Permits

DO YOU NEED A PERMIT?
 
Maine Prairie Township adopted the State Building Code effective August 2, 2000. Due to this, the process for permit issuance as well as the cost per permit has changed.  Examples of these changes are as follows:
 
        1.   Individuals seeking permits for new construction must contact Maine Prairie Township Building Inspector, Ron Albers.  Permits for new construction are based on the value of the building and/or additions.
 
        2.   New construction permits are needed for erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, and window replacement on all residential structures’, including most small utility sheds over 100 Sq Ft, some pole sheds and all decks. 
 
        3.   A draft of a new designed plat needs to be submitted at the Planning and Zoning meeting.
 
        4.   General maintenance permits are issued at the time of request by contacting Zoning Administrator, Chuck Froehling.   Examples of maintenance permits are: re-roofing, residing, small storage sheds less than 100 sq ft, and patios (concrete or paving rock), etc.  This permit cost $30.00. Chuck also handles all permit renewals.
 
        5.   Demolition/Building Removal encourages a no charge permit from Chuck.  The purpose of this type of permit is to get the building taken off your Estimated Market Value. 
 
        6.   If you need a variance or rezoning hearing, you will need to speak with a  supervisor and appear before the board, the hearing needs to be published in the paper for two weeks before the hearing.  The cost for this is $150.00. Documents are recorded at the Stearns County Recorders office.
 
        7.   A good rule-of-thumb: Dig a Hole, get a permit.  Disturbing an acre or more you will need to contact Stearns County Environmental Services for a permit.
 
        8.   Business Signs have a size limit and will require a permit at a cost of $30.00, renewable every 2 years.
 
        9.   Trailer Homes need a permit of $30.00 renewable every year. 
 
        10. In home business needs a Provisional Use Permit at a onetime cost of $30.00.
 
        11. Gravel Permits need to renew their permits every year.  If you are looking at having a gravel permit on your land, you need to contact a supervisor and come before the board.
 
Maine Prairie has an agreement with Stearns County to share all permits issued with each other.  A fine will be issued if you have not received the proper permit.
 
Shoreland and/or Wetland land means land within 1000 feet of the high water mark.  You must contact Environmental Services at the county and get all your permits with that department. 
 
Ron Albers – Maine Prairie Building Inspector – 320-251-7116
Chuck Froehling – Zoning Administrator – 320-398-7512

Penalties – Fees – Fines – (Fines go on face value)

I. Failure to purchase building permits and/or starting to build prior to obtaining a permit:

Pertains to:

New homes - $300.00  a day                                                                                                                    Farm buildings and other buildings $100.00 a day
Dog kennels – 35.00
I

II. Not following ordinances/fines up to $1,000.00

Pertains to:

Irrigators – spraying on to township roads, etc.
Farming in the township road ditches
Putting rocks in the township road ditches
Installing fence in the road right-of-way/road ditches

Notify:

First notification: By mail
Second notification: County Sheriff or Kimball Police Dept.
Third and final - Fine

III. Township Fees
Pertains to:

Building Permits – issued by Ron Albers (cost goes by face value of job)

Maintenance Permits - issued by Chuck Froehling (cost is $30.00


Public Hearings-$150.00-needs to be published at least 2 weeks in advance-speak to supervisor
Certificate of Compliance-$30.00-speak to supervisor or clerk
Variance Hearing-$150.00-needs to be published at least 2 weeks in advance-documents recorded at the recorders office- speak to supervisor
Gravel Pit $30.00 yearly renewal-New Gravel Permits required hearings-speak with supervisor
In home business-$30.00-Requires a Provisional Use Permit

IV. No permits required for storm or fire repair