Utility crossing licenses

Utility lines crossing state land or public waters

Do I need permission to install a utility line across state land or public waters?

Yes. Minnesota Statute 84.415 requires that a license be obtained from the Department of Natural Resources for the passage of any utility over, under or across any state land or public waters. Public waters are any water bodies (lakes, rivers and some wetlands) identified as such on the Public Waters and Wetlands Maps. These maps were produced on a county-by-county basis and are available for download from the Public Waters Inventory Maps portion of this web site, or from Minnesota's Bookstore.

What constitutes a "utility line"?

Telephone, fiber optic, electrical or other lines, cables or conduits. Also pipelines or mains for gases, liquids, or solids in suspension.

1. Application for License to Cross Public Lands & Waters (225 kb - 4p) The application is also available as a MS Word fillable form (982 kb - 4p)
This is the application to use when applying for any license to install a utility across state land or public waters. Instructions for completion of the application are contained in the "Instructions" document below. Additional information is included at the bottom of the second page of the application. Pages 3 & 4 provide a table and map with information on where to submit your application.

2. Instructions for Completing an Application for License to Cross Public Lands & Waters (26kb/4p)
Please review these Instructions before completing a copy of the license application.

3. Licenses for Utility Crossings of Public Lands & Waters According to Minnesota Rules Chapter 6135 (98kb/10p)
This document includes the Minnesota Rules (Chapter 6135) established to provide additional direction for the installation of utilities across public lands and waters. The establishment of these Rules was required under Minnesota Statute 84.415. All installations of utilities must comply with the requirements listed in these Rules. The Rate Tables (pp. 4 - 7) are provided so that the applicant can get an estimate of the fee for the development of a particular crossing. License payments should not be calculated and submitted with the license application. The only payment submitted with an application should be the $500.00 application fee. The DNR will calculate the correct license fee and bill the applicant at the time the license is issued.

More information

Contact your Division of Lands and Minerals Regional Operations staff for more information.

Download this information in a printable brochure format .