Bolthole Index

Big Stone County, Minnesota

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Big Stone County, Minnesota

58Index Score / 100
#41 of 87 in Minnesota

Big Stone County, Minnesota requires a county land-use permit for new construction and moved or replaced structures outside municipal limits1. The Environmental Office administers mapped county zoning, while incorporated municipalities may have separate rules2. Big Stone County regulates septic systems and issues septic permits throughout the county, including within cities3. Ask the Environmental Office who handles building-code review for the parcel because local enforcement depends on adoption4.

Do you need a building permit in Big Stone County, Minnesota?

Yes.

Yes. Outside municipal corporate limits, Big Stone County requires a land-use permit for new construction, moved or replaced structures, individual septic systems, and excavations over 50 cubic yards, or 10 cubic yards in shoreland areas1. The Big Stone County Environmental Office is the permit contact1. The county's 2025 schedule lists $100 for an accessory-building permit, $200 for a dwelling or commercial-building permit, and $750 for a conditional-use application6. The Minnesota State Building Code sets the minimum construction standard statewide, but a municipality cannot enforce it unless the code has been adopted by local ordinance4. Big Stone County's adoption status, building inspections, and certificate-of-occupancy process could not be confirmed, so ask the Environmental Office what code review applies before work begins.

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

The confirmed county contact is the Big Stone County Environmental Office at 843 O'Neill Street, Ortonville, MN 56278, phone (320) 839-6376, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m..

The confirmed county contact is the Big Stone County Environmental Office at 843 O'Neill Street, Ortonville, MN 56278, phone (320) 839-6376, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m1.. The Environmental Office handles county land-use permits for listed work outside municipal corporate limits1. Planning and Zoning staff support the County Planning Commission, which reviews subdivisions and recommends action to the County Board for final approval2. The same Environmental Office reviews septic designs, issues septic permits, and performs final septic inspections3. Big Stone County does not identify a separate county building-code office in the published material, so use the Environmental Office as the first call and ask who handles any additional building-code review.

Does Big Stone County have zoning?

Yes.

Yes. Big Stone County administers land-use controls through its ordinances and Official Zoning Map2. The mapped districts are A-1 and A-2 Agricultural, OS Open Space, UD Urban (Residential), C-1 Commercial, I-1 Industrial, and Shoreland Management2. The County Planning Commission reviews subdivisions and recommends action to the County Board for final approval2. Incorporated municipalities may have separate local rules, so ask the Environmental Office whether county or city zoning controls an in-city parcel2. In shoreland, state minimum structure setbacks from the ordinary high water level vary by water classification and sewer status, and local rules may be stricter9. Minimum lot size, minimum dwelling size, lot coverage, building height, and non-shoreland setbacks could not be confirmed; ask the Environmental Office for the standards tied to the parcel's mapped district before relying on a building layout.

How do septic permits work in Big Stone County?

Big Stone County requires a permit for an individual on-site sewage treatment system.

Big Stone County requires a permit for an individual on-site sewage treatment system3. A licensed designer first submits the system design; the county issues a permit if the design is legal, and installation may then begin3. The county performs a final inspection to verify that installation follows the approved design3. Big Stone County regulates individual septic systems throughout the county, including systems inside city limits3. Before a property transfer, the seller must provide an inspection by a licensed inspector unless a listed exemption applies3. Only 13.6% of Big Stone County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so arrange the site evaluation early and budget for a design suited to the soil8. Most Minnesota systems are permitted locally; a system designed for more than 10,000 gallons per day instead requires Minnesota Pollution Control Agency permitting10.

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

Big Stone County's published material does not confirm whether full-time RV living or tiny-home occupancy is allowed on a private parcel.

Big Stone County's published material does not confirm whether full-time RV living or tiny-home occupancy is allowed on a private parcel. Ask the Environmental Office about uses allowed in the parcel's mapped zoning district, along with dwelling-size, setback, sanitation, and temporary-occupancy requirements2. Minnesota's recreational-camping-area rule covers a public or private site accommodating 5 or more tents or recreational camping vehicles and requires an annual state health license, but that rule does not resolve living in one RV on private land11. Big Stone County also has not confirmed whether a non-septic off-grid sanitation system is acceptable; the county regulates individual septic systems throughout the county3. A new manufactured home installed for occupancy in Minnesota must receive the required federal installation-standards inspection12. That inspection does not by itself settle county zoning or separate municipal land-use approval2.

Building a home in Big Stone County: the steps, in order

Ask the Environmental Office to identify the parcel's mapped zoning district, applicable dimensional standards, and whether shoreland or floodplain controls affect the site.

  1. Ask the Environmental Office to identify the parcel's mapped zoning district, applicable dimensional standards, and whether shoreland or floodplain controls affect the site2,13.
  1. Have a licensed septic designer evaluate the site and submit a legal design to the county before fixing the house location3.
  1. Apply to the Environmental Office for the county land-use permit required for new construction outside municipal corporate limits1.
  1. Ask whether separate Minnesota State Building Code plan review and inspections apply, because county building-code adoption and inspection jurisdiction could not be confirmed4. Minnesota's owner-builder exemption can remove the residential contractor-license requirement for an owner who will occupy the home or retain it as a rental, but it does not remove applicable permits, code requirements, inspections, zoning, or trade licenses5.
  1. Obtain the county driveway/access permit before doing work in a Big Stone County road right-of-way14. For another public highway, obtain approval from the appropriate road authority15.
  1. After septic installation, arrange the county's final inspection so the county can verify that the work follows the approved design3.

What to check before you buy land in Big Stone County

Confirm the mapped zoning district and whether county or municipal rules govern the parcel before making an offer.

Confirm the mapped zoning district and whether county or municipal rules govern the parcel before making an offer2. Ask the Environmental Office for the parcel's dimensional standards; shoreland has state minimum structure setbacks, but local controls may be stricter9. Septic feasibility deserves an early licensed-designer visit: only 13.6% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field8. Ask the Minnesota Department of Health whether it or a delegated local program handles a proposed well, because Big Stone County's well-permitting status could not be confirmed. A house, fill, culvert, or bridge in a regulated floodplain requires a floodplain permit under the applicable community ordinance13. Work within a Big Stone County road right-of-way requires the appropriate permit, and after-the-fact authorization carries a $100 fee14. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.9%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $1,1698.

Watch-outs

  • Big Stone County requires its land-use permit outside municipal limits, but county building-code adoption, general building inspections, and certificates of occupancy could not be confirmed; ask the Environmental Office what additional review applies1.
  • RV living, tiny-home occupancy, well-permitting authority, and non-shoreland dimensional zoning standards could not be confirmed; ask the Environmental Office about land use and the Minnesota Department of Health about wells2.

Sources

15 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 9, 2026

  1. Fees & Permits
  2. Planning & Zoning
  3. Septic Systems
  4. Overview of the Minnesota State Building Code
  5. revisor.mn.gov
  6. 2025 Services and Fees
  7. Application for Access Driveway/Approach Permit
  8. 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
  9. Shoreland Management | Big Stone County Minnesota
  10. SSTS design (Minnesota statewide rule)
  11. 2025 Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 327 (Minnesota statewide rule)
  12. Manufactured home information (Minnesota statewide rule)
  13. Floodplain Regulations (Minnesota statewide rule)
  14. Permits
  15. Minnesota Statutes, section 160.18: Access to roads; approaches (Minnesota statewide rule)

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

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Big Stone County has countywide zoning.

RuleBig Stone CountyLac qui Parle CountyStevens CountyTraverse CountySwift CountyGrant CountyPope County
Building permitRequiredLimitedRequiredLimitedRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Env. ServicesCounty Env. Dept.County Env. ServicesCounty SSTS programCounty Env. ServicesCounty Land ManagementCounty Land & Resource Management

County locator

Big Stone County in Minnesota

58
County map
Big Stone County highlighted among the Minnesota counties · colored by Index score

How Big Stone County scores

58 / 100 · #41 of 87 in Minnesota · six factors, land price, tax, rain and climate

Seclusion82100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency27100% ev.
Admin Boringness56100% ev.
Durability50100% ev.
Property Autonomy65100% ev.
Carry Cost72100% 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 →

$205kTypical home
0.9%Property tax
$4,825Land / acre
25.3"Annual rain
5.1% of yrsSevere drought
4.9 / yr (+4.4)Mid-century 100°F days
18.8 daysMid-century dry spell
1.39" (+10%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.67×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,712Home insurance / yr
5.3% / yrInsurance growth
0.36%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
2,924People within 30 min
499,600People within 2 hr
6,637Radius comparison (15 mi)
10.2People / sq mi
15.8%Federal land
98.7%Land at 15% slope or less
13.6%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
41,138 acWorkable land screen
2.4%Wooded land
65.7 tonsBiomass / forest ac
43.7°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Big Stone 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 covered: Akron Township · Almond Township · Artichoke Township · Beardsley · Big Stone Township · Browns Valley Township · Clinton · Correll · Foster Township · Graceville Township · Johnson · Malta Township · Moonshine Township · Odessa Township · Ortonville Township · Otrey Township · Prior Township · Toqua Township

Answers from the rulebook for Big Stone County

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

Big Stone County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New construction, moved structures, and replaced structures outside the corporate limits of municipalities.

    • The cited county page expressly limits this list to areas outside the corporate limits of municipalities.
    • The same list also covers individual on-site sewage treatment systems and excavations exceeding fifty cubic yards, or ten cubic yards in shoreland areas.

    excavation threshold outside shoreland: > 50 cubic yards · excavation threshold in shoreland areas: > 10 cubic yards

    “permits are required outside the corporate limits of municipalities for: All new construction”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    County-administered zoning in Big Stone County, including the Land and Related Resources Management Ordinance and its zoning districts.

    • The county page identifies the ordinance and official zoning map as land-use tools; incorporated municipalities may have separate local controls.
    “The Land and Related Resources Management Ordinance (Amendment 1) and Big Stone County Subdivision Controls Ordinance ( Amendment 1) are the tools used to reach the goals established in that plan. These ordinances lay out which activities can occur in certain areas or zoning districts, as shown on the Official Zoning Map.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present — County-administered zoning and land-use controls in Big Stone County.
      “The Land and Related Resources Management Ordinance (Amendment 1) and Big Stone County Subdivision Controls Ordinance ( Amendment 1 ) are the tools used to reach the goals established in that plan. These ordinances lay out which activities can occur in certain areas or zoning districts, as shown on the Official Zoning Map.”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land-use and zoning regulation administered under Big Stone County ordinances.

    • The county identifies zoning districts and an Official Zoning Map.
    • The County Planning Commission reviews conditional use permits, subdivisions, ordinance amendments, and zoning classification amendment proposals and recommends actions to the County Board of Commissioners for final approval.
    “These ordinances lay out which activities can occur in certain areas or zoning districts”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present — County zoning and land-use controls in Big Stone County, including mapped county zoning districts.
      “These ordinances lay out which activities can occur in certain areas or zoning districts, as shown on the Official Zoning Map.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    The county's published zoning districts and Official Zoning Map.

    • The county states that the listed zones are used with the Land and Related Resources Management Ordinance and Official Zoning Map.
    • Shoreland Management Zone is separately governed through county shoreland use controls adopted in 1993, subject to state shoreland rules.

    zoning district: A-1 Agricultural District · zoning district: A-2 Agricultural District · zoning district: OS Open Space District · zoning district: UD Urban District (Residential) · zoning district: C-1 Commercial · zoning district: I-1 Industrial · zoning district: Shoreland Management Zone

    “Big Stone County is laid out into the following zones:”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published — County zoning districts identified on the Official Zoning Map.
      “Big Stone County is laid out into the following zones: A-1 Agricultural District A-2 Agricultural District OS Open Space District UD Urban District (Residential) C-1 Commercial I-1 Industrial Shoreland Management Zone”
    • Published — County zoning districts identified by Big Stone County.
      “A-1 Agricultural District A-2 Agricultural District OS Open Space District”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Recreational camping areas (five or more tents or RVs) in Big Stone County; this is a licensing rule and does not state a rule for a single RV on private land

    • License issued by Countryside Public Health environmental health department
    • A recreational camping area is any area used for five or more tents or recreational camping vehicles, free or for compensation
    • Special event camping areas operate no more than two times annually and no more than 14 consecutive days
    • County zoning ordinance rules on RV occupancy on individual lots were not readable (Word .doc) and are not covered

    recreational camping area threshold: >= 5 tents or RVs

    “it shall be unlawful for any person to operate a manufactured home park, recreational camping area, or special event recreational camping area within big stone county without a valid license issued by the countryside public health environmental health department.”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    Individual septic treatment systems throughout Big Stone County, including systems within city limits.

    • The county states it regulates all septic systems in the county, including those within city limits.
    • Designs must be submitted by a licensed designer.
    “The county has regulated individual septic treatment systems for years. In 1996, the State required that all septic systems designers, installers and pumpers become licensed and counties adopt a Septic Treatment Ordinance based on MN Rules Chapter 7080. The county issues permits based on a design submitted by a licensed designer. If the design is legal a permit is issued and installation may occur. Final inspections are done by the county to insure installation is done according to the design. [...] The county regulates all septic systems in the county, including those within city limits.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • County — Individual septic treatment systems throughout Big Stone County, including systems within city limits.
      “The county regulates all septic systems in the county, including those within city limits.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Individual septic treatment systems in Big Stone County.

    • The permit is based on a design submitted by a licensed designer.
    • The design must be legal before the permit is issued and installation may occur.
    “The county issues permits based on a design submitted by a licensed designer. If the design is legal a permit is issued and installation may occur.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Individual on-site sewage treatment systems in Big Stone County, including systems within city limits.
      “The county issues permits based on a design submitted by a licensed designer. If the design is legal a permit is issued and installation may occur. Final inspections are done by the county to insure installation is done according to the design.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Installation and certain property-transfer inspections for septic systems in Big Stone County.

    • Final installation inspections are performed by the county.
    • Sellers must provide inspection by a licensed inspector before property transfer, subject to listed exemptions.
    • Transfer-inspection exemptions include no buildings or plumbing fixtures, no Certificate of Real Estate Value requirement, qualifying pre-effective-date contract for deed, municipal wastewater connection, valid certificate of compliance, and qualifying holding-tank documentation.

    certificate of compliance validity for new system: 5 years · certificate of compliance validity for inspected existing system: 3 years

    “Final inspections are done by the county”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Final inspections of septic installations and certain property-transfer inspections in Big Stone County.
      “Final inspections are done by the county to insure installation is done according to the design. Inspections are also done if complaints are registered on suspected failing systems that may be causing an imminent public health threat. Sellers must also provide inspections by a licensed inspector to buyers prior to the transfer of property in the county.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision proposals subject to Big Stone County subdivision controls.

    • The County Planning Commission reviews subdivisions and recommends actions to the County Board of Commissioners for final approval.
    “reviewing conditional use permits, subdivisions”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision review and approval in Big Stone County.
      “The County Planning Commission is responsible for adopting the Comprehensive Plan and for reviewing conditional use permits, subdivisions, ordinance amendments, and zoning classification amendment proposals. They recommend actions to the County Board of Commissioners for final approval.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Access driveways or approaches connecting to a Big Stone County highway, including work in the county highway right-of-way.

    • The driveway application must identify the property, proposed driveway, purpose, existing driveways, and related location information.
    • The driveway must conform to Big Stone County Highway Department regulations and any special provisions in the permit.
    • No work may start until the application is approved and the permit is issued.
    • The permit is conditioned on replacement or restoration of the county highway to its original or a satisfactory condition and compliance with Minnesota Environmental Quality Council rules and other affected governmental agencies.
    • The general highway page states that all work within the road right-of-way requires the appropriate permit.
    “no work in connection with this application will be started until the application is approved and the permit issued.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Driveway/access work within Big Stone County road rights-of-way.
      “All work within the road right of way requires the appropriate permit.”
    • Required — Driveway or access work within Big Stone County road rights-of-way.
      “NOTICE: All work within the road right of way requires the appropriate permit. Working in the right-of-way without the proper permit will require an after-the-fact permit with a $100 fee.”
  • Permit feesPublished

    Big Stone County environmental and highway permit fees listed in the county's 2025 Services and Fees schedule.

    • The county fee schedule page identifies the document as the annual Fee-For-Service Schedule.
    • Fees may differ by permit type and the schedule is specifically labeled 2025 Services and Fees.
    • The driveway fee is $0 unless unauthorized, in which case it is $100.

    accessory building permit: 100 USD · dwelling/commercial building permit: 200 USD · conditional use application: 750 USD · land alteration permit: 200 USD · mining permit: 200 USD · ordinance amendment: 500 USD · rezoning permit: 500 USD · subdivision: 750 USD (plus $25 per lot after the first 4 lots) · sewer permit-new: 300 USD · sewer permit-replacement: 200 USD · variance permit: 500 USD · any permit after the fact: 200 USD · driveway permit: 0 USD (unless unauthorized then $100)

    “Accessory Building Permit $100 Dwelling/Commercial Building Permit $200 Conditional Use Application $750”

Minnesota rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    An owner of residential real estate in Big Stone County who builds or improves residential real estate and seeks the Minnesota residential contractor licensing exemption.

    • The owner must occupy or plan to occupy the residential real estate for residential purposes, or retain ownership for rental purposes upon completion of the building or improvement.
    • The exemption does not apply when the owner constructs or improves residential real estate for purposes of resale or speculation.
    • The owner is presumed to be building or improving for speculation if the owner constructs or improves more than one property within any 24-month period, unless the properties will be retained by the owner for rental purposes.
    • This is an exemption from the Minnesota residential contractor licensing requirement; other applicable permits, building-code requirements, inspections, zoning rules, and trade licensing requirements are not eliminated by this claim.

    properties constructed or improved within the 24-month period triggering the speculation presumption: >1 properties (The presumption does not apply if the properties will be retained by the owner for rental purposes.)

    “an owner of residential real estate who builds or improves residential real estate if the owner occupies or will occupy [...]”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — An owner of residential real estate who personally builds or improves residential real estate, as an exemption from the residential contractor licensing requirement.
      “The license requirement does not apply to: [...] an owner of residential real estate who builds or improves residential real estate”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, and use of buildings and other structures of the type governed by the Minnesota State Building Code throughout Minnesota.

    • The State Building Code supersedes the building code of any municipality.
    • The State Building Code does not apply to agricultural buildings except for the state inspections and rulemaking identified in Minnesota Statutes section 326B.121, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), clause (1), and the structural-support requirement for translucent panels or other skylights without raised curbs in clause (2).
    • The 2020 Minnesota State Building Code is effective March 31, 2020, except the Minnesota Mechanical Fuel Gas Code, which is effective April 6, 2020.
    • Municipal enforcement generally requires adoption by local ordinance, subject to statutory requirements for certain municipalities and statutory enforcement responsibilities where no adoption ordinance is in effect.
    • The 2024 Minnesota Commercial Energy Code is effective January 5, 2024.
    • Requirements for adult changing stations are effective August 15, 2025, and requirements for window-cleaning safety features are effective November 7, 2025, according to the Department of Labor and Industry update page.

    2020 Minnesota State Building Code effective date: 2020-03-31 (Minnesota Mechanical Fuel Gas Code effective 2020-04-06) · 2024 Minnesota Commercial Energy Code effective date: 2024-01-05 · Adult changing station supplement effective date: 2025-08-15 · Window-cleaning safety feature supplement effective date: 2025-11-07

    “(a) The State Building Code is the standard that applies statewide for the construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, and use of buildings and other structures of the type governed by the code.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — Minnesota State Building Code construction standards applicable in Big Stone County.
      “The Minnesota State Building Code is the minimum construction standard throughout all of Minnesota”
  • 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.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Residential structures and other structures in Big Stone County shoreland areas governed by Minnesota Rules chapter 6120 and implemented locally by Big Stone County Environmental Services.

    • These are minimum state shoreland standards; Big Stone County local controls may be more restrictive.
    • When more than one setback requirement applies, the structure must meet all applicable setbacks.
    • The standards apply to all structures except water-oriented accessory structures and facilities managed under the rule's item H.
    • For adjoining developed lots on both sides, setbacks may be altered without a variance to conform to adjoining setbacks if the site is not in a shore impact zone or bluff impact zone.
    • The county's shoreland page states that Big Stone County Environmental Services implements Minnesota Rules 6120.2500–3900 and that the county adopted shoreland use controls in 1993.

    natural environment public waters ordinary high water level setback, unsewered: 150 feet · natural environment public waters ordinary high water level setback, sewered: 150 feet · recreational development public waters ordinary high water level setback, unsewered: 100 feet · recreational development public waters ordinary high water level setback, sewered: 75 feet · general development public waters ordinary high water level setback, unsewered: 75 feet · general development public waters ordinary high water level setback, sewered: 50 feet · remote river segments ordinary high water level setback: 200 feet · forested and transition river segments ordinary high water level setback: 150 feet · agricultural, urban, and tributary river segments ordinary high water level setback, unsewered: 100 feet · agricultural, urban, and tributary river segments ordinary high water level setback, sewered: 50 feet · all listed public-water classes setback from top of bluff: 30 feet

    “Natural environment | 150 | 150 | 30 Recreational development | 100 | 75 | 30 General development | 75 | 50 | 30”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • None — Minimum property-line setbacks for storage sheds under the 2020 Minnesota Residential Code.
      “The 2020 MNRC does not address minimum property line setback requirements for storage sheds. Local zoning ordinances may regulate property line setbacks and the size and number of accessory structures permitted on a property. Storage sheds cannot be constructed within a property's drainage and utility easements.”
    • Specified — Buildings accessory to residential uses in the Capitol Area where Minnesota Rules parts 2400.2600 to 2400.2635 apply.
      “Buildings accessory to residential uses must be set back at least three feet from all interior lot lines and one foot from any lot line adjoining an alley. Accessory buildings on corner lots must be set back the same distance as the principal building from the street side lot line.”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Accessory buildings on a zoning lot in the Capitol Area where Minnesota Rules parts 2400.2600 to 2400.2635 apply.

    • The accessory-building ground-floor area must not exceed 1,000 square feet.
    • The accessory-building ground-floor area must not exceed the ground-floor area of the principal building.
    • The standards apply throughout all or a portion of the Capitol Area.

    maximum accessory-building rear-yard occupancy: <= 35 percent of rear yard area · maximum total accessory-building ground-floor area: <= 1000 square feet (Also may not exceed the ground-floor area of the principal building.)

    “Accessory buildings on a zoning lot may occupy up to 35 percent of the rear yard area. The total ground floor area of all accessory buildings must not exceed 1,000 square feet, and shall not exceed the ground floor area of the principal building.”
  • 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.”
  • Accessory dwellingsLimited

    Temporary family health care dwellings used as a narrow accessory residential dwelling category statewide, where the municipality has not opted out of Minnesota Statutes § 462.3593.

    • The dwelling must be primarily assembled away from its installation site, be no more than 300 gross square feet, lack a permanent foundation, meet state-recognized accessibility standards, provide water and electric utilities, use compatible exterior materials, have at least R-15 insulation, be transportable by the specified truck types, comply with Minnesota Rules chapter 1360 or 1361 with the required seal and data plate or ANSI Code 119.2, and have a backflow check valve.
    • A caregiver or relative must apply for a municipal temporary dwelling permit with the required signatures and documentation, including provider-network proof, medical certification, septic-service documentation, adjacent-owner notice affidavit, and a site map.
    • The dwelling must be on property where the caregiver or relative resides, comply with setbacks and applicable floor-area-ratio limits, and permit safe and timely access for septic services and emergency vehicles.
    • Occupancy is limited to one identified mentally or physically impaired person, and only one temporary family health care dwelling is allowed per lot.
    • The dwelling must comply with applicable state law, local ordinances, and charter provisions unless otherwise provided.
    • The initial permit lasts six months and may be renewed once for an additional six months.
    • The municipality may inspect, revoke the permit for violations, and require removal within 60 days after revocation.
    • Unless otherwise provided by ordinance, the municipality may charge up to $100 for the initial permit and up to $50 for renewal.
    • The municipality may opt out of the statutory requirements by ordinance.

    maximum dwelling area: <= 300 gross square feet · initial permit term: 6 months (renewable once for an additional six months) · maximum initial permit fee: <= 100 USD (unless otherwise provided by ordinance) · maximum renewal permit fee: <= 50 USD (unless otherwise provided by ordinance) · maximum occupants: 1 person (occupant must be a mentally or physically impaired person) · maximum dwellings per lot: 1 dwelling

    “A temporary family health care dwelling that meets the requirements of this section cannot be prohibited by a local ordinance that regulates accessory uses or recreational vehicle parking or storage.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Accessory dwelling units statewide, including conversion of a structure into an ADU, subject to local zoning and Minnesota residential building-code requirements.
      “Local zoning ordinances dictate if a tiny home or accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is allowed on the property.”
  • 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).”
  • Mandatory utility hookupWater and sewer (with conditions)

    New plumbing installations anywhere in Minnesota, including additions, extensions, alterations, and replacements, where a public sewer is available and connection is feasible and/or a public water supply is accessible.

    • Liquid waste from a building plumbing system must be discharged to a public sewer only when the public sewer is available in a street or alley and connection is feasible.
    • The sewer-discharge requirement does not apply where otherwise prohibited by the plumbing code or a local ordinance.
    • A water distribution system must connect to an accessible public water supply unless the Authority Having Jurisdiction permits otherwise.
    • A private water well taken out of service because of public-water connection must be maintained under Minnesota Rules, chapter 4725.
    • Each building must have its own independent water and sewer connection, except that a group of buildings may connect to one or more on-premises sewer manholes built to standards set by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
    “311.1 General. If a public sewer is available in a street or alley to a building or premises and the connection is feasible, liquid waste from any plumbing system in that building shall be discharged into the public sewer unless otherwise prohibited by this code or a local ordinance. If a public water supply is accessible, the water distribution system shall be connected to it unless otherwise permitted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Agricultural buildings statewide that meet the definition in Minnesota Statutes § 326B.103, subdivision 3.

    • The structure must be on agricultural land as determined by the governing assessor for the municipality or county under section 273.13, subdivision 23.
    • The structure must be designed, constructed, and used to house farm implements, livestock, or agricultural products under section 273.13, subdivision 23.
    • The building must be used by the owner, lessee, and sublessee and members of their immediate families, employees, and persons engaged in pickup or delivery of agricultural products.
    • The State Building Code does not apply except with respect to state inspections required or rulemaking authorized by sections 103F.141, 216C.19, subdivision 9, and 326B.36.
    • Translucent panels or other skylights without raised curbs must be supported to have equivalent load-bearing capacity as the surrounding roof.
    “The State Building Code is the standard that applies statewide for the construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, and use of buildings and other structures of the type governed by the code. [...] (c) The State Building Code does not apply to agricultural buildings except: (1) with respect to state inspections required or rulemaking authorized by sections 103F.141; 216C.19, subdivision 9; and 326B.36; and (2) translucent panels or other skylights without raised curbs shall be supported to have equivalent load-bearing capacity as the surrounding roof.”
  • 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.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in Big Stone County zoning districts.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in Big Stone County zoning or subdivision districts.
  • Building height — Building-height limits in Big Stone County zoning districts.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in Big Stone County.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Big Stone County, Minnesota

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

Big Stone County scores 58/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 2,924 people within a 30-minute drive and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: workable self-sufficiency basics (25.3″/yr rainfall).

How much does land cost in Big Stone County, Minnesota?

Land in Big Stone County runs about $4,825 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Big Stone County?

Big Stone County gets about 25.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 5.1% of years.

How remote is Big Stone County?

A representative private-land location has about 2,924 people within a 30-minute drive and 499,600 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 Big Stone compares in Minnesota

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