County Building Permits
Brown County, MN - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Brown County, Minnesota. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Brown County planning and zoning permits for property outside city limits only
- Department
- Brown County Planning and Zoning Office
- Address
- 14 S State Street, New Ulm, MN 56073
Online Permit Portal
Platform: RTVision • Account required: No • Submission: Online only
Application Process
- Confirm the parcel is outside city limits. The portal states that if you live within city limits, you must apply through the city.
- Select the correct application type in the portal, such as Construction/Zoning Permit, Exterior Maintenance Permit, Septic Permit, or Sign Permit.
- Submit the form and any required supporting documents through the portal.
- County staff review the submittal and coordinate any follow-up questions, corrections, or inspections.
- Permit is issued after approval and fee payment.
General Requirements
Brown County zoning permits are required for building-related work in unincorporated areas, including construction projects that add building square footage and exterior maintenance work such as re-shingling, windows, siding, and re-roofing on existing structures.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- Residential structures have a minimum of $26.25. Commercial/business structures and additions have a minimum of $52.50. Agriculture structures have a minimum of $26.25.
- Permit fee formula
- Residential structures are charged $0.08 per square foot, minimum $26.25. Agriculture structures are charged $0.05 per square foot, minimum $26.25, maximum $525. Commercial/business structures and additions are charged $0.08 per square foot, minimum $52.50.
- Penalty (no permit)
- Late fee for work started before permit is obtained is 2x original fee or $52.50, whichever is greater.
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Brown County Planning and Zoning Office to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
Typical inspection sequence: Application, county review, then inspections as needed before or during construction and at completion.
Additional Resources
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- County cities directory
- 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 Brown County Planning and Zoning Office before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Brown County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Brown County, MN?
- Brown County zoning permits are required for building-related work in unincorporated areas, including construction projects that add building square footage and exterior maintenance work such as re-shingling, windows, siding, and re-roofing on existing structures.
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Brown County, MN?
- The minimum permit fee is Residential structures have a minimum of $26.25. Commercial/business structures and additions have a minimum of $52.50. Agriculture structures have a minimum of $26.25.. Fees are calculated as: Residential structures are charged $0.08 per square foot, minimum $26.25. Agriculture structures are charged $0.05 per square foot, minimum $26.25, maximum $525. Commercial/business structures and additions are charged $0.08 per square foot, minimum $52.50..
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Brown County, MN?
- 1. Confirm the parcel is outside city limits. The portal states that if you live within city limits, you must apply through the city. 2. Select the correct application type in the portal, such as Construction/Zoning Permit, Exterior Maintenance Permit, Septic Permit, or Sign Permit. 3. Submit the form and any required supporting documents through the portal. 4. County staff review the submittal and coordinate any follow-up questions, corrections, or inspections. 5. Permit is issued after approval and fee payment.
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