BRAINERD — The Crow Wing County Land Services Department will use a new and enhanced online permit application and approval system beginning Wednesday, Sept. 28, to make it more convenient to apply for land-use-related permits.
An email address is needed to log into the system, which can be found online at
crowwing.us/217/Permit-Information
. The permitting system will also allow customers to pay required fees either with a check or credit card.
Crow Wing County will still accept permit applications by visiting the Land Services Department in person at 322 Laurel St., Suite 15, Brainerd, but the county is encouraging the public to use the online permitting system.
“The permitting software was completed with the customer in mind,” stated county IT Director Jason Walkowiak in a news release. “The permitting system is user-friendly and will provide a convenient and easy way to apply for permits.”
Just like the current online system, customers will be notified via email as the permit moves through the approval process. The new permitting software will allow the county to manage its relationships and interactions with customers, stay better connected to customers, streamline processes, and better track interactions and data points, the release stated.
“We recognize that many of our customers are from the Twin Cities metropolitan area, and it’s not always convenient to come to Brainerd to apply for a permit,” environmental services supervisor Jake Frie stated in the release.
Ultimately, the software will provide a better customer service experience while also providing enhanced tools to allow the county to make quicker, more informed decisions about its processes and interactions with customers, according to the release.
“This new software will make it easier for folks to get the proper permits. It is a continuation of our commitment to allow permit applications to be submitted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,” Frie stated.
The county requires permits for new construction, additions to existing structures and septic systems. In addition, permits are needed for most landscaping activities around lakes.
Since 2020, the county has averaged approximately 1,000 approved permits annually. Site-specific performance standards to protect county lakes and streams are reviewed and approved prior to issuing a building permit.
Properties that exceed 15% impervious surface coverage (hard surfaces such as driveways or rooftops) are required to submit a stormwater management plan that prevents water from a 1-inch rain event from going directly into a lake or stream.
At this time, the permit system will be used for all residential and commercial land-use-related permit applications. Future expansions include adding subdivisions/land splits, wetland applications, e911 sign requests, public hearing applications and other areas of land services. Also, the county is planning to expand usage of the new permitting software to community services, the highway department and other areas of county government.
