Building Permits
Note: Many projects require more than one permit. To determine which permits you need for your project, call Minneapolis 311 (if outside the Minneapolis city limits call (612) 673-3000).
A building permit is required:
- For all work not specifically exempt from the building code. This applies to residents, contractors, and commercial owners. Even if you are a homeowner, you need a permit to work on your own home.
- When work is structural in nature, such as adding or replacing beams/posts/joists/rafters.
When a building permit is issued, at least one inspection is required before the work can be approved.
Some of the projects for which a building permit is not required are:
- For projects where only painting, wallpapering, tiling, countertops, carpeting, and similar finish work are being done.
- NOTE: permits are required for installing Flooring in condominiums, co-ops, and apartments (pdf)
- For fences under six feet tall.
Fee Schedule effective April 1, 2012 (pdf)
Fee Schedule for Garages (pdf)
Projects requiring a building permit:
- Construction of New One or Two Family Home
- Additions
- Roofing
- Siding
- Retaining walls over four feet in height
- Replacement doors/windows
- Decks over 30" high, attached or not attached to the structure.
- Any deck attached to the structure regardless of height.
- Stairs - exterior/interior
- Flooring in condominiums, co-ops, and apartments
- Skylights
- Repair or replacement of brick/stone facades
- Garages
- Replacement of garage door(s)
- Sheds/greenhouses/utility buildings/gazebos over 120 square feet
- Swimming pools 24 inches deep and over 150 square feet in area
- Kitchen and bath remodels
- Conversion of attic to habitable space or sleeping quarters
- Conversion of basement to habitable space or sleeping quarters
- Conversion of single family homes to multiple dwelling units
- Increase/decrease in the number of dwelling units
- Remodeling/demolition of interiors
- Demolition of buildings including garages over 1,000 square feet in floor area
- Fences over six feet in height
- above list covers most common building projects, if your project is not listed call (612) 673-3000 for more information.
Licensing Requirements
As an owner of a property, you can apply for a building permit for work that you intend to do yourself. You do not need a license but you will be required to show a valid photo id.
As an owner of property you must hold a valid State of Minnesota Residential Building Contractor License or Residential Remodeler License if you build or improve more than one property within any 24-month period.
A contractor must hold either a City of Minneapolis Residential Specialty Contractor License or one of the following State of Minnesota licenses to receive a building permit for residential construction.
- Residential Building Contractor License
- Residential Remodeler License
- Residential Roofer
The contractor must provide proof of licensure at the time they apply for a permit.
Last updated Aug. 1, 2012