Planning & Zoning

The Planning and Zoning Office administers and enforces zoning, land use, and subdivision regulations for unincorporated areas of the county, and includes the Environmental Health, Building Inspection, and Feedlot Divisions. The department provides staff support to the County Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment. Other areas of responsibility include solid waste management, water quality testing, on-site sewage treatment regulation, construction plan review and site inspection, complaint investigations, and a number of related issues.

Planning & Zoning Operations - COVID-19

Although the Planning and Zoning counter is open, due to the COVID-19 virus, in-person access to staff is by appointment only.  Please follow the guidelines below to directly interact with the Planning and Zoning Department:

Building & Septic Permit Applications – We are still accepting permit applications for construction projects within our jurisdiction. If you would like to apply for a permit, see the following:

Dwellings, additions, storage buildings, etc. - Temporary Permit Application

Roofing, siding, windows, mechanical, plumbing – Maintenance Application

Septic systems - Septic Permit Application

Once the application has been filled out and signed, it can be either mailed, placed in the box outside the counter at the Planning and Zoning Office, or you may schedule an appointment with Department staff for in-person submission.

Building & Septic Inspections – Building and septic system inspections are still being conducted, but with additional precautionary measures being taken.  Please contact the building department at 763-682-7338 to schedule an inspection and to review the new procedures.

Planning and Zoning Inquiries and Staffing – Most staff will continue to primarily work remotely, there will be scheduled in-office days.  If you must meet staff in person, please email or call them directly. A list of staff email address can be found on the staff directory.

Compost and Recycling – The Wright County Compost and Recycling Facility will be open to self-service drive-thru drop-off for hazardous materials and recycling on Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and the second Saturday of the month from 8:00 a.m. to noon.  Appointments are still required.  Please see the Compost Facility website for further information and to schedule an appointment.

We are sorry for the inconvenience this situation has created and are working our best to still service the public and yet maintain the integrity of the guidance that we have been given.