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Frequently Asked Questions Regarding
Land Use:
What projects require a land use permit from Land and Resource Management?
How do I get a building permit?
What’s a setback?
What do I need to do to add on to my house?
Do I need a permit to add a deck or patio?
Am I allowed to remove shoreline vegetation?
How can I find a licensed contractor, excavator,
sewer designer?
Can I have horses on my property?
Do I need a feedlot permit?
When is a stormwater (NPDES) permit needed?
What projects require a land use
permit from Land and Resource Management?
A permit is required for any structure built or moved onto a property,
including but not limited to: Houses, storage sheds, decks, patios, playhouses
and garages. A permit is also required if you are remodeling and planning
to change the footprint of the original structure, changing the roof pitch,
or making any structural changes. Permitting procedures are relatively
similar for all projects. For information on how to obtain a permit and
what it will cost see our handout “Procedure
for Obtaining Land Use Permits” and the current Fee
Schedule. Before issuing any permit Douglas County Land and Resource
Management requires that sewers over 5 years old be inspected. In most
cases, a permit is not needed for new siding, windows or shingles, or
remodeling projects that do not affect the exterior footprint. Please
check with our office to determine if your project requires a permit.
Some projects may require a variance
or a conditional
use permit.
How
do I get a building permit?
To obtain the permit you must apply in person at Douglas County Land and
Resource Management. You will need to bring a plan or drawing showing
the dimensions of the lot, location of proposed structure and any other
structures located on the property. You will need to know the percentage
of impervious coverage of your lot. You will also need a building plan
and names of licensed contractors that will be working on the project.
For more information on obtaining permits see our handout “Procedure
for Obtaining Land Use Permits” and the current Fee
Schedule.
What’s
a setback?
A setback is the distance a structure needs to be from property lines
or other features such as wells or sewers, on a piece of land. The actual
setbacks for a parcel are dependent on zoning district, date platted and
type of sewer system. For specific setback information see our Building
Setbacks handout.
What
do I need to do to add on to my house?
Any additions to an existing structure must meet the current setbacks
as determined by the Douglas County Zoning Ordinance. A permit must be
obtained in the same manner as when building a new house. If bedrooms
are being added, it may be necessary to increase the capacity of the existing
septic system. In addition, existing septic systems more than five years
old must be inspected. Failing systems will need to be upgraded before
a permit is issued. For information on how to obtain a permit and what
it will cost see our handout “Procedure
for Obtaining Land Use Permits” and the current Fee
Schedule.
Do
I need a permit to add a deck or patio?
Most of the time a permit will be required to add a deck or patio. To
find out if your project requires a permit call the Land and Resource
Management office at (320) 762-3863 [or email us the with your parcel
number or address and a description of the project.]
Am
I allowed to remove shoreline vegetation?
It is a good
idea to arrange a site visit with a Land and Resource Management technician
before beginning any shoreline work. You can do this by calling (320)
762-3863. Removal of vegetation below the ordinary high water line (OHWL)
is regulated by the MN department of Natural Resources. Above the OHWL
intensive vegetation removal is not allowed. Limited clearing (25% or
up to 25 feet of the shoreline frontage) is allowed with a Shoreline Alteration
Permit issued by land and Resource Management. A Shoreline Alteration
Permit is also required for any type of landscaping, construction, dirt
work or excavation within the shore and/or bluff impact zones.
How
can I find a licensed contractor, excavator, sewer designer?
Building contractors are licensed by the state of Minnesota. To find out
if a particular contractor is licensed check the MN
license lookup website. Sewer designers and inspectors are also licensed
by the state of MN. You can find a list of sewer contacts on the State
of MN ISTS contact list. Excavators are bonded by Douglas County.
Our most recent list of bonded excavators is updated periodically. To
find out if a particular landscaper or excavator is bonded, you can call
(320) 762-3863
Can
I have horses on my property?
The Douglas County Ordinance states that a conditional use permit must
be obtained to keep livestock in a residential area. In addition, all
shoreland areas are considered residential so if your property is within
1000 feet of a body of water you may need a conditional use permit to
keep horses.
Do
I need a feedlot permit?
A feedlot is any facility where livestock are kept in confinement where
there is no sustained vegetation growth, including barns, sheds and open
lots. Facilities with more than 50 animal units or more than 10 animal
units if located in shoreland are required to maintain a registration
with the County Feedlot Officer.
Feedlot rules apply to all
types of livestock operations including but not limited to: cattle feeding
operations, dairy farms, poultry barns and hog facilities. In most cases
a feedlot permit is issued for expansion of an existing livestock operation,
construction of a new livestock operation or to fix a pollution hazard
on an existing livestock operation. If you own any number of livestock
and do not have your operation registered, please contact the County
Feedlot Officer to discuss the requirements and benefits of registration.
When
is a stormwater (NPDES) permit needed?
A construction stormwater permit is required on all construction projects
that will be disturbing one or more acres of land. Sites disturbing less
than one acre within a larger common plan of development are also required
to obtain a stormwater permit. You can apply for a stormwater permit online
at: www.pca.state.mn.us/water/stormwater/stormwater-c.html
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