Minnesota is known for its abundant natural resources and a growing movement of people living off-grid there. But, before you start dreaming about a self-sufficient life in the state, make sure you know the rules about whether it is legal to live off-grid in Minnesota.
Want to know more about living off the grid? Read:
Is Living Off-Grid Legal in Minnesota?
Minnesota law is generally very favorable towards off-grid living. However, there are many regulations that might prevent you from using your property how you want, especially if you have high water needs or live in a wetlands area.
Because the law requires you to connect to public sewer lines if one is nearby, it could even be illegal to go completely off-grid.
Minnesota Zoning Laws and Off-Grid Living
Even if Minnesota State law allows something, it does not mean it is legal in your county or city. Many areas, especially those near tourist destinations or protected waters, have strict zoning rules. Don’t be surprised if it is illegal for you to do things on your property, like live in an RV, raise livestock, build an outhouse, or install wind power systems.
As with most states, land zoned as “rural” tends to be the most relaxed in regard to off-grid living laws. You’ll have to carefully research your area’s zoning laws because the laws can differ drastically, even between rural-zoned areas.
Off-Grid Electricity in Minnesota
Solar
Minnesota has many incentives for switching to solar, including exempting solar equipment from state sales tax and programs that pay you based on performance.
However, if you want to stay grid-tied, some utilities charge you a fee just for remaining connected – even if you produce your own electricity. There are also controversial Solar Tariffs that would give solar customers less money for their extra power.
Hydro Power
Minnesota has very favorable laws when it comes to off-grid micro-hydro systems. No permit is required for systems that produce less than 100kW of power so long as they don’t pose a safety threat or harm wildlife.
If you need to divert water for your hydro system, though, then you will need a permit from the DNR.
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Off-Grid Water
Water is one of Minnesota’s primary resources, and the State highly regulates its use. Even if you have water on your property, it may not be legal in Minnesota to use it in certain ways. You’ll especially find it difficult to use water in wetlands or infested waters.
Read more about Minnesota water laws here.
Do I Need a Permit to Use Water in Minnesota?
Regardless of where the water comes from, you must get a water-use permit if you use more than 10,000 gallons per day or 1 million gallons per year. You’ll also need a permit for withdrawals from infested waters. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources issues permits. You can find more information on the DNR website.
Infested Waters
Over 800 of Minnesota’s lakes are considered “infested waters.” You will need a permit to withdraw any amount of water from infested waters. This permit is separate from the use permit; you will need to get it even when withdrawing small amounts of water that don’t require a use permit. The permit is free and available through the DNR Invasive Species Program.
You can see a list of infested Minnesota waters and a map of infested waters here.
Who Owns the Water in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, the State owns all navigable waters and the land to a point below the “ordinary low water mark.” The State also owns non-navigable waters that have meandered; the adjoining landowners own the bed of the water.
The property owner owns waters that are non-navigable and non-meandered. These waters won’t appear on government land surveys.
Can You Use Water on Your Property in Minnesota?
Minnesota follows riparian water rights: you are free to use the water on your property so long as it does not negatively affect the water rights of other riparian rights holders. However, there are many restrictions on how you can use this water.
You will need a water-use permit from the DNR if you plan on using more than 10,000 gallons of water per day or 1 million gallons per year. You cannot use more than one-half acre-foot per acre per year from lakes. There are also restrictions on diverting water, creating ponds, or using water in wetlands.
Diverting Water on Your Property
It is generally illegal to divert water from a stream or lake in Minnesota, even if it is on your property. However, some loopholes in the law might make this legal.
For example, the law allows you to drain public waters so long as you replace the water with waters “that will have equal or greater public value.” You can also divert water for drainage purposes, as outlined here.
Can I Build a Pond on My Property in Minnesota?
It is sometimes legal to build ponds on your property in Minnesota. The law allows stormwater ponds, but there are very strict rules about construction and design.
Excavation is highly regulated on wetlands, so many ponds would be illegal (see rules here). However, wetland excavation is allowed if “the functional value of the altered wetland is higher than the pre-existing condition.”
Well Water
Permits Required for Wells
Under Minnesota law, any well withdrawing more than 10,000 gallons per day or 1 million gallons per year must have a preliminary assessment before drilling. After the evaluation, they will also need to get a water-use permit from the DNR.
The law defines wells capable of withdrawing more than 100,000 gallons per day as “high capacity. These wells need approval before drilling, regardless of whether they require a water use permit. The law also requires owners of high-capacity wells to submit a pumping report to the DNR each year.
Wells withdrawing less than 10,000 gallons per day or 1 million gallons per year do not need a water-use permit. However, you still must report the well to the DNR. The well must be disclosed and transferred to the new owner when buying or selling a property.
Can I Dig My Own Well in Minnesota?
Minnesota law requires anyone who works on a well to be licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health. There are licenses for specific, well-related work, such as pumps or sealing. However, the law does allow people to build wells on their own property so long as the well is used for domestic or agricultural uses.
Well Testing
New wells in Minnesota must be tested for coliform bacteria, nitrate, and arsenic. A certified laboratory must do testing. You can find a list of certified labs here.
Wells Going Dry
Minnesota law prioritizes domestic water use. The law outlines a series of steps that you can take if your well goes dry because neighbors are pumping large amounts of water. You’ll need to submit a complaint, and the DNR will investigate. Read more here.
Rainwater Harvesting in Minnesota
Rainwater harvesting is legal in Minnesota. It’s encouraged by the government, and many major organizations in Minnesota already collect rainwater. For example, St. Paul’s Lowertown Ball Park and a University of Minnesota residence hall use rainwater to flush toilets.
You can collect rainwater in barrels, cisterns, holding tanks, ponds, or basins. However, you are only allowed to collect rainwater from roofs and must meet the standards laid out in the Minnesota Plumbing Code.
You generally don’t need a permit for rainwater systems that are only used outdoors. However, if you want to use the water indoors, you must get a permit and follow strict guidelines, especially about water quality.
Minnesota is currently working on a new resource page for rainwater harvesting laws. In the meantime, find more information here and the law on non-potable rainwater catchment systems here.
Also Read:
- Off-Grid Water Delivery Systems
- Rainwater Harvesting Systems 101
- How to Choose Residential Rainwater Barrels
Off Grid Sewage and Waste Removal in Minnesota
Minnesota has a lot of shorelands, wetlands, and clay soil. Because of this, the onsite sewage rules in Minnesota are pretty strict. While alternative systems are allowed, many rules and regulations exist.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency handles onsite waste. Their website is surprisingly well-organized and informative (I’ve looked at a lot of state websites, and many are a complete mess). Visit it here.
Do I Have to Hook Up to the Municipal Sewage System?
Minnesota law states that all premises must hook up to the municipal sewer if one is located in a nearby street or alley. Unlike other states with this requirement, they don’t define what “nearby” means.
However, the law does allow homes to go off-grid if their system gets a permit from the local authorities. There’s no guarantee that the local government unit will permit your system, thus making it illegal to go completely off-grid in some parts of MN.
Septic Systems in Minnesota
Septic is the default off-grid sewage treatment system in MN. Even if you use an alternative system like a compost toilet, your home will probably still need septic. The State requires septic systems to be pumped every three years by a licensed pumper.
How Much Does a Septic System Cost in MN?
An EPA report put the cost of septic in MN at $4,000 for a gravity trench system and $6,500 to $12,000 for mound systems with pumps. Other accounts put the price of mound systems at $12,000 to $15,000. The costs can be even higher if soil conditions make drainage difficult and special pretreatment systems are needed.
You should meet with a septic expert before buying any property because of how expensive it can be to install septic in Minnesota (especially near the shore or in wetlands). The government has grants and loans for low-income residents to fix failing septic systems, but this financial aid is only available for existing septic, not new construction.
Can I Build My Own Septic System in MN?
Under Minnesota state law, all subsurface sewage treatment systems (SSTS) must be designed and constructed by a licensed individual. Getting licensed requires training, exams, related experience, continuing education, and renewal every three years. Because the licensing process is so stringent, getting licensed to work on your septic system doesn’t make sense.
Compost Toilets and Other Alternative Toilets
Alternative toilets are legal in Minnesota, including composting, incinerating, biological, recirculating, and holding toilets. In areas with soil unsuitable for conventional septic systems, these alternative toilets are even required as a pretreatment method. If your home has running water, you’ll need septic in addition to your alternative toilet.
The law does not set any specifications for composting toilets, which means you have more flexibility in choosing your system. However, without specific regulations, it is ultimately up to the local county whether they want to issue a permit for your system. Composting toilets are becoming more popular, but don’t be surprised if your permit application is denied anyway.
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Outhouses/Latrines
Outhouses are legal in Minnesota. You will need to get a permit, which may not be approved except in rural areas. There are very specific rules in Chapter 7080.2280 about outhouse design, location, maintenance, and soil conditions. If you cannot meet specific requirements, you’ll only be allowed to have a watertight outhouse and need to periodically pump out.
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Graywater Recycling
While graywater recycling is legal in Minnesota, getting a permit for a system can be very difficult. There are very strict regulations in Chapter 7080.2240 about how the system must be designed.
However, because these technical specifications are laid out in State law, it will be easier to have your system approved locally – even if the local permitting authority isn’t familiar with graywater systems.
Do you live off-grid in Minnesota? Let us know about your experiences with regulations in the comments section below.
We’re buying almost an acre around Northfield, MN. It’s in the Bridgewater township. We close in the next few weeks. I’d like to get closer to being off grid and maybe start with solar. We have a deep well and a septic system. Anyone know the best place to find regulations for that specific township so I’m not looking for too long? Any other info would be greatly appreciated as well. I don’t know if solar is the best place to start, but that’s just what I was thinking.
I live in Minnesota. As I’ve traveled through out the US… I’ve been told that Minnesots is considered the land of “NO!!”. Living here, I agree that, it’s true. No matter what the state laws are, each county makes it’s own rules that don’t always aline with the state! Carlton county is especially bad! Please beware of buying property here!!!
We are having a dispute with our electrical utility over smart meters..So they disconnected us and we are using natural gas fueled portable generators for our supply of electricity.The city is now saying we can’t live here because of them. Do you have any info related to our situation to fight them with.We live in Cambridge MN.
It sounds like an issue with the fire code. For starters, make sure you know exactly what part of the code they say you are violating.
After reading above rules/laws I have better understanding about a lot of things. I understand the need for regulation when it potentially cause harm to others.
I own 160 acres of land with a non navigable stream on it. Worked my whole life to it and pay property taxes on it. With that said after reading the above it sounds like we are lucky to do anything.
Read the Constitution, our country, our forfathers the men and women who fought in wars for our freedoms did not do it to be over regulated, you have right to make a living off your land, you the right to live on your land ect ect they did not do it to make you get a permit to brush your teeth. What’s the point in owning something only to have unelected people make the rules. Why would any state regulate rain water harvesting when running thru your own home.
I would like to know where all the mineral money goes,how about the lottery.
We were told the funds would go towards education.
How well is that working for us the people. Property taxes always going up because not education this education that.
It’s time for less government not more at the very least hire a math teacher so the people we vote for can be fiscally responsible.
Just a thought
B.Palmer
I agree 1000% with you. If I buy land Itami do and should be able to do with it as I see pleased, as long as it doesn’t harm the environment I live in. Common sense is a lost trait.
I’m about to buy land and begin building an Earthship in an unorganized territory in Northern Minnesota in May of 2022. I believe since the territory I will be living in is unorganized, permits will be less hard to get. I plan on completely off-grid – with the exception of internet, since I will need it for work. I’ll add more update comments as I go!
I’m definitely interested in learning how the process is for you!
I am in the same boat, but don’t have a purchase date yet. I am aiming for mid-late summer. Would you feel comfortable connecting? I am in Northern MN as well.
I ALSO want to build an Earthship in an unorganized territory in Northern Minnesota – do you have any locations you recommend? Sincerely, Lauren
Just out of curiosity, what source has been the most helpful in your Earthship research? I’m interested in this process (or even getting close to it) and was looking at N Minnesota. TIA.