Bolthole Index

Pine County, Minnesota

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Sandstone, Minnesota

Sandstone, Minnesota, requires a city building permit to erect, construct, structurally alter or reconstruct a building or structure.1 Inside Sandstone city limits in Pine County, the city sets zoning, while Pine County Planning and Zoning administers on-site septic systems.23 Living or sleeping in a parked RV is prohibited in the Traditional Residential, Suburban Residential and Residential Planned Unit Development districts.4

At a glance

Building permits
Required for construction and structural alterations inside Sandstone city1
Zoning
City zoning; ask the Zoning Administrator for the parcel district25
Septic systems
Pine County Planning and Zoning administers on-site systems36
RV living
Prohibited in parked or stored RVs in Traditional Residential, Suburban Residential and Residential Planned Unit Development districts4
Minimum home size
900 square feet of living space for single-family use in Suburban Residential7
Minimum lot size
5 acres for residential sites without public sewer in Suburban Residential8
Owner-builder
State contractor-license exemption is conditional; city building permits and inspections still apply9

Who to call

Building permits

Sandstone Building Official / City Hall

City building-permit applications and routing to the Building Official and Zoning Administrator

320-245-5241

P.O. Box 641 119 Fourth Street

Building permits

Sandstone Inspection Department

Residential building-permit plans, inspection requests and property-owner waiver

320-245-5241

Septic permits

Pine County Planning and Zoning

On-site septic applications and compliance certificates; county shoreland zoning

(320) 216-4220

[email protected]

1602 Hwy 23 North Sandstone, MN 55072

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 12, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Sandstone means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Sandstone, MN?

Sandstone requires a city building permit for erection, construction, structural alteration or reconstruction of buildings and structures.1 Applicants must complete and sign the application and pay the fee before the city determines zoning compliance.10 Sandstone also requires a certificate of occupancy before an erected or moved building is occupied or used, with a final inspection by the Building Official.1112 Apply for that certificate alongside the building-permit, conditional-use-permit or variance application, rather than waiting until move-in.11

Who issues building permits in Sandstone, and what do they cost?

Start with Sandstone City Hall at 320-245-5241 for the city building-permit application and routing to the Building Official.13 Applications are available from the City Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer, Zoning Administrator or Building Official.10 Sandstone’s published building-permit fee uses the 1997 UBC valuation schedule; residential plan review adds 50% of the permit fee and commercial plan review adds 65%.14 Ask the Building Official for a project-specific calculation before budgeting the work.14 Pine County remains the office for on-site septic systems, including systems inside Sandstone.36

Does Sandstone have zoning, minimum lot sizes and setbacks?

Sandstone has city zoning, and the zoning map is on file with the Zoning Administrator; uses not specifically permitted in a district are prohibited.25 In Sandstone’s Suburban Residential District, residential sites without public sewer need at least 5 acres, and single-family homes need at least 900 square feet of residential living space.87 Suburban Residential setbacks are 40 feet in front, 30 feet at the rear and 15 feet at the side.15 That district also limits impervious surface coverage to 50% and structure height to 40 feet.1617 Confirm the parcel’s district with the Zoning Administrator before using these dimensions in a site plan.5

How do septic permits work inside Sandstone?

Pine County Planning and Zoning administers on-site septic treatment systems throughout Pine County, and Sandstone’s fee schedule assigns on-site-system compliance inspections to the county.36 Minnesota requires construction permits for most subsurface sewage treatment systems.18 Submit Pine County septic applications and compliance certificates through GeoPermits; the county no longer processes paper applications.19 For permitted septic work inside Sandstone, leave the system uncovered until inspection and acceptance, and arrange the final inspection needed for the compliance certificate.20 Direct septic questions to [email protected] or (320) 216-4220.19

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Sandstone?

Sandstone prohibits living, sleeping or housekeeping in recreational vehicles parked or stored in the Traditional Residential, Suburban Residential and Residential Planned Unit Development districts.4 Sandstone separately regulates a Recreational Vehicle Park district, so the residential-district prohibition does not establish the rules for every RV site.4 Minnesota tiny houses used as dwellings must meet the applicable residential code and local zoning.21 A single-family tiny-home proposal in Sandstone’s Suburban Residential District must address the district’s 900-square-foot minimum living space.7 We could not confirm a separate Sandstone tiny-home or accessory-dwelling allowance; ask the Zoning Administrator to classify the proposed use before buying a unit.5

Building a home in Sandstone: what are the steps in order?

  1. Ask Sandstone’s Zoning Administrator to identify the parcel’s district and whether the intended residential use is permitted.5
  2. Confirm water and sewer service with City Hall; for an on-site system, arrange septic review with Pine County Planning and Zoning.133
  3. Prepare the city building-permit application, including scaled plans and a plot plan showing property-line and structure setbacks.22
  4. Sign the application, pay the fee and seek zoning compliance; apply for the certificate of occupancy at the same time.1011
  5. Arrange required inspections with the Building Official and obtain the certificate of occupancy before using the new building.2211

What stays with Pine County, and what should Sandstone buyers check?

Pine County retains on-site septic administration and states that it administers county-wide shoreland zoning; a waterfront Sandstone proposal should be discussed with both the county and city zoning offices.3192 For land outside city limits, use the Pine County guide to check the applicable county and township building-site procedures.23 Minnesota generally requires well notification and a filing fee before constructing a water-supply well, subject to statutory exceptions.24 We could not confirm Sandstone’s general public-water or sewer connection requirement; ask City Hall before relying on a private well or septic proposal.13 Minnesota floodplain development rules also require approval for regulated projects such as houses or fill; ask the city to identify the parcel’s floodplain requirements.25

Watch-outs

  • Sandstone’s residential RV prohibition includes sleeping in a parked camper, so ask the Zoning Administrator about a lawful construction-period accommodation before planning to stay on site.4
  • Minnesota’s owner-builder exemption concerns contractor licensing and does not waive Sandstone building permits, inspections or occupancy approval.9
  • Sandstone’s Suburban Residential minimum lot size of 5 acres applies specifically to residential sites without public sewer.8

Sources

  1. § 163.326 Zoning Compliance (Sandstone), quoted and re-checked
  2. codelibrary.amlegal.com (Sandstone), quoted and re-checked
  3. Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  4. codelibrary.amlegal.com (Sandstone), quoted and re-checked
  5. § 163.008 General District Provisions (Sandstone), quoted and re-checked
  6. § 36.02 Fee Schedule (Sandstone), quoted and re-checked
  7. § 163.046 Performance Standards (Sandstone), quoted and re-checked
  8. codelibrary.amlegal.com (Sandstone), quoted and re-checked
  9. revisor.mn.gov (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. § 163.326 Zoning Compliance (Sandstone), quoted and re-checked
  11. codelibrary.amlegal.com (Sandstone), quoted and re-checked
  12. codelibrary.amlegal.com (Sandstone), quoted and re-checked
  13. Sandstone Building Official / City Hall (sandstone.govoffice.com)
  14. § 36.02 Fee Schedule (Sandstone), quoted and re-checked
  15. codelibrary.amlegal.com (Sandstone), quoted and re-checked
  16. codelibrary.amlegal.com (Sandstone), quoted and re-checked
  17. codelibrary.amlegal.com (Sandstone), quoted and re-checked
  18. SSTS design (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Pine County Planning and Zoning (pinecountymn.gov)
  20. Pine County Subsurface Sewage Treatment Permit (Sandstone), quoted and re-checked
  21. Tiny Houses and the 2020 Minnesota Residential Code (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. Sandstone Inspection Department (sandstone.govoffice.com)
  23. Ordinances and Plans, quoted and re-checked
  24. 2025 Minnesota Statutes, section 103I.205: Well Construction (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. Floodplain Regulations (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

Written October 12, 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 Sandstone

Sandstone’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Erection, construction, structural alteration, or reconstruction of buildings or structures inside Sandstone city.

    • Applicants must complete the form, sign it, and pay the fee before a zoning-compliance determination is made.
    “Persons seeking to either erect, construct, structurally alter or reconstruct any building or structure must apply for a building permit.”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Buildings inside Sandstone city; the city adopts the IPMC and incorporates the Minnesota State Building Code for referenced construction standards.

    • Where the IPMC conflicts with another applicable code or ordinance, the more restrictive provision applies.
    “The International Property Maintenance Code (“IPMC”), published by the International Code Council, Inc., is adopted by reference”
  • InspectionsRequired

    A building or structure erected or moved inside Sandstone city before occupancy.

    • A final inspection by the Building Official is required before the certificate of occupancy is issued.
    “must be issued within ten days after the Building Official the building or structure satisfactory and gives final inspection.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    A building or structure erected or moved inside Sandstone city.

    • The application must be made at the same time as the building-permit, conditional-use-permit, or variance application.
    • The certificate is issued within ten days after the Building Official finds the structure satisfactory and gives final inspection.
    “may not be occupied or used in whole or in part until a certificate of occupancy has been issued by the Building Official”
  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside Sandstone city limits.

    • The code also states that more restrictive applicable federal, state, or county standards prevail.
    “This chapter may be cited and referred to as the “Zoning Ordinance of the City of Sandstone”.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Land inside Sandstone city limits.

    • The zoning map is on file with the Zoning Administrator.
    • If a use is not specifically permitted in a zoning district, the use is prohibited.
    “The following zoning districts are established and continued:”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Single-family residential use in the Suburban Residential District.

    • The cited performance standards also include lot, setback, foundation, driveway, sewage-treatment, and other requirements.

    minimum residential living space: >= 900 square feet (single-family use)

    “Minimum residential living space: 900 square feet for single-family use.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Residential sites without public sewer in the Suburban Residential District.

    • The five-acre minimum is expressly for residential sites without public sewer.

    minimum lot size: >= 5 acres (residential sites without public sewer)

    “The minimum lot size is five acres for residential sites without public sewer.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    The Suburban Residential District.

    front yard setback: >= 40 feet · rear yard setback: >= 30 feet · side yard setback: >= 15 feet

    “Front yard setback is 40 feet. [...] Rear yard setback is 30 feet. [...] Side yard setback is 15 feet.”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    The Suburban Residential District.

    • The limit is expressed as maximum impervious surface coverage.

    maximum impervious surface coverage: <= 50 percent

    “Maximum impervious surface coverage: 50%.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Structures in the Suburban Residential District.

    maximum structure height: <= 40 feet

    “Height regulations: no structure shall exceed 40 feet in height.”
  • Living in an RVProhibited

    Living, sleeping, or housekeeping in recreational vehicles parked or stored in Sandstone's Traditional Residential, Suburban Residential, and Residential Planned Unit Development districts.

    • The code separately regulates a Recreational Vehicle Park district.
    • The cited prohibition concerns use for living, sleeping, or housekeeping, not all outdoor storage.
    “No recreational vehicle shall be used for living, sleeping, or housekeeping purposes when parked or stored in the Traditional Residential, Suburban Residential”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Residential manufactured homes in an approved manufactured home park inside Sandstone city.

    • The park must be approved by the state's Department of Administration under Minnesota Statutes §§ 327.14–327.36 and Minnesota Rules chapter 1350.
    • The home must comply with the state Manufactured Home Building Code, be structurally sound, sanitary, and have adequate sewage facilities.
    • The area beneath the home must be enclosed with inspection access and nonflammable materials.
    “No manufactured home for residential purposes shall be permitted within any manufactured home park unless the manufactured home park is or has been approved”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    On-site wastewater systems inside Sandstone city; the city fee schedule states that on-site-system compliance inspections are done by the county.

    • Pine County materials require compliance with Pine County ordinances and applicable Minnesota standards.
    “Sewer (on-site systems) compliance inspections | Done by the county”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    New or permitted septic work inside Sandstone city.

    • No part of the system may be covered until inspected and accepted.
    • The applicant must provide at least 24 hours' notice.
    • A final inspection is required before a certificate of compliance is issued.
    “NO PART OF THE SEWAGE SYSTEM SHALL BE COVERED OR OTHER PERMITTED SITE IMPROVEMENT CONSTRUCTED OR INSTALLED UNTIL IT HAS BEEN INSPECTED AND ACCEPTED.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    A lot in the Suburban Residential District on which a dwelling is to be placed or constructed.

    • The driveway must be impervious.
    • A city driveway permit is separately listed in the fee schedule.

    minimum driveway width: >= 12 feet

    “An impervious surface driveway shall be provided from the curb line to the property line of the lot upon which a dwelling is to be placed”
  • Permit feesPublished

    City permits and planning applications inside Sandstone city.

    • The fee schedule was amended by ordinances listed on the code page.

    building permit: 1997 UBC rate (valuation-based schedule) · residential plan review: 50 percent of permit fee · commercial plan review: 65 percent of permit fee · driveway permit: 25 USD (plus escrow) · occupancy inspection: 0 USD · manufactured home installation permit: 100 USD

    “Building permit | 1997 UBC rate (adopted 5-20-2009)”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building-permit and zoning-compliance applications inside Sandstone city.

    • Applications are available from the City Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer, Zoning Administrator, or Building Official.
    • The applicant must sign the form and pay the fee before a compliance determination.
    • Conditional-use procedures may include Planning Commission review, public notice, hearing, and City Council action.
    “Applicants must fill out the form, sign it and pay the fee before a determination of compliance is made.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Sandstone or Pine County directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builders performing construction inside Sandstone city.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Sandstone city.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units inside Sandstone city.
  • Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation inside Sandstone city.
  • Well permit — Private wells inside Sandstone city.
5 more unanswered
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Subdividing land
  • Building in a floodplain
  • Short-term rentals

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 Sandstone publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Pine County’s page lists the county offices to call.

← All of Pine County: county rules, score and offices