Bolthole Index

St. Louis County, Minnesota

Building permits, zoning and land rules in St. Louis County, Minnesota

70Index Score / 100
#19 of 87 in Minnesota

St. Louis County, Minnesota requires a land-use permit to build, move, structurally alter or change the use of a structure in county-administered areas, but the county does not administer the Minnesota State Building Code12. County zoning applies outside the cities and townships that run their own zoning, such as Duluth, Virginia and Aurora34567. The Onsite Wastewater Division handles septic permits countywide8.

At a glance

Building permit
County land-use permit required for building, moving or adding to structures in county-administered areas1
Building code
The state code applies, but the county does not administer it; confirm the building official for the parcel9
Zoning
County zoning applies in county-administered unincorporated areas; Duluth, Virginia and Aurora have their own zoning34567
Septic permit
Required for onsite wastewater systems and handled countywide by the Onsite Wastewater Division108
Owner-builder
A contractor-license exemption may apply, but permits and inspections are not waived11
Tiny home
Allowed as a single-family dwelling in county-administered areas with a land-use permit, approved sewage treatment and district standards1213
RV living
One licensed RV may be placed on a parcel if zoning and site standards are met; residential occupancy was not confirmed14

Who to call

Planning & zoning

St. Louis County Planning & Zoning – Duluth Office

Planning and zoning questions for county-administered areas

218-471-7103

320 West 2nd Street, Suite 301, Duluth, Minnesota 55802

Building permits

St. Louis County Land Use Division

Online land-use permit applications and questions

218-471-7103

landuseinfo@stlouiscountymn.gov

Online permits →

Zoning

St. Louis County Land Use Division

County-administered zoning, subdivision and floodplain ordinances

218-471-7103

landuseinfo@stlouiscountymn.gov

Septic permits

St. Louis County Onsite Wastewater Division

Onsite wastewater treatment systems throughout St. Louis County

218-471-7103

oswinfo@stlouiscountymn.gov

Online permits →

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

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in St. Louis 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 St. Louis County, Minnesota?

St. Louis County requires a land-use permit before a structure is erected, reconstructed, moved, structurally altered or put to a new use in county-administered unincorporated areas1. Limited remodeling, small accessory structures and specified agricultural activities are among the ordinance exceptions, but the exception must fit the project115. The Minnesota State Building Code applies statewide to covered structures, while St. Louis County does not administer that code9. Ask the Land Use Division to identify the applicable building official because we could not confirm the inspection and certificate-of-occupancy path for county-administered parcels16. An owner who will occupy the home or retain it as a rental may qualify for Minnesota's contractor-license exemption, but that exemption does not waive permits or inspections17.

Who handles building and land-use permits in St. Louis County?

The St. Louis County Land Use Division accepts county land-use applications through its online portal, which calculates project fees from the submitted information181916. Call 218-471-7103 or email landuseinfo@stlouiscountymn.gov when the correct application or building-code authority is unclear16. The Planning & Zoning office is at 320 West 2nd Street, Suite 301, Duluth, Minnesota 5580220. County fees vary by permit type and building size; review the published fee schedule before applying21. Starting work first can be expensive because the after-the-fact charge is twice the regular fee22. A county land-use permit confirms zoning approval, not completion of any separate State Building Code process2.

Does St. Louis County have zoning?

St. Louis County administers zoning in unincorporated areas outside city limits; cities and townships that run their own zoning use local rules instead34. Duluth, Virginia and Aurora administer their own zoning567. Septic permits stay with the county Onsite Wastewater Division even inside those cities8. St. Louis County publishes a zoning map and district-specific standards; each county-administered parcel has a land-use district and a dimensional district2324. Minimum lot area depends on the dimensional district, ranging from 35 acres to 0.25 acre in the general table25. The Plat of Soudan in Breitung has a separate 0.16-acre minimum for lots with sewer and water, and new residential uses there must connect to both utilities26. Setbacks vary by district, with additional shoreland and sanitary requirements27. Residential and shoreland structures generally have a 35-foot height cap, but certain shoreland additions face limits of 20 feet within the shore-impact zone and 25 feet between that zone and the required setback2829. We could not confirm a general minimum principal-dwelling floor area; ask the Land Use Division16.

How do septic permits work in St. Louis County?

The St. Louis County Onsite Wastewater Division administers onsite wastewater systems throughout the county, and septic permit applications are required for covered systems830. Licensed septic designers and installers typically prepare and submit applications for county review; the county provides separate materials for construction permits, operating permits, holding tanks and privies30. Apply through the septic portal or contact 218-471-7103 and oswinfo@stlouiscountymn.gov31. New and replacement systems require an independent compliance inspection by an authorized qualified employee or licensed inspection business32. Property transfers can also trigger an inspection unless a qualifying certificate or notice remains current33. Only about 1.2% of mapped county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so test the proposed house site before fixing the building location34. A shoreland nonconforming lot must connect to public sewer when available or meet county sewage-treatment standards, but that provision is not a countywide utility mandate35. Ask the division before relying on a privy, holding tank or other off-grid arrangement31.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in St. Louis County?

A tiny home may serve as a single-family principal dwelling in a county-administered area if it has an approved sewage-treatment system and meets the applicable land-use permit, district, setback and lot-coverage rules1213. A manufactured or mobile home may likewise serve as a single-family principal dwelling, subject to the applicable district, permit and sewage-treatment requirements3637. Accessory dwellings are limited by shoreland status and parcel size and must meet septic, setback and lot-coverage rules38. One currently licensed RV may be placed on a parcel if it meets the zone district's principal-use requirements, principal-structure setbacks and applicable shoreland standards14. We could not confirm long-term residential RV occupancy; ask the Land Use Division before moving in16. Renting a home or cabin for compensated nightly or weekly stays of fewer than 30 days requires a short-term-rental permit where St. Louis County administers zoning3940. Residentially zoned rentals closer than 300 feet property-line to property-line may need a conditional-use permit and a Planning Commission waiver of the separation standard39.

How do you build a home in St. Louis County, step by step?

  1. Confirm whether St. Louis County, a city or a township controls zoning, then identify the parcel's mapped land-use and dimensional districts4124.
  2. Verify that the parcel was legally created and that its lot area, proposed use, setbacks, height and lot coverage fit the district4243442845.
  3. Ask the Land Use Division who administers the State Building Code for the parcel216.
  4. Have a licensed septic professional establish a workable system location and submit the septic permit application10.
  5. Confirm floodplain, wetland, shoreland and driveway constraints before finalizing the site plan464748.
  6. Apply online for the county land-use permit and review the published project-specific fee before work begins1949.

What should you check before buying land in St. Louis County?

Confirm the zoning authority and mapped district standards before relying on a listing's description of allowed uses4124. An improperly created split can prevent land-use permits on both the new and remnant parcels, so verify lot-creation history as well as minimum area before buying505125. Check access as well: county-administered driveways generally stay at least 10 feet from property lines, must preserve drainage and may need approval from the appropriate road authority48. A land-use permit cannot issue unless proposed development complies with county floodplain regulations46. The median property-tax bill is about $2,142 per year, with an effective rate near 1%5253. Minnesota generally requires notification and a filing fee before water-supply well construction; a personally constructed drive-point well for the owner's home or farming instead must be reported within 10 days after completion without a notification fee54. We could not confirm a general utility-connection requirement; ask the parcel's zoning authority16.

Watch-outs

  • A St. Louis County land-use permit is not a Minnesota State Building Code permit; the county does not administer that code2.
  • Properties in cities or townships that administer their own zoning, including Duluth, Virginia and Aurora, follow local rules instead of county zoning4567.
  • Starting work before obtaining a county permit can trigger an after-the-fact fee equal to twice the regular fee22.
  • St. Louis County's limited RV-placement rule does not confirm long-term residential occupancy; ask the Land Use Division before moving in1416.

Sources

  1. Zoning Ordinance 62, quoted and re-checked
  2. Apply for a Land Use Permit, quoted and re-checked
  3. Comprehensive Land Use Plan & Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  4. Short Term Rental Shoreland and Nonshoreland, quoted and re-checked
  5. Duluth: Zoning Regulations (St. Louis County), quoted and re-checked
  6. Virginia: official source (St. Louis County), quoted and re-checked
  7. Aurora: official source (St. Louis County), quoted and re-checked
  8. Onsite Wastewater (Septic Systems), quoted and re-checked
  9. Minnesota Statutes section 326B.121, quoted and re-checked
  10. Apply for a Septic Permit, quoted and re-checked
  11. Minnesota Statutes section 326B.805, quoted and re-checked
  12. Zoning Ordinance 62, quoted and re-checked
  13. St. Louis County Zoning Ordinance 62, quoted and re-checked
  14. St. Louis County Zoning Ordinance 62, quoted and re-checked
  15. stlouiscountymn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  16. St. Louis County Land Use Division (stlouiscountymn.gov)
  17. revisor.mn.gov (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Apply for a Land Use Permit, quoted and re-checked
  19. Apply for a Land Use Permit, quoted and re-checked
  20. St. Louis County Planning & Zoning – Duluth Office (stlouiscountymn.gov)
  21. Apply for a Land Use Permit, quoted and re-checked
  22. 2026 Permit Fees, quoted and re-checked
  23. Comprehensive Land Use Plan & Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  24. Zoning Ordinance 62, quoted and re-checked
  25. Zoning Ordinance of St. Louis County, Minnesota, Ordinance Number 62, quoted and re-checked
  26. Zoning Ordinance of St. Louis County, Minnesota, Ordinance Number 62, quoted and re-checked
  27. Zoning Ordinance 62, quoted and re-checked
  28. Zoning Ordinance 62, quoted and re-checked
  29. stlouiscountymn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  30. Apply for a Septic Permit, quoted and re-checked
  31. St. Louis County Onsite Wastewater Division (stlouiscountymn.gov)
  32. 67 | St. Louis County Local Standards, quoted and re-checked
  33. Buying/Selling Property, quoted and re-checked
  34. 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
  35. St. Louis County Zoning Ordinance 62, quoted and re-checked
  36. Zoning Ordinance 62, quoted and re-checked
  37. St. Louis County Zoning Ordinance 62, quoted and re-checked
  38. stlouiscountymn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  39. Short Term Rentals, quoted and re-checked
  40. Short Term Rentals, quoted and re-checked
  41. Short Term Rentals, quoted and re-checked
  42. Comprehensive Land Use Plan & Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  43. Zoning Ordinance of St. Louis County, Minnesota, Ordinance Number 62, quoted and re-checked
  44. stlouiscountymn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  45. Zoning Ordinance 62, quoted and re-checked
  46. stlouiscountymn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  47. St. Louis County Land Use Division (stlouiscountymn.gov)
  48. stlouiscountymn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  49. Apply for a Land Use Permit, quoted and re-checked
  50. Subdividing Property, quoted and re-checked
  51. Comprehensive Land Use Plan & Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  52. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  53. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  54. 2025 Minnesota Statutes, section 103I.205: Well Construction (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

Written October 13, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

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

RuleSt. Louis CountyLake CountyItasca CountyKoochiching CountyCarlton CountyAitkin CountyCook County
Building permitRequiredLimitedLimitedRequiredLimitedRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Planning & ZoningCounty Planning & ZoningCounty Env. ServicesCounty Env. ServicesCounty Zoning & Env. ServicesCounty Env. ServicesCounty Land Services

County locator

St. Louis County in Minnesota

70
County map
St. Louis County highlighted among the Minnesota counties · colored by Index score

How St. Louis County scores

Seclusion79100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency50100% ev.
Admin Boringness43100% ev.
Durability60100% ev.
Property Autonomy65100% ev.
Carry Cost75100% 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 →

$262kTypical home
1%Property tax
$3,927Land / acre
28.3"Annual rain
6% of yrsSevere drought
0.4 / yr (+0.4)Mid-century 100°F days
12.8 daysMid-century dry spell
1.53" (+8.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.8×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,475Home insurance / yr
1.4% / yrInsurance growth
0.43%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
9,454Radius comparison (15 mi)
32.1People / sq mi
25.6%Federal land
93.4%Land at 15% slope or less
1.2%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
44,431 acWorkable land screen
77.6%Wooded land
24.4 tonsBiomass / forest ac
38.5°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in St. Louis 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: Alango Township · Alborn Township · Alden Township · Angora Township · Arrowhead Township · Ault Township · Babbitt · Balkan Township · Bassett Township · Beatty Township · Biwabik · Biwabik Township · Breitung Township · Brevator Township · Brookston · Buhl · Camp 5 Township · Canosia Township · Cedar Valley Township · Cherry Township · Chisholm · Clinton Township · Colvin Township · Cook · Cotton Township · Crane Lake Township · Culver Township · Duluth Township · Eagles Nest Township · Ellsburg Township · Elmer Township · Ely · Embarrass Township · Eveleth · Fairbanks Township · Fayal Township · Field Township · Fine Lakes Township · Floodwood · Floodwood Township · Fredenberg Township · French Township · Gilbert · Gnesen Township · Grand Lake Township · Great Scott Township · Greenwood Township · Halden Township · Hermantown · Hibbing · Industrial Township · Iron Junction · Kabetogama Township · Kelsey Township · Kinney · Kugler Township · Lakewood Township · Lavell Township · Leiding Township · Leonidas · Linden Grove Township · McDavitt Township · McKinley · Meadowlands · Meadowlands Township · Midway Township · Morcom Township · Morse Township · Mountain Iron · Ness Township · New Independence Township · Normanna Township · North Star Township · Northland Township · Orr · Owens Township · Pequaywan Township · Pike Township · Portage Township · Prairie Lake Township · Proctor · Rice Lake · Sandy Township · Solway Township · Stoney Brook Township · Sturgeon Township · Toivola Township · Tower · Van Buren Township · Vermilion Lake Township · Waasa Township · White Township · Willow Valley Township · Winton · Wuori Township

Answers from the rulebook for St. Louis County

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

St. Louis County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Structures and structural changes in county-administered unincorporated areas.

    • A county land use permit is required for structures erected, constructed, reconstructed, moved, structurally altered, or given a new use.
    • The county page lists building, moving, additions, height/pitch/projection changes, foundations, and changes in building use as covered activities.
    • Certain exceptions exist under Zoning Ordinance 62, including specified agricultural activities, limited remodeling, small accessory structures, and other listed activities.
    “does require land use permits for a wide range of activities”
  • Building code adoptedNot adopted (with conditions)

    County administration of the Minnesota State Building Code in county-administered areas.

    • The county requires land-use permits even though it does not administer the Minnesota State Building Code.
    “St. Louis County does not administer the Minnesota State Building Code, but does require land use permits for a wide range of activities.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    County-administered, unincorporated areas of St. Louis County.

    • The ordinance establishes regulations outside incorporated municipal limits.
    • Municipalities and townships that administer their own zoning may apply separate local rules.
    “outside the incorporated limits of municipalities”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Zoning in county-administered unincorporated areas.
      “The Land Use Division is responsible for the administration and enforcement of land use regulations for county-administered areas through Subdivision Ordinance 60 and Zoning Ordinance 62.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate of zoning administration across St. Louis County; the county administers zoning in some areas while incorporated cities and listed townships administer their own zoning.

    • This is an aggregate county claim and does not mean the county administers every local ordinance.
    • Cities listed by the county and Duluth, Gnesen, Midway, and Lakewood townships administer their own zoning.
    “Who IS NOT Impacted: The following cities and townships administer their own zoning ordinance and are not impacted by the County's short term rental ordinance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate zoning situation across St. Louis County, including county-administered unincorporated areas and incorporated municipalities or townships.
      “Within St. Louis County there exist other zoning ordinances”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    County zoning districts and official zoning map in county-administered areas.

    • Zone-district boundaries are established by the official zoning map.
    • The ordinance includes land-use and dimensional districts.
    • The ordinance and map must be read together for parcel-specific standards.
    “Zone district boundaries are established as shown on the official zoning map for St. Louis County. The zone districts shall include a land use district and a dimensional district.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County zoning districts and district-specific use and dimensional standards.
      “The Land Use Division is responsible for the administration and enforcement of land use regulations for county-administered areas through Subdivision Ordinance 60 and Zoning Ordinance 62.”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Lots and principal structures in county-administered, unincorporated St. Louis County zone districts under current Zoning Ordinance 62.

    • The applicable minimum depends on the dimensional district.
    • The ordinance states that the standards apply in all county zone districts.
    • A lot must also comply with applicable lot width, lot coverage, setback, subdivision, floodplain, and sanitary requirements.
    • The ordinance contains special standards for the Plat of Soudan in the Town of Breitung.
    • The ordinance applies outside incorporated municipal limits; incorporated municipalities may administer their own zoning.

    district 1 minimum lot area: 35 acres · district 1a minimum lot area: 35 acres · district 2 minimum lot area: 17 acres · district 3 minimum lot area: 9 acres · district 3a minimum lot area: 9 acres · district 4 minimum lot area: 4.5 acres · district 4a minimum lot area: 4.5 acres · district 5 minimum lot area: 2.5 acres · district 6 minimum lot area: 2 acres · district 7 minimum lot area: 1 acre · district 8 minimum lot area: 1 acre · district 9 minimum lot area: 1 acre · district 10 minimum lot area: 2 acres · district 11 minimum lot area: 0.5 acre · district 12 minimum lot area: 0.33 acre · district 12 alternative minimum lot area: 0.25 acre (The table identifies the alternative row with an asterisk and refers to special standards for the Plat of Soudan, Town of Breitung.)

    “F. Dimensional Standards 1. Any structure or use hereafter erected, altered or established, must comply with the area and setbacks specified for the zone district in which it is located, and shall not exceed the maximum lot coverage, as specified in this ordinance. 2. The minimum lot width, lot area, and setback requirements established herein shall be maintained for the placement of all structures and additions unless otherwise provided.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Lots and structures in county-administered areas outside incorporated municipalities, according to the applicable dimensional district under St. Louis County Zoning Ordinance 62.
      “St. Louis County hereby establishes the following set of minimal dimensional standards that will be used in all county zone districts. [...] 1 35 [...] 1a 35 [...] 2 17 [...] 3 9 [...] 3a 9 [...] 4 4.5 [...] 4a 4.5 [...] 5 2.5 [...] 6 2.0 [...] 7 1.0 [...] 8 1.0 [...] 9 1.0 [...] 10 2.0 [...] 11 0.5 [...] *12 0.33 [...] *12 0.25 [...] *See special standards for the Plat of Soudan, Town of Breitung.”
    • Specified — The Plat of Soudan in the Town of Breitung, under the special dimensional standards in St. Louis County Zoning Ordinance 62.
      “SPECIAL STANDARDS FOR THE PLAT OF SOUDAN, TOWN OF BREITUNG Dimensional Standards Sewer Only Sewer and Water Minimum lot area 0.33 acre 0.16 acre Minimum lot width 100 feet 60 feet Maximum lot coverage 35% 35% [...] All new residential uses will be required to connect with public sewer and water facilities.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Structures, driveways, and other regulated development in county zone districts.

    • Setbacks vary by dimensional district and use.
    • Driveways generally require at least 10 feet from property lines unless an agreement or road-authority access permit allows less.
    • Shoreland and sanitary setbacks may impose additional requirements.

    driveway property-line setback: >= 10 feet (Agreement among affected parties or road-authority access permit)

    “Any structure or use hereafter erected, altered or established, must comply with the area and setbacks specified for the zone district in which it is located, and shall not exceed the maximum lot coverage, as specified in this ordinance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Property-line, principal-structure, accessory-structure, shoreline, bluff, and road setbacks in county-administered areas.
      “The minimum lot width, lot area, and setback requirements established herein shall be maintained for the placement of all structures and additions unless otherwise provided.”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Development in county dimensional districts.

    • Maximum lot coverage varies by dimensional district.
    • The ordinance table lists maximum coverage percentages from 10% to 35%, with special Soudan standards.

    maximum lot coverage: 10-35 percent (Varies by dimensional district)

    “St. Louis County hereby establishes the following set of minimal dimensional standards that will be used in all county zone districts.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Structures in residential and shoreland areas under county zoning.

    • In residential and shoreland areas, maximum structure height is 35 feet unless a more restrictive rule applies.
    • Accessory dwellings have separate height limits depending on shoreland and nonshoreland location.

    maximum structure height: <= 35 feet (Article IV section 4.3 may be more restrictive)

    “In Residential and Shoreland areas, the maximum height allowed for structures shall be 35 feet, or as allowed in Article IV, Section 4.3, whichever is more restrictive.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Building-height limits in specified shoreland, nonconforming-structure, accessory-dwelling, and other county-administered areas.
      “20 feet in height maximum if all or part of the structure is within the shore impact zone.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Placement of recreational vehicles on parcels in county-administered zoning areas.

    • No more than one recreational vehicle per parcel, per zone-district requirements for principal uses.
    • The recreational vehicle must have a current motor-vehicle license.
    • The RV must meet principal-structure setbacks.
    • Vegetative-removal and shoreland-alteration standards must be followed.

    recreational vehicles per parcel: 1 vehicle (without a permit only if all listed standards are met)

    “There shall be no more than one recreational vehicle per parcel, per zone district requirements for principal uses.”
  • Tiny homesLimited

    Tiny homes used as single-family principal dwellings in county-administered zoning areas.

    • The ordinance recognizes a tiny home as potentially part of a single-family principal dwelling.
    • The dwelling must be designed for one family and have an approved sewage-treatment system.
    • Applicable land-use permits, zoning-district standards, setbacks, lot coverage, and other rules still apply.
    “Principal Dwelling, Single-family - A detached residence, may include a mobile or manufactured home or tiny home, designed for one family only and having an approved sewage treatment system.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Tiny homes used as single-family principal dwellings in county-administered areas.
      “Principal Dwelling, Single-family - A detached residence, may include a mobile or manufactured home or tiny home, designed for one family only and having an approved sewage treatment system.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Mobile or manufactured homes used as dwellings in county-administered zoning areas.

    • A single-family principal dwelling may include a mobile or manufactured home.
    • The dwelling must be designed for one family and have an approved sewage-treatment system.
    • Manufactured-home parks are separately classified as residential planned developments and remain subject to district and permit requirements.
    “Principal Dwelling, Single-family - A detached residence, may include a mobile or manufactured home or tiny home, designed for one family only and having an approved sewage treatment system.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — An individual manufactured or mobile home used as a single-family principal dwelling outside a manufactured-home park in county-administered areas.
      “Mobile or Manufactured Home - As defined or described Minnesota Statutes, section 327.31.”
  • Accessory dwellingsLimited

    Accessory dwellings in county-administered shoreland and nonshoreland areas.

    • Shoreland parcels of at least one acre: one accessory dwelling per parcel, maximum 700 square feet, maximum 20 feet height.
    • Shoreland parcels under one acre: one accessory dwelling per parcel, maximum 250 square feet, maximum 14 feet height; it may not be combined with a garage or other accessory structure.
    • Nonshoreland areas: one accessory dwelling per parcel, maximum 1,200 square feet.
    • All categories require adequate septic, applicable setbacks, and lot-coverage compliance.
    • Separate rental is prohibited unless a short-term-rental permit is permitted as part of the overall property.

    maximum accessory-dwelling size, shoreland one acre or greater: 700 square feet (larger structure is considered a principal dwelling) · maximum accessory-dwelling size, shoreland under one acre: 250 square feet (larger structure is considered a principal dwelling) · maximum accessory-dwelling size, nonshoreland: 1200 square feet (larger structure is considered a principal dwelling)

    “An accessory dwelling is defined as an accessory structure used as a dwelling unit that may contain sleeping spaces, and kitchen and bathroom facilities, in addition to those provided in the principal dwelling structure and may be allowed with a land use permit.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Onsite wastewater treatment systems throughout St. Louis County.

    • The county administers Ordinance 61.
    • County standards incorporate minimum standards established by Minnesota statutes and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency administrative rules.
    “The Onsite Wastewater Division is responsible for the administration and coordination of onsite wastewater treatment systems throughout St. Louis County.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Onsite wastewater systems in St. Louis County.

    • Licensed septic designers and installers typically complete applications and submit them to the county for review.
    • The county page provides separate materials for permit-to-construct, operating permits, holding tanks, privies, and other system types.
    “Septic permit applications are required for a variety of purposes.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Onsite wastewater systems subject to St. Louis County SSTS administration.
      “Septic permit applications are required for a variety of purposes.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    SSTS compliance inspections associated with property transfers and other county-administered septic processes.

    • No inspection is required when a qualifying certificate or notice has been issued within the specified period: 10 years for a new/replacement certificate and three years for an existing-system certificate or notice of nonconforming.
    • Otherwise, a septic compliance inspection and report is required; winter-sale exceptions still require inspection when conditions allow.
    • Non-compliant systems generally must be replaced within 12 months for shoreland property or 24 months for non-shoreland property; imminent threats require repair or replacement within 10 months.

    new/replacement certificate validity: 10 years (No inspection required if valid certificate is on file.) · existing-system certificate validity: 3 years (No inspection required if valid certificate is on file.) · nonconforming notice validity: 3 years (No inspection required if valid notice is on file.)

    “INSPECTION REQUIRED, if Conditions in #1 are not met”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New construction or replacement of subsurface sewage treatment systems in St. Louis County.
      “A compliance inspection for all new construction or replacement must be conducted:”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Sewer connection and onsite sewage treatment for applicable shoreland and zoning areas.

    • The ordinance states that a lot must be connected to public sewer if available; otherwise St. Louis County sewage treatment standards must be followed.
    • This excerpt is from a shoreland nonconforming-lot provision, not a countywide connection mandate.
    “The lot must be connected to a public sewer, if available, or St. Louis County sewage treatment standards shall be followed.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Agricultural activities in county-administered areas.

    • Forest management and agricultural activities are listed as not requiring a land-use permit in any zone district except as required in Article VI.
    • Other agricultural use classes may require performance-standard or conditional-use permits under the applicable zone district.
    “Forest management and agricultural activities (except as required in Article VI).”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision in county-administered areas subject to Subdivision Ordinance 60.

    • Some cities and townships are not subject to County Ordinance 60 and instead require compliance with the local government's subdivision ordinance.
    • The county page identifies preliminary and final plat review processes.
    “The Land Use Division is responsible for the administration and enforcement of land use regulations for county-administered areas through Subdivision Ordinance 60 and Zoning Ordinance 62.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Creation, division, transfer, and development of lots in county-administered areas.
      “Subdivision Ordinance 60 and Zoning Ordinance 62”
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and land divisions outside municipalities.
      “St. Louis County Ordinance 60 [...] regulates the subdivision of land outside of municipalities (cities).”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Private driveways in county-administered areas.

    • Driveways generally must be at least 10 feet from property lines.
    • Affected-party agreement or an entrance/driveway access permit from the appropriate road authority may authorize a reduced setback.
    • Wetland approval is required before construction where wetlands cannot be avoided.
    • Driveways must not impede drainage and must provide suitable off-street parking and snow-storage areas.

    minimum driveway property-line setback: >= 10 feet (Affected-party agreement or road-authority access permit)

    “Driveways shall be setback a minimum of 10 feet from property lines, unless there is agreement amongst all affected parties allowing a reduced property line setback, or if an entrance or driveway access permit issued by the appropriate road authority requires a reduced property line setback.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Land-use permits and development subject to county floodplain regulations.

    • A land-use permit cannot issue unless the proposed use complies with county floodplain regulations.
    • Where the 100-year flood elevation has not been determined by detailed study, Minnesota Rule 6120.3300 is used to approximate it.

    flood elevation standard: 100-year flood elevation (Minnesota Rule 6120.3300 applies where no detailed study exists)

    “No land use permit shall be issued that is not in compliance with county floodplain regulations. Where the 100-year flood elevation has not been determined with a detailed study, Minnesota Rule 6120.3300 shall be utilized to approximate the flood elevation.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term rental dwelling units where St. Louis County administers zoning.

    • A short-term rental is a home, cabin, condominium, or similar building offering sleeping accommodations nightly or weekly for fewer than 30 days for compensation.
    • A permit is required where St. Louis County administers zoning.
    • Cities and townships with their own zoning ordinances are not impacted by the county ordinance.
    • If two short-term rentals in a residentially zoned area are closer than 300 feet property-line to property-line, a conditional-use permit may be allowed and the Planning Commission may waive the 300-foot standard.

    maximum rental duration: < 30 days · separation between short-term rentals: < 300 feet (Conditional-use permit may be allowed and Planning Commission may waive the standard)

    “If you are planning on, or are currently renting your property as a short term rental where St. Louis County administers zoning, a permit is required.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Short-term vacation-home rentals where St. Louis County administers zoning.
      “If you are planning on, or are currently renting your property as a short term rental where St. Louis County administers zoning, a permit is required.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Published 2026 St. Louis County land-use planning and permit fees.

    • Fees vary by permit type and building size.
    • The schedule includes an after-the-fact fee of two times the regular fee.

    new building 1-1200 square feet: 185 USD · new building 1201 square feet and larger: 360 USD · performance standard permit: 430 USD · conditional use: 720 USD · subdivision permit extension beyond 2 years: 70 USD

    “New Buildings 1-1200 square feet 185.00 [...] Conditional Use 720.00”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published — County land-use and septic permit fees.
      “please review the Land Use permit fee schedule prior to applying online”
    • Published (with conditions) — County land-use permit fees.
      “As a friendly reminder, please review the Land Use permit fee schedule prior to applying online to ensure you are applying for the correct permit.”
  • Permit processPublished

    County land-use and septic permit application process.

    • Applications may be submitted through the county online portal.
    • Project fees are calculated from information provided in the online submittal form.
    • Applicants are instructed to contact the county if uncertain about the correct application.
    “The St. Louis County online portal allows you to apply for permits online.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County land-use permit applications.
      “The St. Louis County online portal allows you to apply for permits online. Project fees are calculated based on the information provided in the online submittal form.”

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-builder licensing exemption for residential real estate in Minnesota, including St. Louis County.
      “This exemption does not apply to an owner who constructs or improves residential real estate for purposes of resale or speculation.”
  • 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.”
  • 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).”
  • 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 St. Louis 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

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 St. Louis County, Minnesota

Is St. Louis County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

St. Louis County scores 70/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: sparse surroundings — about 9,454 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost.

Do you need a building permit in St. Louis County, Minnesota?

St. Louis County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by St. Louis County Planning & Zoning - Onsite Wastewater 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 St. Louis County?

Living in an RV on your own land in St. Louis County is limited to specific cases: Placement of recreational vehicles on parcels in county-administered zoning areas. No more than one recreational vehicle per parcel, per zone-district requirements for principal uses. The recreational vehicle must have a current motor-vehicle license. A tiny home is limited to specific cases. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in St. Louis County, Minnesota?

Land in St. Louis County runs about $3,927 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in St. Louis County?

St. Louis County gets about 28.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 6% of years.

How remote is St. Louis County?

A typical private-land location has about 9,454 people within 15 miles and 505,597 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How St. Louis compares in Minnesota

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