Permits
Building permits
To obtain a building permit, contact the city or township in which the property is located.
Septic systems
The department of Public Health and Environment issues septic system permits.
Types of permit applications
An Access Permit is required for any new field entrance, driveway, commercial/construction access, or private/public street to a Washington County highway, or for a modification (ex. paving), or change-in-use of an existing access (ex. a field entrance becoming a residential driveway).
Permit Application shall be submitted 30 days prior to start of work - additional time may be required if plan revisions are needed.
| Access Permit Type | Permit Fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Field Access | $150 | $500 |
| Residential Driveway* | $150 | $500 |
| Commercial/Construction Access | $500 | Minimum $5000 |
| Street Access | $500 | Bond |
* For new residential accesses, a swing-away mailbox is required.
In addition to the applicable fee, a refundable deposit is required, based on the scope of work. For commercial/construction access, please contact Washington County Public Works to determine deposit amount required.
Washington County Standard Plans
Culverts
- A culvert pipe is generally required unless curb is present.
- The permit holder is required to provide a pipe that meets County standards.
Plan Submission
- Access Permit Application (PDF).
- When applying for an Access Permit, please include a drawing of the site.
- For a simple driveway, a line drawing is sufficient.
- For a commercial access, the county will need to review the plans for the development and may require a traffic study.
- Generally, if access is available from a local street, Washington County will not permit direct access to the county road.
Those occupying, using, or seeking to occupy or use the right-of-way, or place any equipment or facilities in the right-of-way, must be registered with Washington County.
Right of Way Occupancy Registration Form (PDF)
Certificate of Liability Insurance (Acord 25 Form)
- Required at time of registration
- Auto coverage may be waived only when permitted work clearly does not involve the use of a vehicle.
- The following coverages shall be procured and maintained for the duration of the permit.
- General or Commercial General Liability coverage:
- $1,500,000 Each Occurrence
- $500,000 Per Claimant
- $3,000,000 General Aggregate
- $3,000,000 Products and Completed Operations Aggregate
- Policy written on an occurrence basis, not a claims-made basis
- Washington County included as an Additional Insured
- Washington County listed on the certificate as an Additional Insured
- An Excess or Umbrella Liability Policy may be used in conjunction with Primary Coverage limits to meet the minimum limit requirements and shall include and list Washington County as an Additional Insured.
- Auto Liability coverage:
- $1,500,000 on a combined single limit basis
- Shall include any auto, including hired and nonowned
- Policy written on an occurrence basis, not a claims-made basis
- Washington County included as an Additional Insured
- Washington County listed on the certificate as an Additional Insured
- An Excess or Umbrella Liability Policy may be used in conjunction with Primary Coverage limits to meet the minimum limit requirements and shall include and list Washington County as an Additional Insured.
- General or Commercial General Liability coverage:
A Right of Way Permit is required when hosting an event on Washington County highways.
Permit application, forms, and plans shall be submitted at least 30 days prior to event. Additional time may be required if plan revisions are needed.
A completed permit application includes:
- Right of Way Permit Application - Event (PDF)
- Permit Fee - $100
- Registration Form and Certificate of Liability Insurance (see below) - required if not already on file, or contact/insurance has changed.
Those occupying, using, or seeking to occupy or use the right-of-way, or place any equipment or facilities in the right-of-way, must be registered with Washington County.
Right of Way Occupancy Registration Form (PDF)
Certificate of Liability Insurance (Acord 25 Form)
- Submitted at time of registration or at least 2 weeks prior to permitted event
- Auto coverage may be waived only when permitted event clearly does not involve the use of a vehicle (note: parades with vehicles/floats will require Auto Liability coverage).
- The following coverages shall be procured and maintained for the duration of the permit.
- General or Commercial General Liability coverage:
- $1,500,000 Each Occurrence
- $500,000 Per Claimant
- $3,000,000 General Aggregate
- $3,000,000 Products and Completed Operations Aggregate
- Policy written on an occurrence basis, not a claims-made basis
- Washington County included as an Additional Insured
- Washington County listed on the certificate as an Additional Insured
- An Excess or Umbrella Liability Policy may be used in conjunction with Primary Coverage limits to meet the minimum limit requirements and shall include and list Washington County as an Additional Insured.
- Auto Liability coverage:
- $1,500,000 on a combined single limit basis
- Shall include any auto, including hired and nonowned
- Policy written on an occurrence basis, not a claims-made basis
- Washington County included as an Additional Insured
- Washington County listed on the certificate as an Additional Insured
- An Excess or Umbrella Liability Policy may be used in conjunction with Primary Coverage limits to meet the minimum limit requirements and shall include and list Washington County as an Additional Insured.
- General or Commercial General Liability coverage:
Right of Way Permits are required for:
- Utility Installations (including private sewer and water connections)
- Grading in County right-of-way
- Work which obstructs the right-of-way
- All utility companies performing maintenance on their facility
- Host a parade, race, or event - See 'Events' tab above for Application and Forms
Permit Application shall be submitted at least 30 days prior to road closure, or at least 14 days prior to activity not requiring road closure. Additional time may be required if plan revisions are needed.
A completed permit application includes:
- Right of Way Permit Application & Requirements Form (PDF)
- Location Map
- Sketch/Plans
- Temporary Traffic Control plan or MN MUTCD Field Manual Layout indicated (if requesting obstruction/closure/detour)
- Registration Form and Certificate of Liability Insurance (see below) - required if not already on file, or contact/insurance has changed.
Those occupying, using, or seeking to occupy or use the right-of-way, or place any equipment or facilities in the right-of-way, must be registered with Washington County.
Right of Way Occupancy Registration Form (PDF)
Certificate of Liability Insurance (Acord 25 Form)
- Required at time of registration
- Submitted annually at time of policy renewal
- Auto coverage may be waived only when permitted work clearly does not involve the use of a vehicle.
- The following coverages shall be procured and maintained for the duration of the permit.
- General or Commercial General Liability coverage:
- $1,500,000 Each Occurrence
- $500,000 Per Claimant
- $3,000,000 General Aggregate
- $3,000,000 Products and Completed Operations Aggregate
- Policy written on an occurrence basis, not a claims-made basis
- Washington County included as an Additional Insured
- Washington County listed on the certificate as an Additional Insured
- An Excess or Umbrella Liability Policy may be used in conjunction with Primary Coverage limits to meet the minimum limit requirements and shall include and list Washington County as an Additional Insured.
- Auto Liability coverage:
- $1,500,000 on a combined single limit basis
- Shall include any auto, including hired and nonowned
- Policy written on an occurrence basis, not a claims-made basis
- Washington County included as an Additional Insured
- Washington County listed on the certificate as an Additional Insured
- An Excess or Umbrella Liability Policy may be used in conjunction with Primary Coverage limits to meet the minimum limit requirements and shall include and list Washington County as an Additional Insured.
- General or Commercial General Liability coverage:
When applying for a permit, please click on the following links for information related to working in Washington County right-of-way.
- Washington County Traffic Control Plan Submittal Guidance (PDF)
- 2026 Utility Meeting PowerPoint (PDF) - March 4, 2026
- Temporary Traffic Control & Work Zone Safety (PDF)
- Temporary Traffic Control Device Inspection & Removal (PDF)
- 2026 Spring Weight Restrictions Map (PDF)
- Summer-Fall-Winter Weight Restrictions Map (PDF)
- 2026 Pavement & Construction Projects Map
- 2026-2030 5-Year CIP Map
| Right of Way Permit Fees | |
|---|---|
| Utility Service Lateral | $25 |
| Annual Maintenance | $100 |
| All Others | $100 per 1/8 mile or fraction there of |
In addition to the applicable fees, a REFUNDABLE deposit (amount is determined on a case-by-case basis) or bond may be required.
Washington County Weight Restrictions
Spring Weight Restrictions Information & Fact Sheet (PDF)
2026 Spring Weight Restrictions Map (PDF)
Summer-Fall-Winter Weight Restrictions Map (PDF)
- Legal weights are generally 9 or 10 tons per axle, but weight restrictions may be in place on particular roads.
- The 9 or 10 ton standard is also modified by the distance between axles and may be less when axles are closely spaced.
- Spring load limits place temporary weight limits on many roads.
Single Trip Permit - should include a copy of state permit if movement includes state highways.
Annual Permit - Single Vehicle - Complete Section B, attach state annual, if applicable. When vehicle and/or load exceeds the permitted dimensions and/or weight, the permit will not be valid, and a Single Trip Transportation Permit shall be required. Max allowable gross vehicle weight is 155,000 pounds for annual permits.
Annual Permit - Multi Vehicle - Omit Section B, attach state annual and equipment list; add unit number on each state permit. When vehicle and/or load exceeds the permitted dimensions and/or weight, the permit will not be valid, and a Single Trip Transportation Permit shall be required. Max allowable gross vehicle weight is 155,000 pounds for annual permits.
Please allow up to two business days for processing a complete application.
Transportation Permit Application (PDF) - Required for any oversized and/or overweight vehicle/load that is transported on a Washington County road.
Certificate of Liability Insurance (Acord 25 Form)
- Submitted annually at time of policy renewal (exception for one-time event)
- The following coverages shall be procured and maintained for the duration of the permit.
- General or Commercial General Liability coverage:
- $1,500,000 Each Occurrence
- $500,000 Per Claimant
- $3,000,000 General Aggregate
- $3,000,000 Products and Completed Operations Aggregate
- Policy written on an occurrence basis, not a claims-made basis
- Washington County included as Additional Insured
- Washington County listed on the certificate as an Additional Insured
- An Excess or Umbrella Liability Policy may be used in conjunction with Primary Coverage limits to meet the minimum limit requirements
- Auto Liability coverage:
- $1,500,000 on a combined single limit basis
- Shall include any auto, including hired and nonowned
- Policy written on an occurrence basis, not a claims-made basis
- Washington County included as Additional Insured
- Washington County listed on the certificate as an Additional Insured
- An Excess or Umbrella Liability Policy may be used in conjunction with Primary Coverage limits to meet the minimum limit requirements
- General or Commercial General Liability coverage:
Statutory Exempt Overweight Transportation Permit (PDF) - only for Annual Road Construction Material
- Preferred Routes Exemption (PDF)
- Legal axle groupings per MNDOT Statue 169.869:
- Gross vehicle weight not to exceed 90,000/6 axles
- Gross vehicle weight not to exceed 97,000/7 axles
Transportation Permits are required whenever any of the following legal dimensions are exceeded.
| Maximum Legal Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Overall Width | 9' 0" |
| Overall Height | 13' 6" |
| Overall Length (single unit vehicle) | 40' 0" |
| Overall Length (combination vehicle) | 75' 0" |
| Transportation Permit Fees | |
|---|---|
| Single Trip | $25 per unit |
| Annual | $100 per unit |
An Access Permit is required for any new field entrance, driveway, commercial/construction access, trail connection, or private/public street to Washington County Regional Rail Authority property or trails , or for a modification (ex. paving), or change-in-use of an existing access.
Permit Application shall be submitted 30 days prior to start of work - additional time may be required if plan revisions are needed.
A completed permit application includes:
- Regional Rail Access/Access Crossing Permit (PDF)
- Location Map
- Sketch/Plans
- Temporary Traffic Control plan or MN MUTCD Field Manual Layout indicated (if requesting obstruction/closure/detour)
- Registration Form and Certificate of Liability Insurance (see below) - required if not already on file, or contact/insurance has changed.
Those occupying, using, or seeking to occupy or use the right-of-way, or place any equipment or facilities in the right-of-way, must be registered with Washington County.
Right of Way Occupancy Registration Form (PDF)
Certificate of Liability Insurance (Acord 25 Form)
- Required at time of registration
- Submitted annually at time of policy renewal (exception for one-time event)
- Auto coverage may be waived only when permitted work clearly does not involve the use of a vehicle.
- The following coverages shall be procured and maintained for the duration of the permit.
- General or Commercial General Liability coverage:
- $1,500,000 Each Occurrence
- $500,000 Per Claimant
- $3,000,000 General Aggregate
- $3,000,000 Products and Completed Operations Aggregate
- Policy written on an occurrence basis, not a claims-made basis
- Washington County included as an Additional Insured
- Washington County listed on the certificate as an Additional Insured
- An Excess or Umbrella Liability Policy may be used in conjunction with Primary Coverage limits to meet the minimum limit requirements and shall include and list Washington County as an Additional Insured.
- Auto Liability coverage:
- $1,500,000 on a combined single limit basis
- Shall include any auto, including hired and nonowned
- Policy written on an occurrence basis, not a claims-made basis
- Washington County included as an Additional Insured
- Washington County listed on the certificate as an Additional Insured
- An Excess or Umbrella Liability Policy may be used in conjunction with Primary Coverage limits to meet the minimum limit requirements and shall include and list Washington County as an Additional Insured.
- General or Commercial General Liability coverage:
Regional Railroad Authority Right of Way Permits are required for:
- Utility Installations (including private sewer and water connections)
- Grading in Regional Railroad Authority right-of-way
- Work which obstructs the right-of-way
- All utility companies performing maintenance on their facility
Permit Application shall be submitted at least 30 days prior to road closure, or at least 14 days prior to activity not requiring road closure. Additional time may be required if plan revisions are needed.
A completed permit application includes:
- Regional Railroad Authority Right of Way Permit (PDF)
- Location Map
- Sketch/Plans
- Temporary Traffic Control plan or MN MUTCD Field Manual Layout indicated (if requesting obstruction/closure/detour)
- Registration Form and Certificate of Liability Insurance (see below) - required if not already on file, or contact/insurance has changed.
Those occupying, using, or seeking to occupy or use the right-of-way, or place any equipment or facilities in the right-of-way, must be registered with Washington County.
Right of Way Occupancy Registration Form (PDF)
Certificate of Liability Insurance (Acord 25 Form)
- Required at time of registration
- Submitted annually at time of policy renewal
- Auto coverage may be waived only when permitted work clearly does not involve the use of a vehicle.
- The following coverages shall be procured and maintained for the duration of the permit.
- General or Commercial General Liability coverage:
- $1,500,000 Each Occurrence
- $500,000 Per Claimant
- $3,000,000 General Aggregate
- $3,000,000 Products and Completed Operations Aggregate
- Policy written on an occurrence basis, not a claims-made basis
- Washington County included as an Additional Insured
- Washington County listed on the certificate as an Additional Insured
- An Excess or Umbrella Liability Policy may be used in conjunction with Primary Coverage limits to meet the minimum limit requirements and shall include and list Washington County as an Additional Insured.
- Auto Liability coverage:
- $1,500,000 on a combined single limit basis
- Shall include any auto, including hired and nonowned
- Policy written on an occurrence basis, not a claims-made basis
- Washington County included as an Additional Insured
- Washington County listed on the certificate as an Additional Insured
- An Excess or Umbrella Liability Policy may be used in conjunction with Primary Coverage limits to meet the minimum limit requirements and shall include and list Washington County as an Additional Insured.
- General or Commercial General Liability coverage:
When applying for a permit, please click on the following links for information related to working in Washington County right-of-way.
Gopher State One Call Requirements
Excavators (including homeowners), throughout Minnesota are responsible for notifying Gopher State One Call of their proposed excavations. The call center will notify participating underground facility operators, so they can mark the location of their facilities. If you are a contractor working for a homeowner, it is your responsibility to read the Gopher State One Call Handbook. You can notify Gopher State One Call on their website or by calling 651-454-0002.
- GSOC Ticket Locate Request Form (PDF)
- Excavator and Operator Notice (PDF)
- MN Statute 216D Excavation Notice System (PDF)
- MN Rule 7560 Office of Pipeline Safety Excavation Notice System (PDF)