Mechanical
- Step 1 - Review and Prepare
- Step 2 - Create an Account
- Step 3 - Apply
- Step 4 - Review and Payment
- Step 5 - Schedule an Inspection
Review and Prepare
Building permits are needed to replace a furnace, air conditioner, water heater, stove, dryer, install a garage heater, and any miscellaneous burning gas appliance.
Information Needed to Submit a Permit
The following information needs to be available during the online application process.
- Make and Model
Locate the make and model of the appliance being installed.
Fees
For the most current fees related to your project, view the Fee Schedule (PDF).
Inspections
Inspections will typically include the following. Although, depending on your project, more inspections may be added or removed.
- Mechanical RI and Mechanical Final
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.
Create an Account
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Please Note:
Contractors applying for permits on behalf of a homeowner must setupan iMS Account and a Pro Accountbefore continuing with the permit process.Are you a new user?
If no, continue to step 3 on the left.If yes, create an account.
Please Note:
Contractors applying for a permit on behalf of a homeowner must setup a User Account and then a Pro Account.
Homeowners doing your own work may setup a User account only.New users to the system need to create an account. Please select create an account.
Creating a New User in iMS and iMS Tips
Having trouble creating an account? Detail instructions are available here, iMS account creation information.Already have an account?
Create a PRO AccountA PRO account is for contractors that require any city or state license or registration.
Please note, Architects are able to apply for a permit for new commercial buildings without being a PRO account.
Creating a Pro Account in iMS
Having trouble creating a PRO account? Detail instructions are available:
Online Application
Once you have gathered or emailed the necessary documents, you are ready to begin the online application process.
How to Submit a Residential Building Application in iMS
Please note the following:
- Once the application is started, the system will not allow you to go back to a previous page, you must continue through the entire application.
- Once you have completed and uploaded all required documents, a review page allows you to go back and edit any part of the application.
- Any question or upload with a red asterisk (*) is required.
Review and Payment Process
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Review time is up to 15 business days.Please note, during the busy construction months and with the online software launch, delays may occur.
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After completion of the permit review, an email with permit cost and payment instructions will be sent.
- After receipt of payment, plans will be emailed, and work and inspection scheduling can start.
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Schedule an Inspection
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- When scheduling inspections, please plan at least three to four business days ahead.
- Please note, during the busy construction months longer delays may occur.
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Information needed before calling to schedule an inspection:
- Permit number.
- Address for the job site.
- Inspection type.
- If you are the homeowner, the name of contractor doing the work is needed.
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Login to IMS Account and go to your dashboard.
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On your Dashboard, go to My Inspections.
- A list of required inspections can be viewed along with the instructions on how to schedule.
General Information
- If the homeowner is hiring a contractor the contractor must pull the permit.
- Considering MN Statute 326B.197, only plumbing contractors with a mechanical bond may do work on gas piping (except simple reconnections without new fittings or piping).
- Minn. Stat. 326B.197 summarizes the bond requirement for persons contracting to do gas, heating, ventilation, cooling, air conditioning, fuel burning, or refrigeration work. For these scopes of work, only the $25,000 mechanical bond is required, there is no license for mechanical/HVAC work in Minnesota. However, the City of Blaine has a mechanical license that requires a mechanical bond, proof of insurance and a $70.00 fee.
- Building permits in the City of Blaine for new homes and townhomes are all-inclusive which means they include Plumbing and HVAC work (separate plumbing and mechanical permits are not required). If any gas work is to be done by the plumber (including a gas piping to a gas water heater), the general contractor will be asked list the plumbing contractor as the Gas Installer in the contacts field. For the general contractor to list the plumber as a gas installer, the plumbing contractor must first have added a City of Blaine mechanical license to their current plumbing pro account. If your plumber installs gas piping during new home and townhome builds, please be proactive to verify they have completed this so your permit process is not delayed.