Online permitting

Homeowner Logo in the shape of a house outline.All building and zoning permit applications for projects located in unincorporated areas of Rice County must be submitted through the online permitting system.
Apply for permits at permits.co.rice.mn.us.

Note: Internet Explorer is not recommended with our online permitting system. For an optimal experience, use a different browser.

For more information about the online permitting system, read the Frequently Asked Questions or call 507-332-6113. The county does not handle building or zoning permits for properties located in Bridgewater Township. For  information on permits in Bridgewater Township, call 507-645-1656 or email Bridgewater.

Electrical permits are available online through the state of Minnesota's Electrical Permits website.

For more information about the online permitting system, read the Frequently Asked Questions or call 507-332-6113. The county does not handle building or zoning permits for properties located in Bridgewater Township. For more information on permits in Bridgewater Township, call 507-645-1656 or email Bridgewater.

Electrical permits are available online through the state of Minnesota Electrical Permits website.

Building permits


Building, remodeling or adding a structure to a property requires a building permit. Find fact sheets on all our building permits on the Building Division page.

Exterior maintenance and mechanical/fireplace/wood stove permit fees are paid for and issued at the time of application. All other building permits require payment of an initial application fee and a second invoice based on project type and size. Building permits are issued after staff reviews are complete – a process that typically takes 10-15 working days – and the second invoice is paid. Demolition permits are free.

Zoning permits

Fact sheets on each type of zoning permit, including variances, conditional use permits, plat permits and zoning permits can be found on the Planning & Zoning page. All zoning permit fees must be paid at the time of application.

Variance requests are heard by the Board of Adjustment. All other zoning permits are reviewed by the Planning Commission and voted on by the Board of Commissioners. Application deadlines and dates for those meetings can be found here.

Permitting forms

  1. Authorized Agent form
  2. Base Density Calculation
  3. Conditional Use Permit Criteria
  4. Conservation Easement
  5. Erosion Control plan
  6. Fire Protection System Application
  7. Impervious Surface Calculations forms
  8. Mechanical information
  9. New House Energy Certificate
  10. Property Owner Waiver
  11. Site plan
  12. Transfer Development Rights
  13. Variance Criteria