Bolthole Index

Rice County, Minnesota

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

49Index Score / 100
#72 of 87 in Minnesota

Unincorporated Rice County, Minnesota requires building permits for construction and demolition; outside Bridgewater Township, building and zoning applications go through the county's online system12. Rice County does not handle building permits or zoning in Dundas, Faribault, Lonsdale, Morristown, Northfield or Bridgewater Township3. Rice County Environmental Health reviews septic designs, issues septic permits and inspects installations; confirm coverage for a city address with Environmental Health45.

At a glance

Building permit
Required in unincorporated Rice County1
Zoning
County zoning applies except in five cities and Bridgewater Township63
Septic (SSTS) permit
Environmental Health issues septic permits and inspects systems under county administration57
Owner-builder exemption
Contractor-license exemption available for a home kept for occupancy or rental; county permits still apply8
Rural Residential lots
20,000-square-foot minimum; sewage treatment may require more land9
Minimum home size
960 square feet and 16 feet wide for single-family dwellings in county-administered zoning districts10
RV living
Seasonal limits apply in private campgrounds; a rule for one RV on a private parcel is unconfirmed11
Tiny home
A qualifying home is possible; an ADU has parcel, access, septic and occupancy conditions1213

Who to call

Building permits

Rice County Building Division

Building permits, plan review and inspections in unincorporated Rice County; administers the Minnesota State Building Code

507-332-6113

Rice County Government Services Building, 320 Third St. NW, Faribault, MN 55021

Online permits →

Zoning

Rice County Planning and Zoning Division

Zoning permits, comprehensive plan, shoreland and floodplain regulations, and subdivision ordinances for unincorporated Rice County

507-332-6113

Rice County Government Services Building, 320 Third St. NW, Faribault, MN 55021

Online permits →

Septic permits

Rice County Environmental Health Division

Reviews SSTS (septic) designs, issues septic permits, and inspects installations for unincorporated Rice County

507-332-6113

Rice County Government Services Building, 320 Third St. NW, Faribault, MN 55021

Online permits →

Roads & driveways

Rice County Highway Department

Maintains county highways and bridges; issues right-of-way permits for work on county roads, including new access points

1-507-332-6110

Rice County Highway Department, 610 20th St. NW, Faribault, MN 55021

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 12, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

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

Every construction project in county-administered unincorporated Rice County requires a building permit, as does demolition of an existing structure13. Rice County enforces the Minnesota State Building Code, with field inspections for permitted residential and commercial work1415. Faribault, Northfield and Dundas handle their own building permits161718. Rice County also excludes Lonsdale, Morristown and Bridgewater Township from its building-permit jurisdiction; contact the jurisdiction where the parcel lies3. For county-administered wastewater systems, septic design review, permits and installation inspections remain with Rice County Environmental Health; confirm septic authority for a city address separately45.

Who is the Rice County building department, and how do you reach them?

The Rice County Building Division issues building permits and performs inspections in the county-administered area; call 507-332-6113 or visit the Rice County Government Services Building, 320 Third St. NW, Faribault, MN 550211915. Building and zoning applications for unincorporated land outside Bridgewater Township must be submitted online2. Exterior-maintenance, mechanical, fireplace and wood-stove building permit fees are paid at application; other building permits require an initial application fee and a second invoice based on project type and size20. Rice County lists a typical building-permit review time of 10–15 working days, with staff review and second-invoice payment required before issuance; demolition permits are free and zoning fees are due at application2120. Minnesota's owner-builder exemption covers contractor licensing for a home retained for occupancy or rental, not resale or speculation; Rice County building permits still apply8.

Does Rice County have zoning?

Yes. Rice County divides the county-administered unincorporated area into zoning districts, and its use table identifies permitted, conditional and interim uses; a use not listed for a district is prohibited there622. Faribault, Northfield, Dundas and Lonsdale set their own zoning23242526. County zoning also excludes Morristown and Bridgewater Township; county-administered septic systems remain with Environmental Health34. In the county's Rural Residential district, a single-family lot has a 20,000-square-foot minimum, although sewage-treatment needs can require more land9. Rural Residential setbacks are 40 feet from a county road or state highway, 20 feet from another road, 10 feet at the side and 20 feet at the rear27. A single-family dwelling in county-administered zoning must be at least 960 square feet in area and 16 feet wide, except a temporary farm residence, which has its own standard1028. Rice County allows no more than one ADU per lot; it must meet district standards, share approved road access, obtain required permits and a certificate of occupancy, and comply with wastewater rules29.

How do septic permits work in Rice County?

Rice County Environmental Health reviews designs, issues septic permits and inspects individual and community wastewater systems under county administration457. Apply for a septic permit or submit a compliance inspection through the county portal5. Minnesota local governments issue construction permits for most subsurface sewage treatment systems; systems designed for flows greater than 10,000 gallons per day require MPCA permitting30. Only about 8% of Rice County soils are rated free of severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so arrange a site evaluation before assuming a standard system will work31. The county source does not establish that every incorporated municipality uses this septic-permit process, so an address inside a city should be confirmed with Environmental Health532. Rice County manufactured-home applications require a Septic System Permit/Design or Septic Certificate of Compliance before the building permit can be processed and approved33.

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

Rice County's seasonal RV occupancy restriction applies to private campgrounds11. A private campground is a conditional use where the zoning table lists it, and a responsible attendant or caretaker must remain in charge34. In a private campground, residential use of camping vehicles is prohibited from November 1 through April 1 except for the owner or caretaker, and mobile or manufactured homes are prohibited1135. Campground vehicles and accessory structures need at least 10 feet of separation; vehicles must be at least 25 feet from road rights-of-way and 10 feet from other park boundaries, with shoreland setbacks also applying36. We could not confirm a complete rule for living in one RV on an ordinary private parcel, so ask Planning and Zoning how the district classifies the use37. A tiny home may be occupied when approved as a qualifying single-family detached dwelling that meets zoning, building-code and wastewater requirements12. Because county-administered single-family dwellings must be at least 960 square feet and 16 feet wide, ask Planning and Zoning whether a smaller tiny home can qualify at all10. An ADU must remain on the principal home's parcel, share driveway access, include septic design or permit materials, clear zoning before its building permit is issued and receive a certificate of occupancy before use13.

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

  1. Identify who issues the building permit and zoning approval; Rice County excludes Dundas, Faribault, Lonsdale, Morristown, Northfield and Bridgewater Township from county administration3.
  2. For a county-administered parcel, ask Planning and Zoning to confirm the district, allowed use, lot size and setbacks22927.
  3. Submit Rice County building and zoning permit applications online21.
  4. Ask Environmental Health to confirm septic authority for the address, then obtain the septic permit and inspections if the system is county-administered57.
  5. Obtain a driveway permit from MnDOT, the Rice County Highway Department or the township when the serving road requires it38.
  6. Obtain a floodplain permit before covered work in mapped Zone A or Zone AE39.
  7. Keep permitted work exposed until each required building inspection is approved40.
  8. Complete all inspections, including final State Electrical Inspector approval, before occupying a new single-family house41.

What should you check before buying land in Rice County?

Soils: only about 8% of Rice County soil is rated free of severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so arrange a site evaluation before assuming a standard system will work31. Zoning: verify the district and use table because unlisted uses are prohibited and lot dimensions vary by district22927. Flood: new structures and land uses in mapped Zone A and Zone AE areas within the county's jurisdiction require compliance with the floodplain ordinance, including a permit before covered development4239. Access: driveway approval may come from MnDOT, the Rice County Highway Department or the township according to the road38. Boundaries: lawful subdivisions recorded before April 1, 2026 are exempt from the current ordinance; later subdivisions are subject to it, except where an incorporated municipality or qualifying township exercises subdivision authority43. Land divisions can require administrative-subdivision review, a boundary adjustment, a waiver of plat or a plat under county procedures44. Taxes: Rice County's effective property tax rate is about 1%, and the median annual property tax bill is about $2,8994546.

Watch-outs

  • Rice County does not handle building permits or zoning approval for parcels inside Dundas, Faribault, Lonsdale, Morristown, Northfield or Bridgewater Township; Environmental Health should confirm who issues the septic permit for an incorporated address35.
  • Rural Residential dimensions are not countywide defaults; other districts and specific uses can have different standards9274748.
  • The campground rule does not answer whether one RV can be occupied on an ordinary private parcel; ask Rice County Planning and Zoning before relying on an RV for housing1137.
  • The current county material does not confirm a county well-permit rule; ask Environmental Health which well authority applies32.
  • Short-term rentals need an interim-use permit in Rice County at five or more bedrooms or 30 or more guest-occupancy days a year, and a stay must be under 30 days49.

Sources

  1. Building Division, quoted and re-checked
  2. Online permitting, quoted and re-checked
  3. Planning and Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  4. Environmental Health, quoted and re-checked
  5. Environmental Health, quoted and re-checked
  6. Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  7. Environmental Health, quoted and re-checked
  8. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 326B, quoted and re-checked
  9. Dimensional Standards for Zoning Districts in Rice County, quoted and re-checked
  10. Rice County Zoning Ordinance, as amended through September 2022, quoted and re-checked
  11. ricecountymn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  12. Chapter 502 Definitions, quoted and re-checked
  13. Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  14. Building Division, quoted and re-checked
  15. Building Division, quoted and re-checked
  16. Faribault: Sec. 2-570. Building permit (Rice County), quoted and re-checked
  17. Northfield: Work Requiring A Permit (Rice County), quoted and re-checked
  18. Dundas: Building Permit Application Process (Rice County), quoted and re-checked
  19. Rice County Building Division (ricecountymn.gov)
  20. Online permitting, quoted and re-checked
  21. Online permitting, quoted and re-checked
  22. Chapter 508 Zoning Districts, Zoning Map and Uses, quoted and re-checked
  23. Faribault: Development Review Process (Rice County), quoted and re-checked
  24. Northfield: Base Zoning Districts (Rice County), quoted and re-checked
  25. Dundas: Chapter 154: Zoning (Rice County), quoted and re-checked
  26. Lonsdale: Lonsdale, MN Code of Ordinances (Rice County), quoted and re-checked
  27. Dimensional Standards for Zoning Districts in Rice County, quoted and re-checked
  28. Rice County Zoning Ordinance, as amended through September 2022, quoted and re-checked
  29. Chapter 507 Specific Development Standards, quoted and re-checked
  30. SSTS design (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  31. 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
  32. Rice County Environmental Health Division (ricecountymn.gov)
  33. Manufactured (Mobile) House Permit Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  34. Chapter 508 Zoning Districts, Zoning Map and Uses, quoted and re-checked
  35. Chapter 507 Specific Development Standards, quoted and re-checked
  36. ricecountymn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  37. Rice County Planning and Zoning Division (ricecountymn.gov)
  38. Single Family Dwelling Permit Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  39. Rice County Floodplain Management Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  40. 1300.0210 INSPECTIONS (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  41. Single Family Dwelling Permit Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  42. Rice County Floodplain Management Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  43. Rice County Subdivision Ordinance Chapter 550, quoted and re-checked
  44. Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  45. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  46. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  47. Dimensional Standards for Zoning Districts in Rice County, quoted and re-checked
  48. Chapter 511 Rural Residential District, quoted and re-checked
  49. Chapter 507 Specific Development Standards, quoted and re-checked

Written October 12, 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, Rice County has countywide zoning.

RuleRice CountySteele CountyLe Sueur CountyScott CountyWaseca CountyDakota CountyGoodhue County
Building permitRequiredRequiredLimitedRequiredLimitedRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Env. HealthCounty Env. ServicesCounty Env. ServicesCounty Env. ServicesCounty Planning & Zoning Dept.County Env. ResourcesCounty Land Use Management

County locator

Rice County in Minnesota

49
County map
Rice County highlighted among the Minnesota counties · colored by Index score

How Rice County scores

Seclusion21100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency58100% ev.
Admin Boringness43100% ev.
Durability64100% ev.
Property Autonomy65100% ev.
Carry Cost57100% 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 →

$357kTypical home
1%Property tax
$8,330Land / acre
35"Annual rain
8.3% of yrsSevere drought
2.4 / yr (+2.3)Mid-century 100°F days
14.8 daysMid-century dry spell
1.63" (+7.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.71×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,153Home insurance / yr
3.4% / yrInsurance growth
0.39%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
82,399People within 30 min
4,767,492People within 2 hr
80,449Radius comparison (15 mi)
137People / sq mi
0.7%Federal land
95.7%Land at 15% slope or less
8%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
21,313 acWorkable land screen
14.1%Wooded land
54.4 tonsBiomass / forest ac
44.8°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Rice 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: Bridgewater Township · Cannon City Township · Erin Township · Forest Township · Morristown · Morristown Township · Nerstrand · Northfield Township · Richland Township · Shieldsville Township · Walcott Township · Warsaw Township · Webster Township · Wells Township · Wheatland Township · Wheeling Township

Answers from the rulebook for Rice County

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

Rice County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction projects and demolition in unincorporated Rice County.

    • All construction projects in unincorporated areas require a building permit.
    • Demolition permits are also required, but demolition permits are free.
    • Rice County does not handle building issues in Dundas, Faribault, Lonsdale, Morristown, Northfield, or Bridgewater Township.
    “All construction projects in Rice County's unincorporated areas require a building permit.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Minnesota State Building Codes administered by Rice County for construction in unincorporated Rice County.

    • Rice County administers the state codes in unincorporated areas.
    • Electrical permits and inspections are handled through the State of Minnesota.
    “The Building Division administers the Minnesota State Building Codes and ensures that all construction in the unincorporated areas of the county complies with building regulations.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Residential and commercial structures subject to Rice County building permits.

    • Field inspections include fireplaces, footings, foundations, heating, plumbing, and structural components.
    “It performs field inspections of residential and commercial structures, including fireplaces, footings, foundations, heating, plumbing and structural components.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Single-family houses covered by Rice County's single-family dwelling permit requirements.

    • All required inspections must be completed and approved.
    • Final approval from the State Electrical Inspector is required before occupancy.
    “A Certificate of Occupancy is required before the house can be occupied. All the required inspections must be completed and approved including final approval from the State Electrical Inspector.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    Rice County zoning standards in county-administered unincorporated areas.

    • Rice County does not handle building or zoning issues in Dundas, Faribault, Lonsdale, Morristown, Northfield, or Bridgewater Township.
    • District-specific uses and development standards apply.
    “The unincorporated areas of Rice County are hereby divided into the following zoning districts:”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate zoning across Rice County, including county-administered unincorporated areas and incorporated or township jurisdictions.

    • Rice County administers county zoning in applicable unincorporated areas.
    • Rice County does not handle building or zoning issues in Dundas, Faribault, Lonsdale, Morristown, Northfield, or Bridgewater Township; those jurisdictions administer their own rules.
    “Note: Rice County does not handle building or zoning issues for properties located in the cities of Dundas, Faribault, Lonsdale, Morristown and Northfield and in Bridgewater Township. Contact the governmental agency in which the property lies for more information.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Rice County zoning districts, zoning map, and district use tables.

    • Table 508-1 establishes permitted, conditional, and interim uses by district.
    • Uses not listed as permitted, conditional, or interim are prohibited in that district.
    • Uses marked with X must comply with Chapter 507 specific development standards.
    • Chapter 508 states it was amended through November 2025.
    “Any use not listed as either “P” (permitted), “C” (conditional), or “I” (interim) in a particular district shall be prohibited in that district.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — Rice County zoning districts and their use table for areas governed by county zoning.
      “P = Permitted use C = Conditional use I=Interim use X = Standards apply, see specific use in Chapter 507 Specific Development Standards”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Single-family dwelling units in Rice County zoning districts administered by the county in unincorporated areas.

    • Chapter 507 standards apply within zoning districts where the use is allowed, whether permitted, conditional, or interim, in addition to the general criteria for conditional and interim uses in §503.05 and all other applicable regulations.
    • All single-family dwelling units must be at least 960 square feet in area and 16 feet in width.
    • The minimum does not apply to temporary farm residences.
    • In the HC, RI, URI, and LI districts, single-family detached dwellings are limited to those existing at the time of adoption of the ordinance.

    minimum dwelling area: >= 960 square feet (Temporary farm residences are excepted.) · minimum dwelling width: >= 16 feet (Temporary farm residences are excepted.)

    “minimum of 960 square feet in area and 16 feet in width.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    County zoning districts, including Agricultural, Urban Reserve, Rural Residential, Village Mixed Use, Village PUD, Wild and Scenic River, Urban Reserve-Industrial, Highway Commercial, and Rural Industrial districts.

    • Specific districts or uses may have other requirements.
    • The dimensional-standard form is expressly not 100% inclusive.
    • Examples include 35 acres or other stated alternatives in Agricultural and Urban Reserve districts, and 20,000 square feet for Rural Residential and Village Mixed Use districts.
    • Sewage-treatment standards may require an increase in minimum lot area.

    Rural Residential minimum lot area: 20000 square feet (increase may be required for adequate sewage treatment)

    “Minimum lot area, single-family dwelling: 20,000 square feet.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    County zoning districts and uses in the county-administered jurisdiction.

    • Agricultural District setbacks from an existing livestock operation may range from 500 feet to one-quarter mile for a new house.
    • Specific districts or uses may have other requirements.
    • The dimensional-standard form is not 100% inclusive.

    Rural Residential front setback from county road or state highway: 40 feet · Rural Residential front setback from township or other road: 20 feet · Rural Residential side setback: 10 feet · Rural Residential rear setback: 20 feet

    “Minimum front yard setback: [...] County Road or State Highway 40 feet [...] Township or other road 20 feet [...] Minimum side yard setback: 10 feet [...] Minimum rear yard setback: 20 feet”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Recreational camping vehicles and accessory structures in private campgrounds.
      “Recreational camping vehicles shall be set back at least twenty-five (25) feet from any road right-of-way and at least ten (10) feet from other park boundary lines.”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Impervious-surface or lot-coverage limits in Rice County zoning districts.

    • The dimensional standards list 25% impervious-surface limits in several districts and 50% in Village Mixed Use and Village PUD.
    • Specific districts or uses may have other requirements.

    Agricultural impervious surface limit: 25 percent · Rural Residential impervious surface limit: 25 percent · Village Mixed Use impervious surface limit: 50 percent

    “Impervious Surface Limit [...] RR, Rural Residential [...] 25% [...] VMU, Village Mixed Use [...] 50%”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Building-height limits in Rice County zoning districts.

    • Rural Residential principal buildings are limited to 35 feet, detached airplane hangars to 24 feet, and other accessory buildings to 16 feet.
    • The dimensional standards identify additional district-specific limits and note that specific districts or uses may have other requirements.

    Rural Residential principal building height: 35 feet · Rural Residential detached airplane hangar height: 24 feet · Rural Residential other accessory building height: 16 feet

    “Maximum height: [...] Principal buildings: 35 feet [...] Detached airplane hangars: 24 feet [...] Other accessory buildings: 16 feet”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Residential use of recreational camping vehicles in private campgrounds regulated by Rice County zoning.

    • The campground must be located mostly on forest land or land with a Crop Equivalency Rating of 65 or less.
    • A responsible attendant or caretaker is required.
    • Mobile homes are prohibited in campgrounds.
    • Residential use of camping vehicles is prohibited from November 1 to April 1, except for a campground owner or caretaker.
    • Vehicles must be separated by at least 10 feet from each other and other structures.
    • Vehicles must be at least 25 feet from road rights-of-way and 10 feet from other park boundary lines.
    • Shoreland District setbacks apply.
    • Sanitation facilities must comply with the Rice County Sewage and Wastewater Treatment Ordinance.

    vehicle separation: >= 10 feet · road right-of-way setback: >= 25 feet · other park boundary setback: >= 10 feet · residential-use prohibition period: November 1 to April 1 (campground owner or caretaker)

    “Year-round residential use prohibited. Residential use of camping vehicles, except as permitted for a campground owner or caretaker, shall be prohibited from November 1 to April 1.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Private campground use in Rice County zoning districts.

    • Private campgrounds are conditional uses where listed in Table 508-1.
    • A responsible attendant or caretaker must be in charge of every recreational camping area at all times.
    • Campgrounds must meet the location, sanitation, setback, and seasonal residential-use rules in Chapter 507.
    “A responsible attendant or caretaker shall be in charge of every recreational camping area at all times and the duties of said attendant or caretaker shall be to maintain records of the park, and keep the facilities and the equipment in a clean, orderly and sanitary condition.”
  • Tiny homesAllowed (with conditions)

    A tiny home configured and approved as a qualifying single-family detached dwelling in an applicable Rice County zoning district in unincorporated areas.

    • The home must qualify as a single-family detached dwelling and comply with all applicable Rice County zoning provisions.
    • Single-family detached dwellings are listed as permitted in the GDS, RDS, NES, WS, A, UR, RR, and VMU districts; in HC, RI, and URI, the table marks them with an existing-site limitation.
    • Chapter 507 states that single-family detached dwellings in HC, RI, and URI Districts are limited to those existing at the time of adoption of the ordinance.
    • All construction projects in unincorporated Rice County require a building permit.
    • The structure must comply with the Minnesota State Building Code and other applicable county requirements, including sewage and wastewater treatment rules where applicable.
    • Rice County does not handle building or zoning issues in the cities of Dundas, Faribault, Lonsdale, Morristown, and Northfield or in Bridgewater Township.
    “Single-family detached dwelling P P P P P P P P P* P* P* X”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    New and replacement manufactured homes in Rice County floodplain areas governed by the county floodplain ordinance.

    • The floodplain ordinance applies to lands within the county jurisdiction shown in Zone A or AE.
    • New manufactured homes and replacement manufactured homes are subject to the ordinance's general provisions and Chapter 534.
    • Other county zoning, building-code, and local-jurisdiction requirements may also apply.
    “New manufactured homes, replacement manufactured homes and certain travel trailers and travel vehicles are subject to the general provisions of this Ordinance and specifically Chapter 534.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Prohibited — Mobile or manufactured homes in private campgrounds governed by Rice County zoning standards.
      “No mobile homes shall be allowed in campgrounds.”
  • Accessory dwellingsLimited

    ADU permit applications handled by Rice County in unincorporated areas.

    • The ADU must be on the same parcel and within 350 feet of the primary residence.
    • The ADU and primary residence must share driveway access.
    • A septic system permit/design is required in the submitted materials.
    • General zoning requirements must be met.
    • A zoning permit application is required if a variance, conditional-use permit, or special evaluation is necessary.
    • Building permits will not be issued until all zoning requirements are approved.
    • A certificate of occupancy is required before the ADU can be occupied, with all required inspections completed and approved.

    maximum ADU distance from primary residence: <= 350 ft · processing time: 10-15 business days

    “1. Survey or Site Plan (ADU must be on same parcel within 350 feet of primary residence)”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Accessory dwelling units on parcels with a detached single-family dwelling in Rice County zoning districts.
      “There shall be no more than one (1) Accessory Dwelling Unit per lot.”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    Individual and community wastewater treatment systems in Rice County.

    • Rice County Environmental Health administers the Rice County Sewage and Wastewater Treatment ordinance.
    “The Environmental Health division administers the Rice County Sewage and Wastewater Treatment ordinance, which involves reviewing individual and community wastewater treatment system designs, issuing permits for those systems and inspecting the installation of the systems to ensure code requirements are met.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • County — Administration of individual and community wastewater treatment systems in Rice County; the cited page does not expressly establish countywide geographic coverage or municipal exclusions.
      “The Environmental Health division administers the Rice County Sewage and Wastewater Treatment ordinance, which involves reviewing individual and community wastewater treatment system designs, issuing permits for those systems and inspecting the installation of the systems to ensure code requirements are met.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Individual and community wastewater treatment systems subject to Rice County administration.

    • Rice County Environmental Health issues permits for individual and community wastewater treatment systems.
    • County jurisdiction has the local-program exceptions stated in §710.05.
    • The cited page does not establish that every incorporated municipality uses the county permit process.
    “To apply for a septic system permit or submit a compliance inspection, go the county's online permitting system at https://mn-co-rice.onegov.rtvision.com/”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Installation of individual and community wastewater treatment systems subject to Rice County administration.

    • Rice County inspects installations to ensure code requirements are met.
    • County jurisdiction has the local-program exceptions stated in §710.05.
    “The Environmental Health division administers the Rice County Sewage and Wastewater Treatment ordinance, which involves reviewing individual and community wastewater treatment system designs, issuing permits for those systems and inspecting the installation of the systems to ensure code requirements are met.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land in Rice County.

    • The ordinance excludes areas within incorporated limits of a municipality or township exercising zoning and subdivision authority under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 462.
    • A township exercising authority may not be less restrictive than the county ordinance under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 394.33.
    • Lawful subdivisions recorded before April 1, 2026 are exempt; all other subdivisions are subject to the ordinance.
    • The ordinance is effective April 1, 2026.
    “This Ordinance shall not apply to lawful subdivisions of land recorded in the office of the Rice County Recorder (County Recorder) prior to April 1, 2026. All other subdivisions of land shall be subject to the requirements of this Ordinance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision of land in Rice County.
      “This ordinance establishes the standards and procedures for subdividing land in Rice County, including administrative subdivisions, minor boundary adjustments, waivers of plat, and plat requirements.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Driveway access associated with single-family dwelling construction in Rice County.

    • Driveway permits may be required depending on whether access is to a state, county, or township road.
    • State highway requirements are handled by MnDOT; county-road requirements by the Rice County Highway Department; township-road requirements by the township clerk.
    “Driveway Permits may be required for access to state, county or township roads.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development, structures, uses, on-site septic systems, fill, excavation, and material storage within Rice County floodplain areas shown on the official floodplain zoning map.

    • The ordinance applies to lands shown in Zone A or AE of the Special Flood Hazard Area on the official map.
    • A county zoning-administrator permit is required before the listed activities.
    • Known state and federal permits must be obtained and submitted before county permit issuance or processing of conditional-use or variance applications.
    • New structures and land uses must comply with the ordinance and applicable regulations.
    • The ordinance document is dated April 3, 2012; this is the source document date, not asserted as a current effective date.

    regulatory flood protection elevation: at least 1 foot above regional flood elevation plus applicable floodway-encroachment increase

    “A Permit issued by the Zoning Administrator in conformity with the provisions of this Ordinance shall be secured prior to the erection, addition, modification, rehabilitation (including normal maintenance and repair), or alteration of any building, structure, or portion thereof;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New structures and land uses in mapped Zone A or Zone AE flood hazard areas within the jurisdiction of the Rice County Board of Commissioners.
      “This Ordinance shall apply to all lands within the jurisdiction of the Rice County Board of Commissioners, Rice County, Minnesota shown on the Official Floodplain Zoning Map and/or the attachments thereto as being located within the boundaries of Zone A or AE of the Special Flood Hazard Area.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term rentals governed by Rice County Chapter 507.

    • An interim-use permit is required for a short-term rental with five or more bedrooms or guest occupancy for 30 or more days in a calendar year.
    • The rental must be in a dwelling compliant with the Minnesota State Building Code.
    • No more than one short-term rental may operate on a parcel.
    • Length of stay must be less than 30 days.
    • Occupancy is limited to two people per dwelling unit plus two additional people per bedroom.
    • Garages, detached structures, and temporary sleeping accommodations outside the dwelling may not be used to increase occupancy.
    • The rental must comply with the Rice County Sewage and Wastewater Treatment Ordinance.
    • Minimum liability insurance is $2,000,000.
    • A property manager must respond to complaints and be available on-site within one hour.

    interim-use permit threshold: >= 5 bedrooms (Or guest occupancy for 30 or more days in a calendar year) · maximum length of stay: < 30 days · liability insurance: >= 2000000 USD

    “An interim use permit shall be required if the short-term rental has five (5) or more bedrooms or is occupied by guests for thirty (30) or more days in a calendar year.”
  • Permit feesPublished

    Rice County building and zoning permit fees for projects in unincorporated areas, subject to the listed jurisdictional exception.

    • Exterior-maintenance and mechanical/fireplace/wood-stove permit fees are paid and issued at application.
    • Other building permits require an initial application fee and a second invoice based on project type and size.
    • Building permits are issued after staff review is complete and the second invoice is paid.
    • Demolition permits are free.
    • Zoning permit fees must be paid at application.
    • The online page links a 2026 Rice County fee schedule, but the schedule itself was not retrievable in the opened material.
    “Rice County Fee Schedule Effective Apr. 01, 2026”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Variable (with conditions) — Building and zoning permit fees for unincorporated Rice County projects.
      “Exterior maintenance and mechanical/fireplace/wood stove permit fees are paid for and issued at the time of application. All other building permits require payment of an initial application fee and a second invoice based on project type and size.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Rice County building and zoning permit applications in unincorporated areas except Bridgewater Township.

    • Applications must be submitted through the county online permitting system.
    • Zoning permit fees are due at application.
    • Variance requests are heard by the Board of Adjustment.
    • Other zoning permits are reviewed by the Planning Commission and sent to the Board of Commissioners.

    typical building permit review time: 10-15 working days (After staff review is complete and the second invoice is paid)

    “All building and zoning permit applications for projects located in unincorporated areas of Rice County (except for those located in Bridgewater Township) must be submitted through the county's online permitting system.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Building and zoning permit applications for projects in unincorporated Rice County, except Bridgewater Township.
      “All building and zoning permit applications for projects located in unincorporated areas of Rice County (except for those located in Bridgewater Township) must be submitted through the county's online permitting system.”
    • Partial — Rice County building and zoning permit applications in unincorporated areas, except Bridgewater Township.
      “All construction projects in Rice County's unincorporated areas require a building permit. Find building permit fact sheets in the Required Information documents section below. Permits are also required for demolition of existing structures. All permits must be applied for online.”

Minnesota rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Minnesota residential contractor-license exemption for an owner of residential real estate who builds or improves a one-to-four-family residential building, including in Rice County.

    • 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.
    • The 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.
    • The exemption concerns the residential contractor license requirement and does not eliminate Rice County's separate building-permit requirement for construction in unincorporated areas.
    • Residential real estate means a new or existing building constructed for habitation by one to four families and includes detached garages.

    speculation presumption threshold: > 1 property within any 24-month period (unless the properties will be retained by the owner for rental purposes)

    “(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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • 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”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Primitive dwellings using toilet-waste treatment devices in low dwelling-density areas, and privies governed by Minnesota SSTS rules.

    • Septage disposal by the owner must follow local ordinances.
    • If no local ordinance exists, septage must not be discharged to surface waters, drainageways, steeply sloping areas, or wet areas in a manner or volume harmful to the environment or public health or that creates a nuisance.
    • Material must be buried or covered with soil.
    • If site conditions do not meet the rule, solids disposal must be performed under the applicable rule by a licensed maintenance business.
    • Privy solids must be removed when the privy is filled to one-half capacity.
    • Abandoned pits must have sewage solids and contaminated soil removed and be filled with clean earth and slightly mounded.

    privy solids removal threshold: 50 percent capacity

    “For primitive dwellings using toilet waste treatment devices in low dwelling density areas, septage disposal from these devices by the owner must be in accordance with local ordinances. If no ordinance exists, the septage must not be discharged to surface waters, drainageways, steeply sloping areas, or wet areas in a manner or volume that is harmful to the environment or public health or that creates a nuisance. The material must be buried or covered with soil.”
  • 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.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Mandatory utility hookup — Required connection to public water or sewer for private development in Rice County.

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 Rice County, Minnesota

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

Rice County scores 49/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop and mixed durability signals. Watch-outs: about 82,399 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

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

How much does land cost in Rice County, Minnesota?

Land in Rice County runs about $8,330 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Rice County?

Rice County gets about 35" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 8.3% of years.

How remote is Rice County?

A representative private-land location has about 82,399 people within a 30-minute drive and 4,767,492 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 Rice compares in Minnesota

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