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.

For questions or concerns relating to your building project, please contact Kevin Murphy, Building Official, at 507-332-6174, or Ryan Wessner, Building Inspector, at 507-332-6172.

​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. Please note that the county does not handle building or zoning issues for properties located in Bridgewater Township. Contact Jim Braun at 763-389-3487 for more information.

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

Required Information Documents

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

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.