Building Division

The Building Division administers the State Building Code and ensures that all construction in the unincorporated areas of the county comply with proper building regulations. The division performs field inspections of residential and commercial structures, including fireplaces, footings, foundations, heating, plumbing, and structural components.

​Building Permits/Online Permitting System


All construction projects in the unincorporated areas of the county require a building permit. Find building permit fact sheets in the Required Information Documents section below.

Permits are also required for demolition of existing structures.

All permits must be applied for online. For other information and to access our online permitting system, please go to our Online Permitting page.

Please note: the county does not handle building or zoning issues for properties located within the following incorporated areas: Dundas, Faribault, Lonsdale, Morristown, and Northfield; nor within Bridgewater Township. Please contact Bridgewater Township at 507-645-1656 or the specific City in which you live for more information.

Required Information Documents

  1. Accessory Building (pdf)
  2. Additions and Porches (PDF)
  3. Agricultural Structures (PDF)
  4. Basements or Interior Remodeling (PDF)
  5. Commercial Building Permit (PDF)
  6. Deck (PDF)
  7. Demolition (PDF)
  8. Exterior Maintenance (PDF)
  9. Garage and Shed (PDF)
  10. Land Use Permit (PDF)
  11. Manufactured Home (PDF)
  12. Mechanical and Fireplace Wood Stove (PDF)
  13. Plumbing Permit (PDF)
  14. Pole Building (PDF)
  15. Pool (PDF)
  16. Relocated House (PDF)
  17. Single Family House (PDF)
  18. Solar Project (PDF)
  19. Solar State Building Code Fact Sheet (PDF)

Supporting Policies

  1. Post Framed Structure Policy

Electrical Permits

Apply online through the State of MN (Click Here)
For more information, contact Minnesota State Electrical Inspector Randy Edel at 507-334-3748.