Big Stone County, MN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Permits required outside the corporate limits of municipalities.

Department

Big Stone County Environmental Services

Address

843 O'Neill Street, Ortonville, MN 56278

Phone

(320) 839-6376

Email

permits@bigstonecounty.gov

Website

https://bigstonecounty.gov/departments/environmental/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Use the Permit Finder GIS application or obtain a form from the Environmental Office.
2. Complete the application form and submit it to the Environmental Office for review.
3. Receive county approval and signature before starting construction.

Source: Big Stone County Environmental Services

General Requirements

Required for all new construction, all structures moved and all structures replaced, all individual on-site sewage treatment systems, and excavations in excess of 50 cubic yards or 10 cubic yards in shoreland areas.

Required Documents

• Dwelling/commercial form with applicant name, parcel ID, contact details, project description, contractor name and phone, lot dimensions, project cost, setbacks, floodplain status, walkout basement status, elevation data, and landowner signature
• Accessory structure form with similar site and setback details

Permit validity

Dwelling/commercial permit expires one year from approval date unless an extension is granted. Accessory permit work may not begin until approved and signed.

Contractor requirements

Contractor name and phone are requested on the form; no public contractor registration rule was located.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$100 for accessory building permits; $200 for dwelling/commercial building permits

Permit fee formula

Flat permit fees are published on the county fee table; no detailed ICC formula was located in the research.

Reinspection fee

Any permit after the fact: $200

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Big Stone County Environmental Services to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Application, county review, approval/signature, permit issuance, construction, and county inspection where applicable.

Additional Resources

• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Floodplain Management
• Shoreland Management
• County Fee Schedule
• County Contact Page
• License lookup guide: Minnesota Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Minnesota Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Minnesota hub: Minnesota Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Big Stone County Building Permit FAQ

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

Required for all new construction, all structures moved and all structures replaced, all individual on-site sewage treatment systems, and excavations in excess of 50 cubic yards or 10 cubic yards in shoreland areas.

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

The minimum permit fee is $100 for accessory building permits; $200 for dwelling/commercial building permits. Fees are calculated as: Flat permit fees are published on the county fee table; no detailed ICC formula was located in the research..

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

1. Use the Permit Finder GIS application or obtain a form from the Environmental Office. 2. Complete the application form and submit it to the Environmental Office for review. 3. Receive county approval and signature before starting construction.