Rice County, MN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated Rice County only, except Bridgewater Township

Department

Rice County Building Division

Address

Rice County Government Services Building, 320 Third St. NW, Faribault, MN 55021

Phone

507-332-6113

Email

Environmental Services email is listed on the county site , individual staff emails are posted on the online permitting page

Website

https://www.ricecountymn.gov/160/Building-Division

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm whether the work is in unincorporated Rice County and whether Bridgewater Township applies.
2. Apply through the county online permitting system.
3. County staff reviews the application and supporting documents.
4. Pay the initial fee and, where applicable, the second invoice based on project type and size.
5. Permit is issued after staff review is complete and second payment is made.

Typical processing time: Typically 10 to 15 working days

Source: Rice County Building Division

General Requirements

Required Documents

• County fact sheets, site plan, authorized agent form, property owner waiver, erosion control plan, fire protection system application, impervious surface calculations, mechanical information, new house energy certificate, variance criteria, and other project-specific forms

Building code

Minnesota State Building Code, administered locally by Rice County

Contractor requirements

Electrical permits handled through the State of Minnesota; other contractor licensing rules follow state law and local review

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Building permit table starts at $85 for roof, siding, and windows; some work such as demolition is free

Plan check fee

For county building permits, the county page says exterior maintenance and mechanical/fireplace/wood stove permits are paid and issued at application; other permits require an initial fee and a second invoice. The detailed percent formula is not clearly extracted from the county page

Permit fee formula

County fee schedule uses Table 1A / 1997 Uniform Building Code based calculations for building permits, with separate zoning and special permit fees

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• The county page points to Minnesota code and fact sheets, but does not publish a full local exempt list
• Typical Minnesota exempt work still applies unless local zoning rules say otherwise, including minor cosmetic finish work and small detached accessory structures under 200 square feet

Inspections

How to Schedule

• County page indicates building and field inspection activity is handled by county staff; exact scheduling method is not (contact)

Typical inspection sequence: County performs staff review, then inspections during construction and at completion

Additional Resources

• Building code: Minnesota State Building Code, administered locally by Rice County
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Other useful links
• License lookup guide: Minnesota Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Minnesota Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Minnesota hub: Minnesota Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Rice County Building Permit FAQ

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

The minimum permit fee is Building permit table starts at $85 for roof, siding, and windows; some work such as demolition is free. Fees are calculated as: County fee schedule uses Table 1A / 1997 Uniform Building Code based calculations for building permits, with separate zoning and special permit fees. Plan check fee: For county building permits, the county page says exterior maintenance and mechanical/fireplace/wood stove permits are paid and issued at application; other permits require an initial fee and a second invoice. The detailed percent formula is not clearly extracted from the county page.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Rice County, MN?

1. Confirm whether the work is in unincorporated Rice County and whether Bridgewater Township applies. 2. Apply through the county online permitting system. 3. County staff reviews the application and supporting documents. 4. Pay the initial fee and, where applicable, the second invoice based on project type and size. 5. Permit is issued after staff review is complete and second payment is made.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Rice County, MN?

Typical processing time is Typically 10 to 15 working days.

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

The following work is generally exempt: The county page points to Minnesota code and fact sheets, but does not publish a full local exempt list; Typical Minnesota exempt work still applies unless local zoning rules say otherwise, including minor cosmetic finish work and small detached accessory structures under 200 square feet.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Rice County, MN?

Inspections can be scheduled via: County page indicates building and field inspection activity is handled by county staff; exact scheduling method is not .