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Greetings!
Happy spring from the Land Use Division! Our division is responsible for administering land use regulations and is here to help the outstanding citizens of St. Louis County navigate the world of responsible property development.
2025 Construction Season
As you begin dreaming about this season's projects, please keep in mind that there are zoning ordinance requirements, and we are here to help make them clear and understandable. Planners are available by phone or in the Duluth and Virginia Government Services Center offices. To make sure a staff member is available, please call (218) 471-7103 to schedule an appointment.
We look forward to assisting you!
Did You Know...
Do you have a project scheduled? When should you apply?
Projects cannot begin until a permit has been issued by our department. Apply now for a permit to avoid delays later. Permits are valid for two years and can be applied for online at www.stlouiscountymn.gov/LandUse.
Looking to develop a vacant parcel? What is the first step?
New construction requires a valid septic permit from our Onsite Wastewater Division. For further information, visit www.stlouiscountymn.gov/OSW.
Do you have a project that involves land alterations?
Shoreland alterations must follow standards in our zoning ordinance and may require a permit. Please contact a staff member before beginning a project.
Announcing a New Floodplain Ordinance
The St. Louis County Board approved a new floodplain ordinance this winter. The new ordinance - officially known as Floodplain Ordinance 69 - is the result of a lengthy process and follows the recommendation of the St. Louis County Planning Commission. It was necessary to ensure the county's floodplain management measures are in compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulations. NFIP compliance is needed in order for the county to be able to issue permits within a floodplain, and for property owners in the county to be eligible for flood insurance.
The purpose of the ordinance is to regulate development in the flood hazard areas of St. Louis County. It identifies when permits are required, ensures that new development does not cause increased flooding elsewhere, and contains standards to ensure that new buildings will be protected from the base flood.
One of the most notable parts of the new ordinance relates to Lake Vermilion. A statistical analysis of the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) of Lake Vermilion was completed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in December 2024. It resulted in the BFE being reduced by 1.5 feet. This will directly benefit Lake Vermilion property owners’ structure-specific flood zone designations.
The full Floodplain Ordinance 69 can be found online at stlouiscountymn.gov/PZ. (Direct link is Floodplain Ordinance 69.pdf) The County's previous floodplain ordinance was more than 30 years old, with the most recent updates made in 2002.
Online Land Use Permitting
Our FTG online permitting system allows contractors and homeowners to apply for, provide necessary attachments, and submit payment online by credit card for permits. You may apply for every type of permit through the Land Use Citizen Portal, including a new dwelling, garage, sauna, boathouse, land alterations, and more!.
The online system accelerates the process for both the applicant and county staff, faster processing permits and issuing permits. For applicants, it saves them a trip to a county office or to the post office and gives them the option of paying online by credit card, debit card, or e-check. Once the application is submitted online, county staff will require less data entry, resulting in quicker processing, review, and issuance.
To apply for a land use permit through the Citizen Portal, please visit Permitting Home.
Visit our website: www.stlouiscountymn.gov/PZ
If you have any questions about Land Use, please contact:
Phone: (218) 471-7103
Email: landuseinfo@stlouiscountymn.gov
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