Bolthole Index

Hubbard County, Minnesota

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Hubbard County, Minnesota

74Index Score / 100
#14 of 87 in Minnesota

Unincorporated Hubbard County, Minnesota requires a county land-use permit for structures only in its shoreland zone, within 1,000 feet of a classified lake or 500 feet of a river or stream12. County zoning is shoreland zoning, and nine townships run their own zoning3. Septic permits for any parcel in the county, shoreland or not, come from Hubbard County Environmental Services45.

At a glance

Building permit
County land-use (site) permit applies in shoreland only; $225 for a dwelling unit; building-code permit authority unconfirmed167
Zoning
County shoreland districts apply in unincorporated areas, while Akeley, Clay, Clover, Helga, Henrietta, Mantrap, Rockwood, Thorpe and Todd townships have their own zoning38
Septic (SSTS)
Environmental Services administers countywide septic permits and inspects new installations9510
RV living in county shoreland
An occupied RV kept as a dwelling for more than 30 days in a year needs a land-use permit and must meet sanitation and setback rules11
Tiny home
A tiny house must meet the State Building Code and local zoning decides where it is allowed; no Hubbard County tiny-home rule was confirmed12
Owner-builder
An owner may qualify for Minnesota's contractor-licensing exemption, but permits and inspections still apply13
New lots
County approval is required for every subdivision; shoreland lot standards vary by classification, while non-shoreland administrative lots have separate minimums141516

Who to call

Zoning

Hubbard County Environmental Services Department

County shoreland, subdivision and septic ordinances; permits, variance and conditional-use applications; septic inspections; E911 addressing and GIS

(218) 732-3890

permits@hubbardcounty.gov

Government Center - 2nd Floor, 301 Court Avenue, Park Rapids, MN 56470

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 13, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

Hubbard County requires a land-use permit before covered construction, exterior alteration, use changes or related grading begins in county shoreland, generally within 1,000 feet of a classified lake or 500 feet of a river or stream12. Outside shoreland, the county does not require a land-use permit, although septic permits still come from the county617.

A county land-use permit is not a structural building permit. The Minnesota State Building Code is the construction standard in every Minnesota county, township and city, but a municipality enforces it only where it has adopted it by ordinance18. Inside Park Rapids, the city has adopted the State Building Code as its building code19. We could not confirm who administers residential building-code permits or inspections in unincorporated Hubbard County; ask Environmental Services and the township that covers the parcel203.

Owner-builders: Minnesota's contractor-license exemption covers an owner who occupies the home or keeps it as a rental, but not one building for resale or speculation, and it does not remove building, land-use or septic permits21.

Who issues land-use, septic and building permits in Hubbard County, and how do you reach them?

Hubbard County Environmental Services is the county office for shoreland, subdivision and subsurface sewage treatment rules; it issues required county permits, processes variance and conditional-use applications, and inspects sewage treatment systems20. The office is on the second floor of the Government Center at 301 Court Avenue, Park Rapids, and can be reached at (218) 732-3890 or permits@hubbardcounty.gov20.

Start there to learn whether county shoreland rules cover the parcel and to arrange the septic permit, which the county issues for every parcel regardless of township. If the land is in Akeley, Clay, Clover, Helga, Henrietta, Mantrap, Rockwood, Thorpe or Todd Township, also contact that township about its zoning permits, inspections and approvals322.

The 2026 county fee schedule lists a $225 site permit for a dwelling unit, including an attached garage or deck, $110 for other structures and $330 for a residential septic permit7. That schedule is a county site-permit schedule, not a State Building Code fee schedule23. A new approach onto a county road needs a Highway Department permit before work begins; the nonrefundable fee is $30024.

Does Hubbard County have zoning?

Yes, but county zoning is focused on shoreland. Hubbard County's Shoreland Management Ordinance, effective February 6, 2024, establishes seven districts for public-water shorelands in unincorporated areas: Natural Environment, Recreational Development, General Development, Special Protection, Remote River, Forested River and Tributary25. Lakes, ponds and flowages smaller than 25 acres are outside county shoreland regulation25. The county's shoreland jurisdiction does not reach other land: it is not a blanket zoning rule for every parcel2.

Nine named townships have their own zoning and may require additional approvals, while the county keeps subdivision approval and septic permits322. Shoreland lot requirements vary by water classification, riparian status and dwelling type; where districts overlap, the most restrictive applies15. Setbacks vary by shoreland district and use, for example 75 feet from the ordinary high water level in a General Development lake district, and 100 and 150 feet for Recreational Development and Natural Environment lakes26. Outside shoreland, a new administrative-subdivision lot needs at least 2.25 acres excluding road right-of-way, 49,000 square feet of contiguous buildable area and 150 feet of width16.

How do septic permits work in Hubbard County?

Hubbard County Environmental Services administers the county's subsurface sewage treatment ordinance, permits and inspections9. A county permit is required before installing, altering, repairing or extending a septic system5. Hire a licensed septic professional to evaluate the property and prepare a design, submit the design to Environmental Services, and obtain the permit after approval27. The installer then contacts the county for an installation inspection; a passing system receives a certificate of compliance10.

Do the site evaluation before committing to a building location. Only 2.8% of Hubbard County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so a standard system may be difficult on many parcels28. A privy still needs a licensed-professional design, setbacks and a county inspection1729. Holding tanks must follow Minnesota rules, use an alarm at 75% capacity and remain under a licensed-maintainer pumping contract until abandonment or sale, subject to the stated farmer exception30.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Hubbard County?

In Hubbard County shoreland, an RV kept on a lot for more than 30 days in a year and occupied there at any time is treated as a dwelling unit and needs a county land-use permit31. The RV must meet structure setbacks and sanitation standards, and only one RV site is allowed per lot apart from occasional and intermittent visitors31. A commercial RV camping area needs a conditional-use permit in eligible shoreland districts, state health licensing, 3,000 square feet per site and centralized sewage treatment, and is not permitted in the Special Protection district32.

Outside county shoreland, township rules govern. Todd Township prohibits an RV as a dwelling unit unless its ordinance otherwise provides33. We could not confirm RV rules for the other zoning townships; ask the township and Environmental Services2220.

For tiny homes, Minnesota treats a dwelling of 400 square feet or less as a tiny house that must meet the State Building Code, and local zoning decides whether one is allowed on a parcel12. We could not confirm a Hubbard County tiny-home rule.

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

  1. Use the county shoreland map or call Environmental Services to learn whether the site is inside county shoreland and which township covers it3420.
  2. Contact the township if the parcel is in Akeley, Clay, Clover, Helga, Henrietta, Mantrap, Rockwood, Thorpe or Todd, because those townships have their own zoning3.
  3. Confirm buildable area, shore classification, setbacks and whether a county land-use permit is required before finalizing plans135.
  4. Hire a licensed septic professional for a site evaluation and design, then submit it for the county septic permit27.
  5. Confirm the road authority before cutting a driveway: an approach onto a county road needs a $300 permit before work begins, and private driveways must respect a 10-foot property-line setback unless a recorded easement says otherwise2436. A driveway onto a state highway needs a MnDOT permit37.
  6. Get the E-911 address and every required land-use, septic, township or floodplain approval before construction1738.
  7. Have the septic installer schedule the county inspection and obtain the certificate of compliance10.

What should you check before buying land in Hubbard County?

Confirm jurisdiction before trusting a listing's claim that no building permit is needed. County land-use permits apply in shoreland, and nine townships may impose their own zoning approvals622. Check the mapped shoreland district, water classification and setbacks, since uses, lot standards and setbacks change with the parcel and water body251526. A split needs county approval, with fees that start at $90 plus $22 per tract for an administrative subdivision1439.

Order a septic site evaluation early: only 2.8% of Hubbard County soils are rated not limited for a conventional drain field, so most parcels need an evaluation and often an engineered system28. Verify legal road access24. Review flood maps: in unincorporated areas the county zoning authority generally administers floodplain permits, and a dwelling is not permitted in a mapped floodway3840. Hubbard County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.8%, and the median annual bill is about $2,0874142.

Watch-outs

  • A statement that Hubbard County has no building permit can be misleading: county land-use permits are required for covered work in shoreland, and zoning townships may require separate approvals143.
  • RV dwelling rules differ by jurisdiction: county shoreland has a permit threshold, Todd Township prohibits RV dwellings unless otherwise allowed, and the other zoning townships should be asked directly113322.
  • A private-lot RV approval is not a campground approval; commercial shoreland RV camping areas face district, conditional-use, health-license, site-area and sewage-treatment requirements32.
  • A new non-shoreland lot meeting the 2.25-acre minimum still must provide 49,000 square feet of contiguous buildable area and 150 feet of width16.
  • Where a building official administers the State Building Code, a certificate of occupancy is required before a building is used; we could not confirm who issues one for unincorporated Hubbard County44.

Sources

  1. Hubbard County Shoreland Management Ordinance No. 17, quoted and re-checked
  2. Hubbard County FAQ, quoted and re-checked
  3. FAQ - Hubbard County, MN, quoted and re-checked
  4. Environmental Services - Hubbard County, MN, quoted and re-checked
  5. co.hubbard.mn.us, quoted and re-checked
  6. hubbardcounty.gov, quoted and re-checked
  7. Fee Schedule — Hubbard County Environmental Services, quoted and re-checked
  8. Hubbard County Shoreland Management Ordinance No. 17, quoted and re-checked
  9. Environmental Services, quoted and re-checked
  10. Hubbard County FAQ, quoted and re-checked
  11. Hubbard County Ordinance Number 17: Shoreland Management, quoted and re-checked
  12. Tiny Houses and the 2020 Minnesota Residential Code (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Minnesota Statutes § 326B.805, quoted and re-checked
  14. FAQ - Hubbard County, MN, quoted and re-checked
  15. County Ordinance Number 17 Shoreland Management, quoted and re-checked
  16. hubbardcounty.gov, quoted and re-checked
  17. hubbardcounty.gov, quoted and re-checked
  18. Overview of the Minnesota State Building Code, quoted and re-checked
  19. Park Rapids: Park Rapids Code § 150.03, Building Code (Hubbard County), quoted and re-checked
  20. Hubbard County Environmental Services Department (hubbardcounty.gov)
  21. Minnesota Statutes § 326B.805, quoted and re-checked
  22. FAQ, quoted and re-checked
  23. 2026 County Fee Schedule, quoted and re-checked
  24. Applications/Permits, quoted and re-checked
  25. Hubbard County Shoreland Management Ordinance, County Ordinance Number 17, quoted and re-checked
  26. hubbardcounty.gov, quoted and re-checked
  27. hubbardcounty.gov, quoted and re-checked
  28. 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
  29. hubbardcounty.gov, quoted and re-checked
  30. hubbardcounty.gov, quoted and re-checked
  31. Hubbard County Ordinance Number 17 — Shoreland Management Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  32. Hubbard County Ordinance Number 17: Shoreland Management, quoted and re-checked
  33. Todd Township Land Use Zoning Ordinance 2020.002, quoted and re-checked
  34. FAQ - Hubbard County, MN, quoted and re-checked
  35. Hubbard County Shoreland Management Ordinance No. 17, quoted and re-checked
  36. hubbardcounty.gov, quoted and re-checked
  37. MnDOT Access Management Manual, Chapter 4 (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  38. Floodplain Regulations (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  39. Hubbard County Shoreland Management Ordinance No. 17, quoted and re-checked
  40. Floodplain Regulations (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  41. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  42. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  43. FAQ - Hubbard County, MN, quoted and re-checked
  44. Minnesota Administrative Rules, Part 1300.0220 — Certificate of Occupancy (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

Written October 13, 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, Hubbard County has countywide zoning.

RuleHubbard CountyWadena CountyCass CountyBecker CountyClearwater CountyMahnomen CountyOtter Tail County
Building permitLimitedRequiredRequiredRequiredLimitedLimitedLimited
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Env. Services Dept.County Planning & Zoning Dept.County Env. ServicesCounty Planning & ZoningCounty Office of Env. ServicesCounty Zoning & SanitationCounty Land & Resource Management

County locator

Hubbard County in Minnesota

74
County map
Hubbard County highlighted among the Minnesota counties · colored by Index score

How Hubbard County scores

Seclusion73100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency51100% ev.
Admin Boringness57100% ev.
Durability62100% ev.
Property Autonomy65100% ev.
Carry Cost73100% 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 →

$326kTypical home
0.8%Property tax
$3,671Land / acre
26"Annual rain
9.6% of yrsSevere drought
1.1 / yr (+1.1)Mid-century 100°F days
14.8 daysMid-century dry spell
1.53" (+9.8%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.86×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,571Home insurance / yr
3% / yrInsurance growth
0.24%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
28,754People within 30 min
360,834People within 2 hr
15,982Radius comparison (15 mi)
23.9People / sq mi
0.1%Federal land
87.6%Land at 15% slope or less
2.8%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
11,515 acWorkable land screen
66.5%Wooded land
30 tonsBiomass / forest ac
40.1°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Hubbard 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: Akeley · Akeley Township · Arago Township · Badoura Township · Clay Township · Clover Township · Crow Wing Lake Township · Farden Township · Fern Township · Guthrie Township · Hart Lake Township · Helga Township · Hendrickson Township · Henrietta Township · Hubbard Township · Lake Alice Township · Lake Emma Township · Lake George Township · Lake Hattie Township · Lakeport Township · Laporte · Mantrap Township · Nevis · Nevis Township · Rockwood Township · Schoolcraft Township · Steamboat River Township · Straight River Township · Thorpe Township · Todd Township · White Oak Township

Answers from the rulebook for Hubbard County

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

Hubbard County rules

  • Building permitLimited

    Structures in the County shoreland jurisdiction.

    • County land-use permits are not required outside shoreland areas.
    • The shoreland jurisdiction is land within 1,000 feet of classified lakes and 500 feet of rivers or streams.
    • Permits are valid for one year from issuance.
    • Building-contractor license numbers are required for all land-use permits.
    • Listed exempt structures remain subject to setback requirements.
    “Permits are required for all structures including but not limited to homes, additions, garages, storage buildings, guest cabins, decks, platforms, etc. and for any modification, alteration, or change to a structure that results in a change of use of the structure.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Construction, alteration, movement, exterior change, use change, or related grading in the county shoreland-management jurisdiction.
      “All property owners or designee having charge of the erection, alteration, moving, or change of the exterior or use of any structure shall apply for a land use permit from the Hubbard County Environmental Services Director before beginning or undertaking such work. Additionally, no grading, filling, or excavation for footings, foundations, slabs, posts, basements, walls or other parts of a structure shall be conducted without first securing a land use permit. Permits are also required for grading and filling, vegetative alteration in the shore impact zone, SSTS, signs, variances and conditional uses. Any modification, alteration or change to a structure that results in a change of use of the structure requires a permit issued by the Hubbard County Environmental Services Director. Repairs and maintenance as defined herein shall not require a permit.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County-administered shoreland zoning in unincorporated Hubbard County.

    • The Shoreland Management Ordinance applies only within 1,000 feet of classified lakes and 500 feet of rivers or streams.
    • This is not a blanket zoning rule for every parcel in the county.

    classified lake setback jurisdiction: 1000 feet · river or stream setback jurisdiction: 500 feet

    “applicable within 1000 feet of classified lake or 500 feet of classified river”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — County-administered shoreland zoning in Hubbard County, particularly land within 1,000 feet of classified lakes and 500 feet of classified rivers or streams.
      “Our Department administers seven ordinances: [...] Shoreland Ordinance (applicable within 1000 feet of classified lake or 500 feet of classified river). [...] This ordinance applies to land within 1000 feet of classified lakes and 500 feet of any river or stream.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning situation across Hubbard County, including county shoreland controls and township zoning regulations.

    • Hubbard County county land-use permits are not required outside shoreland areas, but local township approvals may apply.
    • The official county FAQ identifies Akeley, Clay, Clover, Helga, Henrietta, Mantrap, Rockwood, Thorpe, and Todd as townships having zoning regulations.
    • Property subdivisions must go through a zoning approval process countywide.
    • The county Shoreland Management Ordinance applies in unincorporated shorelands unless incorporated bodies request application; towns may adopt more restrictive regulations.
    “Please check with your local township for any permits, inspections, or approvals if you property is located in the following townships that have zoning regulations: Akeley, Clay, Clover, Helga, Henrietta, Mantrap, Rockwood, Thorpe, or Todd.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — County aggregate of township zoning; this does not state that Hubbard County administers township ordinances.
      “Please check with your local township for any permits, inspections, or approvals if you property is located in the following townships that have zoning regulations: Akeley, Clay, Clover, Helga, Henrietta, Mantrap, Rockwood, Thorpe, or Todd.”
    • Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate local zoning in Hubbard County, including county shoreland and subdivision controls and zoning regulations administered by listed townships.
      “County land use permits are not required outside of shoreland areas. County-wide, a permit is required for an E-911 address, septic system, off-premises advertising sign, and adult use. Property subdivisions also must go through a zoning approval process. Please check with your local township for any permits, inspections, or approvals if you property is located in the following townships that have zoning regulations: Akeley, Clay, Clover, Helga, Henrietta, Mantrap, Rockwood, Thorpe, or Todd.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Shorelands of public water bodies in the unincorporated areas of Hubbard County, with district designations established by the county ordinance and mapped through the official shoreland management map and county GIS Shoreland Zones layer.

    • The ordinance applies to the shorelands of public water bodies in unincorporated Hubbard County unless incorporated bodies request application.
    • No lake, pond, or flowage less than 25 acres is regulated by county shoreland management regulations.
    • A body of water created by a private user where there was no previous shoreland is exempt from the ordinance.
    • The official shoreland management map is adopted by reference and is on file at the Environmental Services Department, Hubbard County Government Center.
    • The ordinance identifies Natural Environment, Recreational Development, General Development, Special Protection, Remote River, Forested River, and Tributary management districts.
    • District-specific uses and standards vary by management district; uses marked conditional, interim, special, or non-permitted are governed by the requirements in Article IV.
    “The development of shorelands of public waters shall be controlled by means of shoreland management districts which are designated to be compatible with the classification of public waters. For purposes of this Ordinance, the following districts are created: 1. Natural Environment 5. Remote River 2. Recreational Development 6. Forested River 3. General Development 7. Tributary 4. Special Protection [...] An official shoreland management map, on file at the Environmental Services Department, Hubbard County Government Center, is hereby adopted by reference.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Partial — County shoreland jurisdiction records and mapping.
      “Please see the Hubbard County Link parcel data mapping program that is accessible on the County website (www.co.hubbard.mn.us) which provides a shoreland zoning map layer for your assistance.”
    • Published (with conditions) — Hubbard County shoreland zoning districts applicable to classified lakes, rivers, and streams.
      “The development of shorelands of public waters shall be controlled by means of shoreland management districts which are designated to be compatible with the classification of public waters. For purposes of this Ordinance, the following districts are created: 1. Natural Environment 5. Remote River 2. Recreational Development 6. Forested River 3. General Development 7. Tributary 4. Special Protection”
    • Published (with conditions) — Shorelands of public water bodies in unincorporated areas of Hubbard County, subject to the Hubbard County Shoreland Management Ordinance.
      “The development of shorelands of public waters shall be controlled by means of shoreland management districts which are designated to be compatible with the classification of public waters. For purposes of this Ordinance, the following districts are created: 1. Natural Environment 5. Remote River 2. Recreational Development 6. Forested River 3. General Development 7. Tributary 4. Special Protection.”
    • Published (with conditions) — Hubbard County shoreland management districts and classifications.
      “Article V Height and Placement Regulations; Zoning Provisions”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Newly created subdivision lots.

    • In shoreland areas, minimum lot sizes vary by lake or river/stream classification and, for administrative subdivisions, riparian status.
    • Outside shoreland areas, the administrative-subdivision minimum is 2.25 acres, excluding road right-of-way, with 49,000 square feet of contiguous buildable area and 150-foot minimum width.
    • For commercial use lots in townships with land-use ordinances, the township commercial minimum may be smaller than 2.25 acres.

    non-shoreland administrative subdivision minimum lot area: >= 2.25 acres (Cannot include road right-of-way; also requires 49,000 square feet contiguous buildable area and 150-foot minimum width.)

    “Outside shoreland areas, the minimum lot size requirement is 2.25 acres which cannot include road right-of way, 49,000 sq. ft. of contiguous buildable area, and a 150' minimum width.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — New lots in Hubbard County shoreland management districts.
      “Except as otherwise specifically provided for in this Ordinance, no new lot shall be created, which does not meet the following minimum dimensional requirements as specified in this Ordinance. No lot area shall be so reduced or diminished so that the yards or other open spaces are smaller than prescribed herein, nor shall the number of dwelling units be increased in any manner except in conformity with the area regulations in this Ordinance.”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Structures and onsite sewage treatment systems within County shoreland jurisdiction.

    • The Shoreland Ordinance applies within 1,000 feet of classified lakes and 500 feet of classified rivers.
    • Lake and river/stream ordinary-high-water setbacks vary by classification.
    • The side-lot, cemetery, road-right-of-way, and bluff setbacks listed by the County apply in addition to classification-based shore setbacks.

    general-development-lake structure setback: >= 75 feet (Measured from ordinary high water mark.) · recreational-development-lake structure setback: >= 100 feet (Measured from ordinary high water mark.) · natural-environment-lake structure setback: >= 150 feet (Measured from ordinary high water mark.) · side-lot-line structure setback: >= 10 feet · drainfield lake-river-stream setback: >= 150 feet

    “Structure setbacks from the ordinary high water mark differ depending on the lake or river/stream classification.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Nonconforming lots of record and related development in county shoreland-management districts.

    • The ordinance separately states that maximum impervious-surface coverage must be less than or must not exceed 25 percent in the cited nonconforming-lot contexts.

    maximum impervious surface coverage: < 25 percent (Section 704 item 1 states less than 25%; Section 704 item 2 states must not exceed 25%)

    “the lot contains a minimum contiguous lawn area, that is free of limiting factors, sufficient for the construction of two standard onsite sewage treatment systems; F. The lot contains an adequate supply of water for domestic purposes that meets or exceeds standards of the Minnesota Department of Health. G. maximum impervious surface coverage shall be less than 25%;”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Recreational vehicles used as dwelling units on private lots within the unincorporated shoreland areas governed by Hubbard County Ordinance No. 17.

    • The ordinance applies to shorelands of public water bodies in unincorporated Hubbard County unless incorporated bodies request application.
    • Recreational vehicles must meet all structure setback requirements.
    • When used as a dwelling unit and located on a lot for more than 30 days in any year and occupied at the location at any time, the recreational vehicle is considered a dwelling unit and must have a land use permit under Section 1104.
    • Recreational vehicles must have self-contained sanitary facilities or comply with the ordinance's sanitation standards.
    • Only one recreational vehicle site is allowed on any lot; occasional and intermittent visitors are not prohibited.
    • Uninhabited recreational vehicles parked strictly for storage are allowed. The Environmental Services Director may vary the setback administratively when the owner demonstrates by legal description, plat, or certified survey that the lot lacks sufficient depth for placement under Section 502.
    • All tires necessary for safe highway transport must remain mounted and inflated.
    • Items 2, 4, and 5 of Section 511 do not apply to licensed recreational vehicle campgrounds.
    • More restrictive regulations adopted or continued by a town may apply.

    dwelling occupancy threshold: > 30 days in any year (The recreational vehicle must also be occupied at the location at any time.) · recreational vehicle sites per lot: 1 site (Occasional and intermittent visitors are not prohibited.)

    “Recreational vehicles must meet all structure setback requirements of this Ordinance.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Recreational vehicle camping areas within Hubbard County shoreland management districts in the unincorporated area.
      “Each recreational vehicle camping site must be a minimum of 3,000 square feet in area.”
    • Limited — Recreational-vehicle occupancy as a dwelling unit within the Hubbard County shoreland-management jurisdiction.
      “A recreational vehicle when used as a dwelling unit and located on a lot for more than 30 days in any year and occupied at the location at any time shall be considered a dwelling unit and must have a land use permit pursuant to Section 1104 of this Ordinance.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    County subsurface sewage treatment systems.

    • County septic controls are administered through Environmental Services.
    • Holding tanks must comply with Minnesota Rules, Chapter 7080.2290 when used.
    “The Environmental Services Department administers the following ordinances: Shoreland Management, Subdivision, Subsurface Sewage Treatment System, Sign, Buffer, Adult Use, and E911, and is responsible for the County’s aquatic invasive species program and geographic information system (GIS) services.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • County — Administration and inspection of subsurface sewage treatment systems in Hubbard County.
      “administers the following ordinances: Shoreland Management, Subdivision, Subsurface Sewage Treatment System”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation, alteration, repair, or extension of an SSTS in Hubbard County.

    • MPCA license required for persons, firms, or corporations, subject to the individual-owner exception in §802.2.
    • A county permit is required for the specific work.
    • An owner installing on solely owned or leased dwelling property must still obtain a sanitary permit.
    “No person, (except as described in Section 802.2) firm or corporation shall install, alter, repair or extend any subsurface sewage treatment system without first obtaining a license from the MPCA, and until a permit has been issued from the Hubbard County Environmental Services Department for the specific installation, alteration, repair or extension to be performed.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Septic systems countywide, including privies.
      “County-wide, a permit is required for an E-911 address, septic system, off-premises advertising sign, and adult use.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    New SSTS installations and compliance inspections in Hubbard County.

    • The installing contractor must contact Environmental Services to schedule an installation inspection.
    • A passing installation inspection results in a certificate of compliance.
    • New-system compliance inspections are valid five years; existing-system compliance inspections are valid three years.

    new-system compliance validity: 5 years · existing-system compliance validity: 3 years

    “The contractor installing the septic system contacts the Environmental Services Department to schedule an inspection of the septic system installation. If the installation passes inspection, a certificate of compliance will be mailed to the property owner which completes the process.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New septic-system installations and privies.
      “The contractor installing the septic system contacts the Environmental Services Department to schedule an inspection of the septic system installation.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Privies and holding tanks.

    • A privy requires a septic permit, a licensed-professional design, setbacks, and County inspection.
    • Holding tanks require compliance with Minnesota Rules Chapter 7080.2290, a 75-percent-capacity alarm, and a valid licensed-maintainer pumping contract until abandonment or sale.
    • The contract requirement is waived for a farmer exempt under Minnesota Statute 115.56, subdivision 2, paragraph (b), clause (3).
    “Holding tanks may be used for structures under the following conditions:”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Property subdivisions in Hubbard County.

    • All property subdivisions require County approval.
    • The County processes administrative subdivisions, minor subdivisions, and plats.
    • Plat requirements include five or more shoreland lots of 2.5 acres or less and stated further-subdivision and non-shoreland tract thresholds.
    “Yes. All property subdivisions require County approval. Subdivisions are processed in three ways: 1. administrative subdivisions, 2. minor subdivisions, and 3. plats.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Driveway accessRequired

    New approaches or entrances onto Hubbard County roads within the right-of-way.

    • Application must be approved and permit issued before work starts.
    • A $300 non-refundable fee applies.
    • The permittee must notify the county after construction for final inspection and approval.
    • No changes or alterations may be made without written permission from the Hubbard County Highway Department.

    driveway/entrance permit fee: 300 USD (non-refundable)

    “No work under this application is to be started until application is approved and the permit issued.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Driveways and access roads on private property.
      “Yes. Driveways or access roads into your property can be installed provided they meet the 10 foot property line setback (this setback does not apply to recorded driveway easements that describe a specific easement location) and do not encroach any closer than the required lake, river or stream setback.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Conditional-use review for shoreland development in relation to floodplains and floodways.

    • Conditional-use review evaluates the location of the site with respect to floodplains and floodways of rivers or tributaries.
    • Additional conditions may include increased setbacks, sewage-treatment and water-supply facilities, access-point controls, parking, and other reasonable requirements.
    “In considering the granting of any conditional use permit, the Planning Commission and County Board of Commissioners shall evaluate the effect of the proposed use upon: [...] D. the location of the site with respect to floodplains and floodways of rivers or tributaries; [...] An applicant for a conditional use permit bears the burden of proving the proposed use will not have a negative effect on the above-listed items A-L.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Hubbard County Environmental Services permit, license, zoning, subdivision, SSTS, site-permit, shoreland, variance, conditional-use, interim-use, and administrative-appeal fees.

    • The schedule is effective 01/01/2026.
    • Commercial SSTS fees for 0-2,500 gallons per day and 2,501-10,000 gallons per day are subject to additional costs for design review and inspection.
    • After-the-fact SSTS permits are charged at 6 times the normal fee.
    • An after-the-fact permit obtained within 15 days of the violation notice date is charged the normal fee plus $50 and does not apply to SSTS or items requiring an after-the-fact variance.
    • An after-the-fact permit obtained after 15 days of the violation notice date is charged at 6 times the normal fee.
    • Conditional Use Permits and variances include a $46 recording fee.
    • For variance applications containing both normal and after-the-fact items, the fee is the cumulative total of both applicable normal and after-the-fact fees.

    dwelling unit site permit: 225 USD (including attached garage and/or attached deck(s)/platform(s)) · other structure site permit: 110 USD (non-dwelling units) · residential SSTS: 330 USD · commercial SSTS, 0-2,500 gpd: 330 USD (plus any additional costs for design review and inspection) · commercial SSTS, 2,501-10,000 gpd: 770 USD (plus any additional costs for design review and inspection) · conditional use permit: 550 USD (includes $46 recording fee) · after-the-fact conditional use permit: 1100 USD (includes $46 recording fee) · administrative subdivision: 90 + 22/tract USD · minor subdivision: 330 + 33/tract USD · plat: 550 + 55/lot USD

    “Fee Schedule Hubbard County Environmental Services [...] Effective: 01/01/2026 [...] Dwelling unit, including attached garage, and/or attached deck(s)/platform(s) $225 [...] Residential SSTS $330 [...] Conditional Use Permit (includes $46 recording fee) $550 [...] Administrative subdivision $90 + $22/tract”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Hubbard County Environmental Services/Zoning site and sanitary permits.
      “Dwelling unit, including attached garage, and/or attached deck(s)/platform(s) $225.00”
    • Published (with conditions) — Hubbard County Environmental Services/Zoning site permits for residential and related construction in the county jurisdiction administered by Environmental Services.
      “HUBBARD COUNTY 2026 County Fee Schedule Approved 12/2/2025 [...] Environmental Services/Zoning Site Permit Schedule: Dwelling unit, including attached garage, and/or attached deck(s)/platform(s) $225.00 All other structures (non dwelling units) $110.00 Legal addition to a structure $110.00 Deck or platform $110.00 Mechanized lift $110.00”
  • Permit processPartial

    County septic permitting and inspection process.

    • The process stated is specific to septic-system installation.
    • The County document center provides standard forms and applications, but the opened materials did not establish a complete process for every permit type.
    “Contact a licensed septic professional to visit the property and develop a septic system design. Submit the design to the Environmental Services Department for review. If the design is approved, then a septic permit per the design must be obtained.”

Minnesota rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    An owner building or improving residential real estate in Hubbard County under Minnesota residential contractor licensing rules.

    • The owner must occupy or intend to occupy the residential real estate for residential purposes, or retain ownership for rental purposes after completion.
    • The exemption does not apply when the owner constructs or improves residential real estate for resale or speculation.
    • An owner is presumed to be building or improving for speculation if the owner constructs or improves more than one property within any 24-month period, unless the properties will be retained for rental purposes.
    • This is an exemption from residential contractor licensing; it does not establish an exemption from applicable building permits, zoning, site permits, septic permits, or code compliance requirements.

    speculation presumption threshold: >= 2 properties within 24 months (The presumption does not apply if the properties will be retained by the owner for rental purposes.)

    “The license requirement does not apply to: [...] (3) an owner of residential real estate who builds or improves residential real estate if the owner occupies or will occupy the residential real estate for residential purposes, or will retain ownership for rental purposes upon completion of the building or improvement. This exemption does not apply to an owner who constructs or improves residential real estate for purposes of resale or speculation. An owner of residential real estate will be presumed to be building or improving for purposes of speculation if the owner constructs or improves more than one property within any 24-month period, unless the properties will be retained by the owner for rental purposes;”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — An owner of residential real estate performing residential building or improvement work in Minnesota, including Hubbard County.
      “The license requirement does not apply to: [...] (3) an owner of residential real estate who builds or improves residential real estate if the owner occupies or will occupy the residential real estate for residential purposes, or will retain ownership for rental purposes upon completion of the building or improvement. This exemption does not apply to an owner who constructs or improves residential real estate for purposes of resale or speculation. An owner of residential real estate will be presumed to be building or improving for purposes of speculation if the owner constructs or improves more than one property within any 24-month period, unless the properties will be retained by the owner for rental purposes;”
    • Available (with conditions) — An owner performing residential building or improvement work in Hubbard County who would otherwise need a Minnesota residential-contractor license.
      “This exemption does not apply to an owner who constructs or improves residential real estate for purposes of resale or speculation.”
    • Available (with conditions) — An owner of residential real estate who personally builds or improves residential real estate, as an exemption from the residential contractor licensing requirement.
      “The license requirement does not apply to: [...] an owner of residential real estate who builds or improves residential real estate”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, and use of buildings and other structures of the type governed by the Minnesota State Building Code throughout Minnesota.

    • The State Building Code supersedes the building code of any municipality.
    • The State Building Code does not apply to agricultural buildings except for the state inspections and rulemaking identified in Minnesota Statutes section 326B.121, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), clause (1), and the structural-support requirement for translucent panels or other skylights without raised curbs in clause (2).
    • The 2020 Minnesota State Building Code is effective March 31, 2020, except the Minnesota Mechanical Fuel Gas Code, which is effective April 6, 2020.
    • Municipal enforcement generally requires adoption by local ordinance, subject to statutory requirements for certain municipalities and statutory enforcement responsibilities where no adoption ordinance is in effect.
    • The 2024 Minnesota Commercial Energy Code is effective January 5, 2024.
    • Requirements for adult changing stations are effective August 15, 2025, and requirements for window-cleaning safety features are effective November 7, 2025, according to the Department of Labor and Industry update page.

    2020 Minnesota State Building Code effective date: 2020-03-31 (Minnesota Mechanical Fuel Gas Code effective 2020-04-06) · 2024 Minnesota Commercial Energy Code effective date: 2024-01-05 · Adult changing station supplement effective date: 2025-08-15 · Window-cleaning safety feature supplement effective date: 2025-11-07

    “(a) 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.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted — Construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, and use of buildings and other structures governed by the Minnesota State Building Code in Hubbard County and statewide.
      “(a) 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. (b) The State Building Code supersedes the building code of any municipality. (c) The State Building Code does not apply to agricultural buildings except:”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — The Minnesota State Building Code as the statewide construction standard, including cities, townships, and counties such as Hubbard County.
      “The Minnesota State Building Code is the minimum construction standard throughout all of Minnesota including all cities, townships and counties.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Residential construction in Hubbard County governed by the Minnesota State Building Code.
      “Every six years, our agency adopts new building codes designed to promote cost-effective ways of ensuring building safety and efficiency. The agency adopts new energy codes every three years in accordance with statutory requirements to ensure the energy efficiency of new construction. The Minnesota State Building Code is the minimum construction standard throughout all of Minnesota including all cities, townships and counties. Although it isn't enforceable by municipalities unless it is adopted by local ordinance, the State Building Code creates a level playing field for the construction industry by establishing the construction standard for all buildings in the state.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Construction or work for which a Minnesota State Building Code permit is required.

    • The work must remain accessible and exposed until approved.
    • The permit applicant must cause the work to remain accessible and exposed for inspection.
    • The building official identifies required inspections; the permit holder must maintain the inspection record card until final approval.
    • Work may not proceed beyond each successive inspection point without building-official approval; noncomplying portions must be corrected and may not be covered or concealed until authorized.
    “Construction or work for which a permit is required is subject to inspection by the building official”
  • 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.”
  • Accessory dwellingsLimited

    Temporary family health care dwellings used as a narrow accessory residential dwelling category statewide, where the municipality has not opted out of Minnesota Statutes § 462.3593.

    • The dwelling must be primarily assembled away from its installation site, be no more than 300 gross square feet, lack a permanent foundation, meet state-recognized accessibility standards, provide water and electric utilities, use compatible exterior materials, have at least R-15 insulation, be transportable by the specified truck types, comply with Minnesota Rules chapter 1360 or 1361 with the required seal and data plate or ANSI Code 119.2, and have a backflow check valve.
    • A caregiver or relative must apply for a municipal temporary dwelling permit with the required signatures and documentation, including provider-network proof, medical certification, septic-service documentation, adjacent-owner notice affidavit, and a site map.
    • The dwelling must be on property where the caregiver or relative resides, comply with setbacks and applicable floor-area-ratio limits, and permit safe and timely access for septic services and emergency vehicles.
    • Occupancy is limited to one identified mentally or physically impaired person, and only one temporary family health care dwelling is allowed per lot.
    • The dwelling must comply with applicable state law, local ordinances, and charter provisions unless otherwise provided.
    • The initial permit lasts six months and may be renewed once for an additional six months.
    • The municipality may inspect, revoke the permit for violations, and require removal within 60 days after revocation.
    • Unless otherwise provided by ordinance, the municipality may charge up to $100 for the initial permit and up to $50 for renewal.
    • The municipality may opt out of the statutory requirements by ordinance.

    maximum dwelling area: <= 300 gross square feet · initial permit term: 6 months (renewable once for an additional six months) · maximum initial permit fee: <= 100 USD (unless otherwise provided by ordinance) · maximum renewal permit fee: <= 50 USD (unless otherwise provided by ordinance) · maximum occupants: 1 person (occupant must be a mentally or physically impaired person) · maximum dwellings per lot: 1 dwelling

    “A temporary family health care dwelling that meets the requirements of this section cannot be prohibited by a local ordinance that regulates accessory uses or recreational vehicle parking or storage.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Accessory dwelling units statewide, including conversion of a structure into an ADU, subject to local zoning and Minnesota residential building-code requirements.
      “Local zoning ordinances dictate if a tiny home or accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is allowed on the property.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Construction of water-supply, dewatering, and environmental wells in Minnesota.

    • A well notification and applicable filing fee are generally required before construction; the statute describes notification rather than a general construction-permit requirement for these wells.
    • A drive-point water-supply well personally constructed by an individual on owned or leased property for farming, agricultural purposes, or the individual's place of abode must be reported within ten days after completion, and no notification fee may be charged.
    • The notification requirement preempts local permits and notifications unless the commissioner has delegated permitting or notification authority under section 103I.111.
    • If operation of the well requires a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources appropriation permit, specified information must be submitted to the commissioner of natural resources and construction may begin after preliminary approval.
    • A well that is not in use must be sealed or have a maintenance permit, subject to the statutory environmental/dewatering-well exception.

    drive-point well notification deadline: 10 days after completion (personally constructed by an individual on owned or leased property for farming, agricultural purposes, or the individual's place of abode) · unused well status: sealed or maintenance permit (environmental or dewatering wells not sealed by 14 months after completion require an annually renewed maintenance permit)

    “Except as provided in paragraph (d), a person may not construct a water-supply, dewatering, or environmental well until a notification of the proposed well on a form prescribed by the commissioner is filed with the commissioner with the filing fee in section 103I.208, and, when applicable, the person has met the requirements of paragraph (e).”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”

Inside cities and towns in Hubbard County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

  • Living in an RVProhibited

    Use of a recreational vehicle as a dwelling unit in Todd Township, Hubbard County, under the township land-use zoning ordinance.

    • Section 6.24.02 states a direct prohibition on using a recreational vehicle as a dwelling unit at any time, subject to any other provision in the ordinance.
    • Section 6.28 permits temporary structures during construction with an interim use permit for the duration of the associated construction project, up to one year, but the cited Section 6.28 provisions expressly address temporary structures and accessory buildings and do not expressly authorize recreational-vehicle dwelling occupancy.
    • The ordinance states that where its conditions are more or less restrictive than applicable statutes, rules, regulations, or other jurisdictional regulations, the more restrictive requirement applies.
    • The official township ordinances page currently links Ordinance 2020.002, which identifies itself as updated from Ordinance 2020.001 and adopted September 14, 2020.

    temporary construction structure duration: <= 1 year (Section 6.28.01 concerns temporary structures associated with a construction project and requires removal upon project completion.)

    “No accessory building or recreational vehicle shall be used at any time as a dwelling unit, unless otherwise provided in this Ordinance.”

Set by your town or city, not the county

In Minnesota, zoning is adopted by each town or city, so Hubbard 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
  • Building height
  • Short-term rentals

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Mandatory utility hookup — Connection to public water or sewer.

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.

Water rights & wells in Hubbard County

Whether a new home can legally get its own water here — the sub-state groundwater regime, from Minnesota’s water agency.

Actively managed

This basin is under active state management — new water use is scrutinized, though a domestic well is usually still allowed.

Household wellExempt up to a limit

Regulated-riparian: appropriation permits apply above 10,000 gpd / 1 million gal/yr. Domestic use under those thresholds is exempt; a well-construction notification to the MN Dept. of Health is still required. Household use is far below the cap.

Limit: <=10,000 gpd and <=1,000,000 gal/yr serving <=25 persons

Minnesota DNR — Do I need a water permit? ↗
  • Straight River Groundwater Management Arealocalized of county

    DNR-designated GWMA where irrigation withdrawals from a sand-plain aquifer affect trout streams and lake levels; new/expanded appropriation permits get heightened review. Domestic wells exempt.

    Minnesota DNR — Straight River GWMA ↗

Regulated-riparian state (large uses permitted). Groundwater rules change and basin boundaries follow the aquifer, not the county line — confirm current well and appropriation rules with the Minnesota state water agency before you buy or drill.Groundwater governance as of Jul 2026, cited to each administering agency.

Living off-grid in Hubbard County, Minnesota

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

Hubbard County scores 74/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and about 28,754 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Hubbard County requires a building permit only in limited cases (such as floodplains or specific zones), and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Hubbard County Environmental Services Department. 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.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Hubbard County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Hubbard County is limited to specific cases: Recreational vehicles used as dwelling units on private lots within the unincorporated shoreland areas governed by Hubbard County Ordinance No. 17. The ordinance applies to shorelands of public water bodies in unincorporated Hubbard County unless incorporated bodies request application. Recreational vehicles must meet all structure setback requirements. A tiny home is limited to specific cases. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Hubbard County, Minnesota?

Land in Hubbard County runs about $3,671 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Hubbard County?

Hubbard County gets about 26" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 9.6% of years. On water rights, Hubbard County lies in the Straight River Groundwater Management Area — DNR-designated GWMA where irrigation withdrawals from a sand-plain aquifer affect trout streams and lake levels; new/expanded appropriation permits get heightened review. Domestic wells exempt..

How remote is Hubbard County?

A representative private-land location has about 28,754 people within a 30-minute drive and 360,834 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 Hubbard compares in Minnesota

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