Online Permit and Reporting Help Pages

Apply for, submit reports, pay for and print some types of permits online using the city of Duluth's online permitting system.

Before applying, you must read the instructions applicable to the permit or report submission type you are applying for.

If you encounter any error messages during the online application or submission process, if you do not receive a confirmation of payment or if you have any question as to whether the online permit application or submission was successful, call the Land Use Technicians in the Construction Services & Inspections office at 218/730-5240 to report the problem and obtain assistance.  DO NOT create and/or pay for duplicate permits or submissions.  Be sure to read the Permit Refund Policy at the link below.

Create a Login in eTRAKiT

To create a new contractor login

• Phone the Construction Services office at 218/730-5240 or the Engineering office at 218/730-5200 to set up a contractor registration and/or obtain your contractor PIN number.
• Proceed to LOGIN AS A CONTRACTOR instructions.

To create a new public user login

• On the first screen, in the pull down near the top center, select PUBLIC.
• Select SET UP AN ACCOUNT to register. Complete all required fields
• Select CREATE ACCOUNT.  You will then be logged in.

Log In to eTRAKiT

To log in as a contractor

• On the first screen, in the pull down near the top center, select CONTRACTOR.
• Select your company name from the dropdown list or type the name.  Enter your PIN in the password box.
• Select Login.

 To log in as an owner

• On the first screen, in the pull down near the top center, select PUBLIC.
• Enter your username and password.
• Select Login.

If you forget your username or password, click on the link, enter the email address used for your profile, and the username or password will be emailed to you.

Construction Services & Inspections Online Permits

To apply or submit for Construction Services & Inspections permits or reports online as a contractor, you must be registered with the City as a contractor. Contact 218/730-5240 to verify registration and obtain your password or with questions about building, electrical, plumbing, HVAC permits and backflow device reporting.

To apply for permits online as the property owner, you must create an account in eTRAKiT and log in. Backflow device reporting must be submitted by a certified tester/rebuilder.

Online Backflow Preventer Test Reports

• Online Backflow Preventer Test Reports

In accordance with the plumbing code, testing of backflow prevention devices is required upon initial installation of the device and annually thereafter.  Testing shall be by a tester certified by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (MN DOLI), and a report of each test shall be submitted to the city of Duluth Construction Services & Inspections Division along with the necessary program administration fee.  Additionally, a test and inspection tag shall be affixed to the testable backflow prevention assembly, and the tester shall date and sign the tag and include the tester’s backflow prevention tester certification number. 

• Online Backflow Preventer Report Submission Instructions

Online Permits

• Online Plumbing Permits

A property owner may obtain a plumbing permit for an owner-occupied single family dwelling (not a manufactured home in a park).  For other buildings a licensed plumber must obtain the permit and do the work.  Licensure and ownership will be verified before permits are issued.

• Online Electrical Permits

A property owner may obtain his/her own electrical permit for an owner-occupied single family dwelling (not a manufactured home in a park), with the exception of installing a new service. A licensed electrical contractor must perform any work involving installation of the main panel or any work ahead of the panel (ie, mast or meter socket).

• Online HVAC Permits

A property owner may obtain an HVAC permit for a residential project in an owner-occupied dwelling (not a manufactured home in a park). Mechanical c ontractors must have a current bond on file with MN Department of Labor and Industry.  This will be verified during processing of contractor permit applications prior to issuance of the permit  If the project involves installation in a NEW commercial building, engineered mechanical drawings will be required with permit application.

• Online Residential Re-roofing Permits

A property owner may obtain his/her own re-roofing permit for an owner-occupied single family dwelling.  A contractor must be licensed by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industries to perform residential work and to apply for permits for residential work.

• Online Residential Siding Permits

A property owner may obtain his/her own siding permit for an owner-occupied single family dwelling.  A contractor must be licensed by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industries to perform residential work and to apply for permits for residential work.

• Online Permit Application Instructions - General

• Construction Services Permit Refund Policy

Online Engineering Permits

To apply for Engineering permits online, you must be registered with the City as a contractor.  Contact 218/730-5200 to verify registration and obtain your password or with questions about Engineering permits.

• Online Excavation Permits

An insured and bonded contractor may request a permit for excavation within the public right-of-way for sewer repairs or new installations, gas services, water connections for repairs or new services, storm water issues, etc. from the engineering division.  The permit is required as the City of Duluth exercises care and control of all right-of-ways plus its underground utilities.  Bond information must be on file with the Engineering office. 

• Online Obstruction Permit Instructions

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