City Building Permits

Ortonville, MN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Ortonville, Minnesota. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Minnesota Big Stone County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City limits of Ortonville, plus extraterritorial limits permitted by Minnesota statute and city ordinance.

Department
City of Ortonville Building Inspector / City Zoning Administrator
Address
437 N Minnesota Street, Ortonville, MN 56278
Phone
(320) 839-3428

Application Process

  1. Complete the city permit form and submit it to the zoning administrator.
  2. Include a scaled plan, lot dimensions, legal description, structure and accessory structure locations, and any other information requested by the zoning administrator.
  3. Zoning administrator reviews the application for compliance with the ordinance and applicable building, housing, and fire prevention codes.
  4. Permit is issued when the plans comply and fees are paid.

Source: City of Ortonville Building Inspector / City Zoning Administrator

General Requirements

No person shall erect, alter, or move any building or structure with cost over $500 without first obtaining a building permit.

Required Documents

  • Official application form
  • Scaled plan
  • Lot dimensions
  • Legal description
  • Size and location of principal and accessory structures
  • Other information deemed necessary by the zoning administrator
Permit validity
All building permits are valid for 180 days only, or as long as progress is continual. Permits become invalid when progress is abandoned for six months or more. One renewal may be obtained for good reason by the original permit holder.
Building code
Minnesota State Building Code adopted by reference; the most current edition applies except optional appendices unless specifically adopted. Optional chapters adopted include Minnesota Rules 1306 and 1335 floodproofing provisions.
Contractor requirements
Contractors must register when doing work within the city; registration requires a contractor registration form, contractor license copy, and ID.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
Examples include single family housing development $50, additions $25, garages $25, storage sheds $10, and driveways $10.
Plan check fee
Plan review and administrative base fee is published by category, for example $100 for new home construction and $75 for decks.
Permit fee formula
New home construction uses ICC formula per $1000 valuation with minimum fee of ICC formula. Other construction uses ICC formula with valuation-based brackets.
Reinspection fee
Additional inspections after included count cost $80 each; permit transfer costs $80.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Ortonville Building Inspector / City Zoning Administrator to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: Inspections are fee-based at $80 per inspection. Minimum inspections for modular buildings are footing, backfill, and final. Decks include 2 inspections in the base fee.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Ortonville Building Inspector / City Zoning Administrator before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ortonville Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Ortonville, MN?
No person shall erect, alter, or move any building or structure with cost over $500 without first obtaining a building permit.
How much does a building permit cost in Ortonville, MN?
The minimum permit fee is Examples include single family housing development $50, additions $25, garages $25, storage sheds $10, and driveways $10.. Fees are calculated as: New home construction uses ICC formula per $1000 valuation with minimum fee of ICC formula. Other construction uses ICC formula with valuation-based brackets.. Plan check fee: Plan review and administrative base fee is published by category, for example $100 for new home construction and $75 for decks..
How do I apply for a building permit in Ortonville, MN?
1. Complete the city permit form and submit it to the zoning administrator. 2. Include a scaled plan, lot dimensions, legal description, structure and accessory structure locations, and any other information requested by the zoning administrator. 3. Zoning administrator reviews the application for compliance with the ordinance and applicable building, housing, and fire prevention codes. 4. Permit is issued when the plans comply and fees are paid.

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Navigating permits in Ortonville can be complicated.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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