Crow Wing County Land Services Department is opening a satellite office in Jenkins.

The office in Jenkins City Hall is expected to be open every Tuesday between 8 and 11:30 a.m. from May 1 through Oct. 30 at 33861 Cottage Ave., Jenkins.

Chris Pence, Land Services supervisor, said the department’s staff will be on hand to discuss land use issues, provide all necessary land use forms and accept permit applications.

Pence told Crow Wing County Board members Tuesday, he brought the idea for the satellite office with him after seeing a similar option in Cass County.

Ideal Township by Jenkins is one of the top permit areas in the county, Pence said.

Commissioner Paul Thiede, who represents the area, said he thinks the satellite office will be well received.

“I love this trend of taking it to the people,” said Commissioner Rachel Reabe Nystrom. “I think that it is brilliant.”

Commissioner Phil Trusty wondered about Crosslake as a more central location in the north part of the county. Pence said they will look at that and re-evaluate things at the end of the year to see if other spots, too, such as Crosby or Garrison.

In a news release, Thiede said the Jenkins office will be “a convenient option for those who live a distance from the courthouse. Residents generally want to do the right things in land use and this is another opportunity to get answers to questions before an application is made.”

The Land Services Department performs on-site reviews of permit applications prior to issuing a land use permit. The review is designed to help landowners comply with county land use requirements and eliminate the guesswork of understanding the ordinance requirements, the county reported.

After the permit application has been submitted, the permit request will be assigned to a land service specialist for a site visit. Before the site visits, landowners will be required to stake out the proposed building site. Most permits are approved in 10 days or less.

Landowners can also request a “call for service” where a land service specialist will meet on-site before any permit requests to discuss any land use issues or questions. There is no cost for this service.

In addition, certain performance standards are required for properties that are located within the Shoreland District.

The Shoreland District is any land located 1,000 feet from a lake and 300 feet from a river or stream. Impervious coverage, such as roofs and pavement, is limited to 25 percent and any permitted improvements that exceed 15 percent impervious coverage on lake lots require stormwater runoff to be treated before it goes into the lake.

Shoreline buffers may also be required if the impervious coverage exceeds 20 percent. Septic systems also need to be compliant and pumped out within the last three years to obtain a permit.

For more information, contact the Environmental Services Office at 824-1125 or email to environmental.services@co.crow-wing.mn.us. Crow Wing County information and resources may be found at www.co-crow-wing.mn.us.