Bolthole Index

Goodhue County, Minnesota

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Goodhue County, Minnesota

51Index Score / 100
#65 of 87 in Minnesota

Goodhue County, Minnesota requires building permits for work covered by the building code in county-administered jurisdictions1. In unincorporated townships, applicants submit the building-permit application to the county after township zoning approval; inside cities, building-permit and zoning administration varies, while Goodhue County Environmental Health remains the contact for county-administered septic systems and well permits234.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for work covered by the code in county-administered jurisdictions1
Zoning
County rules apply outside cities; township approval comes before the county permit5
Septic
County-administered; compliance inspections apply to sales and specified projects36
Owner-builder exemption
Yes, via the Owner as Contractor form78
Accessory dwelling
One ADU allowed with the primary home on the same tax parcel, subject to permits9
Lot size and setbacks
Both vary by zoning district, use and sewer service1011
Private well
County Environmental Health issues permits for new wells and abandoned-well sealing4
RV living
General private-land occupancy is unconfirmed; floodplain placement has specific limits12

Who to call

Building permits

Goodhue County Building Division (Land Use Management)

Building permits and inspections in unincorporated Goodhue County, and the point of contact for township zoning approval and county Public Works driveway-permit referrals

651-385-3114

buildingpermits@goodhuecountymn.gov

Government Center, 509 W. 5th St., 1st Floor, Red Wing, MN 55066

Zoning

Goodhue County Land Use Management, Zoning Division

Zoning administration for unincorporated Goodhue County, one of the department's three divisions

651-385-3104

Government Center, 509 W. 5th St., 1st Floor, Red Wing, MN 55066

Septic permits

Goodhue County Environmental Health Division

Well and septic (SSTS) permitting and inspection for Goodhue County

651-385-6132

Government Center, 509 W. 5th St., 1st Floor, Red Wing, MN 55066

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 10, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Goodhue County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Goodhue County, Minnesota?

Goodhue County requires a building permit for work covered by the building code in county-administered jurisdictions1. Goodhue County has adopted the Minnesota State Building Code for buildings and structures within its jurisdiction, and the code covers construction, alteration, moving, demolition, repair, and use of buildings, structures, and building-service equipment13. For unincorporated townships, submit the building-permit application to the county after obtaining township zoning approval14. Inside incorporated cities, some cities accept building-permit applications while the county reviews plans and performs inspections, and other cities administer the building code themselves; city zoning also replaces county zoning inside municipal limits215. Those city arrangements do not move county-administered septic systems or well permits to the building office: Goodhue County Environmental Health handles those matters34. Qualifying agricultural buildings may be exempt from the State Building Code, but the county-specific land-use conditions remain unconfirmed16.

Who is the Goodhue County Building Division, and how do you reach them?

Goodhue County's Building Division is part of Land Use Management at the Government Center, 509 W. 5th St., 1st floor, Red Wing, Minnesota, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.17. Reach the division at 651-385-3114 or buildingpermits@goodhuecountymn.gov17. The building official receives building-permit applications, reviews construction documents, issues building permits, conducts inspections, and authorizes use and occupancy18. The county publishes separate building-permit paths for unincorporated townships, cities where the county reviews plans and inspects, and cities that administer the building code themselves19. Current building-permit fees were not confirmed; Minnesota lets the administering municipality set fees based on the cost of code administration and enforcement20. Driveway permitting onto county roads runs through Goodhue County Public Works, not the Building Division17.

Does Goodhue County have zoning?

Goodhue County zoning applies outside incorporated municipalities; cities set their own zoning, while township zoning approval comes before a county building permit in the unincorporated-township route155. The county publishes zoning districts and an official zoning map, and each use must be permitted or conditionally approved in the parcel's district2115. Lot size, setbacks, and building height vary by district, use, or sewer service101122. In the Shoreland District, total impervious surface is capped at 25% of the lot23. An accessory dwelling unit is allowed on the primary home's tax parcel under the county ordinance, either attached, within the home, or within 100 feet; only one is allowed, it cannot be split from the primary parcel, and zoning approval plus building, well, and septic permits still apply9.

How do septic permits work in Goodhue County?

Goodhue County Environmental Health administers county septic systems under the SSTS ordinance and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency rules, including addresses inside cities when the system remains in the county program3. Reach Environmental Health at the Government Center, 509 W. 5th St., 1st floor, Red Wing, or at 651-385-613224. A compliance inspection is required when a system is installed or replaced, before an SSTS construction variance, before a building permit for a bedroom or bathroom addition, and upon a property sale25. After inspection, the Certificate of Compliance or Notice of Noncompliance is due within 30 days6. Only about 10.8% of Goodhue County soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field, so make the site evaluation an early contingency26. Off-grid does not mean sanitation-free: county-regulated sewage must discharge to an approved SSTS or an MPCA-permitted facility, and a building cannot be occupied or used without compliant wastewater treatment27.

Can you live in an RV, manufactured home or tiny home on your land in Goodhue County?

Goodhue County's general rule for long-term RV occupancy on private land could not be confirmed, so ask the Zoning Division about the parcel and intended duration before relying on an RV for housing28. In a floodplain district, an RV must meet licensing, highway-ready, utility, and underlying-zoning criteria to qualify for specified exemptions; new or replacement units in floodway or flood-fringe areas face additional elevation, fill, access, and flood-stage rules12. Tiny homes used as dwellings must meet the Minnesota Residential Code, but Goodhue County's specific tiny-home siting rule and any general minimum dwelling size could not be confirmed2928. A new manufactured home installed for occupancy requires an installation inspection, while local zoning controls placement3028. In a county-regulated mobile home park, every mobile home must connect to the park's central water and sanitary sewer systems31.

Building a home in Goodhue County: the steps, in order

  1. Identify whether the parcel is in an unincorporated township or a city, because Goodhue County publishes different permit routes by jurisdiction2.
  2. Get township zoning approval before seeking a county building permit, and confirm the parcel's district, setbacks, lot-size rule, and any Shoreland or Floodplain overlay171110.
  3. Send the Building Division the application and project-specific items; a single-family-home package includes a dimensioned site plan showing property lines and well and septic locations, a building certificate, and two full-size drawing sets32.
  4. File the Owner as Contractor form if the property owner is applying as builder; this does not waive permits or code compliance8.
  5. Coordinate septic and any new-well permit with Environmental Health34.
  6. Contact Public Works for driveway permitting onto a county road17.
  7. Leave permitted work exposed until each required inspection is approved33.

What to check before you buy land in Goodhue County

Start with the zoning map, township approval path, and district standards because minimum lot size, setbacks, and height vary across unincorporated Goodhue County5101122. If future division matters, an R-1 parcel creating one or more additional dwelling sites must be platted, and a landlocked parcel may need a recorded driveway-access easement accepted by Land Use Management34. Check flood mapping before planning a house, fill, culvert, or bridge because those projects require a floodplain permit when located in the regulated floodplain35. A subdivision crossed by a watercourse, drainageway, channel, or stream must provide a storm-water easement or drainage right-of-way sized for the 1% annual-chance flood event36. Test septic feasibility early because only about 10.8% of county soils lack severe conventional-drain-field limits26. Confirm water too: Environmental Health issues permits for new wells and sealing abandoned wells4.

Watch-outs

  • Goodhue County will not approve a county building permit until the township approves the project's zoning, so contact the township clerk first17.
  • A septic compliance inspection applies when property is sold and before permits for bedroom or bathroom additions, not only when a system is installed or replaced25.
  • Long-term RV occupancy on private land remains unconfirmed generally, while RV placement in floodplain districts has specific restrictions; ask the Zoning Division before buying for that use1228.

Sources

  1. Building Resources, quoted and re-checked
  2. Permit Applications, quoted and re-checked
  3. Goodhue County - Septic (Environmental Health) (2026 county census)
  4. Environmental Health - LUM - Goodhue County, Minnesota, quoted and re-checked
  5. Goodhue County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  6. Compliance Inspection, quoted and re-checked
  7. Permit Applications (2026 county census)
  8. Permit Applications, quoted and re-checked
  9. Goodhue County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  10. Goodhue County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  11. Goodhue County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  12. Goodhue County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  13. Building - Land Use Management, quoted and re-checked
  14. Items Needed to Apply for a Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  15. Goodhue County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  16. Minnesota Statutes § 326B.121, State Building Code; application and enforcement (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. Goodhue County Building Division (Land Use Management) (goodhuecountymn.gov)
  18. Building - Land Use Management - Goodhue County, Minnesota, quoted and re-checked
  19. Permit Applications, quoted and re-checked
  20. Minnesota State Building Code Adoption Guide (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. Goodhue County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  22. Goodhue County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  23. Goodhue County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  24. Goodhue County Environmental Health Division (goodhuecountymn.gov)
  25. Compliance Inspection, quoted and re-checked
  26. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  27. Goodhue County Subsurface Sewage Treatment System Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  28. Goodhue County Land Use Management, Zoning Division (goodhuecountymn.gov)
  29. Tiny Houses and the 2020 Minnesota Residential Code (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  30. Manufactured home information (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  31. Goodhue County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  32. Permit Applications - Building - Goodhue County, Minnesota, quoted and re-checked
  33. 1300.0210 INSPECTIONS (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  34. Goodhue County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  35. Floodplain Regulations (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  36. Goodhue County Subdivision Controls Ordinance, quoted and re-checked

Written October 10, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Goodhue County has countywide zoning.

RuleGoodhue CountyDakota CountyWabasha CountyRice CountyDodge CountyOlmsted CountySteele County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredLimitedRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Land Use ManagementCounty Env. ResourcesCounty Planning & ZoningCounty Env. HealthCounty Env. Services Dept.County InspectionsCounty Env. Services

County locator

Goodhue County in Minnesota

51
County map
Goodhue County highlighted among the Minnesota counties · colored by Index score

How Goodhue County scores

Seclusion21100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency62100% ev.
Admin Boringness43100% ev.
Durability68100% ev.
Property Autonomy65100% ev.
Carry Cost58100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$332kTypical home
1.1%Property tax
$8,303Land / acre
34.7"Annual rain
3.9% of yrsSevere drought
2.4 / yr (+2.4)Mid-century 100°F days
15.5 daysMid-century dry spell
1.78" (+9.4%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.73×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,000Home insurance / yr
3.5% / yrInsurance growth
0.26%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
82,883People within 30 min
4,849,795People within 2 hr
53,014Radius comparison (15 mi)
63.5People / sq mi
0%Federal land
86.5%Land at 15% slope or less
10.8%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
50,569 acWorkable land screen
20.9%Wooded land
42.4 tonsBiomass / forest ac
44.8°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Goodhue County

Inside a city, town or township here, that government usually sets zoning and may issue its own building permits; the county’s rules above cover land outside them.

Not yet researched: Belle Creek Township · Bellechester · Belvidere Township · Cannon Falls Township · Cherry Grove Township · Dennison · Featherstone Township · Florence Township · Goodhue · Goodhue Township · Hay Creek Township · Holden Township · Kenyon · Kenyon Township · Leon Township · Minneola Township · Pine Island · Pine Island Township · Red Wing · Roscoe Township · Stanton Township · Vasa Township · Wacouta Township · Wanamingo · Wanamingo Township · Warsaw Township · Welch Township · Zumbrota Township

Answers from the rulebook for Goodhue County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Goodhue County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Work covered by the building code in Goodhue County code-administration jurisdictions.

    • Township zoning approval and other applicable approvals may be required.
    • Municipal administration varies by city.
    “Building permits are required for work that is covered by the scope of the code.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Residential construction and other listed work in unincorporated Goodhue County townships.
      “For the unincorporated townships. Submit applications to the county along with the Township Zoning Approval and other required items.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Residential building permit applicants.

    • The property owner must submit the Owner as Contractor Form when applying as owner.
    • The form is not stated to exempt the project from permits or code compliance.
    “An applicant for a residential building permit can be a Minnesota-licensed contractor or the property owner.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Buildings and structures governed by the Minnesota State Building Code within Goodhue County jurisdiction.

    • The current Minnesota State Building Code is included perpetually.
    • Optional appendix chapters do not apply unless specifically adopted.
    • Municipal code-administration arrangements may differ.
    “Commissioner of Administration, through the Building Codes and Standards Division, is hereby adopted by reference with the exception of the optional chapters, unless specifically adopted in this ordinance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Building-code administration in county jurisdictions administered by Goodhue County.
      “The building code applies to the construction, alteration, moving, demolition, repair, and use of any building, structure, or building service equipment. The purpose of the building code is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life and limb, health, property, and public welfare.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Projects administered by Goodhue County building officials, including listed cities for which the county reviews plans and performs inspections.

    • The county page states that some cities handle all code administration themselves.
    • Inspection requirements derive from the applicable building code and project type.
    “The building official is tasked with the following jobs: Authorizes use and occupancy of structures Conducts project inspections Issues building permits Receives permit applications Reviews construction documents”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning in areas under the jurisdiction of the Goodhue County Zoning Ordinance, primarily unincorporated areas outside city corporate limits.

    • Municipalities may administer their own zoning and building-code functions.
    • Uses must be permitted or conditionally approved in the applicable zoning district.
    “This Ordinance shall be in effect in all areas of Goodhue County lying outside the limits of incorporated municipalities.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate of county, township, and municipal zoning administration across Goodhue County.

    • The county ordinance applies outside incorporated municipalities.
    • Township approval is required before county permit approval for applicable projects.
    • Some cities handle all code administration themselves.
    “For the following cities, submit applications to the city. The county reviews the plans and does the inspections:”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Goodhue County zoning districts and official zoning map for unincorporated areas.

    • The zoning ordinance identifies districts and refers to an Official Zoning Map.
    • Incorporated municipalities may have separate zoning controls.
    “ZONING DISTRICTS AND DISTRICT PROVISIONS Zoning Districts Zoning Map”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Lots in Goodhue County zoning districts outside incorporated municipalities.

    • Requirements vary by zoning district and sewer service.
    • In the A-3 Urban Fringe District, the minimum lot size is 35 acres per principal building or use when not served by public or centralized sewage treatment.
    • Existing-dwelling parcels meeting the stated acreage and date conditions may be split with a minimum dwelling parcel size of 2 acres.

    A-3 minimum lot size without public or centralized sewage treatment: 35 acres (Per principal building or use) · existing-dwelling split minimum dwelling parcel: >= 2 acres (Existing dwelling as of June 5, 2012 and original parcel of at least 35 acres)

    “There shall be a minimum lot size of thirty-five (35) acres per principal building or use when not served by a public or centralized sewage collection and treatment system.”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Building setbacks in Goodhue County zoning districts outside incorporated municipalities.

    • Setbacks vary by zoning district and use.
    • In the R-1 District, front-yard, side-yard, rear-yard, and bluff-impact-zone setbacks apply.
    • Certain uses may be exempt from lot-size, yard, and height requirements under Article 11.

    R-1 front-yard setback: 40 feet (May be reduced to 25 feet for a minor street serving only a residential subdivision) · R-1 side-yard width: >= 8 feet · R-1 rear-yard depth: >= 8 feet · R-1 bluff-impact-zone setback: >= 30 feet

    “There shall be a minimum setback of 40 feet from the right-of-way line of any public road or highway; except that, this setback may be reduced to 25 feet when such public road is a minor street serving only a residential subdivision.”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Lots in the Goodhue County Shoreland District and related district-specific zoning provisions.

    • The cited limit applies to total impervious surface in the applicable district.
    • Other districts may have different or no expressly identified lot-coverage limits in the provisions reviewed.

    maximum impervious-surface coverage: <= 25 percent of total lot area

    “The total area of all impervious surface on a lot shall not exceed twenty-five (25) percent of the total lot area.”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Building-height controls in Goodhue County zoning districts outside incorporated municipalities.

    • Height standards vary by district and building type.
    • Agricultural buildings are exempt from the A-1 height requirements.
    • Certain uses may be exempt from lot-size, yard, and height requirements under Article 11.

    A-1 maximum height for non-agricultural buildings: <= 35 feet (Agricultural buildings exempt) · R-1 maximum building height: <= 35 feet

    “Agricultural buildings shall be exempt from the height requirements. B. Buildings other than agricultural buildings shall not exceed thirty-five (35) feet in height.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Recreational-vehicle placement and associated use in Goodhue County floodplain districts.

    • Recreational vehicles must meet licensing, highway-ready, utility, and underlying-zoning criteria to qualify for specified exemptions.
    • Exempt areas include individual lots or parcels of record, existing commercial recreational-vehicle parks or campgrounds, and existing condominium-type associations.
    • Exemptions are lost when structural or accessory-structure development exceeds $500.
    • New or replacement recreational vehicles in floodway or flood-fringe areas must meet fill, elevation, road-access, and flood-stage requirements; alternatives may require conditional use approval.

    structural or accessory development threshold: > 500 USD (Exemption loss under the floodplain article)

    “Recreational vehicles that do not meet the exemption criteria specified in Section 9, Subd. 3. A below shall be subject to the provisions of this Article and as specifically spelled out in Sections 9, Subd. 3. B and C below.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    Accessory dwelling units on the same tax parcel as a primary dwelling in areas governed by the Goodhue County Zoning Ordinance.

    • An ADU may be attached to or within the primary dwelling, or within 100 feet of it on the same tax parcel.
    • The ADU must have separate kitchen and bathroom facilities.
    • Only one ADU is permitted per primary-dwelling-site tax parcel.
    • The ADU cannot be separated from the primary dwelling tax parcel.
    • The ADU must meet district setbacks and obtain zoning, building, well, and SSTS permits.
    • Temporary dwelling units converted to ADU status require a public hearing and County Board approval.

    maximum ADUs per primary dwelling site tax parcel: 1 · maximum separation from primary dwelling: <= 100 feet (When the ADU is detached)

    “Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are dwelling units that are accessory to a primary dwelling unit and are on the same tax parcel of land as the primary dwelling unit. A. An ADU can be either: 1. Attached to, or within the primary dwelling unit; or 2. Located within 100 feet of the primary dwelling unit on the same tax parcel as the primary dwelling unit.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    SSTS installation, replacement, bedroom additions, and property transfers in Goodhue County.

    • A compliance inspection is required upon sale effective October 1, 2014.
    • The ordinance provides inspection requirements for new construction or replacement and transfers.
    • A Certificate of Compliance or Notice of Noncompliance must be submitted within 30 days after inspection.
    “Effective October 1, 2014 Goodhue County requires a compliance upon sale, and the ordinance can be found here”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Individual sewage treatment systems in Goodhue County.
      “After December 31, 1995, a compliance inspection must be conducted when an individual sewage treatment system (ISTS) is installed or replaced, before a variance is granted for the construction of an ISTS, and before a building permit is issued for the addition of a bedroom or bathroom.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Privy vaults, non-water-carried systems, and other off-grid sewage arrangements within the County's applicable SSTS jurisdiction.

    • All sewage must be discharged to an approved SSTS or an MPCA-permitted facility.
    • Townships or incorporated areas with an approved SSTS program are excluded from the County ordinance jurisdiction.
    • Occupancy or use of a building without a compliant wastewater treatment system is unlawful.
    “All sewage generated in the County shall be discharged to an approved SSTS”
  • Well permitRequired

    New well construction and sealing of abandoned wells in Goodhue County.

    • Goodhue County Environmental Health issues well permits on behalf of the Minnesota Department of Health.
    “issues well permits on behalf of the Minnesota Department of Health.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Goodhue County-regulated mobile home parks.

    • All mobile homes in a regulated mobile home park must connect to central water and sanitary sewer systems.
    • If public water is available to the park or at its boundary, each mobile home must connect to that public supply.
    “All mobile homes shall be properly connected to a central water supply and a central sanitary sewer system.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of parcels in Goodhue County zoning districts outside incorporated municipalities.

    • Any subdivision of an R-1 parcel creating one or more additional dwelling sites must be platted under the Goodhue County Subdivision Controls Ordinance.
    • Road frontage or access-easement standards apply.
    • For a parcel without public-road frontage, a recorded driveway access easement of at least 33 feet may be used if accepted by Land Use Management.

    minimum public-road frontage or driveway access easement: >= 33 feet (Alternative access easement for a parcel without public-road frontage)

    “Any subdivision of an R1 zoned parcel that could result in the creation of one or more additional dwelling sites shall be platted according to procedures set forth in the Goodhue County Subdivision Controls Ordinance.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Subdivision development involving waterways, drainageways, channels, or streams.

    • A storm-water easement or drainage right-of-way must address runoff based on the 1% AEP flood event.
    • The easement includes the stream channel and adjoining areas subject to flooding in years of heavy runoff.

    design flood event: 1% AEP

    “Where a subdivision is traversed by a water course, drainage way, channel or stream, there shall be provided a storm water easement or drainage right-of-way, as will be adequate for storm water runoff based on the 1% AEP flood event.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building permit application process in county-administered jurisdictions.

    • Applications for unincorporated townships are submitted to the county with township zoning approval and other required items.
    • Listed cities submit applications to the city while the county reviews plans and performs inspections.
    • Some cities handle all code administration themselves.
    “For the unincorporated townships. Submit applications to the county along with the Township Zoning Approval and other required items.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Partial — County building-permit applications for unincorporated townships and residential projects.
      “Site plan indicating the location and size of the proposed new house from the property lines and the existing or new well and septic system. Please indicate dimensions.”
    • Published (with conditions) — County building-permit applications for unincorporated townships.
      “For the unincorporated townships. Submit applications to the county along with the Township Zoning Approval and other required items.”

Minnesota rules that apply here

  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Use or occupancy of buildings and structures, and changes in existing occupancy classification, in Minnesota jurisdictions administering and enforcing the State Building Code.

    • A building or structure may not be used or occupied, and an existing occupancy classification may not be changed, until the building official issues a certificate of occupancy under Minnesota Rules part 1300.0220.
    • The rule applies through the building official and therefore depends on the relevant jurisdiction administering and enforcing the State Building Code.
    • Issuance of a certificate of occupancy is not approval of a violation of the code or other municipal ordinances; a certificate purporting to authorize violation or cancellation of those requirements is invalid.
    • A municipality has the option of requiring certificates of occupancy for U occupancies constructed under the International Building Code, accessory structures constructed under the International Residential Code, and used manufactured homes moved into or within a jurisdiction.
    • Legal occupancy of a structure existing on the date of code adoption may continue without change.
    • A temporary certificate may be issued before all permitted work is complete if the occupied portion can be occupied safely; the building official sets its validity period.

    optional certificate category: U occupancies constructed under the International Building Code (municipality has the option of requiring a certificate) · optional certificate category: accessory structures constructed under the International Residential Code (municipality has the option of requiring a certificate) · optional certificate category: used manufactured homes moved into or within a jurisdiction (municipality has the option of requiring a certificate)

    “No building or structure shall be used or occupied, and no change in the existing occupancy classification of a building, structure, or portion of a building or structure shall be made until the building official has issued a certificate of occupancy for the building or structure under this part.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Private or public areas accommodating five or more tents or recreational camping vehicles on a daily, nightly, weekly, or longer basis

    • An annual license from the Minnesota Department of Health is required before establishing, maintaining, conducting, or operating a recreational camping area.
    • The license requires application, payment of the statutory fee, and approval for operation including plan review.
    • A recreational camping area excludes children's camps, industrial camps, migrant labor camps, United States Forest Service camps, state forest service camps, qualifying state wildlife-management or state-owned public-access areas, qualifying temporary holding areas adjacent to motorsports facilities, and a privately owned area used by a private club no more than once annually and no longer than seven consecutive days.
    • A special event recreational camping area operates no more than two times annually and for no more than 14 consecutive days.
    • The statute does not resolve local zoning or land-use requirements.

    minimum accommodated tents or recreational camping vehicles: >= 5 units (Statutory exclusions apply.) · special event operating frequency: <= 2 times annually (Special event recreational camping area.) · special event duration: <= 14 consecutive days (Special event recreational camping area.) · annual license base fee for recreational camping area with 24 or fewer sites: 100 USD (Additional $8 per licensed site; special event areas are excluded from that per-site paragraph.) · annual license base fee for recreational camping area with 25 to 99 sites: 410 USD (Additional $8 per licensed site; special event areas are excluded from that per-site paragraph.) · annual license base fee for recreational camping area with 100 or more sites: 610 USD (Additional $8 per licensed site; special event areas are excluded from that per-site paragraph.)

    “"Recreational camping area" means any area, whether privately or publicly owned, used on a daily, nightly, weekly, or longer basis for the accommodation of five or more tents or recreational camping vehicles free of charge or for compensation. [...] "Special event recreational camping area" means a recreational camping area which operates no more than two times annually and for no more than 14 consecutive days. [...] No person, firm or corporation shall establish, maintain, conduct or operate a manufactured home park or recreational camping area within this state without first obtaining an annual license from the state Department of Health.”
  • Tiny homesLimited

    Construction and residential use of tiny houses statewide, subject to the Minnesota State Building Code and applicable municipal zoning ordinances.

    • The Minnesota State Building Code applies statewide to construction of buildings, including tiny houses.
    • Municipal zoning ordinances vary by municipality and regulate land use, location, height, width, foundation type, number of stories, and building size.
    • The jurisdiction must be consulted for local zoning specifics.
    • Tiny houses used as dwelling units must comply with the Minnesota Residential Code unless otherwise stated in Appendix Q.
    • A tiny house is a dwelling of 400 square feet or less in floor area, excluding lofts.
    • Applicable requirements include light, ventilation, heating, minimum room sizes, ceiling heights, sanitation, toilet, bath and shower spaces, emergency escape and rescue openings, means of egress, smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide alarms.

    maximum tiny-house floor area: <= 400 square feet (lofts excluded) · minimum habitable-space and hallway ceiling height: >= 6.67 feet (6 feet 8 inches) · minimum bathroom, toilet-room, and kitchen ceiling height: >= 6.33 feet (6 feet 4 inches)

    “The Minnesota State Building Code is the standard of construction that applies statewide for the construction of buildings (MS 326B.121) including tiny houses.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    New manufactured homes installed for occupancy statewide in Minnesota

    • Inspection is required under Federal Installation Standards Programs, CFR 3285 and 3286.
    • Manufactured-home alterations require documentation submitted for review to the Department of Labor and Industry or the local authority having jurisdiction before work begins.
    • Local building officials and local code enforcement may apply depending on the municipality.
    “All new manufactured homes installed in Minnesota for occupancy are required to be inspected according to the Federal Installation Standards Programs, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 3285 and 3286.”
  • Who permits septicMixed

    Minnesota subsurface sewage treatment systems statewide.

    • MPCA establishes the statewide regulatory framework.
    • Counties, cities, and townships implement and enforce the rules through local ordinances.
    • Local government units may impose requirements stricter than the minimum state requirements.
    • Counties, cities, and townships issue construction permits for most SSTS; MPCA permits large systems designed for flows greater than 10,000 gallons per day.

    large SSTS permitting threshold: > 10000 gallons per day

    “Counties, cities, and townships review designs and issue construction permits for most SSTS in Minnesota, but large sub-surface sewage treatment systems (LSTS) — designed to manage a flow of greater than 10,000 gallons a day — must be permitted by the MPCA”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction of most Minnesota SSTS, with construction permits issued by the applicable county, city, or township; large SSTS require MPCA permitting.

    • Local authority and local ordinance requirements vary.
    • Large SSTS designed for a flow greater than 10,000 gallons per day must be permitted by MPCA.
    • Local government units may adopt stricter requirements.

    large SSTS design flow: > 10000 gallons per day (Systems at or below this threshold are generally reviewed and permitted by counties, cities, or townships.)

    “Counties, cities, and townships review designs and issue construction permits for most SSTS in Minnesota, but large sub-surface sewage treatment systems (LSTS) — designed to manage a flow of greater than 10,000 gallons a day — must be permitted by the MPCA”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Agricultural buildings statewide that meet the definition in Minnesota Statutes § 326B.103, subdivision 3.

    • The structure must be on agricultural land as determined by the governing assessor for the municipality or county under section 273.13, subdivision 23.
    • The structure must be designed, constructed, and used to house farm implements, livestock, or agricultural products under section 273.13, subdivision 23.
    • The building must be used by the owner, lessee, and sublessee and members of their immediate families, employees, and persons engaged in pickup or delivery of agricultural products.
    • The State Building Code does not apply except with respect to state inspections required or rulemaking authorized by sections 103F.141, 216C.19, subdivision 9, and 326B.36.
    • Translucent panels or other skylights without raised curbs must be supported to have equivalent load-bearing capacity as the surrounding roof.
    “The State Building Code is the standard that applies statewide for the construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, and use of buildings and other structures of the type governed by the code. [...] (c) The State Building Code does not apply to agricultural buildings except: (1) with respect to state inspections required or rulemaking authorized by sections 103F.141; 216C.19, subdivision 9; and 326B.36; and (2) translucent panels or other skylights without raised curbs shall be supported to have equivalent load-bearing capacity as the surrounding roof.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Direct driveway connections to or from Minnesota state highways and work within MnDOT right-of-way.

    • A permit is required before constructing or modifying a direct driveway connection to or from a state highway.
    • The requirement covers agricultural, single-family residential, commercial, industrial, recreational, public, institutional, natural-resource, and multiple-family residential uses, and privately owned streets.
    • A new driveway, including a temporary driveway, requires a permit.
    • Modifying an existing driveway or changing its use or major traffic pattern may require a new permit.
    • The application should be submitted by the property owner; an agent, tenant, contractor, or developer must include written authorization from the owner.
    • This claim does not establish driveway-permit requirements for roads outside MnDOT jurisdiction.
    “A MnDOT Access Driveway Permit is required before a direct driveway connection to or from a state highway is constructed or modified.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Additional ingress to or egress from a public highway for property with a right of direct private access.
      “The owner or occupant of property abutting upon a public highway, having a right of direct private access thereto, may provide such other or additional means of ingress from and egress to the highway as will facilitate the efficient use of the property for a particular lawful purpose, subject to reasonable regulation by and permit from the road authority as is necessary to prevent interference with the construction, maintenance and safe use of the highway and its appurtenances and the public use thereof.”
    • Required — Changes in access to or from a MnDOT right-of-way, including driveway or other access points to a trunk highway, and changes in property use affecting such access.
      “An Access / Driveway Permit is required whenever there is a request for change in access to or from a Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) right-of-way or a change in use of the property.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Building permit fees under the Minnesota State Building Code, as administered by local building departments.

    • Fees are established by the local building department and are not supplied as one statewide fee schedule.
    • Fees must be commensurate with services provided and reasonable, fair, and proportionate to actual service costs.
    • Fees may include building permit, plan review, state surcharge, electrical, plumbing, heating/mechanical, septic, and sewer and water fees.
    • Permit fees are generally based on construction valuation and/or a fee for service.
    • The applicant must provide an estimated construction valuation, subject to verification by the building official.
    • Municipal fee schedules may include special investigation, penalty, reinspection, plan-review, fixed, and refund-policy fees.
    “It is for this reason that the building code does not specifically identify or provide for a fee schedule to be used by a jurisdiction. Each municipality is to evaluate local costs associated with the enforcement of the code.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Variable (with conditions) — Minnesota State Building Code permit fees administered by adopting local municipalities.
      “Permit fees are to be determined and established by the local municipality. Permit fees must be established so that they cover all costs associated with administration and enforcement the State Building Code - to run a functioning building department. Permit fees can be developed on a “fixed fee” basis and on a construction “value” type of sliding fee schedule, or a combination of both.”
  • county zoning authorityLimited

    County planning and zoning authority over unincorporated areas of Minnesota.

    • The authority applies to a county having less than 300,000 population according to the 1950 federal census.
    • The statute authorizes county planning and zoning activities generally within the qualifying counties; it does not identify a separate unincorporated-area limitation in this section.
    • Except as otherwise provided, a county regardless of population must not enact, amend, or enforce an ordinance eliminating or terminating a lawful use by amortization.
    • The amortization prohibition does not apply to adults-only bookstores, adults-only theaters, or similar adults-only businesses as defined by ordinance.
    • The amortization subdivision does not prohibit nuisance-prevention or nuisance-abatement enforcement or elimination of a use determined to be a public nuisance without payment of compensation.

    population threshold: < 300000 persons (According to the 1950 federal census)

    “having less than 300,000 population according to the 1950 federal census is authorized to carry on county planning and zoning activities.”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    Minnesota counties may administer and enforce the State Building Code within their jurisdiction by ordinance; this includes a county's authority over residential construction in unincorporated county territory, subject to the statutory limits on code application and local provisions.

    • The statutory authorization is to administer and enforce the State Building Code, rather than a county-specific building code.
    • A county that is not already required by Minnesota Statutes § 326B.121, subdivision 2(a), to administer and enforce the code may elect to do so by ordinance.
    • The State Building Code applies statewide to construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, and use of buildings and structures governed by the code.
    • The State Building Code does not apply to agricultural buildings except for state inspections or rulemaking authorized by Minnesota Statutes §§ 103F.141, 216C.19, subdivision 9, and 326B.36, and except that translucent panels or other skylights without raised curbs must have equivalent load-bearing capacity as the surrounding roof.
    • A municipality may not require building-code provisions regulating structural components or systems that differ from the State Building Code; with state building official approval, it may adopt a more restrictive ordinance where geological conditions warrant it.
    • A municipality may enforce the State Building Code through lawful means, including contracts with other municipalities or qualified individuals; building-permit fees may be retained or remitted to reimburse them.
    “If a municipality is not required by paragraph (a) to administer and enforce the State Building Code, the municipality may choose to administer and enforce the State Building Code within its jurisdiction by adopting the code by ordinance.”

Set by your town or city, not the county

In Minnesota, zoning is adopted by each town or city, so Goodhue County has no county-wide answer on these. Find your town or city in the list of places on this page, or call its clerk or zoning administrator.

  • Minimum dwelling size
  • Short-term rentals

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Goodhue County, Minnesota

Is Goodhue County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Goodhue County scores 51/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: mixed durability signals and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: about 82,883 people within a 30-minute drive.

Do you need a building permit in Goodhue County, Minnesota?

Goodhue County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Goodhue County Land Use Management - Environmental Health (Septic Division). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Goodhue County, Minnesota?

Land in Goodhue County runs about $8,303 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Goodhue County?

Goodhue County gets about 34.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 3.9% of years.

How remote is Goodhue County?

A representative private-land location has about 82,883 people within a 30-minute drive and 4,849,795 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

How Goodhue compares in Minnesota

Compare side-by-side →See all 87 Minnesota counties ranked →