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Building Permits and Inspections

Notice: Effective January 1st, 2023, the Building Inspections Division will no longer accept paper applications for permits

The primary function of the Building Inspection Division is to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the public. This is achieved through building code and zoning regulations. The Building Inspection Division administers these regulations through permits and inspections. Building and related permits ensure that projects will be constructed according to building code and zoning regulations.

Residential Permits

This is the starting point for homeowners or contractors considering a home project such as finishing a basement, building a deck, garage, remodeling an existing home, building a new home or addition.

Permits such as water heaters, water softeners, roofing, siding, and window permits, are considered “Instant” permits can be applied for, paid and issued through our E-suite online portal. Simply click on the “INSTANT PERMIT” button below to start this process.

Instant Permits

Submitting Plans – Residential Construction

Want to begin a construction project that involves finishing a basement, building a deck, garage, remodeling an existing home, building a new home or addition?

This type of construction requires you to submit a detailed plan, and for us to perform a plan review. This process starts with you applying for a permit and uploading your residential plans as you apply. Please select “Plan Review Required” below to start this process.

If you have any questions about our electronic application process, please contact us at 763-488-6379.

Plan Review Required

Mechanical Permits

Want to replace a residential furnace, boiler, or air conditioner? We are no longer accepting paper applications. We have moved these types of permits online to our instant permit portal. “Instant” permits can be applied for, paid and issued through our E-suite online portal. Simply click on the “INSTANT PERMIT” button below to start this process.

Instant Permits

For all other mechanical permits, we have moved to an electronic plan review submittal process. Please select the “Plan Review Required” below to start this process.

Plan Review Required

Permit History

Did you know that you can find out what type of work has been done on your property? If a permit was obtained, all you need is the address or permit number to search the permit history on your property. Click on the “Permit History” button below to begin your search.

Permit History

Commercial Permits

Whether big or small, most commercial projects require a permit. To get started, apply online and submit your plans. Plan review staff will need to examine and approve construction plans before a permit is issued. Many projects need a simple plan, but other projects may need full architectural or structural plans. Permits issued include; building permits, mechanical, plumbing. sewer and water, and permanent signs. Please follow the link to begin our online submittal process.

Plan Review Required

Inspections

For most projects, an inspection card will be provided and must be posted at the job site. The inspection card explains when an inspection is needed. The card will indicate which inspections must be completed and approved prior to moving onto the next phase of the project.

Scheduling inspections

We are now accepting Inspection requests by email, please fill out this inspection request form. Be ready to enter your permit number, job site address and other important information requested on the form to assist staff with scheduling your inspections. Please make requests at least two business days out, same day and next day inspections are difficult to fit in and may not be possible.

Building Inspection Request

Inspection type	Who to contact
Building, Mechanical, Plumbing	Brooklyn Park Building Inspections Building Inspection Request
Electrical	Andy Sloth Schedule inspections 763-421-2360 Monday through Friday, 7:00 to 8:30 a.m.
Fire	Brooklyn Park Fire Department 763-493-8020

Permit Fees

To see the permit fees, click here (PDF) >

Looking to relocate or demolish a property? These permits will get you started.

Demolition Permit Application (PDF) >

Moving Permit Application (PDF) >

Permit questions

We want to work as partners with you to move your project forward and communication is the key to keep your project on track and on schedule.

If you are unsure a project requires a permit, contact one of these groups.

Permit type	Who to contact
Building	Brooklyn Park Building Inspections 763-488-6379
Electrical	Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry 651-284-5026
Fire protection	Brooklyn Park Fire Department 763-493-8020

If you need assistance with our online process, or need to submit your project plans and applications manually, please contact the Building Inspection Division.

Building Inspections Division
763-488-6379
Fax: 763-493-8171
Email the Building Inspections Division

Note: paper submissions are only accepted as needed as we transition to an online submittal process.

Licensed contractors

A building contractor, remodeler or roofer license is required by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry for anyone who contracts directly with a homeowner to provide building construction services in more than one skill area. The eight special skills categories are excavation, masonry/concrete, carpentry, interior finishing, exterior finishing, drywall/plaster, roofing and general installation specialties.

Roofers are required to obtain a license.

More information on licensing requirements can be found here.

Owner/builder

As a home owner, if you decide to apply for a building permit yourself, you will be acting as the “owner/builder.” By taking the permit out yourself, you become the general contractor. You assume all legal liabilities for the job, including workers’ compensation insurance, state and federal withholding taxes, permits, scheduling and a number of other responsibilities.

Contractor Consumer Information

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry has a number of tips and useful information in regards to hiring a contractor for your construction project. Information that can be found on their website includes searching for a licensed contractor, hiring tips, home warranty disputes, and compensation through the Contractor Recovery Fund.

Tips for hiring a contractor

Licenses

Plumbing License

Plumbing contractors must be licensed by the State of Minnesota per MSBC Chapter 4715. Plumbers need to provide a copy of the license to the city.

Mechanical License

Download the mechanical license (PDF) >

Or obtain a mechanical license from the City Building Official.

Sign Hanger License

Download the sign hanger license (PDF) >

Or obtain a sign hanger license from the City Building Official.

Sewer and Water License

The contractor must be licensed through The State of Minnesota as a plumber or pipe layer.