Septic rules and requirements in Crow Wing County, Minnesota
Septic permits in Crow Wing County are issued by the Crow Wing County Land Services. A new system permit costs $300. USDA rates most of the soil in the county Very limited for septic absorption fields — 97.8% of the rated acres. Crow Wing County — Land Services · checked 2026-09-23
Crow Wing County Land Services
Issues the permit
checked 2026-09-23
$300
Septic system permit
checked 2026-09-23
Very limited
USDA rating, 97.8% of rated acres
checked 2026-09-16
Who issues septic permits in Crow Wing County?
Crow Wing County Land Services, at 322 Laurel Street, Suite 15, Brainerd, MN 56401, 218-824-1010. It is part of county government. The state writes the rules it applies.
Land Services administers the county's own septic rule. It reviews, approves and inspects every septic system in the county.
This line reaches the Land Services office in Brainerd.
Crow Wing County — Land Services · checked 2026-09-23
What does a septic permit cost in Crow Wing County?
$300 for a septic system permit, on the county's own schedule.
Applies to a home septic system.
In effect from January 1, 2026.
| Residential *includes review, approval of design & inspection | $300 | a home with a system |
|---|---|---|
| Small flow systems (less than 1000 gal/day) | $350 | a business with a system of up to 1,000 gallons a day the source lists as source reads 'less than 1000 gal/day' (exclusive upper bound, not confirmed as exactly 999) |
| Large flow systems (1001-3999 gal/day) | $600 | a business with a system of 1,001 to 3,999 gallons a day |
| Large flow systems (4000-6999 gal/day) | $680 | a business with a system of 4,000 to 6,999 gallons a day |
| Large flow systems (7000-9999 gal/day) | $840 | a business with a system of 7,000 to 9,999 gallons a day |
This fee covers a review of the design and the site. A new building needs its own separate permit fee. A commercial system pays more, and the fee rises with its flow. It took effect January 1, 2026.
Crow Wing County — 2026 Land Services Fee Schedule · checked 2026-09-23
Is the soil in Crow Wing County suitable for a septic system?
USDA rates most of the county Very limited for septic absorption fields — 97.8% of the rated acres. A rating describes the ground, not a parcel. The county's site evaluation decides each lot.
USDA NRCS Soil Data Access (SSURGO) · checked 2026-09-16
Does Crow Wing County inspect a septic system when a house is sold?
The county requires a compliance check before an owner sells or transfers land with a septic system. A newer system needs a certificate issued within 5 years. An older system needs one issued within 3 years.
This rule lives in the county's own code. Minnesota's state law sets no septic rule for a property sale.
Crow Wing County Land Use Ordinance, Article 37.26(D) and (E) · checked 2026-09-23
What Crow Wing County sets itself
The state writes the code. Crow Wing County adds the rules below. They are what makes this page differ from the Minnesota requirements.
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1,500 gallons
Applies to a dwelling with 3 or fewer bedrooms.
Minnesota's own rule sets a smaller floor for this bedroom count. The county's higher floor also sets the size of the first tank or compartment.
Crow Wing County Land Use Ordinance, Article 37.19(A)(4) · checked 2026-09-23
-
The county requires a compliance check before an owner sells or transfers land with a septic system. A newer system needs a certificate issued within 5 years. An older system needs one issued within 3 years.
This rule lives in the county's own code. Minnesota's state law sets no septic rule for a property sale.
Crow Wing County Land Use Ordinance, Article 37.26(D) and (E) · checked 2026-09-23
Sources
Each figure above has a government source and a checked-on date. USDA's Soil Data Access service supplies the soil records. A script writes them, and nobody types them.
- Crow Wing County — Land Services
- Crow Wing County — Septic
- Crow Wing County — 2026 Land Services Fee Schedule
- Crow Wing County Land Use Ordinance, Article 37.18(C) and 37.19(A)(6)
- Crow Wing County — Frequently Asked Questions
- Crow Wing County — Land Use Permits FAQ
- USDA NRCS Soil Data Access (SSURGO)
Verify before you act. Septic rules are set locally and they change. Check anything here before you spend money on it. Call the Crow Wing County Land Services, on 218-824-1010.