Lac Qui Parle County, MN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Lac qui Parle County, except incorporated areas or townships that administer their own SSTS program by ordinance

Department

Lac qui Parle County Planning and Zoning / Environmental Services

Address

600 6th Street, Madison, MN 56256

Phone

320-598-3132 for Environmental Office

Application Process

1. Confirm parcel zoning and whether the work is subject to county land use or building review.
2. Prepare a site plan and any supporting documents.
3. File the permit application with the county administrator or county office.
4. County review confirms conformity with zoning and applicable codes.
5. Permit is issued after approval and fee payment.
6. Work begins and inspections are scheduled as required.

General Requirements

The county zoning ordinance says no person may erect or alter a building or structure without first obtaining a building permit from the administrator.

Required Documents

• Site plan drawn to scale showing lot dimensions, building size and location, accessory buildings, and proposed use; other information the administrator deems necessary.

Building code

Lac qui Parle County adopted the Minnesota State Building Code in the 1979 building code ordinance.

Fees

Permit fee formula

The zoning ordinance says the amount of the building or setback permit fee is determined by the County Board of Commissioners.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Interior remodeling that does not change exterior dimensions is exempt from permit fee, but the ordinance still says it requires a building permit.
• Normal maintenance and repair is exempt unless the use of the structure is changed.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• No published online inspection scheduling system found, thin data (online)

Typical inspection sequence: Not fully published for general building permits, thin data

Additional Resources

• Building code: Lac qui Parle County adopted the Minnesota State Building Code in the 1979 building code ordinance.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Building code ordinance
• Fee schedule
• SSTS ordinance
• License lookup guide: Minnesota Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Minnesota Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Minnesota hub: Minnesota Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Lac Qui Parle County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Lac Qui Parle County, MN?

The county zoning ordinance says no person may erect or alter a building or structure without first obtaining a building permit from the administrator.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Lac Qui Parle County, MN?

Fees are calculated as: The zoning ordinance says the amount of the building or setback permit fee is determined by the County Board of Commissioners..

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Lac Qui Parle County, MN?

1. Confirm parcel zoning and whether the work is subject to county land use or building review. 2. Prepare a site plan and any supporting documents. 3. File the permit application with the county administrator or county office. 4. County review confirms conformity with zoning and applicable codes. 5. Permit is issued after approval and fee payment. 6. Work begins and inspections are scheduled as required.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Lac Qui Parle County, MN?

The following work is generally exempt: Interior remodeling that does not change exterior dimensions is exempt from permit fee, but the ordinance still says it requires a building permit.; Normal maintenance and repair is exempt unless the use of the structure is changed..

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Lac Qui Parle County, MN?

Inspections can be scheduled via: No published online inspection scheduling system found, thin data.