Do I need a permit for residential demolition in Unincorporated Pope County?

Most likely yes. Residential demolition usually requires a permit in Minnesota. Confirm the specifics with Unincorporated Pope County.

MPCA requires hazardous and other problem wastes, including asbestos, to be removed from any structure in Minnesota, including a house, before it is demolished. Houses with four or fewer dwelling units are generally not covered by the federal asbestos NESHAP and its 10-working-day MPCA notice, unless the demolition is part of a larger project such as several buildings owned by the same party, urban renewal, or commercial development. Removing more than 10 linear feet, 6 square feet, or 1 cubic foot of friable asbestos in a home is regulated asbestos work that needs an MDH-licensed contractor, except that an owner may do it in the single-family home they live in (Minn. Stat. 326.71 and 326.72). Minnesota's permit rule requires a permit to demolish a building where the State Building Code is enforced (Minn. R. 1300.0120, subp. 1). This job demolishes a home or a structure with active water, sewer, gas or electrical service. Utilities normally must be disconnected and capped by the utility or a licensed trade before demolition, and departments commonly require proof of that before issuing a demolition permit. Ask your department and your state environmental agency whether an asbestos or lead survey is required before demolition, and whether a sewer cap inspection applies.