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

The minimum permit fee is $75.00 for minimum land use permit fee. Fees are calculated as: permit-type specific; examples include residential structure $250, commercial structure $325, residential addition up to 600 sq ft $150, accessory structure over 144 sq ft $100 or $150 depending on size.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Portable unattached structures of less than 144 sq ft with no sleeping or residential quarters do not require a permit, but must still meet impervious surface and setback standards; County page also states that in most cases new siding, windows, shingles, or remodeling projects that do not affect the exterior footprint do not need a permit.

County Building Permits

Pope County, MN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Minnesota Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

unincorporated Pope County land use, septic, shoreland, subdivision, variance, rezoning, and related development controls; no county-issued building permits for incorporated cities

Department: Pope County Land and Resource Management
Address: 130 E. Minnesota Ave., Glenwood, MN 56334
Phone: (320) 634-7791
Email: pub.lrm@popecountymn.gov
Website: https://www.popecountymn.gov/land-resource-management/

Online Permit Portal

Open

Platform: county online permit application page; platform name not published • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Source: Pope County Land and Resource Management

General Requirements

erecting, altering, adding to, or relocating any structure; rebuilding damaged structures; septic installation or alteration; shoreland alteration; vacation home rental; solar energy system; recreational vehicle use in certain cases

Required Documents

plan or drawing showing lot dimensions, proposed structure location, and other structures; impervious surface calculation; lowest floor elevation for shoreland; building plan; names of licensed contractors

Contractor requirements: county asks for names of licensed contractors

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $75.00 for minimum land use permit fee
Permit fee formula: permit-type specific; examples include residential structure $250, commercial structure $325, residential addition up to 600 sq ft $150, accessory structure over 144 sq ft $100 or $150 depending on size
Reinspection fee: re-inspection fee $50.00; permit extension fee $50; after-the-fact application fee is 200% of the application fee plus real costs; working without a permit penalty fee $500

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Portable unattached structures of less than 144 sq ft with no sleeping or residential quarters do not require a permit, but must still meet impervious surface and setback standards
County page also states that in most cases new siding, windows, shingles, or remodeling projects that do not affect the exterior footprint do not need a permit

Inspections

How to Schedule

re-inspection fee is listed in the county fee schedule

Additional Resources

Zoning information: View zoning info
Land Use Controls Ordinance
Fee schedule
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 Pope County Land and Resource Management before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pope County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Pope County, MN?: erecting, altering, adding to, or relocating any structure; rebuilding damaged structures; septic installation or alteration; shoreland alteration; vacation home rental; solar energy system; recreational vehicle use in certain cases
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Pope County, MN?: The minimum permit fee is $75.00 for minimum land use permit fee. Fees are calculated as: permit-type specific; examples include residential structure $250, commercial structure $325, residential addition up to 600 sq ft $150, accessory structure over 144 sq ft $100 or $150 depending on size.
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Pope County, MN?: The following work is generally exempt: Portable unattached structures of less than 144 sq ft with no sleeping or residential quarters do not require a permit, but must still meet impervious surface and setback standards; County page also states that in most cases new siding, windows, shingles, or remodeling projects that do not affect the exterior footprint do not need a permit.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Pope County Unincorporated Area 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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