Construction Services & Inspections

A building permit is required for the construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, demolition or change in the use of a building or structure., Construction permits are required for the erection, installation, enlargement, alteration, repair, removal, conversion, or replacement of any gas, mechanical, electrical or plumbing system, or other equipment, the installation of which is regulated by the code.

The permits that may be required for your project depend on the work that is being done. 

A building permit is required if work is being done on the structure of the building (Framing, foundation, walls, siding, roofing, etc)

A plumbing permit is required for work involving water or waste. Gas piping requires a gas piping permit.

A HVAC permit is required for work involving heating, ventilation, or air conditioning such as furnace or boiler replacement, mini splits, and air conditioners.

Electrical permits are required for electrical work. Electrical permits are applied through the State of Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.

Some projects, even simple ones, may require multiple permits. Some common examples include: 

Detached Garage:

• Building Permit for the structure
• Electrical Permit (from the State) for electrical work
• HVAC Permit if a heater or AC unit is installed
• Gas Piping Permit if the heater uses gas

Water Heater:

• Plumbing Permit
• Electrical Permit if new wiring is installed
• Gas Piping Permit if a new gas line is installed

Kitchen or Bathroom Remodel:

• Building permit for any wall removal
• Electrical permit for any new lighting fixtures, fans, etc.
• HVAC Permit for any new fans
• Plumbing Permit for any new plumbing fixtures or piping

If you are unsure if you need additional permits for your project, give us a call and we will be able to help.

The owner or contractor completing the work is responsible to obtain the permit. 

If you are not the owner of the property, you must be a licensed contractor in compliance with MN contractor licensing regulations.

Certain permits like plumbing and gas piping permits can only be taken out by a licensed contractor unless the work is in an owner occupied single family dwelling.

Exemptions from permit requirements of the code do not authorize work to be done in any manner in violation of the code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Sub Permits may still be required.

Building permits are not required for the following:

• One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, or similar use up to 200 square feet
• Fences up to seven feet high
• Oil derricks
• Retaining walls up to four feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, and are not supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or III-A liquids
• Water tanks up to 5,000 gallons supported directly upon grade and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1
• Sidewalks and driveways that are not part of an accessible route
• Decks and platforms up to 30 inches above adjacent grade and not attached to a structure with frost footings and which is not part of an accessible route
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
• Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery
• Prefabricated above ground swimming pools up to 5,000 gallons in capacity and up to a 24-inch depth. Must be placed on a residential property or property with an R-3 occupancy.
• Residential Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support
• Movable cases, counters, and partitions up to five feet, nine inches in height
• Swings and other playground equipment

Gas permits are not required for the following:

• Portable heating, cooking, or clothes drying appliances
• Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make the equipment unsafe
• Portable fuel cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are interconnected to a power grid.

Mechanical permits are not required for the following:

• Portable heating appliances
• Portable ventilation appliances and equipment
• Portable cooling units
• Steam, hot, or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code
• Replacement of any part that does not alter approval of equipment or make the equipment unsafe
• Portable evaporative coolers
• Self-contained refrigeration systems containing ten pounds (4.5 kg) or less of refrigerant or that are actuated by motors of one horsepower (0.75 kW) or less
• Portable fuel cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid

Plumbing permits are not required for the following plumbing work performed in one-and two-family dwellings: 

• The reconnection of an existing water supply line to a replacement appliance that does not involve the replacement or alteration of the existing water supply line
• Replacement of the internal working components of existing water closets, faucets, or valves
• Replacement of sink faucets or water closets when the work does not include alterations to the existing plumbing piping system
• Plumbing work that does not include any addition to or replacement, alteration, or relocation of any water supply, drainage, or vent piping, if it does not create a hazardous or unsanitary condition

It's the law.

Compliance with the building code is required by Minnesota statute and local ordinance. The building code is established by the State of Minnesota to protect health, safety, and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, sanitation, adequate light and ventilation, energy conservation, and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the building environment and to provide safety to firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.

It keeps your contractor honest.

To beat out the price of a competitor, a profit-driven contractor might be tempted to cut corners. Would you know it if they did? Most construction work ends up hidden behind walls and under floors. A building permit requires that a contractor use sound and safe methods and materials; and inspections assure you that they do so.

Guidance for your do-it-yourself projects.

No matter how handy you are, you aren't likely to know everything required by the building, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical (HVAC) code. When you get a permit and required inspections, you'll have to show the building department your plans and workmanship. If the plan or your work is not code compliant, you will be asked to revise them. But if you never apply for a permit, you might go ahead with work that's dangerous or unsound.

Obtaining permits may keep your insurance valid.

Building done without a permit can mean that your insurance company may not honor your policy. A fire resulting from work without a permit could leave you without an insurance settlement. If someone falls off a deck that was built without a permit, your liability insurance may not cover the injuries.

Documentation that work and inspections were done in accordance with the code can add value when you sell your home.

If you perform work without a permit, you can assume a potential buyer will know about it. Construction Services receives many inquiries about a home's permit history prior to a buyer making a purchase offer. The permit process is a matter of public record. In addition, you may be required to sign a Property Disclosure Statement, in which you have to reveal all problems or defects in the property. Having all the necessary permits makes the sale proceed much more smoothly.