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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Scott County
County building permits are required for work regulated by the Minnesota State Building Code in township areas; county pages route applicants by permit type and require online filing
Agricultural buildings that qualify under Minnesota Statutes 326B.103 may be exempt from building permits, but still require county zoning agricultural review
- Exempt Agricultural buildings that qualify under Minnesota Statutes 326B.103 may be exempt from building permits, but still require county zoning agricultural review
Required documents
- Permit application, site plan, construction plans, valuation, contractor/contact information, plan-review attachments, and owner acknowledgment when owner is acting as contractor; zoning agricultural permits need the exemption certification and site plan, plus township approval for Blakeley, Jackson, and St. Lawrence
- Building code
- Minnesota State Building Code, administered locally by Scott County in township areas
- Permit validity
- County public pages reviewed do not state a general expiration rule; verify permit-specific conditions at issuance
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builder acknowledgment forms are used when the property owner is acting as contractor on applicable permits
- Contractor requirements
- Minnesota state licensing and registration rules apply; county permit forms request contractor license information
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Confirm the parcel is in a township taxing district and review permit-specific instructions on the county Building Inspections pages.
- 02 Gather required PDFs, including plans, site plan, and permit-specific supplements; some township projects also need township approval before county issuance.
- 03 Create an ePermit account and submit through the county portal.
- 04 County staff review for completeness, zoning, code, and outside-agency needs; corrections are returned through the portal if needed.
- 05 Pay permit fees online once invoiced and download the issued permit card and approved plans.
- 06 Post the permit card on site and schedule required inspections through the portal or by phone.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Scott County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Included on county schedules by permit type and review category
02
Permit fee formula
Mix of valuation-based building permit fees, state surcharge, and flat permit fees by permit type
03
Reinspection fee
Additional fees apply where listed on county schedules and for work that proceeds contrary to permit requirements
Payments are made through the ePermit portal after review and invoicing
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- ePermit portal or phone at 952-496-8160 (online)
- Inspection hours
- Office hours Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; same-day inspection requests accepted before 7:30 a.m. when available
Typical sequence: Footing or foundation, framing and trade rough-ins, insulation or energy items as applicable, then final inspections
Corrections and reinspection needs are handled through county inspection staff and portal workflow
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Scott County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Scott County, MN? ▸
County building permits are required for work regulated by the Minnesota State Building Code in township areas; county pages route applicants by permit type and require online filing
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Scott County, MN? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Scott County, MN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Mix of valuation-based building permit fees, state surcharge, and flat permit fees by permit type. Plan check fee: Included on county schedules by permit type and review category.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Scott County, MN? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Scott County, MN, follow these steps: 1. Confirm the parcel is in a township taxing district and review permit-specific instructions on the county Building Inspections pages. 2. Gather required PDFs, including plans, site plan, and permit-specific supplements; some township projects also need township approval before county issuance. 3. Create an ePermit account and submit through the county portal. 4. County staff review for completeness, zoning, code, and outside-agency needs; corrections are returned through the portal if needed. 5. Pay permit fees online once invoiced and download the issued permit card and approved plans. 6. Post the permit card on site and schedule required inspections through the portal or by phone.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Scott County, MN? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Scott County, MN. The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings that qualify under Minnesota Statutes 326B.103 may be exempt from building permits, but still require county zoning agricultural review. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Scott County, MN? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Scott County, MN via: ePermit portal or phone at 952-496-8160.
last verified April 2026
source Scott County Building Inspections ↗
entry id permits/minnesota/scott-mn/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Scott County Building Inspections before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.