Brown County, MN — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Brown County Planning and Zoning Office

Street address

14 S State Street, New Ulm, MN 56073

Coverage

Brown County planning and zoning permits for property outside city limits only

Online portal

Brown County Permit Portal

RTVision

Website

Department website

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Brown County

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.

Source: Brown County Planning and Zoning Office ↗

§ 03

Application process

Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final

01

Confirm the parcel is outside city limits. The portal states that if you live within city limits, you must apply through the city.
02

Select the correct application type in the portal, such as Construction/Zoning Permit, Exterior Maintenance Permit, Septic Permit, or Sign Permit.
03

Submit the form and any required supporting documents through the portal.
04

County staff review the submittal and coordinate any follow-up questions, corrections, or inspections.
05

Permit is issued after approval and fee payment.

Source: Brown County Planning and Zoning Office ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Brown County building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

Typical sequence: Application, county review, then inspections as needed before or during construction and at completion.

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about unincorporated Brown County permits

01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Brown County, MN? ▸

02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Brown County, MN? ▸

Building permit fees in unincorporated Brown County, MN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..

03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Brown County, MN? ▸

To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Brown County, MN, follow these steps: 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.

last verified April 2026 source Brown County Planning and Zoning Office ↗ entry id permits/minnesota/brown/unincorporated

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Brown County Planning and Zoning Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

Unincorporated Brown County