Interactive property map 

Planning & zoning 

In every city and county, there are plans and laws for how land is to be used. Commonly called zoning, this area of government defines how land can be used, guides development, defines the population density of an area, and more. Read more on planning and zoning. 

Variances

When someone applies for a variance, they are requesting an exemption to a zoning code. A variance is approved by the local government (city or county) where it is located. For the townships of Carver County, that local government is the Carver County Land Management department. Read more on variances. 

Building permits 

Building permits are provided by either Carver County if you live in a township, or the city in which you reside. These permits are necessary for maintaining public safety and historical records. Building permits ensure that all work done has been inspected, meets safety standards, and is less likely to need repairs or cause injury. Read more about building permits. 

2023 permit data summary 

Along with building permits, the Land Management department is responsible for a number of other permits and programs based on County ordinances, state building codes, and state statutes. Below is a summary of work completed in 2023.  

Building code permits 

There are approximately 700 active permits in the database at any time. For each permit, the department provides preliminary plan review, processing, fee collection, and recordkeeping. Inspection services are outsourced to Metro West Inspection Services in Loretto MN, providing a cost-effective

way to address that facet of the mandate.  

Agricultural Preserve Program

There are over 1,198 parcels totaling approximately 102,000 acres in the program. The department processes an average of 70 renewals, expirations, and entries into the program each year. Notary services are provided by staff for the restrictive covenant and other official documents that are filed in the County Recorder’s Office.

Conditional use permits & interim use permits

There are over 717 active conditional use permits and interim use permits. All permits are subject to review by the department. Approximately 73 permits (10%) receive an annual “compliance review”, which involves a mass mailing, site inspection(s), and coordination with other County departments and affected townships.

Floodplain district

There are approximately 1127 parcels encompassing approximately 12,726 acres in the floodplain overlay district. The department administers the land use (zoning) portions of the floodplain regulations in accordance with the National Floodplain Insurance Program.

Shoreland district

There are approximately 2477 parcels encompassing approximately 39,079 acres in the shoreland overlay district. The department administers the land use and subdivision regulations based on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources model shoreland ordinance. In addition to structure setbacks and lot standards, a key component in the district is mandatory subsurface sewage treatment systems compliance that, over time, has resulted in a significant reduction in the number of failing or direct discharge systems.