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

The minimum permit fee is Construction - Accessory Building $100. Fees are calculated as: Flat fee by permit class on the county page reviewed.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Blue Earth County, MN?

Typical processing time is Up to 10 business days from application to issuance, sometimes longer..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Typical structure maintenance like re-shingling, re-siding, and replacing windows and doors does not require a county construction permit..

County Building Permits

Blue Earth County, MN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Blue Earth County, Minnesota. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Minnesota Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Unincorporated Blue Earth County only. The county states it does not issue construction permits within city limits or within Lime Township and Mankato Township.

Department: Blue Earth County Property and Environmental Resources, Property and Land / Planning and Zoning
Address: 410 S. 5th St., Mankato, MN 56001
Phone: (507) 304-4251
Website: https://www.blueearthcountymn.gov/242/Construction-Permits

Application Process

Confirm the parcel is outside city limits and outside the township areas handled by Mankato.
Contact Property and Environmental Resources to confirm the permit type and any zoning issues.
Submit the application for county review.
County reviews setbacks and zoning compliance.
Permit is issued after review.

Typical processing time: Up to 10 business days from application to issuance, sometimes longer.

Source: Blue Earth County Property and Environmental Resources, Property and Land / Planning and Zoning

General Requirements

Required outside city limits when building a structure, moving a structure, adding onto a structure, including decks, or making a structural alteration including roof line changes or excavation for footings, foundations, slabs, basements, or other parts of a structure.

Permit validity: 1 year.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Construction - Accessory Building $100
Permit fee formula: Flat fee by permit class on the county page reviewed

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Typical structure maintenance like re-shingling, re-siding, and replacing windows and doors does not require a county construction permit.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspection hours: County office hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Additional Resources

Zoning information: View zoning info
County property and environmental resources landing page
License lookup guide: Minnesota Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Minnesota Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Minnesota hub: Minnesota Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Blue Earth County Property and Environmental Resources, Property and Land / Planning and Zoning before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Blue Earth County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Blue Earth County, MN?: Required outside city limits when building a structure, moving a structure, adding onto a structure, including decks, or making a structural alteration including roof line changes or excavation for footings, foundations, slabs, basements, or other parts of a structure.
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Blue Earth County, MN?: The minimum permit fee is Construction - Accessory Building $100. Fees are calculated as: Flat fee by permit class on the county page reviewed.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Blue Earth County, MN?: 1. Confirm the parcel is outside city limits and outside the township areas handled by Mankato. 2. Contact Property and Environmental Resources to confirm the permit type and any zoning issues. 3. Submit the application for county review. 4. County reviews setbacks and zoning compliance. 5. Permit is issued after review.
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Blue Earth County, MN?: Typical processing time is Up to 10 business days from application to issuance, sometimes longer..
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Blue Earth County, MN?: The following work is generally exempt: Typical structure maintenance like re-shingling, re-siding, and replacing windows and doors does not require a county construction permit..

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Blue Earth County Unincorporated Area can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

Learn how Jaspector works

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.

← Back to Blue Earth County permit guides