On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Carver County
Permits are required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy or use of a building, and for regulated gas, mechanical, or plumbing work.
One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses not over 200 square feet
Fences not over 7 feet high
Retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting surcharge or certain liquids
Sidewalks and driveways not part of an accessible route
Decks and platforms not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not attached to a structure with frost footings, and not part of an accessible route
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Above-ground prefabricated pools within listed size limits
Certain portable gas and mechanical equipment listed in the county code overview letter
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses not over 200 square feet
- Exempt Fences not over 7 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting surcharge or certain liquids
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not part of an accessible route
- Exempt Decks and platforms not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not attached to a structure with frost footings, and not part of an accessible route
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Above-ground prefabricated pools within listed size limits
- Exempt Certain portable gas and mechanical equipment listed in the county code overview letter
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- plans
- specifications
- and engineered plans when required by the building official.
- Building code
- Minnesota State Building Code; the county's posted overview letter still references the 2015 Minnesota State Building Code, so applicants should confirm the current code edition at submittal.
- Permit validity
- Applications expire if incomplete or unpaid after 180 days. Issued permits expire if work does not start within 180 days or is suspended or abandoned for 180 days. Renewal is half the original permit fee plus a $5 state surcharge.
- Owner-builder
- Homeowners may apply when allowed by Minnesota rules, but county materials do not provide a separate owner-builder handout on the reviewed page.
- Contractor requirements
- Work must comply with Minnesota contractor licensing rules; county materials route electrical work to the state where applicable.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Confirm zoning and land use requirements with Carver County Land Management for the unincorporated parcel.
- 02 Complete the county permit application and assemble plans, specs, and any engineered drawings required by the building official.
- 03 Submit the completed application and supporting documents to Carver County Land Management; incomplete applications delay review.
- 04 Pay permit and plan review fees through the county.
- 05 County review is coordinated with Metro West Inspection Services for code review.
- 06 Once approved and paid, the permit is issued.
- 07 Schedule inspections at least 24 hours in advance with Metro West Inspection Services.
Source: Carver County Land Management ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Carver County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Additional plan review fees apply; revised plans also trigger an additional review fee
02
Permit fee formula
Building permit fees are valuation based under the county fee schedule; other permit types may be flat or category based
03
Reinspection fee
Reinspection fees may apply when work is not ready at the scheduled inspection; replacement inspection card fee is $30; expired permits require renewal fee plus surcharge
County materials state unpaid completed applications expire after 180 days
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 763-479-1720 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; minimum 24 hours advance notice
Typical sequence: Footing/foundation, framing and rough-ins, insulation or other trade stages as applicable, and final inspection or certificate of occupancy for new homes
Reinspection fees may apply if the work is not ready or not accessible; approved plans and inspection records must be on site
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Carver County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Carver County, MN? ▸
Permits are required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy or use of a building, and for regulated gas, mechanical, or plumbing work.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Carver County, MN? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Carver County, MN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Building permit fees are valuation based under the county fee schedule; other permit types may be flat or category based. Plan check fee: Additional plan review fees apply; revised plans also trigger an additional review fee.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Carver County, MN? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Carver County, MN, follow these steps: 1. Confirm zoning and land use requirements with Carver County Land Management for the unincorporated parcel. 2. Complete the county permit application and assemble plans, specs, and any engineered drawings required by the building official. 3. Submit the completed application and supporting documents to Carver County Land Management; incomplete applications delay review. 4. Pay permit and plan review fees through the county. 5. County review is coordinated with Metro West Inspection Services for code review. 6. Once approved and paid, the permit is issued. 7. Schedule inspections at least 24 hours in advance with Metro West Inspection Services.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Carver County, MN? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Carver County, MN. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses not over 200 square feet; Fences not over 7 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet high unless supporting surcharge or certain liquids; Sidewalks and driveways not part of an accessible route; Decks and platforms not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not attached to a structure with frost footings, and not part of an accessible route; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Above-ground prefabricated pools within listed size limits; Certain portable gas and mechanical equipment listed in the county code overview letter. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Carver County, MN? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Carver County, MN via: 763-479-1720.
last verified April 2026
source Carver County Land Management ↗
entry id permits/minnesota/carver/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Carver County Land Management before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.