Zoning, building permits and septic rules in New Trier, Minnesota

New Trier’s own rules

• Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

  Septic systems inside New Trier city limits.

  • Dakota County jurisdiction applies to New Trier septic systems.
  • County Ordinance 113 contains the applicable standards.

  “Dakota County regulates septic systems in the cities of Hastings, Randolph and New Trier”

• Septic permitRequired

  Construction, installation, modification, or replacement of a subsurface sewage treatment system inside New Trier city limits.

  • The requirement applies to construction, installation, modification, or replacement of an SSTS.
  • A construction permit is not required for minor repairs or replacements that do not alter the original function of the system.
  • Other appropriate permits or approvals may also be necessary.

  “without the appropriate permit from the department.”

• Septic inspectionRequired

  Newly installed septic systems inside New Trier city limits.

  • Applies to newly installed systems.
  • The as-built compliance inspection must be by a certified inspector.
  • The final inspection must be scheduled before the system is covered with earth.

  “All newly installed septic systems must be inspected by a certified inspector.”

• Off-grid sanitationLimited

  Unsewered property inside New Trier city limits that is subject to Dakota County septic jurisdiction.

  • All sewage in unsewered areas must be treated and dispersed by an approved SSTS or by a system permitted by the MPCA.
  • The county’s septic page expressly identifies New Trier as within county septic jurisdiction.

  “shall be treated and dispersed by an approved SSTS”

• Permit processPublished (with conditions)

  Dakota County septic-system construction permits for property inside New Trier city limits.

  • A licensed designer must prepare the system and site plan before permitting.
  • The applicant submits the application, design, two separate soils verifications, site plan, and fee.
  • The permit is valid for up to one year from issue.
  • A final inspection is required before covering the system with earth.

  permit validity: <= 1 year (From date of issue)

  “Permits are valid for up to one year from their date of issue.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask New Trier or Dakota County directly.

• Building permit — Building construction inside New Trier city limits.
• Owner-builder exemption — Owner-built residential construction inside New Trier city limits.
• Building code adopted — Construction inside New Trier city limits.
• Inspections — Building construction inside New Trier city limits.
• Certificate of occupancy — Occupancy of buildings inside New Trier city limits.

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.