Planning & Zoning

• Zoning Letter Request

If you require written documentation of zoning information, please submit a request for a Zoning Letter. The fee for a Zoning Letter is $40 and payment is required prior to release of the letter. 

Depending on the complexity of the request, it can take up to 15 days to complete a Zoning Letter, but most often it's completed within 7-10 days. You are able to make requests for multiple, related / contiguous parcels on the same letter / fee (for example, an apartment complex).

A Sign Permit is required for all exterior wall signs as well as any free-standing sign that is under 6 feet in height and / or 32 square feet in area. (Any free-standing sign that exceeds 6 feet in height and / or 32 square feet in area requires a Building Permit.) 

• Sign Permit Application
• Chapter 153: Signs

• Zoning Permit Application

Projects that require a Zoning Permit: 

• Fences within an Easement
• Accessory Structure (200 square feet or less)
• Pools (under 5,000 gallons)
• Decks (under 30" and detached)
• Gazebos / Pergolas

If you are unsure if there is an easement on your property, you're welcome to call our office at 507-774-7315 or email kristen.kopp@ci.owatonna.mn.us and we will look it up for you.

The applicant is responsible for locating property irons to ensure that the project meets the minimum setback requirements. If you are unable to locate the irons, here is a listing of Local Land Surveyors:

• Local Land Surveyors and Drafters

Call Before You Dig: Gopher State One Call 1-800-252-1166

Note: Accessory Structures over 200 square feet, Pools over 5,000 gallons, and Decks that are over 30" or attached to the house will all require Building Permits.