Minnesota Amish Congregations Challenge County’s Online Permit Requirements

Minnesota Amish congregations are challenging Mille Lacs County’s building regulations, claiming they conflict with their religious practices. The dispute centers on the county’s shift to an online permit application system, which Amish residents say violates their faith-based restrictions on using modern technology. Legal representatives for the congregations, including First Liberty Institute and Foley & Lardner LLP, argue that the county’s enforcement of building-code requirements has made it difficult for Amish families to construct homes and businesses without violating their beliefs.

The county moved its permit application process online in June 2022, requiring all submissions to be made digitally. This change created a challenge for Amish residents, who are prohibited from using computers and the internet as part of their religious practices. Initially, the county did not provide an alternative for paper applications, according to First Liberty. Eventually, paper submissions were allowed but came with a $50 fee, which the legal groups say disproportionately affects Amish applicants.

Mille Lacs County maintains that the online system is a standard procedure and that paper applications are still available, albeit with a fee. The county’s website states that all applications, including building permits and septic-system permits, must be submitted online. Applicants receive confirmation via email after submitting, a process that Amish residents find incompatible with their way of life.

First Liberty alleges that the $50 charge and the online system together create an undue burden on Amish families. The organization claims that Amish residents are the primary users of the paper application option. However, STL.News was unable to locate a current county document confirming the specific $50 charge described by First Liberty.

The Amish congregations’ attorneys warn that continued enforcement of these rules could lead to legal action. They argue that the county’s policies effectively criminalize being Amish, a claim that remains an allegation rather than a judicial finding. The dispute highlights the tension between modern regulatory practices and religious freedoms, raising questions about how local governments balance public safety with the rights of religious communities.

The case underscores the broader challenge of accommodating religious practices within legal frameworks. As the Amish community continues to navigate these regulations, the outcome may set a precedent for similar disputes across the country. The situation reflects the ongoing struggle to ensure that religious beliefs are respected while maintaining public standards and safety.

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