In Person

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.
• For fences under six feet tall.

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
• Skylights
• Repair or replacement of brick/stone facades
• Garages
• Replacement of garage door(s)
• Sheds/greenhouses/utility buildings/screened porches 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.

The contractor must provide proof of licensure at the time they apply for a permit.