Zoning, building permits and septic rules in Harmony Township, Minnesota

Harmony Township’s own rules

• Building permitLimited

  Erecting, installing, altering, converting, or moving a building or structure, or demolishing a historically significant structure, on land in Harmony Township that is regulated by the Fillmore County Zoning Ordinance.

  • The ordinance requires a county zoning permit, rather than establishing a universal structural building-code permit.
  • The county ordinance applies where it regulates land; county zoning extends to townships and is excepted within city limits unless a city and county agree otherwise.
  • A permit is not required for remodeling or repair; portable agricultural buildings placed on skids; agricultural concrete or blacktop totaling under 160 square feet when attached concrete is included; driveway concrete or asphalt; non-agricultural concrete or asphalt other than foundations and footings; and concrete poured inside an existing building regardless of size.
  • For townships that have enacted zoning ordinances, a county application is incomplete until the applicant provides township approval documentation.

  “A zoning permit shall be obtained prior to erecting, installing, altering, converting, moving any building or structure or part thereof”

• Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

  County-administered zoning on land in Harmony Township, Fillmore County, Minnesota, outside incorporated city limits.

  • The county source states that county zoning applies to all county areas except city limits, unless a city and county agree otherwise.
  • The county source states county zoning ordinances extend to townships.
  • This research did not locate an official Harmony Township ordinance establishing separately administered township zoning.

  “County zoning ordinances thus extend to townships.”

• Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

  Subsurface sewage treatment systems on land in Harmony Township, Fillmore County, Minnesota, except incorporated areas that administer a county-approved SSTS ordinance at least as strict as the county ordinance.

  • The Fillmore County Zoning Department administers the SSTS program and all provisions of the county ordinance.
  • It is unlawful to construct, install, modify, replace, or operate an SSTS without the appropriate permit from the Fillmore County Zoning Office.
  • An SSTS permit is required before, or as otherwise agreed in writing before, a county building or land-use permit for a new residence or other building or structure that may require an SSTS.
  • The ordinance's jurisdiction excludes incorporated areas that administer a county-approved SSTS program at least as strict as the county ordinance.

  “The County Zoning Department shall administer the SSTS program and all provisions of this Ordinance.”

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.