Residential Projects - One or Two Family Dwellings & Townhomes
This is the starting point for the homeowner or contractor who is considering a home maintenance or renovation project or thinking of building a deck, a garage, or a house. We’ll touch on when a permit is required, what the process entails, and provide links to a wealth of information for DIY-ers and contractors.
Our job in Construction Services is to help facilitate your building project while ensuring that the work complies with the Minnesota Residential Code and other regulations. We are here as your resource.
A Note on Permit Holder's Responsibility
The individual who applies for and signs the permit application is the responsible party for the permitted work and should be the one doing the work. If a homeowner intends to hire a licensed contractor to do some or all of the work, the contractor should apply for and hold the permit. This puts the responsibility on the contractor to perform the work correctly. This also allows the homeowner access to relief from the state if the work is substandard. If the homeowner obtains a permit on behalf of the contractor, there is no recourse through the state contractor recovery program available if the work does not meet standards.
A handyman, or “my neighbor’s buddy,” are not legally able to pull a permit to perform work on behalf of a homeowner unless they are a licensed contractor. Use caution when entering into a contract with someone who cannot produce a contractor’s license. You can also check if a contractor is licensed on the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industries’ website.
Lead Concerns
The EPA requires contractors performing work in residential properties built before 1978, to be certified lead renovators. Homeowners do not require any training to perform work in their home, but it’s important to be aware that lead may be present in homes built before 1978. Click here for more information on lead.