FAQs • Morrison County, MN • CivicEngage

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What do I need to before I can build a house?: Before applying for the necessary permits, the property must be recorded into your ownership and a septic design must be on file with the Zoning Office or a copy brought to the office.

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Planning and Zoning

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1. Can I fill wetlands?: The Zoning Office has no wetland authority. To find out if wetlands can be filled one would need to contact the Morrison County Soil and Water District.

2. Can I start before I get the permit?: It is recommended that no work be started prior to receiving the permit. If you excavate, move dirt, pour concrete, etc., you are doing so at your own risk. Often times, work is started only to have the project halted because of environmental harm or land use issues.

3. Do I need a permit to build or replace a deck?: Yes, permits are required.

4. Do I need a permit to reshingle a house or put in new windows or new siding?: A permit is not required to do nonstructural maintenance to the building. New siding, windows and shingles would be considered nonstructural maintenance.

5. How do I know if I have wetlands on my property?: Contact the Morrison County Soil and Water District for wetland information.

6. How long are septic certifications valid?: Septic installations are good for five years and compliance inspections are good for three years.

7. How often can a parcel be split?: A parcel of land can be split twice, to result in three tracts/parcels of property. The parcel to be split would had to have been a parcel of record as of July 1, 2008. If you are unsure, then please call the Zoning Office.

8. How often should septic tanks be pumped and cleaned?: How often you have the tank pumped is dependent on how much it is used. A good rule of thumb would to have the tank pumped at least every three years. If there is heavy use of the system, then every other year.

9. Is my lot buildable?: Lots are considered to buildable if the proposed structures are able to meet the setback requirements of the zoning district, have two suitable sites for a standard septic system, lot is the required size for the zoning district and the proposed construction will have no impact on or to wetlands.

10. What do I need to before I can build a house?: Before applying for the necessary permits, the property must be recorded into your ownership and a septic design must be on file with the Zoning Office or a copy brought to the office.

11. What is a nonconforming structure?: A structure that is currently in place but does not meet the required setbacks of the Land Use Ordinance.

12. What permits do I need to build?: Morrison County issues land use permits in place of building permits. Often the terms land use and building permits are interchangeable. A permit is required for structures that will occupy ground space.

13. Who can inspect, design or install my septic system?: Anyone who is licensed by the state of Minnesota to inspect, install or design septic systems.