County Building Permits
Sherburne County, MN - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Sherburne County, Minnesota. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
County-issued building permits apply in unincorporated Sherburne County and township areas except incorporated municipalities and Becker Township. Haven Township publicly routes building permits through Home Town Planning instead of the county. Source: https://www.co.sherburne.mn.us/DocumentCenter/View/277/Building-Permit-FAQS and https://www.haventwp.org/
- Department
- Sherburne County Planning and Zoning
- Address
- 13880 Business Center Drive NW, Elk River, MN 55330
- Phone
- 763-765-4450
Online Permit Portal
Platform: Sherburne County permit portal • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only
Application Process
- Confirm whether the project requires a county building permit and what submittal package applies.
- Prepare the application and supporting materials; septic compliance is a common prerequisite.
- Submit online through the county portal, by email to zoning@co.sherburne.mn.us, or by drop-off at the Planning and Zoning office.
- County staff review for completeness and code and zoning compliance.
- Pay permit fees before issuance; permit can be emailed or picked up.
Typical processing time: Generally within 15 business days after a complete application; longer in summer.
General Requirements
County ordinance requires permits for construction and placement of structures, additions, and structural alterations; county FAQ specifically lists decks, garages, finished basements, pools, reshingling, residing, water heaters, fireplaces, furnaces, windows, and garage doors.
Required Documents
- Varies by permit type
- county FAQ points applicants to the building-permits page
- staff review. Septic compliance certification is commonly required.
- Permit validity
- Work must start within 180 days. Permits are valid for 6 months and can be extended if progress is being made.
- Building code
- Minnesota State Building Code; county FAQ points to the current Minnesota code set.
- Contractor requirements
- Electrical permits are issued by Minnesota DLI. Septic compliance inspections must be done by a state licensed septic professional. Contractor licensing is otherwise governed by Minnesota law.
Fees
- Permit fee formula
- Mixed; county publishes separate planning and zoning fee schedules and project-specific permit fees
- Payment note
- Cash, check, or credit card accepted before issuance; county FAQ notes a 2.4% credit card convenience fee.
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Fence under 7 feet in height
- Electrical permits are handled by Minnesota DLI rather than the county
Inspections
How to Schedule
- Contact permit authority (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Electrical inspector call window published; county building-inspection hours not clearly posted on the page reviewed
Additional Resources
- Building code: Minnesota State Building Code; county FAQ points to the current Minnesota code set.
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- 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 Sherburne County Planning and Zoning before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sherburne County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Sherburne County, MN?
- County ordinance requires permits for construction and placement of structures, additions, and structural alterations; county FAQ specifically lists decks, garages, finished basements, pools, reshingling, residing, water heaters, fireplaces, furnaces, windows, and garage doors.
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Sherburne County, MN?
- Fees are calculated as: Mixed; county publishes separate planning and zoning fee schedules and project-specific permit fees.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Sherburne County, MN?
- 1. Confirm whether the project requires a county building permit and what submittal package applies. 2. Prepare the application and supporting materials; septic compliance is a common prerequisite. 3. Submit online through the county portal, by email to zoning@co.sherburne.mn.us, or by drop-off at the Planning and Zoning office. 4. County staff review for completeness and code and zoning compliance. 5. Pay permit fees before issuance; permit can be emailed or picked up.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Sherburne County, MN?
- Typical processing time is Generally within 15 business days after a complete application; longer in summer..
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Sherburne County, MN?
- The following work is generally exempt: Fence under 7 feet in height; Electrical permits are handled by Minnesota DLI rather than the county.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Sherburne County, MN?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: Contact permit authority.
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