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Applying for a Permit

What you need to know before applying for a permit

Building projects of any size may require that you obtain one or more permits before you can begin the work.

Before beginning a project, you should call Minneapolis 311 (outside Minneapolis city limits call 612-673-3000) to see if you need to obtain a permit.

If you hire a contractor, the contractor will apply for the permit.

Sometimes a site plan, a zoning site review, and/or an inspections plan review are required before a permit can be issued. Your contractor will take care of these items. For more information, see the links at the left.

For more information, see:

• What Do I Need to Know About Permits?
• When Do I NOT Need a Permit?

Steps to obtain a permit

A homeowner may obtain a permit for work on their own home. A contractor must obtain a permit (if required) for work they are doing under a contract.

1. You may stop in at Minneapolis Development Review between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday. Thursday between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

2. Bring two sets of your construction plans, three sets if your property or structure is historically designated, to Minneapolis Development Review on the third floor of the Minneapolis Public Services Center at 250 South 4th Street. For a map to the Center, see Minneapolis Development Review & Parking Information.

3. Sign in at the check in counter and staff will assist you through the process.

4. Once your plans are approved, pay the necessary fees (see the Director’s Fee Schedule ) the Minneapolis Development Review staff will provide information on required inspections. You are responsible for calling the inspector to schedule the required inspection. Your permit will have a permit number and the last page of your permit will have your inspector’s name and phone number.

You will need the permit number and project address to schedule an inspection of the work. Your inspector’s name and phone number will appear on the last page of your permit. Please call him or her directly to schedule your inspection.

For additions and alterations to your home, you will also need:

• Zoning approval
  
  Zoning is the first stop for anyone who wants to know if the proposed use of land is allowed. For residential properties, zoning approval is required for projects such as building a deck, an addition, a porch, a fence, or a garage. Flood plain information also is handled through zoning. For more information, see Zoning / Site Plan Review.
• Note: All additions and alterations must be built to meet the minimum standards of the Minnesota Energy Code, Option A or B.
• You will need a site plan, a site plan is a drawing of your property showing the property lines and any structures that currently exist on that land (house, garage, fence, etc) and where your proposed deck, addition, porch, garage, etc is to be located. Your site plan should have north noted. View a sample residential site plan.
• The site plan should be attached to your construction plans, two sets of construction plans and site plan or three sets if your property or structure is historically designated.
• A site plan review (sometimes called an inspections plan review) that determines compliance with local ordinances and applicable state building and mechanical codes. This review is done by a city plan reviewer.
  
  Projects that usually do not require a site plan review: Siding, roofs, window replacement, and miscellaneous repairs do not require a site plan review. Most electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits also do not require a site plan review.
• A description of all plumbing, mechanical, and electrical work that you plan on doing.
• The fair market value for the completed project, including the cost of materials and labor.
• A copy of the contract – if a contractor is performing the work.