Permits
Use the tabbed menu below to access the Washington County permit applications that are available. For home improvement permits, or on private property, please contact the city or township in which you reside. For septic systems, please contact the Department of Public Health & Environment.
- Access Permit
- Right of Way Permit
- Transportation Permit - Oversized Vehicles
- Regional Rail Access
- Regional Rail Right of Way
- Weed Control/No Mowing Agreement
- Gopher State One Call
An Access Permit is required for any new driveway, field entrance, street or commercial access on a Washington County road or for a change in use of an existing access.
Please allow two weeks for processing.
| Access Permit Fees | |
|---|---|
| Residential Driveway or Field Entrance | $150 |
| Commercial Access | $500 |
| Street Access | $500 |
| Temporary Access | $150 |
In addition to the applicable fee, a refundable deposit is required, based on the scope of work.
Culverts
- A culvert pipe is generally required unless curb is present
- The permit holder is required to provide a pipe that meets County standards
Plan Submission
- Access Permit Application
- When applying for an Access Permit, please include a drawing of the site
- For a simple driveway, a line drawing is sufficient
- For a commercial access, the County will need to review the plans for the development and may require a traffic study
- Generally, if access is available from a local street, the County will NOT permit direct access to the County Road
Right of Way Permits are Required For
- Utility Installations (including private sewer and water connections)
- Grading in County right of way
- Work which obstructs the right of way
- All utility companies performing maintenance on their facility
- Host a parade, race, or event
Please allow two weeks for processing.
- Right of Way Permit Application
- Requirements for Right of Way Permits (required - please submit with application)
- Right of Way Registration Form (required - submit annually)
- Special Provisions for Events
| Right of Way Permit Fees | |
|---|---|
| Utility Service Lateral | $25 |
| Annual Maintenance | $100 |
| All Others | $100 per 1/8 mile or fraction there of |
In addition to the applicable fees, a REFUNDABLE deposit (amount is determined on a case-by-case basis) or bond may be required.
Transportation Permit Application - Required for any oversized load that is transported on a Washington County road.
- Legal weights are generally 9 tons per axle, but weight restrictions may be in place on particular roads
- The 9 ton standard is also modified by the distance between axles and may be less than 9 tons when axles are closely spaced
- Spring load limits place temporary weight limits on many roads
Please allow up to two business days for processing.
Transportation Permits are required whenever any of the following legal dimensions are exceeded.
| Maximum Legal Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Overall Width | 9' 0" |
| Overall Height | 13' 6" |
| Overall Length (single unit vehicle) | 40' 0" |
| Overall Length (combination vehicle) | 75' 0" |
| Transportation Permit Fees | |
|---|---|
| Single Move | $25 per unit |
| Annual* (Loads that are over dimension, but not over the weight) | $100 per unit |
*Multiple vehicle permit application must include equipment list and state permit for each unit. Please indicate unit number on each state permit.
Regional Rail Access/Access Crossing Permit - please allow two weeks for processing.
Regional Rail Right of Way Permit - please allow two weeks for processing.
Gopher State One Call Requirements
Excavators (including homeowners), throughout Minnesota are responsible for notifying Gopher State One Call of their proposed excavations. The call center will notify participating underground facility operators, so they can mark the location of their facilities. If you are a contractor working for a homeowner, it is your responsibility to read the Gopher State One Call Handbook. You can notify Gopher State One Call on their website or by calling 651-454-0002.