Building and Construction | Beltrami County

Building Permits are required in Beltrami County for the construction of any structure within 1,000 feet of a lake or 300 feet of a river. The Mississippi Headwaters Board (MHB) Comprehensive Plan expands this shoreland management zone for construction on the Mississippi River to 500 feet and 1000 feet.

Several townships administer their own zoning and permitting programs. Please see the list below for specific contact information.

How do I know if my project requires a Building Permit?

Building Permits are required for the construction of any structure within a designated Shoreland Zone. No owner, contractor, subcontractor, builder or other person shall begin a project without the necessary permits. Permits are required for the placement of structures or structure additions, including such activities as construction of residences, garages, decks, signs, second story additions, basements, and grading and filling activities.

Violations – work without the required permit – are charged the regular fee plus a minimum administrative fee of two hours. See the County Fee Schedule for rates.

Townships or Cities with their own zoning and permitting

The Beltrami County Environmental Services Department administers the building permit program within all designated Shoreland Management Zones (Zone Map) with the following exceptions:

Zone Area	Authority	Contact
Beltrami County Shoreland Management Zones	Beltrami County Environmental Services Department	701 Minnesota Ave NW Suite 113 Bemidji, MN 56601-3177 Phone: 218-333-4158 email
Beltrami County NON-Shoreland Management Zones	Please check with your Township - no County zoning in Non-Shoreland areas	See below for specific township contacts
City of Bemidji	City of Bemidji	Building Permits & Rental Inspections 317 4th St NW Bemidji, MN 56601 Phone: 218-759-3579 email
Northern Township	Northern Township Zoning	Northern Township Planning & Zoning Chris Lahn 445 Town Hall Rd NW Bemidji, MN 56601 Phone: 218-751-4989 email
City of Wilton	City of Wilton	195 Melby Ln SW Wilton, MN 56601 Phone: 218-444-9110 email
Frohn, Sugar Bush, Ten Lake Townships	Township Zoning Administrator	Jim Baruth Phone: 218-335-0172 email
Turtle Lake Township (Non-Shoreland Areas)	Turtle Lake Township Zoning	Kelly Booge Phone: 218-308-1171
Turtle River Township (Non-Shoreland Areas)	Turtle River Township Zoning	David Kloha Phone: 218-766-8647
Bemidji Township (Non-Shoreland Areas)	Bemidji Township Zoning	Brittney Sletter Phone: 218-333-3617

When do I need to apply for a Variance or Conditional Use Permit?

If you think your project may be within a setback from a property line, a body of water, a bluff, or a road, please contact your Environmental Services Resource Specialist for assistance. If you intend to use your property for anything other than a single-family residence, you may want to contact your Resource Specialist. Your Resource Specialist can also tell you the specific setbacks for your address, and if a Variance or Conditional Use Permit is required before starting any work or applying for a Building Permit.