Bolthole Index

Washington County, Minnesota

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

42Index Score / 100
#84 of 87 in Minnesota

Washington County, Minnesota does not issue building permits for homes; the city or township where the land sits does1. Zoning is split the same way: the county zones only the areas its Development Code and maps cover, and cities and townships set land-use rules everywhere else23. Septic permits for every address in the county, city or not, come from Washington County Public Health and Environment4.

At a glance

Building permit (house)
Issued by your city or township, not the county1
Building permit (accessory structure)
Required where the county's Chapter Two applies, except agricultural buildings on a farm5
Zoning
County zones only the areas its code and maps cover; cities and townships zone the rest23
Septic permits
Washington County Public Health and Environment; $868 for a single-family system46
RV as a dwelling
Prohibited where the county Development Code applies7
Driveway onto a county road
Access permit from Public Works, issued before any building permit81
Owner-builder
Exempt from contractor licensing if you will occupy the home; permits still apply910
Septic soils
Only 6.6% of soils rate free of severe limits for a conventional drain field11

Who to call

Zoning

Washington County Public Works Department - Planning & Zoning

Administers the Washington County Development Code, which zones the county's civil townships and unincorporated areas; issues zoning permits and maintains zoning maps

651-430-4300

11660 Myeron Road North, Stillwater, MN 55082

Roads & driveways

Washington County Public Works Department - Access Permits

Issues access permits for new driveways, field entrances and street connections onto Washington County highways; the county's own guidance directs building-permit questions to the city or township where the property sits

651-430-4300

11660 Myeron Road North, Stillwater, MN 55082

Septic permits

Washington County Public Health and Environment - Septic (SSTS)

Permits, inspects and enforces compliance for on-site septic (SSTS) systems countywide, including new installation, repair, abandonment and point-of-sale compliance inspections

651-430-6655

septic@washingtoncountymn.gov

Washington County Government Center, Room 4600, 14949 62nd Street North, Stillwater, MN 55082

Online permits →

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

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

Yes for a house, but the permit does not come from Washington County. The county's own permits page says: "Building Permits To obtain a building permit, contact the city or township in which the property is located"1. Minnesota's State Building Code applies statewide, and permitted work is subject to inspection by the building official1213.

Where the county's Development Code Chapter Two applies, a building permit is also required for accessory structures such as detached garages and sheds, except agricultural buildings on a farm; a Certificate of Compliance is required for agricultural buildings and accessory structures in the Shoreland and St. Croix River overlay districts5. We could not confirm a countywide certificate-of-occupancy or general inspection rule, so ask your city or township building official.

Owner-builders who will live in the home are exempt from Minnesota's residential contractor licensing requirement, but the exemption does not waive permits, inspections or zoning910.

Who issues building permits, zoning approval, septic permits and driveway permits in Washington County?

Building permits: your city or township, as above1. Zoning approval: Washington County Public Works Planning & Zoning administers the Development Code in civil townships and unincorporated parts of the county, and the county publishes zoning maps for Baytown, Denmark, Grey Cloud Island, May, Stillwater and West Lakeland townships1415. For land outside those maps, the county says to contact the township, and each incorporated city sets and enforces its own ordinances inside its borders3.

What stays with the county even inside a city: septic permits for the whole county come from Washington County Public Health and Environment4. Driveway or field-entrance access to a county highway needs an access permit from Washington County Public Works1.

Public Works (zoning and access permits) is at 651-430-4300; the septic program is at 651-430-6655 or septic@washingtoncountymn.gov1416.

Does Washington County have zoning, and what does it mean for RVs, tiny homes and setbacks?

Partly. The Development Code applies in unincorporated areas only for specific subjects: subdivision, septic systems, the St. Croix River and Shoreland overlay districts, mining, sewer use, floodplains and official map areas2. The maps are reference only, and a property outside the shaded area must ask its township about zoning16.

Where Chapter Two does apply, new parcels without public sewer must have at least 1 contiguous acre of accessible buildable land17. A single-family dwelling's main portion must be at least 20 feet wide, and structures along roads the Comprehensive Plan designates as arterials must sit 150 feet from the centerline or 75 feet from the right-of-way, whichever is greater1819.

Tiny homes: Minnesota says local zoning decides whether one is allowed on a parcel, and it must meet the residential code20. We could not confirm a county tiny-home occupancy rule, so ask the zoning authority for your parcel.

How do septic permits work in Washington County?

Washington County Public Health and Environment issues septic (SSTS) permits countywide4. A permit is required to install a new tank or soil treatment area, to repair or replace a system or its components, and to change the use of or expand a building the system serves21. Fees are non-refundable21.

The single-family installation permit is $868, the commercial installation permit is $1,298, and a soil and site review application is $237 plus $102 per lot; starting work without a permit adds a $343 charge6. Selling or transferring a property with a septic system generally requires a compliance inspection, unless one was completed within 3 years or a new system was installed within 5 years and has a valid certificate of compliance6.

Only 6.6% of county soils rate free of severe limits for a conventional drain field, so expect a soil review and possibly an engineered system11.

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

Not in an RV, wherever the county Development Code applies. Chapter Two says the use of a recreational vehicle, trailer, garage or accessory building as a dwelling unit is prohibited in the unincorporated areas it governs22. That rule is limited to the code's coverage, and a separate floodplain exemption exists for RVs on developed single-family parcels only if licensing, highway-readiness and removal conditions are met22.

If your land is in a city or in a township that zones itself, the city or township sets its own RV rule, so ask it before buying3. Minnesota's licensing scheme for camping areas covers organized campgrounds, not a single RV on your own lot23.

For tiny homes, see the zoning answer above. Any dwelling still needs a permitted septic system21. A manufactured home must pass the state installation inspection before occupancy24.

Building a home in Washington County: what are the steps, in order?

  1. Find out which jurisdiction zones your parcel: the county for the six mapped townships and the code's listed subjects, otherwise your city or township153.
  1. Ask the county for a septic soil and site review: $237 plus $102 per lot6.
  1. If the driveway meets a county road, get the access permit from Public Works first; the county requires it before any building permit, and a residential driveway permit is $150 plus a deposit81.
  1. Apply for the building permit with your city or township, not the county1.
  1. Get the septic installation permit, $868 for a single-family system6.
  1. Keep work open for inspection until the building official approves it13.
  1. Near a floodplain, check floodplain rules before placing fill or building25.

What should you check before buying land in Washington County?

Washington County's typical home value is about $451,458 and USDA farmland averages about $11,320 per acre2627. Density is about 725 people per square mile, and the nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 13 miles from the county center2829. About 44% of the county is wooded and roughly 91% of the land has a slope of 15% or less3031. Annual precipitation is about 33 inches32. The effective property-tax rate is about 1%, the median bill is about $4,012 a year, and a typical home-insurance premium is about $2,468 a year333435.

Before closing, confirm who zones the parcel, whether septic is feasible, whether floodplain rules apply, and which road authority controls access342536. Well rules: we could not confirm a county well permit; Minnesota requires a well notification before construction37.

Watch-outs

  • Washington County does not issue building permits for homes; they come from your city or township, even on land the county zones1.
  • Using an RV as a dwelling unit is prohibited where the county Development Code applies, and a city or township may set its own rule, so confirm with the zoning authority for your parcel before moving one onto land223.
  • The county's zoning maps are for reference only; a property outside the shaded area must ask its township for zoning information16.

Sources

  1. Washington County Public Works Department - Access Permits (washingtoncountymn.gov)
  2. Washington County Development Code Chapter Two — Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  3. Washington County 2030 Comprehensive Plan, quoted and re-checked
  4. Highway Permits, quoted and re-checked
  5. Chapter Two — Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  6. Washington County Public Health and Environment - Septic (SSTS) (washingtoncountymn.gov)
  7. washingtoncountymn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  8. Chapter Two — Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  9. revisor.mn.gov (2026 county census)
  10. revisor.mn.gov (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. 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
  12. 2025 Minnesota Statutes, section 326B.121 (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. 1300.0210 INSPECTIONS (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Washington County Public Works Department - Planning & Zoning (washingtoncountymn.gov)
  15. Zoning and Land Use, quoted and re-checked
  16. Zoning and Land Use | Washington County, MN, quoted and re-checked
  17. Chapter Two — Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  18. Chapter Two — Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  19. Chapter Two — Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  20. Tiny Houses and the 2020 Minnesota Residential Code (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS), quoted and re-checked
  22. Chapter Two — Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  23. 2025 Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 327 (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Manufactured home information (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. Floodplain Regulations (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  26. Typical home value (Zillow): Bolthole Index county data
  27. Farmland value per acre (USDA census): Bolthole Index county data
  28. Population density: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Straight-line distance from the county center to the nearest city of 100,000+ people: Bolthole Index county data
  30. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  31. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  32. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  33. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  34. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  35. Typical home insurance premium: Bolthole Index county data
  36. Minnesota Statutes, section 160.18: Access to roads; approaches (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  37. 2025 Minnesota Statutes, section 103I.205: Well Construction (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

Written October 9, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

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

RuleWashington CountyRamsey CountyAnoka CountyDakota CountyHennepin CountyChisago CountyScott County
Building permitLimitedRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesNoYesYesNoYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Dept. of Public Health & Env.Not publishedCounty Public Health & Env. Services Dept.County Env. ResourcesCounty Env. HealthCounty Env. ServicesCounty Env. Services

County locator

Washington County in Minnesota

42
County map
Washington County highlighted among the Minnesota counties · colored by Index score

How Washington County scores

Seclusion14100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency53100% ev.
Admin Boringness45100% ev.
Durability75100% ev.
Property Autonomy65100% ev.
Carry Cost46100% 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 →

$451kTypical home
1%Property tax
$11,320Land / acre
33"Annual rain
7.3% of yrsSevere drought
2.3 / yr (+2.3)Mid-century 100°F days
14.7 daysMid-century dry spell
1.71" (+4.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.72×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,468Home insurance / yr
2.8% / yrInsurance growth
0.47%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
573,159People within 30 min
4,972,795People within 2 hr
582,667Radius comparison (15 mi)
725People / sq mi
1.2%Federal land
90.5%Land at 15% slope or less
6.6%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
12,858 acWorkable land screen
43.8%Wooded land
38 tonsBiomass / forest ac
45.1°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Washington 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: Baytown Township · Birchwood Village · Dellwood · Denmark Township · Forest Lake · Grant · Grey Cloud Island Township · Lake Elmo · Lakeland · Lakeland Shores · Landfall · Mahtomedi · Marine on St. Croix · May Township · Oak Park Heights · Pine Springs · Scandia · St. Marys Point · Stillwater Township · Willernie

Answers from the rulebook for Washington County

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

Washington County rules

  • Building permitLimited

    Accessory structures in areas governed by Chapter Two.

    • A building permit is required for all accessory structures except agricultural buildings on a farm as defined by Minnesota Statute 16B.61.
    • A Certificate of Compliance is required for agricultural buildings and accessory structures in the Shoreland Management and St. Croix River Management Overlay Districts.
    • Detached accessory structures closer to the road right-of-way than the principal building require local-unit approval and compliance with all setbacks.
    “A building permit is required for all accessory structures except agricultural buildings on a farm as defined in Minnesota Statute 16B.61. A Certificate of Compliance is required for all agricultural buildings and accessory structures in the Shoreland Management Overlay District and the St. Croix River Management Overlay District.”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Principal buildings subject to the County Development Code.

    • Principal buildings must meet or exceed the Minnesota Building Code, Minnesota State Uniform Fire Code, Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and Washington County SSTS requirements.
    • Manufactured homes use the State of Minnesota Manufactured Home Building Code in lieu of the Minnesota State Building Code.
    “All principal buildings shall meet or exceed the minimum standards of the Minnesota Building Code, the Minnesota State Uniform Fire Code, the Minnesota Department of Health, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and the Washington County Subsurface Sewage Treatment System Regulations, except that manufactured homes shall meet or exceed the requirements of the State of Minnesota Manufactured Home Building Code in lieu of the Minnesota State Building Code.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Principal buildings in unincorporated areas subject to the Washington County Development Code.
      “All principal buildings shall meet or exceed the minimum standards of the Minnesota Building Code, the Minnesota State Uniform Fire Code, the Minnesota Department of Health, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and the Washington County Subsurface Sewage Treatment System Regulations, except that manufactured homes shall meet or exceed the requirements of the State of Minnesota Manufactured Home Building Code in lieu of the Minnesota State Building Code.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Washington County zoning regulations in unincorporated areas and county overlay districts.

    • The Development Code applies only in specified unincorporated areas and subject areas, including subdivision areas, SSTS, St. Croix River and shoreland overlays, mining, sewer use, floodplains, and official map areas.
    “The Development Code applies in the unincorporated areas of the County only in regard to the following: • Subdivision of land in any areas that are subject to Chapter Three. • Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems • St. Croix River Management Overlay District • Shoreland Management Overlay District • Mining operations • 201 Sewer Use • Floodplains • Official Map areas”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Washington County Development Code zoning and overlay regulations in unincorporated areas subject to the Development Code.
      “The Development Code applies in the unincorporated areas of the County only in regard to the following: • Subdivision of land in any areas that are subject to Chapter Three. • Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems • St. Croix River Management Overlay District • Shoreland Management Overlay District • Mining operations • 201 Sewer Use • Floodplains • Official Map areas”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate of county, township, and municipal land-use controls across Washington County.

    • The county's zoning maps identify districts for townships in county jurisdiction; properties outside the shaded areas require contacting the township directly.
    • The county development code is described as applying in civil townships or unincorporated parts of the county.
    “Zoning Maps identify the zoning districts for each township in Washington County's jurisdiction. If a property is outside of the shaded area, please contact the township directly for zoning information.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    County zoning overlay districts and their official zoning maps in unincorporated areas.

    • The Official Zoning Map is maintained by the Zoning Administrator.
    • The Shoreland Management District and St. Croix River Management District are overlay districts located within portions of unincorporated areas.
    • Uses must be primary, allowed with a Certificate of Compliance, or allowed with a Conditional Use Permit; otherwise they are prohibited.
    • More restrictive provisions control when standards conflict.
    “The boundaries of the Shoreland Management District are as shown and described on the zoning maps published and made a part hereof. The boundaries of the St. Croix River Management District coincide with the Lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway boundary and are as shown on the maps published and made part hereof. These maps are designated as the Official Zoning Map of the County, and shall be maintained by the Zoning Administrator.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Partial — Published Washington County zoning maps identifying zoning districts for Baytown, Denmark, Grey Cloud Island, May, Stillwater, and West Lakeland townships within the county's jurisdiction.
      “Zoning Maps identify the zoning districts for each township in Washington County's jurisdiction. If a property is outside of the shaded area, please contact the township directly for zoning information. The maps should be used for reference purposes only. Baytown Township (PDF) Denmark Township (PDF) Grey Cloud Island Township (PDF) May Township (PDF) Stillwater Township (PDF) West Lakeland Township (PDF)”
    • Published (with conditions) — County zoning maps for Baytown Township, Denmark Township, Grey Cloud Island Township, May Township, Stillwater Township, and West Lakeland Township within Washington County's jurisdiction.
      “Zoning Maps identify the zoning districts for each township in Washington County's jurisdiction. If a property is outside of the shaded area, please contact the township directly for zoning information. The maps should be used for reference purposes only.”
    • Partial — Zoning districts in Washington County jurisdictions not covered by the six county zoning-map listings: the cities of Afton, Bayport, Birchwood, Cottage Grove, Dellwood, Forest Lake, Grant, Hastings (part in Washington County), Hugo, Lake Elmo, Lake St. Croix Beach, Lakeland, Lakeland Shores, Landfall, Mahtomedi, Marine on St. Croix, Newport, Oak Park Heights, Oakdale, Pine Springs, St. Mary's Point, St. Paul Park, Scandia, Stillwater, White Bear Lake (Ward 4 Precinct 2 in Washington County), Willernie, and Woodbury. The six named townships are the county-map jurisdictions; no additional Washington County township is identified on the official county cities-and-townships list.
      “Land use authority for all other areas is maintained by the respective city or township.”
    • Published (with conditions) — Zoning-district maps for townships in Washington County jurisdiction.
      “Zoning Maps identify the zoning districts for each township in Washington County's jurisdiction. If a property is outside of the shaded area, please contact the township directly for zoning information. The maps should be used for reference purposes only.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Single-family dwellings in districts where single-family dwellings are permitted.

    • The minimum-width rule is not stated as a minimum square-footage requirement.
    • Temporary dwellings permitted under Chapter Two sections 2.8, 2.9, and 2.10 are excepted from this standard.

    minimum width of main portion: >= 20 feet (temporary dwellings permitted by Chapter Two sections 2.8, 2.9, and 2.10)

    “The minimum width of the main portion of the structure is twenty (20) feet, as measured across the narrowest portion.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    New parcels created under the County Development Code that are not served by public sanitary sewer and are not part of an approved Open Space Development.

    • The parcel must have at least one contiguous acre of accessible buildable land.
    • Buildable land must have a slope less than 25 percent, be outside required setbacks, and be above any 100-year floodplain, drainageway, or drainage easement.
    • New lots served by public sewer must contain at least 3,200 square feet of buildable area.
    • Shoreland and St. Croix overlay requirements also apply.

    minimum accessible buildable land for unsewered new parcels: >= 1 contiguous acre (public sanitary sewer or approved Open Space Development) · minimum buildable area for sewered new lots: >= 3200 square feet

    “All new parcels created, which are not served by public sanitary sewer and not part of an approved Open Space Development, must have at least one (1) contiguous acre of accessible buildable land.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — New parcels created in unincorporated areas subject to the county Development Code.
      “All new parcels created, which are not served by public sanitary sewer and not part of an approved Open Space Development, must have at least one (1) contiguous acre of accessible buildable land.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Structures and lots subject to Chapter Two performance standards.

    • Structures along arterials must be set back 150 feet from the centerline or 75 feet from the right-of-way, whichever is greater.
    • Structures must be at least 50 feet from underground pipeline easements.
    • Unclassified-waterbody and overlay setbacks are governed by applicable Development Code chapters.
    • Permitted encroachments include specified flues, eaves, awnings, steps, chimneys, sidewalks, stoops, wheelchair ramps, bay windows, and doors up to 3 feet in width.

    arterial setback from centerline: >= 150 feet (or 75 feet from right-of-way, whichever is greater) · arterial setback from right-of-way: >= 75 feet (alternative to 150-foot centerline measurement) · underground pipeline easement setback: >= 50 feet

    “The minimum setback for all structures is one hundred fifty (150) feet from the centerline, or seventy five (75) feet from the right-of-way (whichever is greater), along roads designated as "Arterials" in the Comprehensive Plan.”
  • Living in an RVProhibited

    Use of a recreational vehicle as a dwelling unit in areas governed by Chapter Two.

    • The Chapter Two performance standard is subject to the Development Code's applicability limits.
    • A separate floodplain exemption may apply to recreational vehicles on developed single-family residential parcels only when the stated licensing, highway-readiness, and removal conditions are met.
    “The use of a cellar, garage, recreational vehicle, trailer, basement with unfinished exterior above or accessory building as a dwelling unit is prohibited.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Prohibited — Use of a recreational vehicle as a dwelling unit in unincorporated areas subject to the Development Code.
      “The use of a cellar, garage, recreational vehicle, trailer, basement with unfinished exterior above or accessory building as a dwelling unit is prohibited.”
  • Accessory dwellingsLimited

    Accessory apartments in the Shoreland Management Overlay District where the underlying local ordinance allows them.

    • A Certificate of Compliance is required.
    • Only one accessory apartment is allowed per single-family dwelling.
    • The structure must be owner occupied.
    • A separate curb cut is prohibited.
    • The Certificate of Compliance is reviewed annually.
    “Accessory Apartments are permitted within the Shoreland Management Overlay District with a Certificate of Compliance, provided that local ordinance allows Accessory Apartments within the underlying zoning district.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    County SSTS permits, inspections, operating permits, and compliance administration.

    • The Department or its authorized agent performs required inspections.
    • State and local rules also apply where applicable.
    “Inspections to determine compliance with this Chapter shall be performed by the Department or its authorized agent in the following circumstances:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • County — Subsurface sewage treatment system permitting in Washington County.
      “Washington County Public Health and Environment issues septic system permits.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation, repair, replacement, change of use, expansion, or modification of a building or facility served by an SSTS.

    • Permit fees are non-refundable.
    • An operating permit is separately required for Type IV or Type V systems.
    • A separate abandonment application and $148 fee are required when abandoning without installing a new system.

    abandonment-only fee: 148 USD (Applies when abandoning a septic system without installing a new system.)

    “You will need a permit in Washington County if you will do any of the following: Install new septic tanks and/or soil treatment area. Repair or replace an existing system or any components. Change the use, expand, or modify the building or facility the system serves.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Installation, repair, replacement, or use-change/expansion/modification of septic systems in Washington County.
      “You will need a permit in Washington County if you will do any of the following: Install new septic tanks and/or soil treatment area. Repair or replace an existing system or any components. Change the use, expand, or modify the building or facility the system serves. Permit fees are non-refundable.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Agricultural buildings on a farm for purposes of the Chapter Two accessory-structure building-permit rule.

    • The exception is for agricultural buildings on a farm as defined in Minnesota Statute 16B.61.
    • Agricultural buildings and accessory structures in the Shoreland Management or St. Croix River Management Overlay Districts still require a Certificate of Compliance.
    “A building permit is required for all accessory structures except agricultural buildings on a farm as defined in Minnesota Statute 16B.61. A Certificate of Compliance is required for all agricultural buildings and accessory structures in the Shoreland Management Overlay District and the St. Croix River Management Overlay District.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and platting of land in unincorporated areas subject to Chapter Three.

    • Subdivision review is coordinated with environmental-review requirements and the local township.
    • Lots must have frontage on an improved public street and access from the lot frontage.
    • Lots below required area or width are prohibited.
    “The regulations contained in this Chapter apply in the unincorporated areas of Washington County except this Chapter does not apply in the Townships of Baytown, Denmark, Grey Cloud Island, May, Stillwater and West Lakeland.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Access drives onto County roads in areas governed by Chapter Two.

    • The access permit must be issued before any building permit.
    • The County Engineer determines location, size, and design and may limit the number of access drives for safety and traffic flow.
    • A request may be referred to the Planning Advisory Commission.
    “Access drives onto County roads require an access permit from the County Engineer. This permit shall be issued prior to the issuance of any building permits. The County Engineer shall determine the appropriate location, size and design of such access drives and may limit the number of access drives in the interest of public safety and efficient traffic flow.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    County SSTS permits and services.

    • Permit fees are non-refundable.
    • Chapter Four provides that permit, operating-permit, inspection, and service fees are set by the Washington County Board of Commissioners.
    • The displayed septic fees include a single-family installation fee of $868, commercial installation fee of $1,298, and additional inspection fee of $142 per hour.
    • Fee schedules may vary by service.

    single-family installation permit: 868 USD · commercial installation permit: 1298 USD · additional soil review or inspection: 142 USD per hour (minimum one hour)

    “Single family dwelling installation permit | $868 Non-single family / Commercial installation permit | $1,298”

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”
  • InspectionsRequired

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    New manufactured homes installed for occupancy statewide in Minnesota

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

    Compliance inspection of an existing septic system before sale or transfer of property in Minnesota.

    • Minnesota state regulations do not require a compliance inspection before property sale or transfer.
    • Many county, city, or township ordinances require such inspections, especially in shoreland areas.
    • A statutory inspection is required before a local unit of government issues a building permit or variance for an added bedroom on property served by a system, unless the local government lacks an ordinance requiring a building permit for that bedroom addition.
    • For an application made from November 1 through April 30, the local unit may temporarily waive the inspection if inspection occurs by the following June 1 and the applicant submits the certificate or notice within 15 days.
    • A certificate of compliance for an existing system is valid for three years unless the local unit finds an imminent threat to public health or safety.

    existing-system certificate validity: 3 years (unless the local unit of government finds evidence of an imminent threat to public health or safety)

    “Minnesota state regulations don’t require a compliance inspection before a property is sold or transferred, but many county, city, or township ordinances do, especially in shoreland areas.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Inspection of all new construction or replacement of a subsurface sewage treatment system in Minnesota.
      “An inspection shall be required for all new construction or replacement of a system to determine compliance with applicable requirements. The manner and timing of inspection may be determined by the applicable local ordinance.”
  • 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).”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Construction and fill in regulated Minnesota floodplain areas, including houses, fill, culverts, and bridges.

    • Projects must comply with the community floodplain management ordinance.
    • For unincorporated areas, the county zoning authority generally administers the rule; cities generally administer within city boundaries; some townships administer floodplain permits and zoning.
    • In flood-fringe areas, residential buildings must place the lowest floor, including the basement, above the flood protection elevation.
    • The flood protection elevation is one foot above the 100-year flood plus any stage increase from flood-fringe designation; local communities may require a higher elevation.
    • If maps do not delineate floodway and flood fringe, the applicant may need engineering information verifying the flood protection elevation and that the site is outside the floodway.

    minimum lowest-floor elevation above 100-year flood: >= 1 foot (plus any stage increase due to designation of flood fringe areas)

    “Such projects as building a house, placement of fill, or installing a culvert or bridge would all require a floodplain permit.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Building a house, placing fill, or installing a culvert or bridge in portions of a Minnesota floodplain.
      “Construction and fill is generally permitted in portions of the floodplain, provided they adhere to their community’s floodplain management ordinance. Such projects as building a house, placement of fill, or installing a culvert or bridge would all require a floodplain permit.”
    • Limited — Dwellings, enclosed structures, fill, or obstruction of flood flows within a mapped Minnesota floodway.
      “If the property a person owns or is interested in buying lies within this mapped floodway, they will not be permitted to construct a dwelling or other enclosed structure, place fill material, or obstruct flood flows in any other way.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Applications for permits governed by the Minnesota State Building Code.

    • The application must be written on a form furnished by the Department of Building Safety.
    • The application must identify and describe the work, locate the property, state intended use and occupancy, identify construction type, include required construction documents and information, state proposed-work valuation, be signed by the applicant or authorized agent, and provide other data required by the building official.
    • The building official examines applications within a reasonable time.
    • Nonconforming applications must be rejected with reasons; conforming applications must receive a permit.
    • The code in effect at the time of application applies.
    “Subpart 7. Application for permit. To obtain a permit, the applicant shall file an application in writing on a form furnished by the Department of Building Safety for that purpose.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Building-permit administration under the Minnesota State Building Code where the code has been adopted or otherwise applies.
      “However, it is only the building official that can review and approve building code requirements and subsequently sign-off on and/or issue building permits. If such an application is construction related only and the work complies with the building code, the building official must issue a building permit. Other building permits may be denied (by the local board or commission) if the proposal does not comply with other local zoning codes or ordinances.”
  • 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 Washington 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.

  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Short-term rentals

Still unanswered

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

  • Mandatory utility hookup — Water and sewer connection requirements for residential development in Washington 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.

Water rights & wells in Washington County

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

Actively managed

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

Household wellExempt up to a limit

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

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

Minnesota DNR — Do I need a water permit? ↗
  • North and East Metro Groundwater Management Arealocalized of county

    DNR-designated GWMA (all of Ramsey and Washington; portions of Anoka and Hennepin) managing Prairie du Chien-Jordan aquifer appropriations amid lake-level declines (e.g. White Bear Lake). New/expanded appropriation permits get heightened review; domestic wells remain exempt.

    Minnesota DNR — North and East Metro GWMA ↗

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

Living off-grid in Washington County, Minnesota

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

Washington County scores 42/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: mixed durability signals and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: about 573,159 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Washington County requires a building permit only in limited cases (such as floodplains or specific zones), and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Washington County Department of Public Health and Environment. 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 Washington County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Washington County is prohibited: Use of a recreational vehicle as a dwelling unit in areas governed by Chapter Two. The Chapter Two performance standard is subject to the Development Code's applicability limits. A separate floodplain exemption may apply to recreational vehicles on developed single-family residential parcels only when the stated licensing, highway-readiness, and removal conditions are met. A tiny home is limited to specific cases. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Washington County, Minnesota?

Land in Washington County runs about $11,320 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Washington County?

Washington County gets about 33" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 7.3% of years. On water rights, Washington County lies in the North and East Metro Groundwater Management Area — DNR-designated GWMA (all of Ramsey and Washington; portions of Anoka and Hennepin) managing Prairie du Chien-Jordan aquifer appropriations amid lake-level declines (e.g. White Bear Lake). New/expanded appropriation permits get heightened review; domestic wells remain exempt..

How remote is Washington County?

A representative private-land location has about 573,159 people within a 30-minute drive and 4,972,795 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

How Washington compares in Minnesota

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