Bolthole Index

Anoka County, Minnesota

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in St. Francis, Minnesota

St. Francis, Minnesota requires city building or mechanical permits for construction and the other work listed in its code.1 St. Francis administers its own zoning, and private septic permitting inside city limits also stays with the city rather than Anoka County.23 Sewer availability can change whether an on-site sewage system is an option.4

At a glance

Building permits
City building or mechanical permits required for listed work1
Zoning
City zoning; lot dimensions and setbacks vary by district25
Septic permits
City-level permitting and records3
RV living
No living quarters during allowed on-street parking; private-lot occupancy remains unconfirmed6
Accessory dwelling
Conditional ADUs in RR and R-1; city rental license required7
Owner-builder
State contractor-license exemption has conditions; building permits still apply8
Private wells
State notification generally required before well construction, with exceptions9

Who to call

Building permits

St. Francis Building Department

City building permits, code administration and inspections

763-753-2630

[email protected]

3750 Bridge St NW Saint Francis MN 55070

Zoning

St. Francis Community Development

City zoning, land-use applications and planning questions

763-235-2309

Septic permits

St. Francis City — Septic Applications

City septic application forms; ask the Building Department for the applicable construction or maintenance form

Roads & driveways

Anoka County Highway Department — Access Permits

Access permits for entrances onto county roads

763-324-3176

[email protected]

1440 Bunker Lake Boulevard NW Andover, MN 55304

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 11, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in St. Francis 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. Francis, Minnesota?

St. Francis requires a separate building or mechanical permit for each building, structure or regulated mechanical component covered by the city code, including construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving and demolition.1 The St. Francis Building Department administers the Minnesota State Building Code; reach the department at 763-753-2630 or [email protected].10

Minnesota permits an owner who personally builds or improves qualifying residential property to use a contractor-licensing exemption, subject to occupancy or rental-retention conditions and restrictions on speculative construction.8 That licensing exemption does not waive St. Francis building permits or required inspections.8 Permitted work must remain accessible for inspection, and construction cannot proceed past required inspection points without approval.11

Does St. Francis have zoning, lot-size rules and setbacks?

St. Francis has city zoning; ask Community Development at 763-235-2309 to identify the parcel district and discuss the intended use before choosing a house plan.212 For a single-unit detached dwelling, RR requires 2.5 acres, R-1 requires 10,800 square feet and R-2 requires 7,200 square feet.131415 Agricultural district minimums are 40 acres in A-1 and 10 acres in A-2 and UR.1617

RR front setbacks are 50 feet from collector or arterial streets and 35 feet from local streets; R-1 has a 25-foot front setback and 30-foot rear setback.5 Lot area alone therefore does not establish where a home can fit: apply the district setback table to the proposed footprint.135

How do septic permits and sewer connections work in St. Francis?

Private septic permitting and records in St. Francis are handled at the city level; the city lists a Septic Permit form on its Forms and Applications page.318 Minnesota requires inspections for new or replacement septic systems, with inspection timing and manner determined through applicable local requirements.19

For occupied properties in the city’s municipal urban service area (MUSA) abutting a right-of-way with city sanitary sewer, sewer connection is generally required within 90 days after official notice, subject to the code’s exceptions.20 MUSA parcels greater than 20 acres may keep an on-site system until further subdivision.20 St. Francis septic tanks must be pumped at least every 3 years by a licensed maintainer, who obtains and returns a $20 city pumping permit.21 A pumping permit covers maintenance; ask the Building Department which application and design review your new system requires.2110

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

St. Francis limits on-street or right-of-way recreational camping vehicle parking to 24 continuous hours and prohibits occupying the vehicle as living quarters during that period.6 The reviewed parking rule also regulates outdoor vehicle storage on residential property; it does not establish permission to live in an RV on a private lot.6 We could not confirm private-lot RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy or a general minimum dwelling floor area in St. Francis; ask Community Development about the intended dwelling and parcel district.12

St. Francis allows conditional accessory dwelling units in RR and R-1, with owner occupancy of a dwelling unit, a city rental license and a recorded deed restriction.7 An ADU cannot exceed 35% of the principal structure’s finished floor area, and rural septic capacity must account for the combined bedroom count.7

Building a home in St. Francis: what are the steps?

  1. Ask Community Development to confirm the zoning district, permitted use and site layout; St. Francis cannot approve a building permit for property without an Official Zoning Map designation.121
  2. Establish the wastewater route with the city: private septic permitting is local, while sewer connection requirements depend on MUSA location, sewer frontage and exceptions.320
  3. Submit the applicable building and mechanical applications to the city; sewer applications use a city form and may require plans and specifications requested by the Public Works Director.122
  4. Arrange required inspections before covering work or proceeding past inspection points.11
  5. Obtain the building official’s required certificate of occupancy before using a new home; Minnesota’s occupancy rule applies where the State Building Code is administered, as it is in St. Francis.2310

What stays with Anoka County, and what should St. Francis buyers check?

A new driveway or other entrance onto an Anoka County road needs a county Access Permit, preceded by a site review; contact the county Permits Office at 763-324-3176.2425 St. Francis building, zoning and private septic decisions remain city matters; for land outside city limits, use the Anoka County guide to identify the relevant jurisdiction.123

Minnesota generally requires notification before construction of a private water-supply well, with statutory exceptions; unused wells generally must be sealed or have a maintenance permit.9 Minnesota floodplain rules require permits for regulated construction and fill, and mapped floodways generally prohibit dwellings, enclosed structures and fill that obstructs flows.2627 Ask St. Francis Community Development to identify parcel-specific floodplain constraints before committing to a building site.12

Watch-outs

  • RV parking and storage rules do not establish permission for private-lot RV living in St. Francis; ask Community Development for the occupancy answer.612
  • Before buying a St. Francis property with septic, ask the city whether a transfer inspection is required: state regulations do not universally require one, but local ordinances may.283
  • An off-grid sewage plan in St. Francis may be barred where MUSA sewer-frontage rules apply, subject to the stated exceptions.4
  • We could not confirm St. Francis driveway approval requirements for city streets or a city agricultural permit exemption; ask Community Development before starting either project.12

Sources

  1. Section 4-1-2, Building permits required (St. Francis), quoted and re-checked
  2. Chapter 10, Section 10-43-02, Residential District Uses (St. Francis), quoted and re-checked
  3. Environmental Services (St. Francis), quoted and re-checked
  4. Section 3-3-2, Use of public sewers required (St. Francis), quoted and re-checked
  5. Section 10-43-04, Residential Site Dimensions (St. Francis), quoted and re-checked
  6. Section 7-4-5, On-street recreational vehicle parking (St. Francis), quoted and re-checked
  7. Section 10-68-03, Accessory dwelling unit (St. Francis), quoted and re-checked
  8. revisor.mn.gov (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. 2025 Minnesota Statutes, section 103I.205: Well Construction (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. St. Francis Building Department (stfrancismn.gov)
  11. 1300.0210 INSPECTIONS (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. St. Francis Community Development (stfrancismn.gov)
  13. Section 10-43-03, Residential Lot Dimensions (St. Francis), quoted and re-checked
  14. Section 10-43-03, Residential Lot Dimensions (St. Francis), quoted and re-checked
  15. Section 10-43-03, Residential Lot Dimensions (St. Francis), quoted and re-checked
  16. Section 10-42-03, Agricultural Lot Dimensions (St. Francis), quoted and re-checked
  17. Section 10-42-03, Agricultural Lot Dimensions (St. Francis), quoted and re-checked
  18. St. Francis City — Septic Applications (stfrancismn.gov)
  19. 2025 Minnesota Statutes, section 115.55: Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Section 3-3-2, Use of public sewers required (St. Francis), quoted and re-checked
  21. City of St. Francis Newsletter, Summer 2023 (St. Francis), quoted and re-checked
  22. Section 4-1-2, Building permits required (St. Francis), quoted and re-checked
  23. Minnesota Administrative Rules, Part 1300.0220 — Certificate of Occupancy (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Access Permits, quoted and re-checked
  25. Anoka County Highway Department — Access Permits (anokacountymn.gov)
  26. Floodplain Regulations (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  27. Floodplain Regulations (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  28. Disclosing SSTS at property transfer (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

Written October 11, 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.

Answers from the rulebook for St. Francis

St. Francis’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Buildings, structures, and listed mechanical components inside St. Francis city limits.

    • A separate building or mechanical permit is required for each building, structure, or mechanical component.
    • The City may not approve permits for property without an Official Zoning Map designation.
    “It is unlawful for any person to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or demolish any building or structure, or any part of portion thereof, including but not limited to; the plumbing, electrical, ventilating, heating or air conditioning systems therein, or cause the same to be done, without first obtaining a separate building or mechanical permit for each such building, structure or mechanical component from the City.”
  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside St. Francis city limits; the City administers Chapter 10 zoning and its residential zoning districts.

    “Table 10-43-1 Principal Use Table—Residential Districts:”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Recreational camping vehicles on streets, rights-of-way, and residential properties inside St. Francis city limits.

    • On streets or rights-of-way, parking is limited to 24 continuous hours.
    • During that 24-hour period, the vehicle may not be occupied as living quarters.
    • Residential properties under nine acres are limited to three specified vehicles or combinations stored outside an accessory structure or attached garage.
    • Required setbacks, approved parking surfaces, a 500-square-foot outside-storage limit, and drainage/utility-easement restrictions apply.

    on-street parking duration: <= 24 hours (vehicle may not be occupied as living quarters during that period) · maximum outside-stored vehicles on residential property under 9 acres: <= 3 vehicles (specified vehicle combinations)

    “It is unlawful for any person to leave or park a recreational camping vehicle, utility trailer, or boat [...] on or within the limits of any street or right-of-way for a continuous period in excess of twenty-four (24) hours. Provided, however, that during such twenty-four-hour period, such vehicle shall not be occupied as living quarters.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    Accessory dwelling units in the RR and R-1 residential districts inside St. Francis city limits.

    • The owner must occupy one dwelling unit as a primary residence, except for a bona fide temporary absence.
    • The ADU requires a City rental license.
    • The ADU may not exceed 35 percent of the principal structure's finished floor area.
    • No more than four persons may occupy it and no more than one ADU may be placed on a property.
    • Two parking spaces are required for the principal dwelling and two additional spaces for the ADU.
    • In public-utility areas, the ADU water/sewer connection must connect to the existing home; in rural areas, septic must be sized for the combined bedroom count.
    • A deed restriction must be recorded with Anoka County.

    maximum ADU floor area: <= 35 percent of principal structure finished floor area · maximum occupants: <= 4 persons · maximum ADUs per property: 1 ADU

    “The owner(s) of the property on which the accessory dwelling unit is created must continue to occupy at least one (1) of the dwelling units as their primary residence, except for a bona fide temporary absence.”
  • Who permits septicLocal

    Private septic-system permitting and records inside St. Francis city limits.

    • Anoka County states that permitting in county municipalities is done at the city level.
    “Anoka County does not have records for private septic systems in Anoka County municipalities and all permitting is done at the city level.”
  • Septic permitLimited

    Septic-tank pumping inside St. Francis city limits.

    • The tank must be pumped at least once every three years.
    • Pumping must be performed by a licensed septic tank maintainer.
    • The maintainer must obtain and return a $20 pumping permit.

    pumping interval: <= 3 years · pumping permit fee: 20 USD

    “Minnesota State Statute and St. Francis City Code recognize the importance of septic system maintenance and require septic tanks to be pumped at least once every three years by a licensed septic tank maintainer. Prior to conducting the work, the maintainer must pull a $20 pumping permit with the City and return it when complete.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Private sewage-disposal systems inside the City MUSA where a City public sanitary sewer is located in an abutting right-of-way.

    • Private privies, septic tanks, cesspools, and similar facilities are prohibited in the specified MUSA situation.
    • MUSA parcels greater than 20 acres may maintain an on-site system until further subdivision.
    • The code contains additional exceptions and nonconforming-system provisions.

    large-parcel threshold: > 20 acres (until further subdivision)

    “Except as hereinafter provided, it is unlawful for any person to construct or maintain any privy, privy vault, septic tank, cesspool, or other facility intended or used for the disposal of sewage in the MUSA that abuts a public right-of-way or easement in which there is located a public sanitary sewer of the City.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Properties used for human occupancy, employment, recreation, or similar purposes inside the City MUSA that abut a right-of-way containing a City public sanitary sewer.

    • Connection is required within 90 days after official City notice.
    • The rule does not apply to unheated buildings used exclusively for storage.
    • Parcels in the MUSA greater than 20 acres may maintain an on-site system until further subdivision.
    • Nonconforming private systems generally must connect within 30 days; Council may allow continued use where hardship exists.
    • Conforming private systems connect within the period determined by Council resolution.

    connection deadline after official notice: 90 days (unless an exception applies) · large-parcel threshold: > 20 acres (MUSA parcels may maintain an on-site system until further subdivision)

    “Unless excepted above, the owner of all houses, buildings, or properties used for human occupancy, employment, recreation, or other like purposes situated within the MUSA abutting on any street, alley or right-of-way in which there is located a public sanitary sewer of the City, is hereby required at his expense to install suitable toilet and other wastewater collection facilities therein, and to connect such facilities directly with the proper public sewer in accordance with the provisions of this Section, within ninety (90) days after the date of official notice to do so from the City.”
  • Permit processPartial

    Building and public-sewer connection permits inside St. Francis city limits.

    • A separate permit is required for each building, structure, or mechanical component.
    • Sewer permit applications use a City form and may require plans, specifications, and other information requested by the Public Works Director.
    • Sewer connections are inspected under the Public Works Director's supervision.
    “The owner or his agent shall make application on a special form furnished by the City which form shall be adopted by the Council and the permit application shall be supplemented by any plans, specifications, or other information considered pertinent in the judgment of the Public Works Director.”

Rules another office applies inside St. Francis

St. Francis does not set these itself; the county, a health district or the state does, and they apply to every address inside its limits.

  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    A-1 Agricultural district.

    • Minimum lot width is 150 feet.

    minimum lot area: >= 40 acres · minimum lot width: >= 150 feet

    “A-1 40 acres 150 ft. A-2 10 acres 300 ft. UR 10 acres 300 ft.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    RR, R-1, R-2, and R-3 residential districts.

    • RR front setback is 50 feet from collector/arterial streets or 35 feet from local streets; interior side 10 feet; corner side 20 feet; rear 35 feet.
    • R-1 front 25 feet; interior side 10 feet for living space and 5 feet for garages; corner side 20 feet; rear 30 feet.
    • R-2 front 25 feet; interior side 10 feet for living space and 5 feet for garages; 15-foot separation between buildings; corner side 20 feet; rear 25 feet.
    • R-3 front 30 feet; interior side 10 feet for living space and 5 feet for garages; 15-foot separation between buildings; corner side 20 feet; rear 25 feet.
    • A 50-foot setback from all property lines abutting an R-1 or R-2 district applies where stated in the table.
    “RR 50 ft. from collector/arterial streets 35 ft. from local streets 10 ft. 20 ft. 35 ft. 3 stories or 35 ft., whichever is less 35% R-1 25 ft. 10 ft. for living space 5 ft. for garage 20 ft. 30 ft.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — A-1, A-2, and UR agricultural districts.
      “A-1 75 ft. from collector/arterial streets 35 ft. from local streets 10 ft. 35 ft. 3 stories or 35 ft., whichever is less A-2 75 ft. from collector/arterial streets 35 ft. from local streets 10 ft. 35 ft.”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    A-1, A-2, and UR agricultural districts.

    • Maximum height is 3 stories or 35 feet, whichever is less.
    “3 stories or 35 ft., whichever is less A-2 75 ft. from collector/arterial streets 35 ft. from local streets 10 ft. 35 ft. 3 stories or 35 ft., whichever is less UR 75 ft. from collector/arterial streets 35 ft. from local streets 10 ft. 35 ft. 3 stories or 35 ft., whichever is less”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — R-3 residential district.
      “R-3 30 ft. 10 ft. for living space 5 ft. for garage 15 ft. separation between buildings 20 ft. 25 ft. 4 stories or 50 ft., whichever is less 50%”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask St. Francis or Anoka County directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemptions from building permits or inspections inside St. Francis city limits.
  • Certificate of occupancy — General certificate-of-occupancy requirements for buildings inside St. Francis city limits.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum floor-area requirements for dwellings inside St. Francis city limits.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside St. Francis city limits.
  • Septic inspection — General septic-system inspection requirements inside St. Francis city limits.
3 more unanswered
  • Well permit
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Driveway access

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.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that St. Francis publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Anoka County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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