Benton County, MN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All areas outside the listed city limits and certain annexation areas that obtain land use and building permits through Benton County.

Department

Benton County Land Services, Planning & Zoning

Address

Benton County Government Center, 531 Dewey Street, P.O. Box 129, Foley, MN 56329

Phone

320-968-5000; Planning & Zoning 320-968-5065

Website

https://www.bentoncountymn.gov/559/Building-Permit-Information

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm parcel jurisdiction on the county Building Permit Information page.
2. Apply online for the building permit and land use permit as applicable.
3. County staff reviews land use compliance, then the contracted building official reviews plans and inspections.
4. Pay applicable fees and obtain the issued permit before starting work.
5. Coordinate inspections with the contracted inspector during construction.

Source: Benton County Land Services, Planning & Zoning

General Requirements

A building permit is required for structures 200 square feet or larger, and a land use permit is required for structures 200 square feet or larger. Agricultural buildings are exempt from building code permits, but a land use permit is still required.

Building code

Minnesota State Building Code, locally administered

Contractor requirements

County contracts inspections through a certified building official; trade licensing follows Minnesota law.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Land use permit $100; building code fee minimums are permit-type specific

Plan check fee

Residential and commercial building plan review is 65 percent of the permit fee

Permit fee formula

Mixed schedule, valuation-based for many items

Reinspection fee

Re-inspection $50 per hour with 1 hour minimum

Penalty (no permit)

Construction without permit investigation double the permit fee; non-business-hours inspection $100 per hour with 1 hour minimum

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective March 4, 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Agricultural buildings are exempt from building code permits, but not from land use permits

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Inspection Services of Central Minnesota, Inc. (contracted inspector)

Typical inspection sequence: County and contracted inspector review, then standard footing, framing, rough-in, and final inspections as applicable.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Minnesota State Building Code, locally administered
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Applications and Forms
• Building Permit Information
• License lookup guide: Minnesota Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Minnesota Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Minnesota hub: Minnesota Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Benton County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Benton County, MN?

A building permit is required for structures 200 square feet or larger, and a land use permit is required for structures 200 square feet or larger. Agricultural buildings are exempt from building code permits, but a land use permit is still required.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Benton County, MN?

The minimum permit fee is Land use permit $100; building code fee minimums are permit-type specific. Fees are calculated as: Mixed schedule, valuation-based for many items. Plan check fee: Residential and commercial building plan review is 65 percent of the permit fee.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Benton County, MN?

1. Confirm parcel jurisdiction on the county Building Permit Information page. 2. Apply online for the building permit and land use permit as applicable. 3. County staff reviews land use compliance, then the contracted building official reviews plans and inspections. 4. Pay applicable fees and obtain the issued permit before starting work. 5. Coordinate inspections with the contracted inspector during construction.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Benton County, MN?

The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings are exempt from building code permits, but not from land use permits.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Benton County, MN?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Inspection Services of Central Minnesota, Inc..