On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Rice County
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
- Exempt The county page points to Minnesota code and fact sheets, but does not publish a full local exempt list
- Exempt 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
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
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Typically 10 to 15 working days
- 01 Confirm whether the work is in unincorporated Rice County and whether Bridgewater Township applies.
- 02 Apply through the county online permitting system.
- 03 County staff reviews the application and supporting documents.
- 04 Pay the initial fee and, where applicable, the second invoice based on project type and size.
- 05 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 ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Rice County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Building permit table starts at $85 for roof, siding, and windows; some work such as demolition is free
02
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
03
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- County page indicates building and field inspection activity is handled by county staff; exact scheduling method is not (contact)
Typical sequence: County performs staff review, then inspections during construction and at completion
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Rice County permits
01 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Rice County, MN? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Rice County, MN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Rice County, MN? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Rice County, MN, follow these steps: 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.
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Rice County, MN? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Rice County, MN typically run Typically 10 to 15 working days. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Rice County, MN? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Rice County, MN? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Rice County, MN via: County page indicates building and field inspection activity is handled by county staff; exact scheduling method is not .
last verified April 2026
source Rice County Building Division ↗
entry id permits/minnesota/rice/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Rice County Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.