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§ MN Faribault County
County building permits

Unincorporated Faribault County

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

Code adoption
Faribault County does not enforce building code.
Last verified
April 2026
On this page 6
§ 01

Permit authority

Faribault County Planning and Zoning

Street address
Blue Earth Ag. Center, 415 S Grove St., Suite 8, Blue Earth, MN 56013
Phone
(507) 526-2388
Email
sara.hauskins@co.faribault.mn.us
Coverage
Unincorporated areas of Faribault County only. County zoning staff issue building/zoning permits in the county system and maintain the zoning ordinance. The county does not enforce the state building code.
Online portal
Faribault County Building Permit Page
County web page with downloadable PDF application and Zoning Permit Viewer
Website
Department website
Additional resources
§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Faribault County

New construction, additions, decks, attached garages, enclosed or covered porches, accessory structures, pools, grain bins, construction, alteration, and movement of buildings.

Reshingling
Residing
Window replacement
Internal remodeling
  • Exempt Reshingling
  • Exempt Residing
  • Exempt Window replacement
  • Exempt Internal remodeling
Required documents
  • Permit application
  • Certificate of Compliance
  • Septic pumping or maintenance proof
  • Site information
  • Address and landowner information
Building code
Faribault County does not enforce building code.
Permit validity
Permit valid for 1 year after approval and issuance.
§ 03

Application process

Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final

  1. 01
    Confirm the project is in an unincorporated county area and not inside a city.
  2. 02
    Confirm zoning, setbacks, lot size, floodplain, and septic compliance.
  3. 03
    Gather a Certificate of Compliance and proof the septic system has been maintained or pumped within the last 3 years.
  4. 04
    Submit the building/zoning permit application to Planning and Zoning.
  5. 05
    County reviews the application and issues the permit if requirements are satisfied.
  6. 06
    Permit is issued after approval and fee payment.

Source: Faribault County Planning and Zoning ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Faribault County building permit fees

Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Accessory structure/facility: $30; expansion to existing structure: $50; new structure: $100; 911 address: $150
02
Permit fee formula
Flat fee schedule published on the application
03
Reinspection fee
Late fee is double
04
Penalty (no permit)
Late fee is double

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

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

Inspection hours
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Typical sequence: Review zoning and septic compliance first, then permit issuance, then any county-required follow-up tied to the zoning permit.

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about unincorporated Faribault County permits

01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Faribault County, MN? ▸
New construction, additions, decks, attached garages, enclosed or covered porches, accessory structures, pools, grain bins, construction, alteration, and movement of buildings.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Faribault County, MN? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Faribault County, MN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Accessory structure/facility: $30; expansion to existing structure: $50; new structure: $100; 911 address: $150. Fees are calculated as: Flat fee schedule published on the application.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Faribault County, MN? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Faribault County, MN, follow these steps: 1. Confirm the project is in an unincorporated county area and not inside a city. 2. Confirm zoning, setbacks, lot size, floodplain, and septic compliance. 3. Gather a Certificate of Compliance and proof the septic system has been maintained or pumped within the last 3 years. 4. Submit the building/zoning permit application to Planning and Zoning. 5. County reviews the application and issues the permit if requirements are satisfied. 6. Permit is issued after approval and fee payment.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Faribault County, MN? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Faribault County, MN. The following work is generally exempt: Reshingling; Residing; Window replacement; Internal remodeling. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
last verified April 2026 source Faribault County Planning and Zoning ↗ entry id permits/minnesota/faribault/unincorporated
Report a correction

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

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