Bolthole Index

Murray County, Minnesota

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

56Index Score / 100
#47 of 87 in Minnesota

Unincorporated Murray County, Minnesota requires a zoning certificate before a structure is occupied or used, including one that is built, moved, altered or enlarged1. Murray County Environmental Services issues zoning certificates and septic permits, but we could not confirm whether a separate residential structural building permit applies, so ask before construction2. Incorporated cities are outside the county zoning ordinance3.

At a glance

Building permit
Zoning certificate required; separate residential structural permit not confirmed1
Zoning
County zoning applies outside incorporated municipalities, subject to stated ordinance exceptions34
Septic permit
Required for a new or replacement system and material changes to an existing system56
RV living
Over 30 days a year as the principal structure counts as a dwelling: zoning permit and sewer or septic required7
Tiny home
No county rule specifically resolving occupancy was confirmed; a zoning certificate is still required8
Owner-builder
You may do your own work, but zoning, septic and applicable permits still apply9
Residential lot size
District-specific; an individual-septic dwelling lot needs 20,000 sq ft of buildable area10
County-road driveway
Online Highway Department permit required for farm/residential and field entrances11

Who to call

Zoning

Murray County Environmental Services, Planning and Zoning Division

Zoning certificates, septic permits, variances, rezoning, grading and filling, conditional uses, floodplains and shoreland in unincorporated Murray County

(507) 836-1166

2500 28th Street, Slayton, Minnesota 56172

Roads & driveways

Murray County Highway Department

Online driveway permits for farm or residential and field entrances on county roads

507-836-6327

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

Unincorporated Murray County requires a zoning certificate before occupying or using vacant land or a structure that is constructed, reconstructed, moved, altered or enlarged1. County guidance says the certificate requirement reaches every structure, including small, portable and temporary structures8. Minnesota's State Building Code supplies statewide construction standards, but the available official material does not establish Murray County's local structural-permit or inspection arrangement for an ordinary home121. Where a jurisdiction does administer the State Building Code, permits are not required for one-story detached tool or storage sheds of 200 square feet or less, and counties may choose to administer the code by ordinance1314. Ask Environmental Services whether the proposed work also needs a structural permit or inspection before starting2. Agricultural buildings have limited ordinance exemptions, but zoning, shoreland, floodplain, septic and state requirements can still apply15.

Who issues zoning certificates, septic permits and driveway permits in Murray County?

Murray County Environmental Services' Planning and Zoning Division is the main land-use office for unincorporated property, at 2500 28th Street in Slayton and (507) 836-11662. The division handles zoning certificates, septic permits, variance and rezoning requests, grading and filling permits, conditional-use permits, floodplains and shoreland2. A building or alteration application must include a scaled site and building plan16. Because the available official material does not identify Murray County's structural-permit or inspection arrangement for an ordinary home, ask Environmental Services what approvals apply to the exact project12. For an entrance onto a county road, use the Highway Department's online driveway-permit process or call 507-836-632711. Access to another public highway is controlled by that road authority17.

Does Murray County, Minnesota have zoning?

Yes. Murray County administers zoning outside incorporated municipal limits, with stated ordinance exceptions and shoreland controls in the City of Hadley3. The ordinance publishes agricultural, residential, commercial, industrial and several overlay districts, so the official map and any municipal zoning must be checked for a specific parcel4. In the Residential District, an individual-septic single-family lot needs 20,000 square feet of buildable area, while a centrally sewered lot needs 12,000 square feet10. Residential District structures generally have a 50-foot front setback, 10-foot side yards and a 30-foot rear yard, with a stated exception for qualifying older subdivisions18. Hadley's shoreland-management area generally caps impervious coverage at 25% of a lot19. Minnesota leaves accessory dwelling units to local zoning, and we could not confirm a Murray County accessory-dwelling rule20. Minimum dwelling size was not confirmed, so ask Environmental Services about the proposed design and parcel district2.

How do septic permits work in Murray County?

Murray County Environmental Services administers septic permitting and compliance in unincorporated Murray County, while incorporated areas may run their own approved septic programs521. In unsewered county-administered areas, sewage must use an approved subsurface treatment system or a system permitted by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; off-grid sanitation is not an exemption22. A permit is required for a new or replacement system and for work changing its function, capacity, location, design or layout6. The system must pass final inspection before the county issues its Certificate of Compliance23. Minnesota does not require a compliance inspection when property is sold, though many local ordinances do, so ask the county whether an existing system needs one before closing24. Subdivision lots must have potable water and compliant sewage treatment, or written confirmation of centralized sewer service; lots requiring holding tanks are prohibited25. Only about 3.4% of Murray County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so make the site and soil evaluation an early contingency26.

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

An RV used as the principal structure on a lot for more than 30 days in any year is treated as a dwelling unit in Murray County, requires a zoning permit, and must connect to public sewer or an approved septic system7. A guest RV on property with a permanent dwelling is allowed seasonally from May through December through an annual zoning permit, and RVs must be currently licensed and meet setback and impervious-surface rules7. New RV parks and campground expansions are prohibited in floodplain districts27. We could not confirm a general rule on short stays, so ask Environmental Services about the parcel's district2.

A tiny house used as a dwelling must meet applicable Minnesota residential-code requirements, while local zoning controls whether that use and its siting are allowed28. Murray County does not specifically resolve tiny-home occupancy, and even a portable or temporary structure requires a zoning certificate82. The county does allow one temporary supportive-care dwelling per parcel, which must be removed within 30 days after its permit ends and cannot sit in shoreland or floodplain overlay districts29. New manufactured homes installed for occupancy require the applicable installation inspection30.

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

  1. Confirm the parcel's jurisdiction, zoning district and overlays with Environmental Services342.
  2. Prepare the scaled site and building plan, apply for the county zoning certificate, and ask whether a structural permit or inspections also apply1612.
  3. Arrange the septic site evaluation early and submit the septic application when required626.
  4. Apply online for a county-road entrance, or contact the controlling authority for another public highway1117.
  5. A homeowner may perform work on the owner's property, but that does not waive zoning, septic or applicable building approvals9.
  6. Keep permitted septic work available for inspection and obtain the final Certificate of Compliance23.

What should you check before buying land in Murray County?

Start with jurisdiction, the zoning map and any shoreland or floodplain overlay4. Murray County's floodplain overlay reaches floodway, flood-fringe and general-floodplain land; affected lots need a building site outside the floodway at or above the regulatory flood-protection elevation, and septic systems cannot sit in the floodway27. A proposed subdivision needs a suitability analysis, and its lots must satisfy county subdivision and shoreland controls31. Check septic feasibility before waiving contingencies because only about 3.4% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field26. Minnesota requires well notification and a fee rather than a general construction permit, and the county material we reviewed did not establish a separate county well permit32. Confirm legal road access and the controlling road authority's permit for a new entrance1117. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.8%, with a median annual bill near $1,3733334.

Watch-outs

  • A Murray County zoning certificate is required for structures, but the available official material does not establish whether a separate residential structural permit or inspection applies1.
  • An RV used as the principal structure for more than 30 days in any year is treated as a dwelling and needs a zoning permit and approved sewage treatment; tiny-home occupancy remains unconfirmed, so ask Environmental Services first.72
  • Off-grid sanitation still requires an approved sewage system, and only about 3.4% of Murray County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field2226.
  • A county-road driveway uses a separate online Highway Department permit, while access to another public highway is controlled by that road's authority1117.

Sources

  1. Murray County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  2. Murray County Environmental Services, Planning and Zoning Division (murraycountymn.com)
  3. Murray County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  4. Murray County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  5. Murray County Zoning Ordinance (2026 county census)
  6. cms9files.revize.com, quoted and re-checked
  7. Murray County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  8. Murray County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  9. Minnesota State Building Code Adoption Guide, quoted and re-checked
  10. Murray County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  11. Murray County Highway Department (murraycountymn.com)
  12. Overview of the Minnesota State Building Code, quoted and re-checked
  13. Minnesota Administrative Rules, Part 1300.0120 — Permits (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Minnesota Statutes § 326B.121 — State Building Code; Application and Enforcement (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Minnesota State Building Code Adoption Guide, quoted and re-checked
  16. Murray County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  17. Minnesota Statutes, section 160.18: Access to roads; approaches (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Murray County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  19. Murray County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  20. Storage Sheds and the Minnesota State Building Code (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. Murray County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  22. Murray County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  23. cms9files.revize.com, quoted and re-checked
  24. Disclosing SSTS at property transfer (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. Murray County Zoning Ordinance, 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. Murray County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  28. Tiny Houses and the 2020 Minnesota Residential Code (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  29. cms9files.revize.com, quoted and re-checked
  30. Manufactured home information (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  31. Murray County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  32. 2025 Minnesota Statutes, section 103I.205: Well Construction (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  33. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  34. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 9, 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

Unlike 4 of its 6 neighbors, Murray County requires a building permit only in limited cases.

RuleMurray CountyNobles CountyLyon CountyPipestone CountyCottonwood CountyRock CountyRedwood County
Building permitLimitedRequiredLimitedRequiredLimitedRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Env. ServicesCounty Env. ServicesCounty Planning & ZoningCounty Env. ServicesCounty Env./Soil & Water OfficeCounty Planning & ZoningCounty Env. Office

County locator

Murray County in Minnesota

56
County map
Murray County highlighted among the Minnesota counties · colored by Index score

How Murray County scores

Seclusion74100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency2699% ev.
Admin Boringness56100% ev.
Durability51100% ev.
Property Autonomy65100% ev.
Carry Cost60100% 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 →

$255kTypical home
0.8%Property tax
$8,581Land / acre
29.8"Annual rain
13.3% of yrsSevere drought
3.3 / yr (+3.1)Mid-century 100°F days
18.3 daysMid-century dry spell
1.6" (+7.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.69×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,862Home insurance / yr
4.9% / yrInsurance growth
1.12%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
6,433People within 30 min
772,135People within 2 hr
10,196Radius comparison (15 mi)
11.4People / sq mi
0.9%Federal land
98.4%Land at 15% slope or less
3.4%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
14,612 acWorkable land screen
1.7%Wooded land
40 tonsBiomass / forest ac
44.3°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Murray 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.

Avoca · Belfast Township · Bondin Township · Cameron Township · Chanarambie Township · Chandler · Currie · Des Moines River Township · Dovray · Dovray Township · Ellsborough Township · Fenton Township · Fulda · Hadley · Holly Township · Iona · Iona Township · Lake Sarah Township · Lake Wilson · Leeds Township · Lime Lake Township · Lowville Township · Mason Township · Moulton Township · Murray Township · Shetek Township · Skandia Township · Slayton · Slayton Township

Answers from the rulebook for Murray County

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

Murray County rules

  • Building permitLimited

    Construction or alteration of buildings in the county zoning jurisdiction.

    • A zoning certificate is required before occupying or using a structure constructed, reconstructed, moved, altered, or enlarged.
    • Each application for a permit to construct or alter a building must include a scaled plan showing lot and building dimensions and locations.
    • This claim does not establish a separate structural building permit requirement.
    “Zoning certificates are required for all structures, regardless of whether the structure is large or small, portable, temporary, or permanent.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Construction, alteration, occupancy, or use of structures in county-administered areas of Murray County.
      “A zoning certificate shall be obtained before any person may: A. Occupy or use any vacant land; or B. Occupy or use any structure hereafter constructed, reconstructed, moved, altered, or enlarged; or C. Change the use of a structure or land to a different use; or D. Change a non-conforming use.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    Murray County zoning in areas outside incorporated municipalities.

    • The ordinance excludes incorporated municipal limits except the expressly stated Article 12, Section 1214.2 and Article 17 general-regulation exceptions.
    • Adopted October 22, 2019; effective January 1, 2020.
    “The jurisdiction of this Ordinance shall apply to all areas in Murray County outside the incorporated limits of municipalities, except those areas in Article 12, Section 1214.2; and with the exception of the General Regulations in Article 17.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Murray County areas outside incorporated municipal limits.
      “The Planning and Zoning Division administers county-wide land use controls to guide property development within the unincorporated areas of the county, as well as development in the shoreland areas of the City of Hadley”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Murray County Zoning Ordinance regulation in all areas of Murray County outside the incorporated limits of municipalities.

    • The ordinance excludes areas identified in Article 12, Section 1214.2.
    • The ordinance's General Regulations in Article 17 are an exception to the stated territorial limitation.
    • The ordinance was adopted October 22, 2019 and became effective January 1, 2020.
    • This claim does not establish whether incorporated municipalities have their own zoning regulations.

    adoption date: 2019-10-22 · effective date: 2020-01-01

    “The jurisdiction of this Ordinance shall apply to all areas in Murray County outside the incorporated limits of municipalities, except those areas in Article 12, Section 1214.2; and with the exception of the General Regulations in Article 17.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Murray County zoning districts described in the adopted county ordinance.

    • The ordinance includes Agricultural, Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Shoreland Overlay, Floodplain, Airport Overlay, Drinking Water Management Overlay, and other district or overlay provisions.
    • The official zoning map and any municipal zoning must be checked for parcel-specific applicability.
    “SECTION 806. LOT SIZE, SETBACK, YARD AND HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Residential District lots in unincorporated Murray County.

    • Single-family dwelling lots using individual septic require 20,000 square feet of buildable area.
    • Multiple-family lots require 20,000 square feet for the first unit plus 2,500 square feet per additional unit.
    • Lots served by central or group sewer require 12,000 square feet, plus 1,500 square feet per multiple-family unit over one.
    • Each dwelling lot requires minimum width of 100 feet at the building setback line and depth of 120 feet.
    • The minimum lot area does not apply to lots of record at enactment.

    single-family individual-septic minimum lot area: 20000 square feet (Buildable area.) · central/group sewer minimum lot area: 12000 square feet (Additional 1,500 square feet per multiple-family unit over one.) · minimum lot width: 100 feet (At building setback line.) · minimum lot depth: 120 feet (Dwelling lots.)

    “Every lot on which a single-family dwelling is erected shall contain a minimum area of twenty thousand (20,000) square feet of buildable area when an individual septic system is used.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Residential District structures in unincorporated Murray County.

    • Front setback is 50 feet from a public road or highway right-of-way, reducible to 35 feet for a subdivision platted before adoption.
    • Side yards must be at least 10 feet each.
    • Rear yard must be at least 30 feet.
    • Agricultural buildings are exempt from lot-size, yard, and height requirements under the listed exception provision.

    front setback: 50 feet (35 feet for qualifying pre-adoption subdivision.) · side yard: >= 10 feet · rear yard: >= 30 feet

    “All structures shall be setback a minimum setback of fifty (50) feet from the right-of-way line of any public road or highway; except that, this setback may be reduced to thirty-five (35) feet when such public road is part of a subdivision platted prior to the adoption of this Ordinance.”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Impervious-surface coverage in the City of Hadley Shoreland Management area under the county ordinance.

    • Impervious-surface coverage may not exceed 25 percent of lot area.
    • Certain existing over-coverage lots may obtain zoning certificates for repair, replacement, restoration, maintenance, or improvement without meeting some Article 12 requirements, but expansion and other approvals remain restricted.

    maximum impervious surface coverage: <= 25 percent of lot area (Exceptions and compliance conditions apply to certain existing over-coverage lots.)

    “Impervious surface coverage of lots within the City of Hadley Shoreland Management, must not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the lot area.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Accessory structures and uses in county shoreland districts.

    • Height and size limits vary by riparian status and lot size.
    • The cited limits apply to non-water-oriented accessory uses.

    non-riparian accessory-use sidewall height: <= 12 feet (Total height must not exceed 20 feet.) · non-riparian accessory-use total height: <= 20 feet · large riparian lot accessory-use total height: <= 15 feet (Applies to riparian lots at least 80,000 square feet.)

    “Non-Riparian Lots. The size of any non-water oriented accessory use must not exceed 1,500 square feet in size, sidewall height shall not exceed twelve (12) feet, and total height must not exceed twenty (20) feet.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Recreational-vehicle storage and occupancy on lots governed by the Murray County Zoning Ordinance.

    • One recreational vehicle unit per lot is allowed for storage.
    • All recreational vehicles must be currently licensed and meet structural setback and impervious-surface requirements.
    • An RV used as the principal structure for more than 30 days in any year is treated as a dwelling unit, requires a zoning permit, and must connect to public sewer or an SSTS.
    • A guest RV on property with a permanent dwelling or an RV considered a dwelling is allowed seasonally from May through December through an annual zoning permit and must connect to public sewer or an SSTS.

    principal RV occupancy threshold: > 30 days in any year (The RV is considered a dwelling unit.)

    “A recreational vehicle used as the principal structure and located on a lot for more than thirty (30) days in any year shall be considered a dwelling unit and must have a zoning permit and must be connected to a public sewer system or an SSTS.”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Manufactured homes used as farm dwellings or dwellings for persons employed in farming operations, and temporary supportive-care dwellings.

    • Agricultural-district manufactured-home use is subject to Article 17 general regulations.
    • A temporary supportive-care dwelling must be accessory to the principal dwelling, located on the existing building site, highway-ready, connected to approved on-site sewage or centralized sewer, bear a State of Minnesota Seal of Compliance, use the existing access drive, and be removed within 30 days after permit termination.
    • Only one temporary dwelling is allowed per property or parcel; it cannot be in Shoreland or Floodplain Overlay Districts.

    temporary dwellings per parcel: 1 · removal after permit termination: 30 days

    “2. Non-farm, single-family dwelling (including single mobile homes)”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Subsurface sewage treatment systems in Murray County, except incorporated jurisdictions administering an approved SSTS program.

    • The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency may administer State Disposal System permitting for qualifying systems with combined flow greater than 10,000 gallons per day and soil-dispersal components within one-half mile.
    • Incorporated areas may administer their own SSTS program if it is at least as strict and reviewed by MPCA.
    “The Department shall administer the SSTS program”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New, replacement, or materially altered SSTS in county-administered areas.

    • A permit is not required for minor repairs or component replacement that does not alter original function, treatment capacity, location, design, layout, or function.
    • For new construction, additions, or alterations requiring an SSTS permit, the SSTS permit must be obtained with the county land-use permit.
    • The permit is valid for one year, may be extended up to six months if construction commenced before expiration, and is not transferable.

    application review: 15 business days (The Department reviews a septic permit application and supporting documents.) · permit validity: 1 year (Extension may be granted for no more than six months if construction commenced before expiration.)

    “A septic permit is required for installation of a new SSTS, for replacement of an existing SSTS, or for any repair or replacement of components that will alter the original function of the system, change the treatment capacity of the system, change the location of the system, or otherwise change the original system’s design, layout, or function.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    New, replacement, and specified existing SSTS in county-administered areas.

    • New or replacement SSTS require compliance inspection.
    • No SSTS may be placed into operation until a valid certificate of compliance is issued.
    • Existing-system compliance inspections are required under specified conditions, including when a septic permit is required for repair, modification, or upgrade and certain use expansions.

    new/replacement certificate validity: 5 years · existing-system certificate validity: 3 years

    “Compliance inspections must be performed on new or replacement SSTS to determine compliance with Minnesota Rules, Chapters 7080 or 7081, or successor rules. SSTS found to be noncompliant with other applicable requirements must be repaired or replaced according to the Department’s requirements.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Sanitation in unsewered areas of county-administered Murray County.

    • All sewage generated in unsewered areas must be treated and dispersed by an approved SSTS or a system permitted by MPCA.
    • The ordinance addresses privy vaults, holding tanks, and other non-water-carried sewage collection and storage facilities.
    • SSTS permits and inspections apply where required.
    “All sewage generated in unsewered areas of the County shall be treated and dispersed by an approved SSTS sited, designed, installed, operated, and maintained in accordance with the provisions of this Article or by a system that has been permitted by the MPCA.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Lots in subdivisions governed by Murray County subdivision and shoreland controls.

    • Every lot must have potable water and sewage treatment consistent with Minnesota Rules Chapters 7080-7081, or written confirmation of centralized sewer connection.
    • Each lot must have two soil treatment and dispersal areas or written confirmation of centralized sewer connection.
    • Lots requiring holding tanks are prohibited.
    “A potable water supply and a sewage treatment system consistent with Minnesota Rules, Chapters 7080 – 7081, or successor rules, or written confirmation of connection to a centralized sewer system must be provided for every lot.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivisions and lots subject to Murray County subdivision and shoreland controls.

    • A suitability analysis is required for each proposed subdivision.
    • Subdivisions and lots must meet all official controls, including the Murray County Subdivision Ordinance.
    • Each lot must have potable water and compliant sewage treatment or written confirmation of centralized sewer.
    • Lots requiring holding tanks are prohibited.
    “Subdivisions and each lot in a subdivision shall meet all official controls, including the Murray County Subdivision Ordinance as adopted and amended, so that a variance is not needed later to use the lots for their intended purpose.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development in floodway, flood-fringe, and general-floodplain areas of unincorporated Murray County.

    • The Floodplain Overlay District is superimposed on all zoning districts.
    • New RV parks and campgrounds are prohibited in floodplain districts.
    • Lots in floodplain districts must contain a building site outside the floodway at or above the regulatory flood-protection elevation.
    • SSTS may not be located in a floodway; flood-fringe siting is allowed only when state and local requirements are met.
    “This district shall be an overlay district and shall be superimposed on all zoning districts; and the Floodplain Overlay District shall be all lands in the unincorporated areas of Murray County located in the floodway, flood fringe, and general floodplain areas.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Murray County zoning-certificate and SSTS permit processes.

    • Zoning-certificate applications require scaled plans showing lot dimensions and building locations.
    • The zoning administrator issues the certificate after determining compliance with the ordinance.
    • SSTS applications require owner and property information, site evaluation, design report, management plan, and licensed designer/installer information.
    • The Department reviews SSTS applications within 15 business days.

    SSTS application review: 15 business days · zoning certificate validity: 1 year

    “The Department shall review a septic permit application and supporting documents within fifteen (15) business days of its receipt.”

Minnesota rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (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 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 a contractor-licensing exemption and does not waive applicable building permits, inspections, or certificates of occupancy.

    speculation presumption threshold: > 1 additional property 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: [...] an owner of residential real estate who builds or improves residential real estate”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Owner-performed residential construction where the Minnesota State Building Code applies.
      “The building code does not require homeowners to hire building contractors.”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Minnesota State Building Code construction standards applicable in Murray County.
      “The State Building Code is the standard that applies statewide”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Agricultural buildings on agricultural land under Minnesota State Building Code law.
      “A building permit is not required, nor may a building permit fee be charged.”
  • 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 Murray 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 Murray County, Minnesota

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

Murray County scores 56/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: sparse surroundings — about 6,433 people within a 30-minute drive and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: workable self-sufficiency basics (29.8″/yr rainfall).

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

Murray 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 Murray County Environmental Services (Planning & Zoning 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.

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

Living in an RV on your own land in Murray County is limited to specific cases: Recreational-vehicle storage and occupancy on lots governed by the Murray County Zoning Ordinance. One recreational vehicle unit per lot is allowed for storage. All recreational vehicles must be currently licensed and meet structural setback and impervious-surface requirements. A tiny home is limited to specific cases. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Murray County, Minnesota?

Land in Murray County runs about $8,581 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Murray County?

Murray County gets about 29.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 13.3% of years.

How remote is Murray County?

A representative private-land location has about 6,433 people within a 30-minute drive and 772,135 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 Murray compares in Minnesota

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