Permits
ePermits
Commercial and residential permits must be applied for online.
Permit process
Prior to a building being constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, or demolished, a permit is required.
- Apply for all commercial and residential work as an ePermit and upload plans and documents in ePlans.
- Contractors should apply for their own permits.
- Prior to final payment to the contractor, verify the contractor has scheduled and completed all inspections.
Most permits require plan review. Plan review for residential projects could take one to two weeks to complete. If issues arise during the review, they will be identified on the plan and returned for correction.
The permit will be issued once the permit fee is paid. Work may proceed after completing these steps.
No permit required
Some projects do not require a permit, including cosmetic changes such as paint, wallpaper, floor covering, cabinets, countertops, tiled backsplash, vanities, trim, baseboard, interior doors, screen or storm doors, fences, retaining walls less than 4 feet in height, and sheds less than 200 square feet.
If you are unsure whether you need a permit, contact the Building Department.
Payments
Permits can be paid for by cash, credit card, check, or echeck.
Refunds will be issued at 80% of the original permit fee paid provided no inspections have been conducted. Application fees are non-refundable unless plan review has not begun.
Expired permits
In accordance with Minnesota administrative rules, permits expire within 180 days of issuance if no work is started and no inspections have been called in or if work has been suspended for more than 180 days with no inspections.
No refunds are available for expired permits.
If the project is taking additional time to complete, request a progress inspection or an extension in writing.