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When do I NOT need a permit?
Building permits
A building permit is not required:
- Repairs to windows: Replacement of glass, screens, sash cords and wood parts; installation of jamb liners for existing prime sash.
- Installation of storm windows and storm doors.
- Window awnings on one or two family dwellings that do not project more than 54" from the exterior wall and are supported solely by the exterior wall.
- Insulation projects: Injecting or blowing insulation into wall cavities without removing wall finishes; adding fiberglass or cellulose insulation to attic floors in unfinished attic spaces. *
- Installation of gutters and downspouts. Downspouts shall be directed toward the front or the rear of the property (not toward neighboring property).
- Installing or replacing soffit or facia.
- Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, shelving and similar finish work. * ( A plumbing permit IS required if replacing plumbing fixtures.) NOTE: permits are required for Flooring in condominiums, co-ops, and apartments
- Construction of moveable cases, counters and partitions not over five feet, nine inches in height. *
The following projects do not require a building permit but may require a zoning review and approval. If you have questions about zoning requirements please contact Minneapolis 311 (612-673-3000).
- Retaining walls that are not over four feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge. (A surcharge includes, but is not limited to, buildings, swimming pools, parking surfaces, streets, alleys or sidewalks.) While a zoning review is not required for retaining walls under four feet in height, you may want to have a site plan review of the placement of your retaining wall. See the link to the left for more information about site plans.
- Fences not over six feet high.
- One-story detached accessory structures to be used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet.
- Detached decks and platforms that are not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade that do not provide access into the dwelling.
- Residential driveways, sidewalks or walkways on private property that are not part of an accessible route.
- Prefabricated swimming pools installed entirely above ground, accessory to one or two family dwellings which do not exceed both 5,000 gallons in capacity and a 24 inch depth.
- Swings and other playground equipment.
*Interior items such as insulation, floor finishes, cabinets and counter tops are not excluded from the calculated value of a new building, addition or building remodeling project.
If you hire a contractor for a project that does NOT require a permit (for example, painting, wallpapering, installing cabinets), that contractor must be licensed. Read more about Licensed Contractors.
For more information, see:
An overview of permit re quirements and a link to Building Permits.
Electrical system
Generally no permit is needed to repair:
- GFCI outlets when the test button won't trip. They do not have to be grounded, if installed on an ungrounded system.
To see diagrams and for more information, see:
An overview of permit requirements and a link to Electrical Permits.
Gas lines
Generally no permit is needed to repair:
- Uncapped gas lines. No permit is needed just to cap the line.
For more information, see:
An overview of permit requirements and links to specific kinds of permits
Heating system
Repairs, additions and new heating systems generally require permits for all aspects of work.
An overview of permit requirem ents and links to specific kinds of permits.
Plumbing system
Generally no permit is needed to repair:
- A missing cleanout plug.
- Laundry and outside faucets (sillcocks) with threads need a backflow valve. For more information about backflow valves and why they are important, see [page title] (opens a new window).
- Open sewer line (broken, missing cover, etc).
- Open waste vent (holes, broken).
- Open drain (missing trap).
- Leaking toilet (considered "unsafe" if the leak is bad enough to rot the floor).
- Repair, replacement or installation of any faucet does not require a permit.
- Generally no permit is required to make repairs to a toilet. However, a permit is required if a toilet is to be replaced, even when the homeowner does the work.
- more information, see:
An overview of permit requirements and a link to Plumbing Permits.
Smoke detectors
Generally no permit is needed to:
- Replace missing or inoperative smoke detectors.
- Install battery-operated smoke detectors or to replace the batteries.
For more information, see:
Common Required Repairs - to see requirements and more information, either scroll down or link to Smoke detectors.
Last updated Feb. 10, 2012