Lake Minnetonka WEATHER

Resources

Are you looking for information about our code of ordinances? Need a permit application or information about safe operations on the lake, or preserving the lake? You’ve come to the right spot. We have everything organized and easily accessible for you.
If you have questions about any of the resources listed below, please don’t hesitate to contact LMCD.
Please select from the sortable menu below to view resources. LMCD Board Meetings and Minutes can be viewed Here.

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 24, 2024; Adopted January 24, 2024)

  • Article 1 (General Provisions, Compliance, and Definitions)
  • Article 2 (General Regulations on Structures and Uses)
  • Article 3 (Commercial Lake Uses and Structures)
  • Article 4 (Municipal Lake Uses)
  • Article 5 (Residential Structures and Uses)
  • Article 6 (Licensing and Permitting Procedures)
  • Article 7 (Watercraft for Hire, Rental, and Liquor Licensing)
  • Article 8 (Watercraft and Vehicle Regulations)
  • Article 9 (Specific Use Regulations)
  • Article 10 (Public Health and Safety Regulations)
  • Article 11 (Environmental Controls)

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 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.

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

Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM) Harvesting Program

Herbicide Treatments

LMCD Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Program Reports:

Lake Minnetonka Watercraft Inspections

LMCD Annual Reports

LMCD Proactive Code Enforcement Reports

Lake Minnetonka Shoreline Boat Storage Count Reports

Lake Minnetonka Updates:

2022

2021

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 Applications

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

Watercraft for Hire & 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

Temporary Structures

Rental Boat Operators

Bay-wide or Large Scale AIS Funding

 

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.

GENERAL LAKE & SAFETY USE

Buoys- Channel

Information about main lake and channel navigation

Contact: HCSO Water Patrol

Phone: (612) 596-9880

Website: Hennepin County Sheriff Office

Buoys- Hazardous

Information about identifying hazardous or obstructions

Contact: HCSO Water Patrol

Phone: 911

Website: Hennepin County Sheriff Office

Buoys- Slow/No Wake

Information about authorized slow speed and no wake zones

Contact: LMCD

Phone: (952) 745-0789

Website: LMCD

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms

CO requirements for watercraft

Contact: MN DNR

Phone: (651) 296-6157

Website: MN DNR

Deicing Operations (Bubblers)

Licenses and information about deicing operations and requirements

Contact: LMCD

Phone: (952) 745-0789

Website: LMCD

Hydraulic Water Jets

Regulations and proper use

Contact: MN DNR

Phone: (651) 296-6157

Website: MN DNR

Ice House Licenses

Information about Ice house/shelter licenses and regulations

Contact: MN DNR

Phone: (651) 296-6157

Website: MN DNR

Fishing Tournaments

Regulations and permit requirements for fishing tournaments and special events

Fishing Licenses

Fishing regulations and licenses

Contact: MN DNR

Phone: (651) 296-6157

Website: MN DNR

Loud Parties/Nuisances- On Land

Information or to report nuisances about city regulations

Contact: City Where Property Located

Phone: 911

Website: Lake Minnetonka Cities

Loud Parties/Nuisances- On Lake/Dock

Information or to report nuisances on the lake or on a dock

Contact: HCSO Water Patrol

Phone: 911

Website: Hennepin County Sheriff Office

Signage- On Lake/Dock

Information about signs located on the lake or on a dock or other structure

Contact: LMCD

Phone: (952) 745-0789

Website: LMCD

Solar Lights

Information about the SAVE the LAKE Solar Light Program and navigation lights

Contact: LMCD

Phone: (952) 745-0789

Website: LMCD

Special Events

Permits for events that occur on Lake Minnetonka

Contact: HCSO Water Patrol, LMCD

Phone: (612) 596-9880

Website: Hennepin County Sheriff Office

Lake Use Regulations

General questions about Lake Minnetonka regulations, lake safety, ecology, nuisances

Contact: LMCD

Phone: (952) 745-0789

Website: LMCD

DOCKS, STRUCTURES, & WATERCRAFT

Marinas, Charter Boats, Alcoholic Beverage/Liquor Licenses, Multiple Docks

Information about licenses, permits, operations, and maintenance of marinas, charter boats, liquor licenses, permanent docks, and other uses

Contact: LMCD

Phone: (952) 745-0789

Website: LMCD

Dock and Structure Regulations

General information about licenses, permits, Location, maintenance, and concerns

Contact: LMCD

Phone: (952) 745-0789

Website: LMCD

City Zoning, Land Rental Regulations

Information about activities on land, such as zoning, businesses, and nuisances

Contact: City Where Property Located

Phone: City

Website: Lake Minnetonka Cities

Watercraft

General information about dock use area, location, number of watercraft/density, etc.

Contact: LMCD

Phone: (952) 745-0789

Website: LMCD

Watercraft for Hire

License information about rental watercraft, cruises, tours, and alcoholic beverages/ liquor licenses

Contact: LMCD

Phone: (952) 745-0789

Website: LMCD

Temporary Structures

Permits for activities with obstructions on Lake

Contact: HCSO Water Patrol, LMCD

Phone: (612) 596-9880

Website: Hennepin County Sheriff Office

Electrical Service- On Docks

Electrical services and connections on docks

Contact: LMCD, City Property Located

Phone: (952) 745-0789

Website: http://www.electricshockdrowningmn.com/

Electrical Service- On Land

Electrical services provided on land to docks

Contact: City Where Property Located

Phone: City

Website: Lake Minnetonka Cities; MN Electrical Code

AQUATIC VEGETATION, ANIMALS, AIS

Floating Bogs

Information about floating wetlands not connected to land

Contact: MN DNR

Phone: (651) 296-6157

Website: MN DNR

Harvesting Vegetation- Public Areas

Management of aquatic vegetation, weeds, in public navigation areas

Contact: LMCD

Phone: (952) 745-0789

Website: LMCD

Lake Vegetation Removal- Private

Information about restrictions and permits required for managing aquatic vegetation, weeds

Contact: MN DNR

Phone: (651) 296-6157

Website: MN DNR

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Programs

Information about AIS activities on Lake Minnetonka

Contact: LMCD, MN DNR, MCWD, TRPD

Phone: (952) 745-0789

Website: MN DNR

Wetlands Vegetation Removal

Information or permits for vegetation removal that is part of a wetland, vegetation, weeds attached to land

Contact: MCWD

Phone: (952) 471-0590

Website: MCWD

Lake Service Provider Pilot Study

Participating businesses permitted alternatives for equipment with zebra mussels

Contact: MN DNR

Phone:

Website: MN DNR

Invasive Aquatic Animals

Information about aquatic animals and invasive species

Contact: LMCD, MN DNR, MCWD, TRPD

Phone: (952) 745-0789

Website: LMCD

Sick or Injured Wildlife

General information about injured or nuisance animals.

Contact: MN DNR Conservation Officer

Phone: 888-646-6367

Website: MN DNR

ENVIRONMENT & POLLUTION MANAGEMENT

Beach Closures

Locations of beach closures, water contamination, swimming alerts, and reopenings

Contact: Hennepin County Environmental Health; City

Phone: (612) 543-5200; or City

Website: Hennepin County Env. Health, and City

Master Water Stewards Program

Certifying citizens to optimize shoreline to improve water quality for pollution mitigation

Contact: Freshwater Society

Phone: (651) 313-5800

Website: Freshwater Society

Emergency Hazardous Spills and Incidents

Reporting hazardous spills and serious incidents

Contact: MN State Duty Officer

Phone: (651) 649-5451 or 911

Website: MN DPS

Ongoing Pollution Concerns

Inquiries or reporting of non emergency situations occurring on or into Lake

Contact: LMCD

Phone: (952) 745-0789

Website: LMCD

Shoreland Restoration

Information about riprap, sand blankets, beaches, etc.

Contact: MCWD

Phone: (952) 471-0590

Website: MCWD

Tree Removal Shoreland

Permits may be required from City

Contact: City Property Located

Phone: City

Website: Lake Minnetonka Cities

Dredging

Requirements and permits to manipulate the lake bottom

Contact: MCWD

Phone: (952) 471-0590

Website: MCWD

Shoreland planning and zoning, land use

Planning and zoning requirements, development regulations on land

Contact: City Property Located

Phone: City

Website: Lake Minnetonka Cities

High Water Declaration

No Wake and other restriction in effect when high water declared

Contact: LMCD

Phone: (952) 745-0789

Website: LMCD

Septic Systems

Information about septic systems, inspections, enforcement, etc.

Contact: Hennepin County Environmental Health

Phone: (612) 543-5200

Website: Hennepin Coiunty Env. Health