Accessory Dwelling Unit

County Zoning ordinance regulates the height, size, and location of accessory dwellings and dwelling units. Prior to applying for permit, contact Scott County Planning and Zoning to review parcel specific requirements. Planning and Zoning phone 952-496-8653 or [email protected]

MN State Building Codes regulates the design, construction, alteration, repairs and demolition of structures. Review all applicable information and handouts prior to applying for permits. 

New Accessory Dwellings and 1 and 2 Family Dwelling permits are all-inclusive with plumbing, mechanical and sewer or septic permits (select septic or sewer in ePermit) 

Sub-contractors will be listed on the Contact and Contractor form and uploaded into the ePermit application.

Electrical permits shall be obtained by the installing contractor through MN Department of Labor and Industry Electrical Division.

Review instructions for ePermit registration, pdf file naming requirements, and applying through the ePermit portal prior to applying for permit. Visit the ePermits Sign In Portal

IMPORTANT: Electronic submittal document files are required to be named appropriately to ensure efficient permit processing. Review Naming Submittal Documents (PDF) prior to starting ePermit process to ensure all files are labeled appropriately. See all related ePermit submittal and resubmittal requirements to help avoid delays in processing. 

Required Submittals - Documents required to be uploaded into ePermit portal at the time of application. Applications with incomplete submittals will be rejected and delayed. Project address shall be displayed on all submittal documents, forms and drawings. Applications with incomplete submittals will be delayed. 

All documents must be flattened, scanned or printed and unlocked in pdf format. Open fillable forms or documents with open control points cannot be accepted.

  • Township Approval Form (PDF) - Use form to determine if township approval is required for project location. Submit completed form with township approval signature if applicable. Do not upload if not required.
  • New Home Checklist (PDF) - Initial each item indicating the document is being included in submittals and upload signed checklist
  • Contact & Contractors Form (PDF) - To complete form, type or print neatly. Upload completed contact and contractor form as applicable for your project. Contacts and sub-contractors listed will be notified of permit.
  • Site Plan – must include the following:  
    • Location and size of proposed building, other structures, property lines, septic tanks, septic drain field, well and any wetlands
    • Location of any gas, plumbing, or electrical piping in the vicinity of construction
    • Distances from the proposed building to all other structures, property lines, and utilities
    • Grade and proposed building elevations
  • Building Plans Per MN Rules 1300, plans shall be dimensioned and drawn upon suitable material. Complete set of plans including structural and braced wall design, floor layout, cross sections, elevations, and energy. Plans shall be uploaded as one multipage complete set (not individual sheets), individual sheet uploads will not be accepted. Plan sheets shall only be separated if larger than 50 MB.   The following details shall be identified on all Accessory Dwelling Unit plans 
    • All dimensions and elevations, rooms shall be labeled, unfinished areas shall be labeled as such
    • Footing and foundations sizes (width and height at all locations) with all reinforcing bar placement details on foundation sheet. If foundation information is provided on separate submittal, plans shall reference the document the foundation design details can be found on. Include the corresponding document sheet/page number at each foundation wall section as applicable. 
    • All header and beam sizes shall be shown on plans. If provided on separate submittal, plans shall reference the document the header and beam sizes are provided on. Include the corresponding document sheet/page number at each header or beam location.
    • Wall bracing design shall be in accordance with R602.10 or by licensed structural engineer - shall include property wind exposure category per R301.2.1.4, locations braced wall lines, size/location of panels, method of bracing and calculations.
    • When unique design methods are being used, it is best to include as much information as possible on the plans
    • Include all energy code details on plans
  • Truss Specifications - Roof and Floor Layouts and specification sheets. Please upload as on complete pdf file.
  • Energy Code Compliance Certificate (PDF) 
  • Lighting Schedule (PDF) - May be a deferred submittal, but must be received and approved prior to scheduling final inspection
  • Erosion and Sediment Control Agreement (PDF) - Complete Erosion & Sediment Control General Notes for Building Permits form, Signed Building Permit Erosion & Sediment Control (ESC) Escrow Agreement form.
  • Erosion and Sediment Control Plans must include the following details: survey or other accurately- scaled drawing showing the location of the proposed structure, direction of water flow, location of perimeter control, how the site will be permanently stabilized and other requirements that are on the Erosion Control Agreement. For new structures, also include: low floor elevations, limits of grading / construction area, and location of rock entrance. Questions regarding erosion and sediment control designs and requirements shall be directed to Scott Soil and Water Conservation District at: https://www.scottswcd.org/
  • Septic Design - consist of: Septic Application (PDF) , Site plan/drawing, design sheets, elevations, soil logs, perc tests, and signed management plan. For septic related questions, contact Scott County Environmental Services.
  • Sewer and / or Water Main layout site plan and material specs – REQUIRED if not septic system - when connecting to community, municipal, or existing septic system not regulated by municipality.
  • Driveway Permit - For driveways off a County road, refer to the Scott County Driveway Permit Link to access information regarding requirements for County Driveway Permits. Scott County does not permit for the State or Township, only the County. Please refer to the State and Townships regarding state or township roads.

Optional Submittals, if applicable

  • Engineered Design - Engineered design shall be submitted if construction cannot be verified by the minimum prescriptive requirements of the 2015 Minnesota Building Code. An engineered design must be sealed by a structural engineer licensed in the State of Minnesota. If engineered design all part of building plans, upload in to Building Plans.
  • Specifications - Provide product installation specifications if any materials or fasteners require specific manufacturers’ specifications for installation.

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1. Accessory Dwelling Unit
2. Addition (Commercial)
3. Addition (Residential)
4. Basement Finish
5. Cell Tower
6. Change of Use
7. Deck
8. Demolition
9. Fence / Retaining Wall
10. Fire (Commercial)
11. Garage/Accessory Structure
12. Manufactured/Modular Home
13. Multi-Family
14. Non Residential New (Commercial)
15. Pole Building Residential Accessory
16. Remodel/Repair (Commercial)
17. Remodel/Repair (Residential)
18. Reroof/Siding
19. Residential 1 or 2 Family Home
20. Solar (Commercial)
21. Solar (Residential)
22. Swimming Pool
23. Windows/Doors (In Existing Opening)