Water permits

Permits are required for special events and installing temporary structures on a body of water in Hennepin County. Rental and Charter boats must undergo inspection before they can carry passengers.

The largest lake in Hennepin County is Lake Minnetonka. A map of the lake and an overview of public facilities and amenities can be accessed at the links below. For more information on Lake Minnetonka, visit the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District homepage.

Lake Minnetonka map and information (PDF)

Lake Minnetonka amenities and facilities (PDF)

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Special event permit forms

Permit application and liability release for a special event

Minnesota law requires that a person may not hold or sponsor any scheduled or public race, regatta, tournament or other competition or exhibition, or trial race on water or ice, whether or not involving watercraft, without first having obtained a written permit from the sheriff of the county where the event is to originate.

You must submit the permit application and liability release at least 30 days before your event.

Print and complete the application. Scan all pages and email to sheriff.waterpatrol@hennepin.us or mail to:

Hennepin County Sheriff's Office
Water patrol unit
4141 Shoreline Drive
Spring Park, MN 55384

Special event permit application (PDF)

Special event permit liability release (PDF)

Special event instructions (PDF)

Temporary structure permit forms

Permit application for a temporary structure

You must fill out a separate application for each temporary structure you request.

Print and complete the application. Scan all pages and email to sheriff.waterpatrol@hennepin.us or mail to:

Hennepin County Sheriff's Office
Water patrol unit
4141 Shoreline Drive
Spring Park, MN 55384

Temporary structure permit application (PDF)

Regulations for each type of temporary structure

Specific regulations apply for each temporary structure.

Mooring buoy regulations (PDF)

Ski jump ramp regulations (PDF)

Skating rink regulations (PDF)

Water ski slalom course regulations (PDF)

Swim area regulations (PDF)

Swim raft regulations (PDF)

Watercraft forms

Rental boat operators must fill out and submit a report on their rental watercraft. The Sheriff's Office Water Patrol unit will then physically inspect the watercraft.

Print and complete the application. Scan all pages and email to sheriff.waterpatrol@hennepin.us or mail to:

Hennepin County Sheriff's Office
Water Patrol Unit
4141 Shoreline Drive
Spring Park, MN 55384

Watercraft rental inspection form (PDF)

Watercraft inspection list (PDF)

Charter boat inspection form (PDF)

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