Development applications and fees

The Olmsted County Planning Department administers the land use controls for Eyota Township, Marion Township, and Quincy Township.

For a listing of townships within Olmsted that administer their own zoning and permits, view the townships page. For a listing of the cities within Olmsted County that administer their own zoning and permits, visit the About Olmsted County page. To determine if your project site is located within the Olmsted County Planning Department's jurisdiction, please check the site location using our jurisdiction verification tool.

Please select the appropriate description of the type of application and/or fees you would like to use. For additional information, please contact the Olmsted County Planning Department at 507-328-7100 or by email at planningweb@olmstedcounty.gov 

To view fee information, please use the Fee Finder on the Olmsted County Fee webpage and search for the fee you are inquiring about. 

ll applications must be filled out in their entirety and brought into the office with appropriate fees. For questions on which application you need to use, please contact the Olmsted County Planning Department at 507 328-7100.

What is a development application?

A land development application is a detailed proposal to build or redevelop property. These applications are reviewed to make sure projects:

  • Fit with county plans and zoning rules – so new development complements existing neighborhoods and future growth plans.
  • Have proper services and infrastructure – such as safe roads, sewer and water connections, and utilities.
  • Protect the environment – by managing stormwater, avoiding flood risks, and preserving natural features when possible.
  • Provide a good layout – showing how buildings, parking, landscaping, and access will work together on the site.

In short, a land development application explains what someone wants to build, how it will look, and how it will impact the surrounding area. A volunteer board (Planning Advisory Commission and Zoning Board of Adjustment) reviews these applications to ensure growth in Olmsted County is responsible, safe, and consistent with our community’s vision for the future.

Public Meetings/Hearings

The public meeting information can be found at the link provided below.  The link will provide access to public meeting information such as agendas and meeting packets. Located within the Meeting Packet will be a Teams link to access the meeting. If you have any problems accessing the meeting, please call the Olmsted County Planning Department at (507) 328-7100.

Olmsted County Public Meeting Portal

Public comment

If you have a comment you would like to provide before the meeting, email your comments to planningweb@olmstedcounty.gov.

Application deadlines

The Planning Advisory Commission and Zoning Board of Adjustment are scheduled to meet on the first Thursday of every month to review development applications, variances, text amendments, and any other business.

Regularly scheduled meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. at 2122 Campus Drive SE in Conference Room A. 

Meeting Date Location Deadline to Apply
1/9/2025 Council/Board Chambers 12/11/2025
2/13/2025 Council/Board Chambers 1/15/2025
3/13/2025 Council/Board Chambers 2/12/2025
4/10/2025 Council/Board Chambers 3/12/2025
5/8/2025 Council/Board Chambers 4/9/2025
6/12/2025 2122 Campus Dr SE 5/14/2025
7/10/2025 2122 Campus Dr SE 6/11/2025
8/14/2025 2122 Campus Dr SE 7/16/2025
9/11/2025 2122 Campus Dr SE 8/13/2025
10/9/2025 2122 Campus Dr SE 9/10/2025
11/13/2025 2122 Campus Dr SE 10/15/2025
12/11/2025 2122 Campus Dr SE 11/10/2025

Olmsted County application forms & fees

To determine where to start when considering development within Olmsted County, please check the site location using our jurisdiction verification tool.

All county applications must have a Town Board Action Form signed by the Town Board

All county applications require a complete and signed land development application form for submittal

Submittal requirements

All development applications must include:

  • A completed and signed Land Development Application Form
  • A signed Town Board Action Form
  • Applicable fees (contact Planning at 507-328-7100 for fee calculation)
  • Site plan(s) and legal description (requirements vary by application type)

Note: All applications must be submitted electronically. Hard copies are not required.

Appeal

Purpose: To challenge a decision made by the Planning Department or Board of Adjustment.

Contact the main planning line at 507-328-7100 for information on submitting an appeal.

Conditional Use Permit

Purpose: To allow land uses not typically permitted in a zoning district but which may be allowed under specific conditions.

General Development Plan

Purpose: To guide large-scale or phased developments and ensure compatibility with the county’s land use plan.

Land Use Plan Amendment

Purpose: To request a change to the county’s comprehensive land use plan.

Metes and Bounds

Purpose: To divide land using metes and bounds descriptions rather than formal plats. This is typically used for splitting family farms or adjusting lot lines.

Plats/Subdivisions

Purpose: To formally subdivide land into lots for development.

Preliminary Plat
Final Plat

Erosion Control/Grading Plan (also shore land vegetation removal)

Purpose: To manage soil disturbance and protect water quality during construction.

Floodplain/Shoreland Development Permit

Purpose: To ensure development complies with floodplain and shoreland regulations. This type of permit is required when doing any development within floodplain or shoreland anywhere within Olmsted County.

Home Occupation (Conditional Use Permit)

Purpose: To allow a business to operate from a residence under specific conditions.

Variance

Purpose: To request relief from specific zoning requirements due to unique property conditions.

Text Amendment

  • typically staff initiated or township-initiated
  • proposed text language in Word format

Zone Change

Purpose: To request a change in zoning classification for a property.

Zoning Certificate

Purpose: To verify zoning compliance for a proposed use or structure.

Citizen access

Olmsted County offers our citizens, businesses, and visitors access to application information online. We offer our citizens, businesses, and visitors access to development application information online.  Information you will find in the system includes:

  • applicant/owner information
  • copies of resolutions/ordinances as they become available for development applications
  • description of application request
  • fees paid
  • final action taken on request
  • planner assigned to a development application
  • schedule building permit inspections 
  • tentative meeting dates for development applications
Citizen Access Portal
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