Alterations / Remodel / Repair

Building permits are required if you are finishing unfinished space in your basement, remodeling, changing the use of space or installing drain tile.

This permit type includes the following areas of construction.

  • Attic Insulation - Please select this when the only work for this project is attic insulation and ventilation work.
  • Basement Room Finish - This permit type includes building, plumbing, and mechanical HVAC work.
    ** Separate permits for plumbing and mechanical HVAC are not required. **
  • Damage Repair - Please select this for major damage repair due to fire, water, or natural causes. For storm damaged roofing and siding replacement please back out and select the Roofing & Siding permit type. Plumbing and mechanical HVAC work require a separate permits.
  • Other - Please select this for all other general remodeling projects such as kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, installation of drain tile systems, etc. A separate mechanical and plumbing permit will be required for these type of projects. Permits are to be applied for by whomever is doing the work contractor or homeowner. 
  1. Step 1 - Review and Prepare
  2. Step 2 - Create an Account
  3. Step 3 - Apply
  4. Step 4 - Review and Payment
  5. Step 5 - Schedule an Inspection

Review and Prepare

Please review the information packet pertaining to your construction project. Other information packets related to your project can be found in the Documents section below.

Additional information packets related to your construction project are available below in the Documents section.

Information and Documents Needed
to Submit a Permit

The following documents need to be available for upload during the online application process. Please note, all documents need to be in a PDF format.

Attic Insulation

  • Estimated Valuation of Project - How much will it cost to complete the project.

Basement Room Finish

  • Estimated Valuation of Project - How much will it cost to complete the project.
  • Set of Room Plans
    Plans must include:
    • Rooms with dimensions and designation (bedroom, family room, etc.)
    • Window sizes and locations
    • Cross sections and any notes that would help explain the nature and extent of your project
    • Gas fireplace location (if applicable)
    • Contractors names if using a contractor
  • A Septic Compliance Inspection Report - If you are on a septic system and your basement finish includes adding bedrooms.

Damage Repair and Other

  • Estimated Valuation of Project - How much will it cost to complete the project.
  • Scope of Work
  • Set of Plans
    Plans must include complete repair or remodel, if engineered components such as manufactured trusses have been damaged, an engineered repair will be required.
caution-icon-40x40Please Note: If plans and details are not complete or information is missing, the time to process your permit will be extended.

Fees

For the most current fees related to your project, view the Fee Schedule (PDF).

Inspections

Inspections will typically include the following. Depending on your project, inspections may be added or removed.

Attic Insulation

  • Insulation and Attic Markers
  • Final

Basement Finish

  • Electrical RI and Final
  • Plumbing RI and Final
  • Mechanical RI and Final
  • Framing/Fireblocking
  • Final

Damage Repair and Other

  • Inspections will be determined at the time of plan review and will be dependent on the extent of damage or work.

To schedule an inspection follow the directions in Step 5 Schedule an Inspection.

Allow 3 to 4 business days for scheduling inspections and during the busy construction time please allow more time.

General Information

  • Electrical Permits can be applied for at ims.dli.mn.gov.
  • Expected plan review time is 7 to 10 business days. During the busy construction time it may be longer.

Basement Finish

  • If you are the contractor or a homeowner acting as the general contractor for your project and hire subcontractors, please notify them that this is an all-inclusive permit, plumbing and mechanical work are included in this permit. Electrical and gas fireplace installations are by separate permit.

Damage Repair

  • If you are the contractor or homeowner acting as the general contractor for your project and hire subcontractors, please notify them that a separate permit needs to be applied for by the contractor doing the work or homeowner if they are doing the work for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and a gas fireplace installation.
  • After the application has been submitted, schedule a Damage Repair Walkthrough Inspection.  During this inspection, the inspector may indicate if further information is required for the permit application (Engineering, plans, additional permits mechanical/plumbing, etc.). If engineered components such as manufactured trusses have been damaged, an engineered repair will be required. Inspections will be determined at the time of permit review.

Documents

  1. Basic Wood Framing (PDF)
  2. Building Plans (PDF)
  3. Cold Weather Concrete (PDF)
  4. Cutting Notching and Boring (PDF)
  5. Fasteners (PDF)
  6. Fire Blocking (PDF)
  7. Footing Design (PDF)
  8. Framing Tips (PDF)
  9. Requirement of Insulating Hot Water Lines 1-26-2022 (002) (003)
  10. Residential Safety Glazing (PDF)
  11. Septic Compliance inspection report form
  12. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms (PDF)
  13. Stairs Landings and Guardrails (PDF)
  14. Truss to Wall Connections (PDF)