• Tips for Staying Healthy on the Lake
• Keep It Clean
• LMCD Fact Sheet
• Winter Rules 2024/2025

Reports & Documents

Our lake has been an important resource for centuries, and the Lake LMCD is committed to preserving its rich history. Review our reports to learn more.

LMCD Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Management Programs Reports:

Comprehensive Plan

• LMCD Comprehensive Eurasian Watermilfoil and Curly-Leaf Pondweed Plan

Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM) Harvesting Program

• 2018 Harvesting Report
• 2017 EWM/CLP Harvesting Report

Herbicide Treatments

• Assessment of 2008-2011 Coordinated Herbicide Treatments on Carmans, Grays, and Phelps Bays
• 2010 Preliminary Report on Aquatic Plant Surveys on Grays, Phelps, and Carmans Bay, Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota from 2007 through 2010
• 2009 Evaluation of Herbicide Treatments on Grays and Phelps Bays
• 2008 Aquatic Herbicide Treatments on Three Bays on Lake Minnetonka
• 2008 Lake Vegetation Management Plan (LVMP)
• Lake Minnetonka Aquatic Herbicide Demonstration Project – 10/15/07

LMCD Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Program Reports:

Lake Minnetonka Watercraft Inspections

• 2019 LMCD Watercraft Inspection Program Report

LMCD Annual Reports

• LMCD Annual Report (June, 2013 to May, 2014)

LMCD Proactive Code Enforcement Reports

• 2014 LMCD Proactive Code Enforcement Report

Lake Minnetonka Shoreline Boat Storage Count Reports

• 2014 Shoreline Boat Storage Count Report

Lake Minnetonka Updates:

2022

• Lake Minnetonka Update June 2022
• Lake Minnetonka Update May 2022

2021

• Lake Minnetonka Update Aug 2021

2020

• Lake Minnetonka Update May 2020
• Lake Minnetonka Update Feb 2020

Applications & Licenses

Lake projects are important to recreational, wellness, and economic considerations. Understanding the regulations that protect and balance the unique and varied aspects of the lake and its stakeholders is important for a successful project. Commercial activity is an essential part of Lake Minnetonka. If you’re looking to operate watercraft for hire or need a liquor license, you’ll find the license applications you need below. If you are a resident, looking for a variance, please be sure to submit the necessary applications before you buy watercraft or begin construction. Please review the application guidelines so your submittal is able to be properly reviewed and processed within the timelines. 

Application Guidelines

Proper planning for a project often starts with a good site plan that indicates the specific characteristics of the site. Pre-design or application meetings with staff are also offered to help facilitate your project. The following information will help you prepare for a license, variance, or permit for a dock, watercraft storage, and other structures to allow a proper review of the request. Be sure to allow sufficient time for the process. 

• License & Permit Process Guidelines
• Variance Process Guidelines

License & Permit Applications

Water Structures (Docks, Watercraft, Floats, etc.)

• Variance Application
• New Multiple Dock License Application
• Multiple Dock (Minor Change) Permit Application
• Reconfiguration of Non-Conforming, Multiple Dock License Application
• Reconfiguration of Non-Conforming, Multiple Dock (Minor Change) Permit Application
• Permanent Non-Multiple Dock Permit Application
• Non-Conforming, Non-Multiple Dock Permit Application
• Special Density License Application
• Bridge Permit Application
• Residential Common Multiple Dock Application

Watercraft for Hire & Liquor Licenses

• Summary of Regulations
• Watercraft For Hire Registration Application
• On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License Application
• On-Sale Non-Intoxicating Malt Liquor License Application
• On-Sale Wine License Application
• Part 1 – General Information (In support of an application for all on-sale liquor licenses)
• Part 2 – General Information (In support of an application for all on-sale liquor licenses)

2024 Watercraft for Hire Alcoholic Beverage Training Reference Posters
– Its the Law Poster– MN DPS link
– Alcohol Warning Poster– MN DPS link

Special Events Planning

• Summary and Information
• Application (External Link)
• Liability Release (External Link)

Temporary Structures

• Information and Applications (External Link)

Rental Boat Operators

• Applications (External Link)
• Summary of Regulations

Bay-wide or Large Scale AIS Funding

• Application
• Program Information

Agency Contact by Subject

Lake Minnetonka is home to both residents and businesses, and it welcomes thousands of visitors each year. Find contact information by following the links below for the four key areas. Please call the agencies directly for more details.