Septic permit rules and requirements in Minnesota
In Minnesota, the state sets the rule. The septic permit comes from your local unit of government. For some systems the state issues it itself. The code is Minn. R. ch. 7082. Minnesota Statutes § 115.55 · checked 2026-09-12
Local septic system programs
Writes the rules
checked 2026-09-23
Your local unit of government
Issues the permit
checked 2026-09-12
Minn. R. ch. 7082
Code section
checked 2026-09-23
Who decides a septic permit in Minnesota
Your local unit of government issues an ordinary residential permit. For some systems the state issues it itself. The state sets the floor through the Local septic system programs, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).
The statute lets MPCA set minimum rules for septic systems. Each county, city or town must adopt a local rule and issue the permit.
Minnesota Statutes § 115.55 · checked 2026-09-12
The office publishes its own page on this: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency — SSTS Annual Report.
The office's own page names this address as its canonical link.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency — SSTS Annual Report · checked 2026-09-23
The floor state law sets
The rules that govern every septic system in Minnesota are Minn. R. ch. 7082 — Local ISTS Programs. Every local permit is issued under them.
This chapter sets rules for local septic programs. Part 7082.0500 requires each program to have a permit process for new work and replacements.
Minnesota Rules, Chapter 7082 · checked 2026-09-23
What state law requires
Does Minnesota require a septic permit?
A local government requires a permit for new work or a replacement. It may also require one for repairs.
Minnesota Rules, part 7082.0500, subpart 1, item C sets this rule.
Minnesota Rules, part 7082.0500 · checked 2026-09-23
Does Minnesota require a percolation test?
The rule requires a site evaluation with soil observations for every system. A percolation test follows only if the soil observations show a need for one.
Minnesota Rules, part 7080.1720, subpart 4, item F sets this order.
Minnesota Rules, part 7080.1720 · checked 2026-09-23
Does Minnesota require an inspection when a home is sold?
Minnesota does not require an inspection at a home sale. State law requires the seller to tell the buyer in writing how the home handles sewage.
Minnesota Statutes § 115.55, subdivision 6 sets this rule. A county rule may add its own inspection at sale.
Minnesota Statutes § 115.55 · checked 2026-09-23
Must the installer be licensed in Minnesota?
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency licenses septic businesses. It also certifies the people who work for them.
Minnesota Statutes § 115.56, subdivision 2 sets this rule. It covers a person who designs, installs, maintains, pumps, inspects or services a system.
Minnesota Statutes § 115.56 · checked 2026-09-23
What does a pump-out or a replacement cost in Minnesota?
These are prices, not permit fees. Each one comes from a government source.
$400 for a pump-out.
Applies to the low end of the $400 to $500 range in the seven-county Twin Cities area.
The Metropolitan Council sends this cost report to the state each year. It covers the Twin Cities area.
Metropolitan Council — Community Wastewater Costs Annual Report, February 2026 · checked 2026-09-23
$15,500 for a replacement.
Applies to the $15,500 to $32,000 range to install a system, with a $24,000 average.
Metropolitan Council — Community Wastewater Costs Annual Report, February 2026 · checked 2026-09-23
Whether Minnesota counts what it permits
Yes. Minnesota publishes septic permit counts by county.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency — SSTS Annual Report · checked 2026-09-12
Counties with rules of their own
The state writes the code. Each county below adds rules of its own. Open the county to read them with their sources.
| County | Sets itself |
|---|---|
| Crow Wing County | tank size · inspection at sale |
| Stearns County | steel tank not allowed · vacation rental design flow |
Sources
State records only. Each figure above has a government source and a checked-on date. County figures live on the county pages.
Verify before you act. Septic rules are set locally and they change. Check anything here with your local unit of government before you spend money on it.