Do I need a permit for shed or accessory structure in Unincorporated Redwood County?
Unincorporated Redwood County does not issue residential building permits. Redwood County has not adopted the Minnesota State Building Code for its unincorporated area: the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry jurisdiction lookup lists 25 of 26 townships in the county as 'HAS ADOPTED THE BUILDING CODE: NO' and none with a county building official, so no State Building Code permit is issued there. Paxton Township has adopted the code on its own (DLI lists building official Darin Haslip, 507-644-3183). The Redwood County Environmental Office issues county zoning permits (its form is titled 'Zoning Permit Application (Building Permit)'); this is a land-use permit, not a State Building Code permit. State electrical permits from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry still apply.
The requirements below come from Minnesota rules and describe the standard the work must still meet. They are not a statement that Unincorporated Redwood County will issue you a permit.
It depends. Whether shed or accessory structure needs a permit in Unincorporated Redwood County comes down to the details of your project.
Minnesota's own permit rule (Minn. R. 1300.0120, subp. 4) exempts one-story detached accessory structures used as tool or storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses up to 200 square feet from the building permit; larger sheds need a building permit where the code is enforced. The 200 square foot exemption covers only the building permit; plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits are still required, and zoning, setback, and shoreland rules still apply. Whether a building permit is issued at all depends on whether the city, township, or county covering the address has adopted and enforces the State Building Code (Minn. Stat. 326B.121); check the DLI local code lookup first. A shed that will have electricity, plumbing, or a permanent foundation falls outside the usual small accessory building exemption, which generally covers simple unpowered structures only. Electrical and plumbing work each normally require their own permit and inspection even when the structure itself would have been exempt, and many jurisdictions require a licensed electrician or plumber to pull them. Zoning setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage are reviewed separately from the building permit, so confirm placement with your local department before the shed is delivered or poured.
Get your exact answer
Answer a few questions to see the specific permits, documents, and next steps for your shed or accessory structure in Unincorporated Redwood County.
Check my projectDocuments you may need
- Permit applicationrequired
- Property address and parcel informationrequired
- Site plan showing setbacks from property lines and other structuresLikely required
- Shed plans or manufacturer specifications with floor areaLikely required
- Zoning or land-use permit where the city or county requires oneSometimes required
Possible inspections
- Footing or anchoring inspection where a building permit is issued
- Electrical rough-in and final inspection if the shed is wired
- Final inspection
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit for shed or accessory structure in Unincorporated Redwood County?
- It depends. Whether shed or accessory structure needs a permit in Unincorporated Redwood County comes down to the details of your project. The documents and inspections sections on this page list what the building department typically asks for.
- Who issues the permit in Unincorporated Redwood County?
- The local building department for Unincorporated Redwood County handles permitting. This page lists its contact details and online portal. Your mailing city is not always the permitting authority, so confirm the jurisdiction before you apply.
- How do I find out the exact requirements for my project?
- Run the free PermitRoadmap check for your specific project and answers. It returns the likely permits, documents, inspections, and next steps, each linked to its official source.
PermitRoadmap is an independent informational service and is not affiliated with any city, county, state agency, or permitting authority. Results are informational and do not replace confirming requirements with the local permitting authority.