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County building permits

Unincorporated Stevens County

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Stevens County, Minnesota. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Last verified
April 2026
On this page 5
§ 01

Permit authority

Stevens County Planning and Zoning / Zoning Administrator

Street address
400 Colorado Avenue, Morris, MN 56267
Coverage
Unincorporated Stevens County land. The county zoning ordinance page states land use permits are required in the unincorporated area for covered work.
§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Stevens County

Interior or exterior painting
Interior or exterior decorating
Fences 6 feet or less in height
  • Exempt Interior or exterior painting
  • Exempt Interior or exterior decorating
  • Exempt Fences 6 feet or less in height
Required documents
  • land use application, scale site plan, and any other information the Zoning Administrator deems necessary.
Building code
the county zoning ordinance governs land use permitting. A separate local building code adoption document was not clearly published on the pages reviewed. Minnesota State Building Code still applies where state code jurisdiction exists.
§ 03

Fee schedule

Stevens County building permit fees

Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
land use permit fees and other fees are established by resolution of the Board of County Commissioners
§ 04

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

Typical sequence: land use permit review first, then any other state or local permits as needed

§ 05

Frequently asked

Common questions about unincorporated Stevens County permits

01 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Stevens County, MN?
Building permit fees in unincorporated Stevens County, MN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: land use permit fees and other fees are established by resolution of the Board of County Commissioners.
02 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Stevens County, MN?
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Stevens County, MN. The following work is generally exempt: Interior or exterior painting; Interior or exterior decorating; Fences 6 feet or less in height. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
last verified April 2026 source Stevens County Planning and Zoning / Zoning Administrator ↗ entry id permits/minnesota/stevens/unincorporated

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Stevens County Planning and Zoning / Zoning Administrator before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.