Water permits and forms

Watercraft rentals and charter boats must pass a safety inspection each year. Operators must have the inspection done before the first rental or charter of the season.

Charter boats must be inspected while in the water.

Rental watercraft list (PDF) View

To get an inspection

Step 1

Complete and submit the appropriate inspection report form. Forms should be completed in type, not handwritten. 

• Watercraft rentals (PDF) View
• Charter boats (PDF) View

Step 2

We will schedule an inspection with you.

Step 3

A deputy will inspect the watercraft in person. If it passes inspection, you will receive a sticker valid for one year to put on the watercraft.

You must get a sheriff’s permit for any event on public water or ice. Your event must have a permit whether it involves watercraft or not. Permits help ensure public safety.

Types of special events requiring a permit:

• Races
• Regattas
• Tournaments
• Competitions
• Exhibitions

You must have a sheriff’s permit regardless of:

• Age or number of people involved
• Entry fee or prizes
• Sponsorship
• The need for other required permits

Application process

Step 1

Read the instructions for special event permits. Instructions - special events (PDF) View 

Step 2

Apply for your permit at least 30 days before your event. Include the application, liability release, and your certificate of insurance.

• Application - special event permit (PDF) View
• Liability release - special event permit (PDF) View

Step 3

Submit your application, notarized liability release, certificate of insurance, city permit, and event map.

By email:
Scan all pages and email to sheriff.waterpatrol@hennepin.us

By U.S. mail:
Hennepin County Sheriff's Office
Water patrol unit
4141 Shoreline Drive
Spring Park, MN 55384

Step 4

Check the status of your permit by emailing sheriff.waterpatrol@hennepin.us

You must have a permit to install a temporary water or ice structure:

• Buoys for mooring or swimming
• Floating rafts
• Slalom course
• Ice rink
• Other structure for use on water or ice

Application process

Step 1

Fill out a separate application for each structure. Make an accurate diagram on your application. We inspect your structure by boat so don’t use street address in the diagram.

Temporary structure permit application (PDF) View

Step 2

Submit your application and any required permission letters.

By email:
Scan all pages and email to sheriff.waterpatrol@hennepin.us

By U.S. mail:
Hennepin County Sheriff's Office Water patrol unit
4141 Shoreline Drive
Spring Park, MN 55384

Step 3

You will get an email with your permit number. Put this number on the structure using 2-inch numerals. Once you do this, you can put your structure in the water.

Step 4

Notify us by email that your structure is ready to inspect, at sheriff.waterpatrol@hennepin.us.

Step 5

The inspecting deputy may inspect the structure. The deputy will identify your structure by the permit number.

Step 6

Notify us if:

• You plan to put the structure in a different location
• You no longer plan to use the structure
• You move

Requirements for different types of permits

Mooring buoy permit

• Good for 3 years
• Must renew sooner if:
  • You change your address or location of buoy
  • The landowner no longer gives permission
• Remove buoy by December 15 or put the buoy portion under ice surface

Ski jump ramp permit

• Good for 1 year
• Must reapply every year
• Remove ramp by December 15

Skating rink permit

• Good for 1 year
• Must reapply every year
• Remove rink by March 15

Slalom course permit

• Good for 1 year
• Must reapply every year

Swimming area permit

• Good for 1 year
• Must reapply every year
• Remove markers by November 1

Swimming raft permit

• Good for 2 years
• Renew permit sooner if:
  • You change your address or location of swim raft
  • The landowner no longer gives permission
• Remove raft every year by November 1