Basic Permit Process
The permit process starts with your idea and ends with your idea coming to life! We are here to help ensure your idea is safe and within the law.
Research
The first step in the process is for you to find out information on setbacks and permitted uses of your property. This information will help determine if your project is allowed or will fit on your property. Next, you will want to research the different permit types to determine which permit(s) you will need to apply for. If you have any questions about permits or the permit process, we are here to help.
Gathering Documents and Applying for your Permit(s)
Once you know which permit you are applying for, the next step is to gather all the documents and information you will need for your application. More complex projects have checklists available to help you gather this information. Once you are ready, apply for your permit on ePlace.
Review
Once your permit application is submitted, your project is now in the plan review process. The Review process starts with our Permit Coordinators. They make sure that you have provided all of the information and documentation needed to make your application complete, route your application to other City of Duluth departments for review (such as Life Safety, Planning, Engineering, or Fire), and monitor your project throughout the review process. Once the Permit Coordinator determines the application to be complete, your project is assigned a Plans Examiner. The Plans Examiner will review your building plans to determine compliance with the MN State Building Code. During the review process, your Plans Examiner, or a reviewer from another City department, may contact you with questions or comments about your project. Once these questions and/or comments are resolved and the relevant City departments have notified the Permit Coordinator that their reviews are complete, your plans are approved.
Approval and Issued Permit
After the review process, the Permit Coordinator will send you an invoice in ePlace. Once the invoice is paid, the Permit Coordinator will issue your permit and add items such as stamped plans and inspection cards to your permit on your ePlace account. Print the permit, inspection card, and stamped building plans. These documents must be available for your inspector to review. For more information, see the Permit Holder's Responsibility document.
Begin Work and Call for Inspections
Now that your permit is issued and you have the required documents ready for the inspector, you can begin work on your project! As your work progresses, call your inspector to schedule inspections. The inspector and phone number are on your permit, or you can find your inspector's contact information here. Your inspection card will indicate when to call for an inspection, but if you are unsure, give your inspector a call and they will discuss the requirements for your project. More information on inspections can be found here.
Finishing your Project
When your project is nearing completion, you will call your inspector for your final inspection. If applicable, you will also request a Certificate of Occupancy and request any fire escrow funds. Once your project passes final inspection and/or you have the Certificate of Occupancy, you are able to use your building and the project is complete.
Don’t Start Work Before Your Permit is Issued
It’s violation of the law and the wrong way to get your project started. The code requires that, if work starts before a permit is issued, a fee equal to the permit fee is due, so your permit fee doubles. Other enforcement actions could also be triggered. Exceptions are made for work that does not require a permit. The list of work that can be completed without a permit can be found on the CS&I website.
Erosion Control/Land Disturbance
If an Erosion Control/Land Disturbance Permit is required for your project, the Engineering Division will not sign off on the project until the Erosion Control/Land Disturbance Permit has been approved. Erosion Control Permit Fees are paid to Construction Services & Inspections and can be paid at the time the building permit is issued.
Duluth’s Fats Oils and Grease Ordinance
Any facility which prepares or serves food for commercial sale or distribution to any members of the public is a FOOD SERVICE FACILITY. Written approval for compliance with the FOG ordinance is required before we can issue a Plumbing Permit. The grease interceptor location should be considered by the architect in the overall building design.
WLSSD’s Capacity Availability Fee (CAF)
CAF is payable at the time the first building permit for the project is issued. The number of CAF units, if any, is determined by WLSSD. CSI must have the CAF unit determination from WLSSD prior to issuing the building permit. Contact Dan Belden with any questions - dan.belden@wlssd.com or 218-722-3336.
Call Before You Dig, Gopher State One Call 811
Contact Gopher State One Call (GSOC) before starting any excavation project. Whether the project is large or small, if you are using machine powered equipment or just a shovel and rake to plant a garden, get your work area marked. Contacting GSOC in advance helps you and your loved ones dig safely while avoiding costly damages to underground facilities.
http://www.gopherstateonecall.org/