Basement Finish Permit
Residential basement finish construction requires a permit. This type of residential project requires you to submit a detailed plan which allows us to perform a plan review
Plans do not need to be professionally drawn. However, plans should be drawn to scale, neat, legible, and include all the information requested. Plans should provide enough detail that would allow a plan reviewer to build the project themselves.
Documents required
The below information is what we require to be included on your plans. See our basement finish guide for additional information.
Note: failing to submit all the required application materials will result in a rejected application.
- Plans drawn to scale shall include:
- Floor plan view showing basement layout with overall dimensions with total square footage
- Dimensions of each room, proposed walls, doors, windows.
- Show smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, sump baskets, furnace, and water heaters, etc.
- Cross section view showing ceiling height(s), dropped soffits and ceiling obstructions.
Revising a plan
If you build your basement in any way that does not follow the city approved plan after the permit has been issued, revised plans shall be electronically submitted to the city for review. Your project cannot proceed until the revised plans have been approved.
Submitting documents
The required plans and documents listed above shall be submitted through our Electronic Permit Application.
Instructions can be found here.
Note: Construction work cannot begin until the permit has been approved, paid, and issued.
Plan review
A plan review is conducted to ensure the plans submitted follow applicable codes. This insures we are keeping people safe where they live, work and play, and keeping buildings and property safe, durable, accessible, and energy efficient. Review and approval will depend on the complexity of the project and completeness of the submittal documents.
Please allow five to seven business days for plan review, during the summer construction season wait times will be longer.
Once the plan review is completed and application is approved, you will be emailed letting you know the application is ready for payment.
Note: Construction work cannot begin until the permit has been approved, paid, and issued.
Fees
Fees are based on total square footage of the addition to be built. Click Here to see the city’s current fee schedules >
Required inspections
- Framing – Shall be inspected after rough-in inspections for plumbing, mechanical, electrical and fireplace (if applicable) have been approved.
- Insulation – Shall be inspected once insulation and vapor barrier are installed, but prior to covering.
- Building Final – Shall be inspected after final inspections for plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and fireplace (if applicable) have been approved.
Apply for a permit
Start your application here.
Notes and additional resources
- Separate permits for plumbing, heating, installation of a fireplace, and electrical work are required.
- Electrical permits are administered by the State of Minnesota Board of Electricity. Visit the electrical inspector’s webpage Sloth Inspections for more information.
- Rough-in inspections of plumbing, mechanical, gas, and electrical systems shall occur before covering or concealment, and before framing inspection.
- If you build your Basement in any way that does not follow the city approved plan after the permit has been issued, revised plans shall be electronically submitted to the city for review. Your project cannot proceed until the revised plans have been approved