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1. When do I need a Zoning Permit?

Carlton County Zoning and Environmental Services is the zoning authority for all areas of Carlton County except the following cities:

• Barnum
• Carlton
• Cloquet
• Cromwell
• Kettle River
• Moose Lake
• Scanlon
• Wrenshall
• Wright
• Thomson Township

Carlton County also has zoning authority in shore land areas (property within 1,000 feet of a classified lake or 300 feet of a classified river or stream) in the City of Cromwell, City of Carlton and Thomson Township. Zoning permits (PDF) are required for building or moving any structure, no matter the size, including:

• Additions
• Decks
• Dwellings
• Garages
• Outhouses
• Privacy fences
• Sheds
• Signs
• Storage containers
• Canvas hoop structures
• Pergola
• Yurt
• Play House

Zoning Permits are not required for replacing windows, doors, re-siding or re-roofing (new shingles). For more information, contact us at 218-384-9176.

2. What is my zoning district?

Check with the Zoning and Environmental Services Office or search for your property at on our online GIS search portal to find the zoning district. For more information, contact us at 218-384-9176.

3. What are the required setbacks?

The zoning district will dictate the lot size requirements, setbacks and property use. Download the Lot Dimensional Standards and Building Setbacks (PDF) table to find out more on setback requirements. For more information, contact us at 218-384-9176.  

4. Does the County enforce the State Building Code?

The State Building Code is not enforced by the County in rural parts of Carlton County. For more information, contact us at 218-384-9176.

5. Where do I get a permit for installing a well?

The design, location, construction and abandonment of wells are regulated by the Minnesota Department of Health 218-302-6166.

6. Where do I get a permit for a septic system?

A sewage treatment system permit is obtained from the Zoning and Environmental Services Office by you or a licensed designer. A list of licensed inspectors, designers and installers can be found online at the Subsurface Sewage Treatment System Licensed Business and Certified Individual Search. Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems are required to be designed by a designer with a current license from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. If a structure has pressurized water, the structure must be connected to a compliant septic system. For more information, contact us at 218-384-9176.

7. When am I required to have my septic system inspected?

A Certificate of Compliance on a septic system is required when applying for any permit or at point of sale for structures located within 1,000 feet of a classified lake or 300 feet of a classified river or stream. A Certificate of Compliance is also required if adding bedrooms. For more information, contact us at 218-384-9176.

8. Can I fill a swamp or low area on my property?

The Carlton County Zoning and Environmental Services Office regulates activities in wetlands (can include swamps or low areas) in Carlton County exempt in the City of Cloquet and City of Wright. Permits are required. There are many types of wetlands, including shrub and wooded wetlands. Check with the Zoning and Environmental Services Offices for information and maps, call 218-384-9176.

9. Can I cut down trees on my lakeshore property?

The Carlton County Zoning and Environmental Services Office regulates activities in shore land areas including excavating, filling and vegetation removal. If your proposed project includes excavating, filling or vegetation removal in a shoreland area (within 300 feet of a classified lake or stream), a Shore land Alterations Zoning Permit or Conditional / Interim Use Permit may be required. For more information, contact us at 218-384-9176 or visit our Shore Land Information page.