Permit Process and Information
Residential permit process
Prior to a building being constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, or demolished, a permit is required.
Applications for permits should be submitted well in advance of the scheduled starting date. Many projects need a simple plan, but other projects may need architectural and or structural plans. If you are a homeowner or a contractor the way you apply for a permit is different. Learn more about obtaining Residential Permits >
Some permits, such as residential re-siding, re-roofing, window & door replacements, can be issued the same day.
Projects that require a plan will undergo a plan review. Review and approval of the submitted documents will depend on the complexity of the project and completeness of the submittal documents.
Please allow five (5) to seven (7) business days for plan review, during the summer construction season wait times will be longer.
Note: Construction work cannot begin until the permit has been approved, paid, and issued.
Step-by-step process
The following steps is what you can expect for a typical project that requires plan review.
- Application is submitted online through our Electronic Permit Application.
- Application is reviewed for completeness, then approved or declined.
- Application is approved then assigned to a Plan Reviewer.
- Plan review is conducted to ensure code compliance (if plan is incomplete or deficiencies are found during the review, you will be notified, and the application and plans will be returned for correction).
- Plan review is completed, application for permit is approved.
- Applicant is contacted via email indicating application is ready for payment.
- Payment is collected and permit is issued.
- Email confirmation is sent with instructions on how to print and access approved plans and permit card.
- Permit holder can begin construction
- Permit holder can request inspections.
Commercial permit process
Commercial building construction usually requires preparation of plans and documents by a Minnesota licensed architect and or Engineer. Many projects need a simple plan, but other projects may need architectural or structural plans. Learn more about obtaining Commercial Permits >
Projects that require a plan will undergo a plan review. Applications for permits should be submitted well in advance of your scheduled start date. Review and approval of the submittal package will depend on the complexity of the project and completeness of the submittal documents.
Note: Construction work cannot begin until the permit has been approved and paid for.
Step-by-step process
The following steps is what you can expect for a typical project that requires plan review.
- Application is submitted online through our Electronic Permit Application
- Application is reviewed for completeness, then approved or declined
- Application is approved then assigned to a Plan Reviewer
- Plan review is conducted to ensure code compliance
- Plan review is completed, application for permit is approved
- Applicant is contacted via email indicating application is ready for payment
- Payment is collected and permit is issued
- Email confirmation is sent with instructions on how to print and access approved plans and permit card
- Permit holder can request inspections
Prior to a building being constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, or demolished, a permit is required. This applies to residents, contractors, and commercial property owners. Even if you are a homeowner, you need a permit to work on your own home.
Why permits are beneficial
Compliance with the building code is required by Minnesota statute and local ordinance. There are other benefits to obtaining permits.
It keeps your contractor honest.
To beat out the price of a competitor, a profit-driven contractor might be tempted to cut corners. Would you know it if they did? Most construction work ends up hidden behind walls and under floors. A building permit requires that a contractor use sound and safe methods and materials; and inspections assure you that they do so.
The code can guide your do-it-yourself project.
No matter how handy you are, you aren’t likely to know everything required by the building, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical (HVAC) code. When you get a permit and required inspections, you’ll have to show the building department your plans and workmanship. If the plan or your work is not code compliant, you will be asked to revise them. But if you never apply for a permit, you might go ahead with work that’s dangerous or unsound.
Obtaining permits may keep your insurance valid.
Building done without a permit can mean that your insurance company may not honor your policy. A fire resulting from work without a permit could leave you without an insurance settlement. If someone falls off a deck that was built without a permit, your liability insurance may not cover the injuries.
Work and Inspections were done in accordance with the code can add value when you sell your home.
If you perform work without a permit, you can assume a potential buyer will know about it. Construction Services receive many inquiries about a home’s permit history prior to a buyer making a purchase offer. The permit process is a matter of public record. In addition, you may be required to sign a Property Disclosure Statement, in which you must reveal all problems or defects in the property. Having all the necessary permits makes the sale proceed much more smoothly.
If I am the owner of my home and live in the home, can I obtain my own permits?
Yes, if your property is homesteaded and don’t rent it out you are able to obtain building, plumbing, and mechanical permits. Except for gas piping, any gas piping work you must obtain a mechanical license.