Environmental services clarifies when county permits are required and warns residents to protect septic systems

Beltrami County environmental services staff briefed the board on local permitting rules and recovery guidance for residents who need to repair storm damage, and warned of the risk to septic systems during debris removal.

Brent Fisher, environmental services director, told the board the county issues land‑use permits in shoreland areas but does not enforce the state building code; routine repairs such as replacing roofing, windows or siding generally do not require county permits outside of shoreland zones. Fisher said a GIS map shows that most of the storm damage sits within a small set of shoreland and near‑shore parcels where county land‑use permits apply; other areas are governed by township or city permitting.

“We don’t technically issue building permits. We issue land permits,” Fisher said, explaining the county’s role and where residents should check permit requirements. Fisher advised residents to contact the county office for existing septic records before heavy equipment or excavation near homes. “Please be careful. Try not to damage your septic system,” he said, offering county help to locate tanks or field lines.

Fisher also said the county is beginning conversations with the Soil and Water Conservation District about tree replacement and longer‑term replanting programs to help restore damaged timber and public landscapes.

Why this matters: Correct permit guidance reduces delays and helps residents avoid damaging septic systems or other underground infrastructure during cleanup. Early coordination with environmental staff can speed reconstruction and limit additional repair costs.

Next steps: Environmental services will provide permit guidance to affected residents and partner with conservation district staff on replanting initiatives and public information about septic-system protection.