Mower County, MN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated Mower County only. The county zoning ordinance states that no person in the county may erect, alter, or move any building without first securing a zoning permit.

Department

Mower County Environmental Services, Zoning and Land Use

Address

201 1st Street NE, Austin, MN 55912

Phone

507-437-9560 Ext. 9217 (Angie Lipelt), 507-437-9490 Ext. 9204 (Mindy Williamson), main county phone 507-437-9494

Email

zoning@co.mower.mn.us

Website

https://co.mower.mn.us/216/Zoning-and-Land-Use

Application Process

Source: Mower County Environmental Services, Zoning and Land Use

General Requirements

For construction or placement of any structure on property in unincorporated Mower County.

Required Documents

• Completed zoning permit application, site drawing, and for new homes or replacement homes the rural/agricultural homeowner assumption of risk assessment form.

Owner-builder

New home or replacement home projects require the assumption of risk assessment form to be recorded and on file with Environmental Services.

Contractor requirements

County zoning materials do not publish a county contractor licensing requirement in the sources reviewed. Separate state trade licensing still applies.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Zoning permit fees published on the page are Ag/Accessory Structure $75 and Residential Structure $150.

Permit fee formula

Published zoning permit fees are flat fee amounts; land use permits vary by type. After-the-fact permits are 1.5x the base fee.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Minor repairs such as redecorating inside or outside, residing, or re-shingling.
• Minor structures meeting the county definition may be placed without a zoning permit, but still require zoning review, unless in shoreland, floodplain, or on nonconforming lots.
• Minor structures include self-standing storage/utility/greenhouse structures 200 sq ft or less and under 14 feet high, decks, playground equipment/playhouses, and swimming pools, subject to the ordinance conditions.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: For certain matters such as reclamation, the county states the Zoning Administrator inspects after notice from the applicant.

County enforcement may require after-the-fact approvals or corrective action for violations.

Additional Resources

• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Ordinance PDF
• GIS / maps
• License lookup guide: Minnesota Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Minnesota Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Minnesota hub: Minnesota Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Mower County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Mower County, MN?

For construction or placement of any structure on property in unincorporated Mower County.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Mower County, MN?

The minimum permit fee is Zoning permit fees published on the page are Ag/Accessory Structure $75 and Residential Structure $150.. Fees are calculated as: Published zoning permit fees are flat fee amounts; land use permits vary by type. After-the-fact permits are 1.5x the base fee..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Mower County, MN?

The following work is generally exempt: Minor repairs such as redecorating inside or outside, residing, or re-shingling.; Minor structures meeting the county definition may be placed without a zoning permit, but still require zoning review, unless in shoreland, floodplain, or on nonconforming lots.; Minor structures include self-standing storage/utility/greenhouse structures 200 sq ft or less and under 14 feet high, decks, playground equipment/playhouses, and swimming pools, subject to the ordinance conditions..