St Louis County, MN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

St. Louis County does not administer the Minnesota State Building Code countywide. It administers land use and zoning permits in county-administered areas, while local cities or townships may administer zoning in some areas.

Department

St. Louis County Planning and Zoning / Planning and Community Development

Address

320 West 2nd Street, Suite 301, Duluth, MN 55802; 201 South 3rd Avenue West, Virginia, MN 55792

Phone

(218) 725-5000; (218) 749-7103; Toll free (800) 450-9777

Email

landuseinfo@stlouiscountymn.gov

Website

https://www.stlouiscountymn.gov/departments-a-z/planning-zoning/land-use/apply-for-a-land-use-permit

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm whether the parcel is in a county-administered zoning area by reviewing the Administration of Zoning map.
2. Review the county land use permit fee sheet and identify the correct permit type.
3. Create a portal account or submit the paper application package.
4. Complete the application with parcel ID, site information, project details, and attachments such as a site sketch; septic permit copies are required for some applications.
5. Pay fees online or by mail/in person as directed by county staff.
6. County staff review the application and issue the land use permit or request corrections.
7. Track the permit in the portal and coordinate any required follow-up with county staff or specialty inspectors.

Source: St. Louis County Planning and Zoning / Planning and Community Development

General Requirements

County land use permits are required for many construction and land-use activities in county-administered areas. Separate state or local permits may also be required for electrical, plumbing, septic, wetlands, floodplain, access, and other specialty work.

Required Documents

• Application details, parcel ID, site address or 911 address request, project information, site sketch, and septic permit copy when triggered by the application questions.

Permit validity

Permit extension beyond 2 years is listed in the county fee schedule.

Building code

County land use pages expressly state that St. Louis County does not administer the Minnesota State Building Code.

Owner-builder

Not specifically stated in the county land use sources reviewed.

Contractor requirements

Not specifically stated in the county land use sources reviewed; Minnesota state specialty licensing still applies.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$70 for permit extension beyond 2 years in the posted 2026 county fee sheet; common construction permits start at $95, and many new buildings start at $185.

Plan check fee

Not separately itemized on the county 2026 permit fee handout for land use permits.

Permit fee formula

Flat by permit type on the county 2026 permit fee sheet.

Reinspection fee

County planning fees are subject to after-the-fact fee of two times regular fee.

Payment note

Portal payment is available; county instructions also reference paper and mailed payment routes.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Confirm exemptions directly with county staff before relying on one.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Varies by permit type; county portal supports permit tracking and messaging. State electrical/plumbing and county septic (online)

Not specifically posted on reviewed land use pages.

Additional Resources

• Building code: County land use pages expressly state that St. Louis County does not administer the Minnesota State Building Code.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Other useful links
• Other useful links
• 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

St Louis County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated St Louis County, MN?

County land use permits are required for many construction and land-use activities in county-administered areas. Separate state or local permits may also be required for electrical, plumbing, septic, wetlands, floodplain, access, and other specialty work.

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

The minimum permit fee is $70 for permit extension beyond 2 years in the posted 2026 county fee sheet; common construction permits start at $95, and many new buildings start at $185.. Fees are calculated as: Flat by permit type on the county 2026 permit fee sheet.. Plan check fee: Not separately itemized on the county 2026 permit fee handout for land use permits..

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

1. Confirm whether the parcel is in a county-administered zoning area by reviewing the Administration of Zoning map. 2. Review the county land use permit fee sheet and identify the correct permit type. 3. Create a portal account or submit the paper application package. 4. Complete the application with parcel ID, site information, project details, and attachments such as a site sketch; septic permit copies are required for some applications. 5. Pay fees online or by mail/in person as directed by county staff. 6. County staff review the application and issue the land use permit or request corrections. 7. Track the permit in the portal and coordinate any required follow-up with county staff or specialty inspectors.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Confirm exemptions directly with county staff before relying on one..

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Varies by permit type; county portal supports permit tracking and messaging. State electrical/plumbing and county septic.