Septic Systems

Planning and Zoning
Septic Tanks | Oneida Excavating Contractor, Excavation Company and  Excavator

Pine County Planning & Zoning is responsible for the administration and coordination of on-site septic treatment systems throughout the county. The department regulates the Pine County County Subsurface Sewage Treatment System Ordinance, along with incorporating by reference minimum standards established by Minnesota statutes and administrative rules of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). These regulations are intended to serve the best interests of the County's citizens by protecting their health, safety, general welfare and natural resources.

A septic compliance inspection is required for any permit applications submitted for properties in the shoreland area before a permit will be issued. An inspection is not required if the system was installed within the last 5 years or inspected within the last 3 years.

ORDINANCE:
All counties within the State of Minnesota are required to adopt a new updated ordinance in 2014.  Pine County’s new ordinance has an effective date of April 1, 2014. The new ordinance requires no immediate action from system owners and generally represents the minimum MPCA requirements with the exceptions of county-wide point of sale sewer compliance inspections and requiring all new systems to be sized for a class 1 dwelling.     


COMMON QUESTIONS:

Do I need a design for a holding tank or privy?

Can I design my own system?

Can I install my own system?

Why might I need a mound septic system?

Can you recommend a local septic system designer, installer, or pumper?

If I sell my home is my septic system required to be inspected for compliance?

What does a septic compliance inspection look for?

Do I need good soils to subdivide my property or can I just import sand and other materials and build a mound system?

Where do I report concerns about septic systems?

Who do I contact for my SSTS questions/permits?

Information about the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and septic systems

Contact Us

HOURS: Monday thru Friday
8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m

Office Location
1610 Hwy 23 North
Sandstone, MN 55072
P: ( 320) 216-4220
F: (320) 216-4244 
E: septic@co.pine.mn.us