Cook County E Permitting Instructions

To apply for a permit click the corresponding link below to complete your application. If you are new to the E-permitting application process you will need to create an account. Once the account is created the system will send you an activation link, you will then be able log-in to your own account.

If you have previously started an application but have not yet submitted it, you can pick up where you left off by clicking on " Applications" to find your incomplete application.

Emergency Management

Go To: Dashboard / List of Applications

  • Physical Address Application

The Permit Fee is $100.00 for a New Sign
Use this form to submit a physical address application

Start New

  • Physical Address Replacement Application

The Permit Fee is $25.00 for a Replacement Address Sign

Start New | Renew Existing

Highway Department Permits

  • Go to Applications List
    • Entrance Permit
      Start New

      Use this form to submit an entrance application for access onto county roads ONLY. This application is not for access onto Forest Service, DNR or private roads.

      If you do not have a physical address number, please submit a Physical Address Application through Emergency Management's ePermitting portal. A grade & fill permit may be required as well.

      The permit fee is $50.00 plus a $250.00 deposit. Deposit will be refunded if entrance is complete/approved within one year.

      Lead time is one week.

    • Moving Permit
      Start New

      Use this form to submit a moving permit for county roads.

      NOTICE: The MN Department of Transportation removed the 13? 6? overpass at Taconite Harbor in 2017. If your MN DOT permit still lists that as a re-route, please call MN DOT at 651-296-6000 to have your permit corrected.

      The base fee for a moving permit is $50.00, with additional fees for vehicles over 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW).

    • Special Road Use
      Start New

      Use this application for events on/crossing county roads.

      The permit fee is $100.00.

    • Utility Permit
      Start New

      Use this form to submit a utility permit application for work on county roads. Please note that a United States Forest Service, National Park Service or Grand Portage Reservation utility permit may also be required for work on federal lands.

      The permit fee is $100.00.

Land Services Permits

Thank you for your application submission. As we strive to provide excellence in public service, we will process your request as expediently as possible. Due to an increase in applications during the summer months the processing times may vary. Please allow up to 4 weeks of processing time for your permit application. We will contact you if we identify any issues that may delay the processing of your request.

  • Go to Applications List
    • Appeal of Administrative Decision
      Start New

      Use this form to submit a Appeal of Administrative Decision Application

      Appeal of Administrative Decision Application Fee $400.00

    • Vacation Rental License (Click "Renew Existing" button if you had a Vacation Rental License in 2024)
      Start New | Renew Existing

      Use this form to apply for a Cook County Vacation Rental License

      The Permit Fee is $600.00

      The renewal period for existing Vacation Rental licenses is December 1st 2024 to January 31st 2025. All existing license holders will be notified mid-November that the renewal period will be starting December 1st.

      (Click the "Renew Existing" button if you had a Vacation Rental License in 2024) Please do NOT start a new application.

    • Administrative Subdivision (Under Construction)
      Start New

      The administrative subdivision process allows the creation of new parcels that will not change the use of the land or the character of the landscape.

      The Permit Fee is $ 500.00

    • Highway 61 Off-Premise Sign Permit Renewal Application
      Start New | Renew Existing

      Use this form to submit a Highway 61 Off-Premise Sign Permit Renewal Application

      The Permit Fee is $200.00

    • Administrative Variance SSTS Setback
      Start New

      Use this form to submit a Septic Administrative Variance Application For Closer Setback Measurements

      The Permit Fee is $150.00

    • Administrative Variance SSTS Subdivision
      Start New

      Use this form to submit a Septic Administrative Variance Application For Subdivision Septic Sites

      The Permit Fee is $150.00

    • Land Use Inquiry Form
      Start New

      Use this form to consult with Cook County Land services staff members regarding upcoming projects or property purchases.

    • Grade and Fill or Small Site Stormwater Permit
      Start New

      Use this form to submit a Grade and Fill or Small Site Stormwater Permit
      The Permit Fee is $125.00

    • Land Use Permit
      Start New

      Use this form to submit a land use application
      Land Use Permit Fees:
      0 to 600 sq. ft. $200.00
      601 to 1,000 sq. ft. $250.00
      1,001 to 3,000 sq. ft. $300.00
      3,001 to 5,000 sq. ft. $350.00
      5,001 to 7,500 sq. ft. $400.00
      7,501 or more sq. ft. $450.00

    • Physical Address Application - Office of Emergency Management at 218-387-3059
      Start New

      Use this form to submit a physical address application. For questions contact Emergency Management at mike.keyport@co.cook.mn.us or 218-387-3059

      The Permit Fee is $100.00 for a New County Address Sign

      The Permit Fee is $25.00 for a New City Address Sign

    • Recreational Vehicle Permit
      Start New | Renew Existing

      Use this form to submit a Recreational Vehicle permit application
      Travel Trailer Permit Fee is $150.00
      Travel Trailer Permit - Renewal Fee is $100.00

    • Septic Inspection Request
      Start New

      Use this form to submit a Septic Inspection Request
      Compliance Inspection-Onsite Sewage System Fee is $500.00
      Compliance Inspection-Vault Privy or Holding Tank Fee is $300.00

    • Sign Permit
      Start New

      Use this form to submit a Sign Permit

      The Permit Fee is $200.00

    • Subsurface Sewage Treatment System Permit
      Start New

      Use this form to submit a SSTS application
      The Septic Permit Fee is $300.00
      The Privy Permit/Compost Fee is $200.00

    • Variance Application (Under Construction)
      Start New

      Use this form to submit a Variance Application
      Variance Application Fee $400.00

    • Well Water Test Request
      Start New

      Use this form to submit a well water test request
      The Permit Fee is $175.00

Radio Communication Towers

Applications for co-location requests and permits specific to Radio Communication Towers

  • Go to Applications List
    • Tower Facilities Request
      Start New

      Complete this form to make an initial request to co-locate equipment on a Cook County Radio Communication Tower and/or in a Radio Communication equipment shelter.

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