Planning & Zoning

Carlton County Zoning and Environmental Services is the zoning authority for all areas of Carlton County except the following cities and townships: City of Barnum, City of Carlton, City of Cloquet, City of Cromwell, City of Kettle River, City of Moose Lake, City of Scanlon, City of Wrenshall, City of Wright and Thomson Township.  Carlton County also has zoning authority in shore land areas (property within 1,000 feet of a classified lake or 300 feet of a classified river or stream) in the City of Cromwell and Thomson Township. Zoning permits are required for all structures, regardless of size.

CHECKS PAYABLE TO CARLTON COUNTY TREASURER for applications via mail or CASH, CHECK OR CREDIT CARD in office (2.4% surcharge on all credit cards, with a minimum fee of $2.00 and $3.95 flat fee on Visa debit cards).

Welcome to GeoPermits Online Zoning Applications 

Our web-based permitting and application submittal system allows you to apply and pay for licenses and permits applications all online with 24/7 access. This system allows our office to process permits and zoning approvals consistently, efficiently, and transparently, with a step-by-step process that is user-friendly and gives the applicant consistent communication throughout the process.

The following link to GeoPermits is for the Carlton County Zoning & Environmental Services Office and offers the following services:

  • Apply for zoning approvals including:
    • Zoning permits
    • Septic system permits
    • Addresses
    • Vacation Rental Permits
    • Variances
    • Conditional/interim use permits
    • Rezoning
    • Administrative Subdivisions / Lot Line Adjustments
    • Minor Subdivisions
    • Preliminary Plats
  • Submit drawings, pictures, and other documents that correspond with the application
  • Pay for the applicable fees
  • Confirm parcel information through automated data entry (autofill)
  • 24/7 access to zoning applications and the ability to review and edit applications

To access GeoPermits, you must set up an initial account via your email. Once the account is registered, you will be able to apply for zoning permits, contractor licenses, and zoning approvals, as well as pay online, now and in the future. You will also be able to review your account to track completed applications and permits, payments, license updates and renewals, and any other transaction made through the system. This online service will provide applicants expedient and efficient service, which can be conducted from any location with internet access!

Carlton County GeoPermits ←Click here to start online applications!

Shoreland Applications

  1. Shoreland Mitigation Plan (PDF)
  2. Shoreland Alterations Zoning Permit Application (PDF)
  3. Shoreland Alterations Interim Use Permit Application (PDF)

Final Plat Application

  1. Final Plat Application (PDF)

Additional Zoning Information

  1. Zoning and Environmental Services Fees (PDF)
  2. Frequently Requested Information (PDF)
  3. Information Disclosure Request (PDF)
  4. Lot Dimensional Standards and Building Setbacks (PDF)
  5. The Property Owner's Resource Guide (PDF)
  6. Rules and Definition Fact Sheet (PDF)
  7. Complaint Form (PDF)
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