Permit Process

Prior to a building being constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, or demolished a permit is required. If you are the homeowner, and you will be doing the work yourself, you are able to pull your own permit(s). If you are hiring a contractor, they should pull the required permits for the work that they will be doing. Before hiring a contractor, verify they have a license or bond from the State of Minnesota. The contractor should pull the required permits for the work that they will be doing. Prior to closing your project, verify that the contractor has scheduled and completed all inspections. 

Permits Issued "Over-the-Counter" 

Projects that require a building permit, but can be issued without a plan review include:

• Mechanical (Residential Only)
• Plumbing (Residential Only)
• Sewer and Water (New Construction Residential)
• Re-roofing
• Re-siding
• Window/Door Replacement (no change to existing window or door size). 
• Fireplace

Please note these applications will be processed in the order they were received and usually within 1 - 2 business days (subject to change without notice). You will be contacted for payment information when the permit is ready to be issued.

Permits that Require Plan Review

Projects that require a permit application and plans include, but not limited to: 

• Decks/Porches
• New Construction Homes
• Basement Finishes
• Pools
• Detached Garages/Sheds (over 200 square feet)
• Additions, Alterations, and Remodels
• Septic Systems
• All Commercial Permits
• Temporary & Permanent Signs

Plans must meet the requirements of the Minnesota State Building Code and must be neatly drawn to scale and clearly depict the nature of the work proposed. Building Department staff members will review those plans for conformance to applicable codes. 

Plans that do not provide the information and detail necessary to conduct a review will be returned to the applicant for revision. Once a complete application has been received, the plan review process will begin. 

Current turn-around time for plan review is running approximately 1 to 1 1/2 weeks for Residential and 2 - 3 weeks for Commercial Building Permits - All other Commercial Permits run 2-5 Business Days. If during the plan review, it is determined that additional information is required, you will be sent an email with the detailed information. Upon resubmission, the plan review will begin again and the same turn-around times will apply.

Once the review is complete, you will be notified via email that your permit application is approved and is ready for payment. Payment via credit card can be made through your online portal account. Otherwise, a check may be mailed to or dropped off at City Hall. Once the fee is paid, you will be emailed your permit, inspection card, receipt, and any approved plans. (Please be sure to check your junk and/or spam folder if you do not see the email in your email inbox). All documents pertaining to your permit are also available on your online portal account under the documents tab when in the permit. 

Once you have received your permit, work may proceed. Please be sure to have either a hard copy or electronic copy of the permit available upon request. If a hard copy of the plans is needed on site, you will be notified once the permit has been issued. 

No Permit Required

Some projects that do not require a permit include cosmetic changes such as paint, wall paper, floor covering, cabinets, countertops, tiled backsplash, vanities, trim, baseboard, interior doors, fences, retaining walls less than 4 feet in height, and sheds 200 square feet or less.

If you are unsure whether you need a permit, contact the Building Division and explain what you will be doing. Staff will advise you if the work you are doing is regulated and whether or not a permit is required.

Payments

Permits can be made by Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover), Check, or Cash.
Note: Do not email or fax credit card information.

Expired Permits

In accordance with Minnesota Rules, permits expire within 180 days of issuance if no work is started and no inspections have been called in by the permit holder. Permits also expire if work has started, but then is suspended for more than 180 days and no inspections are called in by the permit holder.