How much does a building permit cost in Brownsville, MN?

The minimum permit fee is $25 application fee, non-refundable and applied to fees if approved. Fees are calculated as: Published fee schedule includes $100 new construction residential, $25 utility shed up to 150 sq ft, $25 patio/driveway, $25 sign, $25 work in the street right-of-way, $25 structure alterations, and other listed items.

How do I apply for a building permit in Brownsville, MN?

1. Complete the Building/Zoning Permit Application. 2. Include drawing and sign the application. 3. Submit to the city office by mail, email, or in-person. 4. Applications must be submitted 1 week prior to the city council meeting for approval. 5. The city notes that in some cases more than 1 week may be required to allow site inspection before agenda placement. 6. Permit is issued after council approval and any required inspection.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Brownsville, MN?

Typical processing time is At least 1 week before council meeting; sometimes longer..

How do I schedule a building inspection in Brownsville, MN?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Site inspection must occur before approval. Thin data on whether it is scheduled by clerk, inspector, or council workflo.

City Building Permits

Brownsville, MN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Minnesota Houston County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City of Brownsville

Department: City Clerk / City of Brownsville
Address: P.O. Box 138, 104 N 6th Street, Brownsville, MN 55919
Phone: 507-482-6732
Email: brownsvi@acegroup.cc
Website: https://www.brownsvillemn.gov/departments/city-clerk/

Online Permit Portal

Open

Platform: Jotform fillable application linked from the city site • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Complete the Building/Zoning Permit Application.
Include drawing and sign the application.
Submit to the city office by mail, email, or in-person.
Applications must be submitted 1 week prior to the city council meeting for approval.
The city notes that in some cases more than 1 week may be required to allow site inspection before agenda placement.
Permit is issued after council approval and any required inspection.

Typical processing time: At least 1 week before council meeting; sometimes longer.

Source: City Clerk / City of Brownsville

General Requirements

Required Documents

Completed application, drawing, sign application. The form itself also tracks project address, contractor details, and site information.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $25 application fee, non-refundable and applied to fees if approved
Permit fee formula: Published fee schedule includes $100 new construction residential, $25 utility shed up to 150 sq ft, $25 patio/driveway, $25 sign, $25 work in the street right-of-way, $25 structure alterations, and other listed items

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City Clerk / City of Brownsville to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Site inspection must occur before approval. Thin data on whether it is scheduled by clerk, inspector, or council workflo (online)

Inspection hours: City Clerk office hours Mon-Thur 8:00 AM-2:00 PM, Fri 8:00 AM-1:00 PM, Sat 8:00 AM-12:00 AM as published.

Typical inspection sequence: Application, inspection, council approval, permit issued.

Additional Resources

Zoning / permits
City council agenda note
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 City Clerk / City of Brownsville before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville Building Permit FAQ

How much does a building permit cost in Brownsville, MN?: The minimum permit fee is $25 application fee, non-refundable and applied to fees if approved. Fees are calculated as: Published fee schedule includes $100 new construction residential, $25 utility shed up to 150 sq ft, $25 patio/driveway, $25 sign, $25 work in the street right-of-way, $25 structure alterations, and other listed items.
How do I apply for a building permit in Brownsville, MN?: 1. Complete the Building/Zoning Permit Application. 2. Include drawing and sign the application. 3. Submit to the city office by mail, email, or in-person. 4. Applications must be submitted 1 week prior to the city council meeting for approval. 5. The city notes that in some cases more than 1 week may be required to allow site inspection before agenda placement. 6. Permit is issued after council approval and any required inspection.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Brownsville, MN?: Typical processing time is At least 1 week before council meeting; sometimes longer..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Brownsville, MN?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Site inspection must occur before approval. Thin data on whether it is scheduled by clerk, inspector, or council workflo.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Brownsville 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.

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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.

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