Building Permit - Frequently Asked Questions
DO I NEED A BUILDING PERMIT?
Permits are required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of the building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, removed, convert, or replace any gas, mechanical, electrical, plumbing system, or other equipment. Source: 2015 Minnesota Rules, 1300.0120
IS ANY WORK EXEMPTED FROM NEEDING A PERMIT?
Yes, certain exemptions exist within the building code; common exemptions include the following: garden sheds and playhouses not exceeding 200 square feet, fences not over 7 feet, retaining walls not over 4 feet, decks not more than 30 inches above grade without frost footings and are not attached to a structure, and playground equipment. Source: 2015 Minnesota Administrative Rules 1300.0120, Subp. 4.
Please note that although building permits may not be required, the City requires zoning review and you should always check with the City prior to beginning any construction activity.
WHY DO I NEED A PERMIT?
Building codes, permits and inspections provide basic and uniform performance standards, establish reasonable safeguards for health, safety, welfare, comfort, and security of the residents of this state and provide for the use of modern methods, devices, materials, and techniques which will in part tend to lower construction costs. Source: 2015 Minnesota Statues 326B.101
CAN I DO THE WORK MYSELF?
In Minnesota, a homeowner is allowed to work on their own home, as long as it is not being worked on with the intention to speculate on real estate. According to MN Statue, speculation is evaluated using the following language: A residential building contractor or residential remodeler will be presumed to be building or improving for purposes of speculation if the contractor or remodeler constructs or improves more than one property within any 24-month period. The City requires a waiver form in this situation. Source: 2015 Minnesota Statute 326B.805, Subp. 6
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
The cost of a building permit is based on the construction value. This is also known as the project cost, but does not include land costs. Permit valuations shall include total value of all construction work, including materials and labor, for which the permit is being issued, such as electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing equipment, and permanent systems. Building permit valuation shall be set by the building official. Source: 2015 MN Administrative Rules 1300.0160
The cost of a permit is comprised of the sum of three fees: permit fee, plan review, and the state surcharge.
1) Permit Fee (65% of the 1997 UBC Table No. 1-A)
TABLE NO. 1-A – BUILDING PERMIT FEES
65% Calculations have been converted and are represented in the table below
TOTAL VALUATION | FEE | |
1.00 to 500.00 | $14.95 | |
501.00 to 2,000.00 | $15.28 | for the first 500.00, plus $1.98 for each additional 100.00 or fraction thereof, to and including 2,000.00 |
2,001.00 to 25,000.00 | $45.01 | for the first 1,000.00, plus $9.10 for each additional 1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including 25,000.00 |
25,001.00 to 50,000.00 | $254.31 | for the first 25,000.00, plus $6.57 for each additional 1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including 50,000.00 |
50,001.00 to 100,000.00 | $418.44 | for the first 50,000.00, plus $4.55 for each additional 1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including 100,000.00 |
100,001.00 to 500,000.00 | $645.94 | for the first 100,000.00, plus $1.69 for each additional 1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including 500,000.00 |
500,001.00 to 1,000,000.00 | $2,101.94 | for the first 500,000.00, plus $3.09 for each additional 1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including 1,000,000.00 |
1,000,001.00 and up | $3,645.69 | for the first 1,000,000.00, plus $2.05 for each additional 1,000.00 or fraction thereof |
2) Plan Review - 65% of the Permit Fee
3) State Surcharge - 2015 Minnesota Statue 326B.148 Surcharge.
If the valuation of the structure, addition, or alteration is $1,000,000 or less, the surcharge is equivalent to one-half mill (.0005) of the valuation of the structure, addition, or alteration;
If the valuation is greater than $1,000,000, the surcharge is $500 plus two-fifths mill (.0004) of the value between $1,000,000 and $2,000,000;
If the valuation is greater than $2,000,000, the surcharge is $900 plus three-tenths mill (.0003) of the value between $2,000,000 and $3,000,000;
If the valuation is greater than $3,000,000, the surcharge is $1,200 plus one-fifth mill (.0002) of the value between $3,000,000 and $4,000,000
If the valuation is greater than $4,000,000, the surcharge is $1,400 plus one-tenth mill (.0001) of the value between $4,000,000 and $5,000,000; and
If the valuation exceeds $5,000,000, the surcharge is $1,500 plus one-twentieth mill (.00005) of the value that exceeds $5,000,000.
Example:
Construction Value on a new residential garage = $28,000
Permit Fee $254.31 + [3 x $6.57] = $274.02
Plan Review [$274.02 x .65] = $178.11
Surcharge [$28,000 x .0005] = $14
Total Permit cost $274.02 + $178.11 +$14 = $466.13
WHAT IS REQUIRED WITH THE APPLICATION?
The application forms, plus two sets of structural plans showing the work to be completed. This can be a cross section view and generally needs to detail the work that will occur. If the work involves alterations to the exterior of the structure, including the footprint, a site plan will also be required.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
Two reviews take place after a permit is submitted. The first level of review occurs at the City level, where City Staff reviews the permit to first ensure the application is complete, and then for compliance with the City’s Ordinances. This can usually be completed within the first 24-hours of submittal. The second level of review is for compliance with the state building code. The City contracts with a licensed a building official to provide service to the City and carry out the State Building Code. A building official may need 2-weeks to 3-week for plan review and permit processing, however it may be shorter for simple projects. Several building permits are issued “in house” by the City, which can be issued with same day service, provided the application is complete and accurate.
WHAT ABOUT SIMPLE PERMITS THAT DON’T REQUIRE PLAN REVIEW?
The City has adopted a fixed rate for certain permits that are commonly issued and require no plan review. A fixed rate permit fee is $50, plus a $1 state surcharge, and generally apply to the following projects: re-roof, re-side, replacement or installation of an appliance such as furnaces, air conditioning units, water heaters, and stoves or fireplaces where an existing natural gas line is present. Installation of a new gas line in combination with an appliance or heat unit installation requires an additional fixed rate permit.
These permits are typically issued the same day on which they are applied for, provided the permit is also paid for at that time. They typically require only one final inspection after the project is complete.