Building Division

theme-photos-Klby0nxseY8-unsplash Opens in new windowThe Building Division administers the Minnesota State Building Codes and ensures that all construction in the unincorporated areas of the county complies with building regulations. The division performs field inspections of residential and commercial structures, including fireplaces, footings, foundations, heating, plumbing and structural components.

Building permits/online permitting system

All construction projects in Rice County's unincorporated areas require a building permit. Find building permit fact sheets in the Required information documents section below.

Permits are also required for demolition of existing structures.

All permits must be applied for online. For other information and to access the county's online permitting system, visit the Online Permitting page.

Note: Rice County does not handle building or zoning issues for properties located within the following incorporated areas: the cities of Dundas, Faribault, Lonsdale, Morristown and Northfield, and Bridgewater Township. Contact the specific city in which the property lies for more information. Bridgewater Township can be reached at 507-645-1656.

Required information documents

  1. Accessory buildings
  2. Additions and porches
  3. Agricultural structures
  4. Basements or interior remodeling
  5. Commercial building permit
  6. Communication/Cell Tower
  7. Deck
  8. Demolition
  9. Exterior Maintenance
  10. Garages and sheds
  11. Land Use Permit
  12. Manufactured House/Home permit requirements
  13. Mechanical and fireplace wood stoves
  14. Plumbing Permit
  15. Pole Building
  16. Pool
  17. Relocated House
  18. Single-family house
  19. Solar projects
  20. Solar State Building Code fact sheet

Supporting policies

  1. Post Framed Structure Policy

Electrical permits

Apply online through the state of Minnesota. For more information, contact Minnesota State Electrical Inspector Scott Preuss at 507-430-3652.