Do I Need a Permit?

Before beginning any construction, including remodeling, reconstruction or any structural alterations, grading and landscaping, there may be a need to obtain a permit from Washington County as well as a permit from your local government. The below Self Certification Instructions will guide you through the County’s regulations and if no county permit is needed you can present this information to your local permitting office if required.

Landowner/Contractor Self-Certification Form

Landowner/Contractor Self-Certification Instructions

Permit Applicability Map

If you determine that a county permit or approval is needed, by answering YES on the Self-Certification Form, review your project with County Staff and they will help guide you through the County permit process. Please note that at this time not all permit applications are available online.

If you have any questions or concerns that your project may need a County Permit it is best to ask County Staff before proceeding with your project. You can also send your questionnaire, map and any attachments to: [email protected] and staff will review your proposal and determine if permit(s) are indeed needed from the County. Thank You.

Want to Apply for a Permit?

Use our online permit application program to apply for Sanitary Permits and Erosion Control & Stormwater Management Permits. For online instructions click here:  POWTS or ECSM 

If you are not able to use our online permit application, click on the specific permit type on the rightfor application forms and details.

Plan several weeks prior to the proposed start of your project to secure your permits. When work takes place without permits, County and State laws usually hold the property owner responsible even if the work was done by a contractor. In some cases, the contractor may also be responsible.

Activities relating to the installation or repair of septic systems requires the owner of the property to obtain a Washington County Sanitary Permit. A Master Plumber or Master Plumber-Restricted Sewer is the responsible party for obtaining the permit, and the installation and/or repair of the system. In order to apply for a sanitary permit submit an application, site plan, a site evaluation and a system design. For certain POWTS, state approval is needed before applying for the County sanitary permit. A Washington County Land Use Inspector will ensure that the POWTS is installed in compliance with state codes through a series of inspections.

Private On-Site Wastewater Treatment System (POWTS) Search - The POWTS search and reporting application provides information and scanned images of system designs and site layouts regarding the POWTS installed in Washington County and a method for licensed plumbers to file pumping/inspection reports electronically.  If you are a state licensed septic service provider, please log into the website to report the sanitary service maintenance performed.

Want to Apply for a Permit?

If you are not able to use our online permit application, please see the additional information below.

The County Shoreland/Wetland/Floodplain Zoning Ordinance pertains to properties within 300' of a river or navigable stream, within 1,000' of a lake/pond as well as all floodplain and the wetland areas within. We advise that you contact our office well in advance before starting any construction activity or renovations, some permits may require approval by the Washington County Land Use & Planning Committee and possibly the County Board.

The Erosion Control and Stormwater Management Code (ECSM) requires new land development activities to meet stormwater management and erosion control requirements. Permit requirements ensure timely stabilization of sites, protect downstream property owners and prevent water pollution both during and after development.

Apply for a Permit

Use our online permit application program to apply for Erosion Control & Stormwater Management Permits. For online instructions click here:  ECSM and Google_Authenticator_Instructions.pdf

If you are unable able to use the online permit application, choose the specific permit application below for forms and details.

The Animal Waste Storage Facilities Code became effective January 1, 1991 and requires that fabricated structures or excavated or earthen impoundments that store animal waste must meet technical design and construction standards and obtain a permit prior to construction. This also includes the installation of a transfer system or the abandonment of existing waste storage facility.

Apply for a Permit

Animal Waste Storage Permit Instruction Manual

If unable to apply online, click the additional information button below.

The purpose of the Nonmetallic Mining code is to achieve acceptable final site reclamation to an approved post-mining land use. The uniform reclamation standards address environmental protection measures including topsoil salvage and storage, surface and groundwater protection, and contemporaneous reclamation to minimize the acreage exposed to wind and water erosion.

Chapter NR 135 also requires that mine operators submit annual fees, and an acceptable financial assurance to ensure completion of the reclamation plan.

The Conservation & Heritage Grant Program was created to find a healthy balance between suburban/exurban development and land and water preservation/conservation including surface water and groundwater quality protection. This program will support Washington County’s goals to create an environment for residents and businesses to enjoy authentic quality of life. The program relies on already established programs to administer land acquisition or perpetual land conservation easements. The program allows non-profits and local units of government to apply for funding to purchase land or land conservation easements in-perpetuity on productive farmland or open space within Washington County.  The program framework is available here. The 2024 Resolution 37 authorizing funds for the program is here on pages 29 and 30. 

Grant applications are now being accepted October 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025! Apply online using the link below.

Questions about the program can be directed to Jamie Ludovic, Chief Community Development Officer, at 262-335-4448 or [email protected] or Katie Wilson, Conservation Project Coordinator, at 262-335-4861 or [email protected].