Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

Yes, permits are required.

A permit is not required to do nonstructural maintenance to the building.  New siding, windows and shingles would be considered nonstructural maintenance.

Contact the Morrison County Soil and Water District for wetland information.  

Septic installations are good for five years and compliance inspections are good for three years.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A structure that is currently in place but does not meet the required setbacks of the Land Use Ordinance.

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.

Anyone who is licensed by the state of Minnesota to inspect, install or design septic systems.