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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Mower County
For construction or placement of any structure on property in unincorporated Mower County.
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.
- Exempt Minor repairs such as redecorating inside or outside, residing, or re-shingling.
- Exempt 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.
- Exempt 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.
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- County zoning materials do not publish a county contractor licensing requirement in the sources reviewed.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.
§ 03
Fee schedule
Mower County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Zoning permit fees published on the page are Ag/Accessory Structure $75 and Residential Structure $150.
02
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
Typical 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.
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Mower County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Mower County, MN? ▸
For construction or placement of any structure on property in unincorporated Mower County.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Mower County, MN? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Mower County, MN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Mower County, MN? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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.. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
last verified April 2026
source Mower County Environmental Services, Zoning and Land Use ↗
entry id permits/minnesota/mower/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Mower County Environmental Services, Zoning and Land Use before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.