Winter/Spring 2026 Land Use Updates

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March 2, 2026

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Welcome to the St. Louis County Planning and Zoning Department's Land Use Division news. You are receiving this message because you have signed up for updates with the St. Louis County Planning and Zoning Department. This resource will keep you updated with information about the Land Use division.

Greetings!

Happy 2026 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.

With the 2026 construction season upon us, as you begin dreaming about this season's projects, please keep in mind the zoning ordinance requirements. We are here to help clarify them. 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!


Year In Review

It was a whirlwind of a year! 2025 kept our Land Use team busier than ever, and we are incredibly proud of the dedication shown in managing such a high volume of requests. It’s a testament to the vibrant development all around us.

Overall, the Land Use Division issued 1,065 permits for various projects throughout the county, and we are looking forward to another busy year.


New to 2026

Fee Schedule

St. Louis County Land Use has updated its 2026 permit fee schedule. The fee structure remains the same, but you will see an approximate 4% inflationary increase in permit fees. We have updated our forms to reflect these new fees. Please visit the Land Use website to access the updated forms.

Land Use Online Application QR Code

Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment Deadlines

The St. Louis County Planning & Zoning Department has changed the department application deadline for public hearings to the first day of each month. This change was made to provide more time to process applications and meet statutory notice requirements.


Arrowhead Home and Builders Show

The Planning and Zoning Department is hitting the road, and we are excited to announce that our team will be represented at the upcoming  Arrowhead Home & Builders Show at the DECC, April 9th-12, 2026.

As we move into another productive year, we want to make our processes as accessible as possible. Whether you are a homeowner planning a backyard renovation or a completely new build, we invite you to stop by our booth.

Why come and say hello?

  • Connect with the people behind the permits.
  • Get on-the-spot answers to your permitting questions.
  • Discuss your 2026 project ideas with our staff before you submit your application.

We are committed to being a resource for your growth and look forward to seeing the incredible projects you have planned for the coming year.

We'll see you at the show!


Keep a Look Out

Zoning Ordinance 62 amendments will be heard by the St. Louis County Board of Commissioners in April 2026.


Contact Us

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

 


Planning Manager, Land Use Division

Donald Rigney
Phone: (218) 725-5001
Email: RigneyD@stlouiscountymn.gov