1. What can I use as a time guide in planning and scheduling my project?

Generally it will take 45 to 180 days from the time you apply until your permit is issued or denied. Other factors include:

• The size and complexity of your project.
• The number of corrections requests made based on your original application and the information provided for it to be determined administratively complete.
• Whether the project requires Public Noticing or a Public Hearing.
• The season of the year, with spring and summer being the busiest.

2. Where should my permit application be sent to?

Permit applications should be sent to the Land and Water Management Division, Permit Consolidation Unit (PCU) in Lansing at:

LWMD PCU
P.O. Box 30204
Lansing, MI 48909-7704

Permit applications from Public Transportation Agencies should be mailed to:

MDEQ
LWMD-TFHU
PO Box 30458
Lansing, MI 48909-7958

3. How can I know my application has been received and is being processed?

All applications are entered into the Coastal and Inland Waters Permit Information System (CIWPIS).  This system provides an on-line service that allows you to follow your application through the review process. You can expect your application to be entered into CIWPIS within 7 days of receipt.

4. How soon will PCU staff begin working on my application?

Applications are processed in the date order in which they are received. The PCU review time for complete applications ranges from 15 to 45 days, depending on their completeness status and the need for additional information.

5. What items must be submitted with an application so it can be determined "complete" the first time without requiring additional information?

Each project is unique.  Until the application is reviewed by staff, full completeness can not be determined. At a minimum the application should include the following:

• Sections 1 through 9 fully completed, as well as the specific sections that relate to your project. Make sure that data provided in the application correspond to attached diagrams.
• The Application certified with a Signature, signed by the owner of the property, agent or corporation. NOTE: A letter of authorization from the property owner must be included if someone other than the property owner signs the application.
• A filing fee determined from the LWMD fee schedule.
• A clear and legible vicinity map and directions to the proposed site.
• A clear and legible site plan that shows all of the work proposed within the boundaries of your parcel, the size and dimensions of structures, wetland and floodplain boundaries, the type of materials proposed to be used, and the volumes of cut and fill.
• Cross sections showing existing and proposed conditions, drawn to scale and labeled.
• Information about any previous work done on the parcel with or without a permit. Provide drawings of these, clearly labeling existing and proposed work.
• Provide 4 sets of plans 8 ½ by 11" or 11 x 14".  If large plans are provided, include one set of legible plans that can be reproduced for public noticing purposes. If possible segment out and clearly labeled portions.

6. Why and when would I receive a letter that requests more information?

If during the application review process your application is determined to be incomplete for any reason, you will be contacted immediately by phone, email or letter. Often more information may be required. Examples include: if provided information is not consistent; if diagrams are not included, incomplete or unclear; if an appropriate signature is not provided; or if you have not included a check for the correct fee. Depending on the project, additional information may be required to clearly define the proposed activity.

7. When is the earliest I will receive status on my application?

When an application is determined to be complete, you will be notified by letter of your application file number and the telephone number of the field office where your application is being processed. If your application requires public noticing, you will also at that time receive a copy of the public notice specifying the corresponding comment period.

8. When will my file go to the appropriate MDEQ District Office?

Once the PCU has received the information on your project necessary to consider your application complete, including the full application fee and drawings that have adequate detail for review, the file will be sent to the appropriate MDEQ District Office for site inspection and final processing. NOTE-during the field inspection, district staff may determine that the application does not fully represent the proposed project and require more information. In some cases, this may mean that the application completeness date will change.

9. How and when will my file be processed in the District Office?

District Office processing times for technical review usually range from 60 to 90 days Processing times will be longer if a public notice is required or if a public hearing is held. A LWMD staff person from your local District Office may visit your project site and may contact you for additional information prior to making a decision on the permit.

10. What if a federal permit is also required?

A copy of the permit application will be sent to the Detroit District Office, USACE for processing at the federal level.

www.lre.usace.army.mil/ or call 313-226-2218

Additional Questions?

If you have any questions about the permitting process or if you need to modify your application, you can contact the PCU at 517-373-9244, send an email to DEQ-LWM-PCU@michigan.govor mail the PCU at the address above.