Bolthole Index

Redwood County, Minnesota

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Redwood Falls, Minnesota

Redwood Falls, Minnesota, requires city building permits before most construction projects begin and administers its own zoning in Redwood County.12 The city Building Department handles building inspections and zoning compliance; septic installation requires approval from the Redwood County Environmental Office.34 RV residence on a private lot is limited to 14 days per calendar year, with a principal building and sanitary sewer and water facilities.5

At a glance

Building permits
City building permits required before most construction projects begin1
Zoning
City Unified Development Ordinance and district-specific standards26
Septic approval
Redwood County Environmental Office approves septic installation and designs4
RV living
Up to 14 days per calendar year on a lot with a principal building and sanitary sewer and water facilities5
Residential lot area
R-1: 10,000 square feet; R-R: 2.5 acres78
Owner-builder
Conditional contractor-license exemption; city building permits still required9
Tiny homes
State residential-code compliance required; ask city Planning & Zoning whether the proposed use is allowed1011

Who to call

Building permits

Redwood Falls Building Department / Inspections Department

City building-code administration, building plan reviews, inspections and zoning compliance

507-616-7400

[email protected]

Municipal Office Building PO Box 526 333 South Washington Street Redwood Falls, MN 56283

Zoning

Redwood Falls Planning & Zoning Department

City zoning, development applications, land subdivision and variances

507-616-7400

[email protected]

Septic permits

Redwood County Environmental Office

County septic installation approval, design review and onsite inspections

507-637-4023

Redwood County Government Center 403 South Mill Street, P.O. Box 130 Redwood Falls, MN 56283

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 Redwood Falls means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Redwood Falls, MN?

Redwood Falls requires a city building permit before most construction-related projects begin, including construction, alterations and demolition covered by the city code.1 The city Building Inspections Division administers the Minnesota State Building Code and related city ordinances inside city limits.12 Electrical permits and inspections are administered separately by Minnesota.1

An owner working on the owner's property may qualify for Minnesota's residential contractor-license exemption, but the exemption does not waive Redwood Falls building permits and does not cover construction for resale or speculation.9

Who handles building inspections and zoning in Redwood Falls?

Contact the Redwood Falls Inspections Department at 507-616-7400 or [email protected] for building-project questions; the Building Official handles code administration, building plan review and site inspections.3 The same department includes the Zoning Administrator, responsible for zoning compliance and code enforcement.3

Redwood Falls Planning & Zoning reviews development, redevelopment, subdivision and variance applications.13 City building and zoning review does not replace septic approval: the Redwood County Environmental Office reviews septic designs and conducts onsite inspections.3134

Does Redwood Falls have zoning, minimum lot sizes and setbacks?

Redwood Falls has its own Unified Development Ordinance; city district standards regulate permitted uses, building height and size, and lot sizes.213 Identify the parcel's district on the city zoning map before designing a home or dividing land.13

In Redwood Falls' R-1 Single Family Residential District, minimum lot area is 10,000 square feet; in R-R Rural Residential, minimum lot area is 2.5 acres.78 R-1 principal and accessory structures together may cover no more than 50% of the lot.14 Ask Planning & Zoning for the parcel's applicable setbacks and building envelope rather than treating a district's minimum lot area as approval for a particular house.13

How do septic permits and water service work in Redwood Falls?

A septic system in Redwood Falls needs Redwood County approval before installation; the Environmental Office reviews designs and conducts onsite inspections.4 Minnesota's framework requires local construction permits for most subsurface sewage treatment systems, with the applicable local ordinance controlling additional requirements.15

We could not confirm whether a new Redwood Falls home must connect to available municipal water or sewer, or whether the city permits the proposed off-grid sanitation arrangement; ask city Planning & Zoning before committing to a septic design.13 Minnesota generally requires notification and a filing fee before water-supply well construction, subject to statutory exceptions and delegated authority.16

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Redwood Falls?

Redwood Falls does not allow general residential use of an RV: temporary residence is limited to 14 days per calendar year on a lot with a principal building and access to sanitary sewer and water facilities.5 Seasonal residence is allowed in an approved RV park, while an onsite construction office may be occupied for security but cannot serve as a residence.5 A vacant-lot RV stay while building therefore does not fit the private-lot exception.5

Minnesota tiny-house dwellings must meet the residential code, but local zoning determines whether a tiny home or accessory dwelling is allowed on the property.1011 We could not confirm a Redwood Falls tiny-home classification or overall minimum dwelling size; ask Planning & Zoning about the proposed design and district.13

Building a home in Redwood Falls: what are the steps?

  1. Ask Redwood Falls Planning & Zoning to confirm the district, proposed residential use and applicable site standards before preparing the building layout.13
  2. Resolve sewer service with the city; if proposing septic, obtain design review and installation approval from the Redwood County Environmental Office.134
  3. Submit the city building-permit application well before construction; residential applications requiring plan review can take up to 10 business days.17
  4. Obtain separate Minnesota electrical permits and schedule city building inspections through the Inspections Department.117

For land outside city limits, consult the Redwood County guide and confirm the jurisdiction: the county directs parcels near Redwood Falls to the respective local authority.18

Watch-outs

  • Redwood Falls' owner-builder exemption concerns contractor licensing and does not remove city building-permit requirements.9
  • Redwood Falls requires manufactured homes to be on a site in an approved manufactured-home park or subdivision with the required utilities.19
  • Construction or fill in a regulated Minnesota floodplain requires floodplain approval; ask Redwood Falls Planning & Zoning to identify the parcel's floodplain status before choosing a building site.2013
  • A direct driveway connection to a Minnesota state highway requires a MnDOT access permit before construction or modification.21

Sources

  1. Building Department (Redwood Falls), quoted and re-checked
  2. Redwood Falls Code §14.01, Unified Development Ordinance (Redwood Falls), quoted and re-checked
  3. Redwood Falls Building Department / Inspections Department (ci.redwood-falls.mn.us)
  4. Redwood County Environmental Office (redwoodcounty-mn.gov)
  5. Redwood Falls Unified Development Ordinance (Redwood Falls), quoted and re-checked
  6. Planning & Zoning (Redwood Falls), quoted and re-checked
  7. Redwood Falls Unified Development Ordinance (Redwood Falls), quoted and re-checked
  8. Redwood Falls Unified Development Ordinance (Redwood Falls), quoted and re-checked
  9. Minnesota Residential Contractor Licensing (Redwood Falls), quoted and re-checked
  10. Tiny Houses and the 2020 Minnesota Residential Code (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Storage Sheds and the Minnesota State Building Code (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Building Inspections (Redwood Falls), quoted and re-checked
  13. Redwood Falls Planning & Zoning Department (ci.redwood-falls.mn.us)
  14. Redwood Falls Unified Development Ordinance (Redwood Falls), quoted and re-checked
  15. SSTS design (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. 2025 Minnesota Statutes, section 103I.205: Well Construction (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. Building Inspections (Redwood Falls), quoted and re-checked
  18. Environmental Office - Redwood County, MN, quoted and re-checked
  19. Redwood Falls Unified Development Ordinance (Redwood Falls), quoted and re-checked
  20. Floodplain Regulations (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. MnDOT Access Management Manual, Chapter 4 (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 Redwood Falls

Redwood Falls’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Building and construction projects inside Redwood Falls city limits.

    • Permits are required before most construction-related projects may begin.
    • The city code separately states that erecting, constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, improving, removing, converting, or demolishing a building or structure requires a separate permit from the city.
    • Electrical permits and inspections are administered by Minnesota.
    “Building permits are required in accordance with the adopted building code.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Construction, alteration, and building use inside Redwood Falls city limits.

    • The city administers the Minnesota State Building Code together with related city ordinances.
    “The Building Inspections Division is responsible for the administration of the Minnesota State Building Code and related City Ordinances regulating construction, alterations and the use of buildings within the city.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Certificates of occupancy for buildings and uses inside Redwood Falls city limits.

    • The Zoning Administrator reviews requests except single- or two-family residential uses.
    • No certificate may issue until required improvements and approval conditions are satisfied.
    • A temporary certificate may issue when a project is substantially complete and only non-essential site improvements remain.
    “The Zoning Administrator shall review all requests for certificate of occupancy, except in the case of a single or two-family residential use, to ensure compliance with this ordinance and with the terms of any zoning approvals that were required for the project.”
  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside Redwood Falls city limits; the City adopts and administers its own zoning through the Unified Development Ordinance.

    • The city code states that the 2014 Unified Development Ordinance is adopted by reference.
    • The official copy is maintained by the City Administrator.
    “The Unified Development Ordinance, 2014 Edition, is hereby adopted by reference as though set forth verbatim herein.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning districts and boundaries inside Redwood Falls city limits.

    • The city publishes district designations and boundaries through its zoning map and UDO.
    • Residential districts include R-R Rural Residential, R-1 Single Family/Estate Living, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-M, and R-B.
    “Zoning district designations and boundaries are depicted on the city zoning map.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Residential occupancy of travel trailers and recreational vehicles inside Redwood Falls city limits.

    • A travel trailer or recreational vehicle may not be used as a residence except as expressly provided.
    • One may be used as a temporary residence for no more than 14 days per calendar year on a lot occupied by a principal building and with sanitary sewer and water facilities.
    • Seasonal residence is allowed in an approved recreational vehicle park.
    • On-site construction offices may be occupied for security but may not be used as a residence.

    temporary residence duration: <= 14 days per calendar year (Must be on a lot occupied by a principal building and have sanitary sewer and water facilities)

    “One (1) travel trailer or similar recreational vehicle may be used as a temporary residence for no more than fourteen (14) days per calendar year, provided it is placed on a lot occupied by a principal building, and has access to sanitary sewer and water facilities.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Temporary camping and tent placement within manufactured-home or recreational-vehicle sites inside Redwood Falls city limits.

    • Outdoor camping or tent placement is prohibited within any manufactured-home or recreational-vehicle site.
    • Separate RV temporary-residence rules allow up to 14 days per calendar year under stated utility and principal-building conditions.
    “Outdoor camping. There shall be no outdoor camping or placement of tents within any manufactured home or recreational vehicle site.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured-home occupancy inside Redwood Falls city limits.

    • A manufactured home must be on a site that is part of an approved manufactured-home park or manufactured-home subdivision.
    • The site must be served by utilities required by state law.
    • Manufactured-home parks and subdivisions must also comply with Minnesota Statutes chapter 327 and applicable Minnesota Department of Health rules.

    minimum manufactured-home park or subdivision size: >= 5 acres

    “No manufactured home, whether temporary or permanent, shall be permitted on any site within the City unless said site is part of an approved manufactured home park or manufactured home subdivision which is served by utilities as required by the state law.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Land subdivision inside Redwood Falls city limits.

    • The city reviews and processes land-subdivision applications.
    • Procedures for minor subdivisions, preliminary plats, and final plats are specified in Chapter 16 of the UDO.
    “the Planning & Zoning Department reviews and processes individual applications for new development, redevelopment, land subdivision and variances.”
  • Permit feesPublished

    Published city utility and zoning fees for work inside Redwood Falls city limits.

    • The opened fee schedule states an effective date of January 1, 2024.
    • The schedule includes a $45 zoning permit fee for specified minor projects, $150 sewer connection fee, and $150 water connection fee.

    sewer connection fee: 150 USD per connection · water connection fee: 150 USD per connection · zoning permit fee: 45 USD (For detached deck under 30 inches, fence, and accessory structure under 200 square feet)

    “Sewer Connection Fee $ 150.00 Per Connection to Sewer Water Connection Fee $ 150.00 Per Connection to Water”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    City building and zoning permit process inside Redwood Falls city limits.

    • Permit applications should be submitted well in advance of construction.
    • Residential applications requiring plan review can take up to 10 business days.
    • Inspections may be scheduled through the Inspections Department; the city advises allowing 24 hours for increased availability.

    residential plan-review processing time: <= 10 business days

    “Applications for permits should be submitted well in advance of the scheduled construction start date.”

Rules another office applies inside Redwood Falls

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

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Minnesota residential contractor licensing for an owner doing work on the owner's own property, including property inside Redwood Falls city limits.

    • The exemption is from residential contractor licensing, not from the City's building-permit requirement.
    • It does not apply when the owner builds or improves property for resale or speculation.
    • Separate plumbing, electrical, building-code, and permit requirements may still apply.
    “Owners doing work on their own property (unless they build or are improving properties they own for purposes of resale or speculation);”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Single-family residential development in the R-1 Single Family Residential District.

    • Table 11.2 also specifies 75-foot minimum lot width.
    • The R-1 minimum lot area is 10,000 square feet.

    minimum lot area: >= 10000 square feet

    “District R-R R-1 R-2* R-3 R-4 R-M R-B Minimum Lot Area ft2 2.5 acres 10,000 10,000 14,400 15,000 5,000 10,000”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Residential development in the R-R Rural Residential District.
      “District R-R R-1 R-2* R-3 R-4 R-M R-B Minimum Lot Area ft2 2.5 acres 10,000 10,000 14,400 15,000 5,000 10,000”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Principal and accessory structures on zoning lots in the R-1 Single Family Residential District.

    • Principal and accessory structures together may cover no more than 50 percent of the zoning lot.

    maximum lot coverage: <= 50 percent

    “Principal and accessory structures shall not cover more than fifty (50) percent of any zoning lot located in the R-1 and R-2 Districts.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Structures in the R-1 Single Family Residential District.

    • The lesser of 2.5 stories or 30 feet applies.

    maximum height: <= 30 feet (Also limited to 2.5 stories, whichever is less)

    “The maximum height of structures located in the R-1 District shall not exceed two and one-half (2½) stories or thirty (30) feet, whichever is less.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Residential structures in the R-R Rural Residential District.
      “Except for communication antennas otherwise allowed by conditional use permit and except for farm structures, the maximum height of residential structures located in the R-R District shall not exceed three (3) stories or thirty (30) feet, whichever is less.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size inside Redwood Falls city limits.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Redwood Falls city limits.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units inside Redwood Falls city limits.
  • Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation or sewage disposal inside Redwood Falls city limits.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Whether a new home inside Redwood Falls city limits must connect to public water or sewer when available.
3 more unanswered
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Driveway access
  • 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 Redwood Falls publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Redwood County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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