Common Questions about the Construction Stormwater Permit Application
Do I need a Construction Stormwater Permit?
Yes, if your construction project will disturb more than one acre of land. If your project is under an acre in size, but is part of a larger development, you will also need a permit.
When can I start construction?
On a typical construction project, you may start construction two days after you apply online. Those who do not have the means to apply online, may seek to submit a paper application. Construction may start seven days after receipt of the postmark date of a paper application.
If your project will disturb more than 50 acres and water from your site discharges within one mile of a state-designated Special or Impaired Water, you are required to submit your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) along with your application and wait for the conclusion of a 30-day review period. This submittal cannot be done electronically.
Am I filling out my application correctly?
If you leave anything blank, probably not. See “Steps to Construction” on the Stormwater Steps to Construction or call 651-757-2119 or 800-657-3804 if you have questions about how to complete the application.
Versions of the application form are below.
-
General Stormwater Permit Application (wq-strm2-57) -
Application for the Construction Stormwater Permit (wq-strm2-57)
I do not have a contractor named yet. Can I still fill out my application?
Yes. For now, use the owner information in both owner and contractor fields of the form. The owner signs both parts of the form. After the contractor has been identified, use the Notice of Termination/Permit Modification (NOT) form to add the contractor. Use number 2 on the NOT Form, (Transfer Modification), and check (e) and (f). Then sign (A-1) and have the new contractor sign (A-4).
How can I find out if my site is within one mile of a Special or Impaired Water?
Use the Special or Impaired Water search tool.
How do I pay my permit fee?
When you apply online, you will have the option of paying the $400 application fee either through a checking account or credit card. If you need to fill out the paper application, attach a check for $400 made out to the MPCA and include it with your application.
If I cannot apply online, where do I mail my application?
Mail to: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Construction Stormwater Program
520 Lafayette Road North
St. Paul, MN 55155-4194
When will I hear back from the MPCA regarding the status of my permit application?
If you apply online, you will receive immediate proof of application with an automated email confirmation. If you submitted a paper permit application, you will receive an email or letter confirmation for your records within 14 days for most projects.
What is the status of my permit coverage?
You can check the status of your permit using the Construction Stormwater Permit Search application, or by calling the MPCA at 651-757-2119 or 800-657-3804.
When will I hear back from the MPCA regarding my Notice of Termination/Permit Modification (NOT) Form?
If you are submitting the NOT form to transfer permit coverage for a portion of the site to a new owner or contractor (Subdivision), the new owner and contractor will receive a confirmation letter or email after the form is processed.
If you are submitting the NOT form to transfer the entire site to a new owner or contractor (Transfer Modification), the new owner and contractor will receive a confirmation letter or email after the form is processed.
If you are submitting the NOT to terminate permit coverage, you will not hear from the MPCA unless there is a mistake on the form.
To determine if coverage has been received or the permit has been terminated, please check the Construction Stormwater Permit Search application. It may take a few days for the NOT changes to show up at the permit search site.
Note: “Active” means the permit is still open; “Inactive” means the permit has been terminated or closed.
How do I complete the NOT form if the original contractor is out-of-business?
The owner can complete the contractor information and sign the form. Then note the reason for not being able to complete the contractor’s signature.
What is a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)?
A SWPPP describes the scope of the planned construction project and describes measures to control runoff. A SWPPP must be completed before submitting your application. Training is required to complete a SWPPP.
A consultant trained in SWPPP preparation may be able to prepare your SWPPP. To verify that the SWPPP contains the proper information, use the 
SWPPP checklist (wq-strm2-47).
For simple construction sites disturbing only an acre or two, use the Small Construction SWPPP Template (wq-strm2-12).
Review the Construction Stormwater Permit fact sheet (wq-strm2-31) for more information on training requirements.
Basic Permit preventative measures to control stormwater
These five simple steps will help keep you in compliance with the stormwater permit and prevent devastating environmental effects to a nearby wetland, creek or lake:
- Stabilize exposed soil: Without plant roots to hold soil in place, soil can quickly wash away in a downpour. Cover exposed slopes with temporary mats or mulch before heavy rain.
- Control your perimeter: Watch the flow of water on and off your site. Silt fences or other barriers help keep sediment on site. Water diversions, such as embankments, may be used to help keep extra water from entering the site.
- Maintain silt fences and other BMPs: Erosion and sediment control BMPs only work so long, so replace or repair the BMPs if they are no longer effective. Silt fences need to be cleaned out or replaced if silt has reached one-third the height of the fence.
- Keep vehicles from tracking: Install a rock pad at the exit to your site to minimize tracking unto roads and residential streets.
- Protect stormwater inlets: Install an inlet protection devise to keep sediment out of the storm sewer.
Visit the Stormwater Program for Construction Activity for more information on prevention practices to help meet these requirements.
Contact the MPCA
For more information call the Stormwater Hotline at 651-757-2119 or 800-657-3804
For staff directory or general questions, contact the MPCA Information desk at:
651-296-6300 or toll-free: 800-657-3864
