Environmental Rules in Stearns County, MN (2026)
5 rules for unincorporated Stearns County, Minnesota.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Stearns County requires a stormwater pollution prevention plan for new development in the unincorporated area that adds an acre or more of impervious surface, plus certain resorts and redevelopment projects. The plan must use best management practices and permanent treatment facilities, gets reviewed by the Environmental Services Department, and needs a financial guarantee before it is approved.
Stearns County Stormwater Management Requirements
Some RestrictionsOrdinance No. 439, Sec. 7.26, 7.26.1(A)
7.26 Stormwater Management. The purpose of this Section is to reduce pollutant levels in source discharges and protect water quality of Stearns County water resources using best management practices (BMPs) and stormwater treatment facilities. 7.26.1 Applicability: A stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) shall be required for, and all stormwater provisions shall apply to, any of the follo...
Erosion Control
Stearns County requires an erosion and sediment control plan before construction of a new plat, or a commercial or industrial facility, under Ordinance 439, Section 7.10. The Environmental Services Department can also demand a plan for any other land-disturbing project it decides could affect the property or its neighbors, and every project must stabilize disturbed soil within fourteen days of rough grading.
Stearns County Erosion and Sediment Control Standards
Some RestrictionsStearns County Ordinance No. 439, Sec. 7.10.1-7.10.2
An erosion and sediment control plan shall be submitted to and approved by the Department prior to construction of a new plat or a commercial or industrial facility, or when the Department determines an erosion and sediment control plan is necessary due to potential impacts of construction on the property or surrounding properties. ... No land owner, operator, contractor or applicant shall caus...
Flood Zones
Stearns County overlays a Floodplain Overlay District on the floodway, flood fringe and general floodplain areas of the unincorporated county under Ordinance 439, Sec. 10.1. A Director-issued permit is required before building, filling, excavating or altering land in these areas, and structures must be elevated above the Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation.
Stearns County Floodplain Overlay District Rules
Significant RestrictionsStearns County Ordinance No. 439 (Land Use and Zoning Ordinance), Sec. 10.1.1
The purpose of this district is to regulate development in the flood hazard areas of Stearns County. The flood hazard areas are subject to periodic inundation and may result in potential loss of life and property, both of which affect the public health, safety and general welfare. This Ordinance is adopted to comply with the rules and regulations of the National Flood Insurance Program codified...
Boat Dock Permits
Stearns County caps docks on subdivision common-access lots in its shoreland zoning: Ordinance 439 Section 10.2.12.C allows only one dock or fishing pier per controlled-access lot, bans mooring outright, and limits any accessory structure to 150 square feet. The lot must be part of an approved subdivision, jointly owned by lot buyers, and used only for walking trails, shore fishing and picnicking.
Stearns County Controlled-Access Dock Limits
Significant RestrictionsStearns County Ordinance No. 439 (Land Use and Zoning), § 10.2.12.C
Controlled Accesses. Lots intended to be used for common docking facilities or to provide common or controlled access to public waters shall not be a permitted use in any zoning district. This provision shall not apply to Department of Natural Resources public accesses. A controlled access lot may be allowed as part of a subdivision approval if outlined in the Subdivision Agreement for a reside...
Flood Elevation Requirements
Stearns County requires new and substantially improved structures in the Floodplain Overlay District to sit at or above the Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation, set one foot above the regional (base) flood elevation. Fill must extend at least 15 feet beyond the structure. Violations are misdemeanors carrying fines up to $1,000.
Stearns County Flood Elevation Rules
Some RestrictionsStearns County Ordinance 439 (Land Use & Zoning), §§ 10.1.4 & 10.1.8.B(1)
The Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation shall be an elevation no lower than one foot above the elevation of the regional flood plus any increases in flood elevation caused by encroachments on the floodplain that result from designation of a floodway. ... All structures, except for residential accessory structures, shall be elevated on fill so that the lowest floor, including basement floor, i...
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