Start With WTPA If Your Project Includes Any of These
- Building a new home, garage, shed, deck, addition, or other structure
- Installing, repairing, or replacing a septic system
- Changing the use of a building or property
- Starting or expanding a business, conditional use, or interim use
- Dividing land, adjusting lot lines, or creating a subdivision
- Adding or changing a driveway on a township road
- Adding or changing access on a county road that will need county approval
- Grading land, clearing significant vegetation, or disturbing soil
- Building near shoreland, floodplain, or other environmentally sensitive areas
- Expanding agricultural operations that may trigger zoning, access, or setback review
How the Intake Path Works
1. Start with WTPA
Applicants begin with WTPA whenever a project affects township land use, development, access, septic, or subdivision review.
2. Staff identifies the path
WTPA determines whether your project is an administrative permit, a hearing-based application, or a project that also needs outside agency approvals.
3. Hearing-Based Applications
Certain applications, including some conditional uses, interim uses, variances, and subdivisions, require a public hearing as part of the review process. The applicable Township Board or Board of Adjustment conducts the hearing and makes the decision. Public hearings are typically held at the Township Hall unless otherwise noticed.
4. Outside agencies stay involved
Some projects also need county, DNR, MnDOT, watershed, or MDH approvals. WTPA can help identify those requirements.
Examples of outside approvals that may still be required
County driveway access permits, feedlot permits, DNR permits, watershed approvals, and well permits.
Environmental Screening
For projects near shoreland, wetlands, bluffs, floodplain soils, or other sensitive areas, use the Environmental Considerations before submitting plans.
Important
This checklist and wizard are planning tools only. They are designed to help applicants identify likely permits and approval paths, but they are not a final legal determination. Applicants should still contact WTPA before beginning work.