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1. How long does the process take?

The inspection generally will occur within one day of the request. Written comments should be available within three to four days unless an exceptional hazard is proposed which requires more research.

Certificate of Occupancy Program

2. How much does the permit cost?

The cost of the certificate of occupancy permit is $60.

Certification of Occupancy Online Application

3. Does this mean the building has to meet current codes?

No, unless remodeling is proposed or unless construction occurred without permits the existing construction can remain unless a very unusual distinct hazard exists.

Building Inspections

4. Will the building have to have a fire sprinkler system?

The sprinkler requirements are the same with or without this program. Hazardous occupancies require sprinkling. Flammable liquid spray booths require sprinkling. Existing buildings occupied by a more hazardous use require sprinkling. Existing building which increases the occupant load by greater than 50% require sprinkling.

Fire Inspections

5. What if I do not have the money to make the improvements?

The Blaine City Council has established a loan program for fire protection improvements that may assist people in obtaining financing necessary fire related improvements.

Certificate of Occupancy Program

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1. How do I subdivide my property?

Before starting the application process, contact the Planning Department at 763-785-6180 or email the Planning Department to discuss your proposal. A planner will inform you of specific documents required for your application based on the nature of your request.  

2. Can I have a bigger garage or shed on my property?

The first step is to confirm the Zoning designation of your property, refer to our FAQs. Once you have determined the Zoning Designation of your property, please access the Zoning Ordinance. You will be able to click on the Zoning Designation that applies to your property. Once you have completed this step, please read through the ordinance to determine how much garage and accessory space you are allowed to have on your property. Please keep in mind that the square footage you are allowed to have includes any existing ATTACHED and DETACHED structures on the property. If you need to apply for a conditional use permit please refer to the next questions. View the Zoning Ordinance

3. How do I apply for a conditional use permit?

Before starting the application process, contact the Planning Department at 763-785-6180 to discuss your proposal. A planner will inform you of specific documents required for your application based on the nature of your request.

4. Can I get a variance?

Minnesota State Statutes Section §462.357, Subd. 6(2) and Zoning Ordinance Section 27.06 (a)  require that practical difficulties be demonstrated in order for a variance to be granted. Practical difficulties means that a property owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the zoning ordinance; the plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the landowner. Personal and economic situations are not considered valid practical difficulties.  Please refer to the Practical Difficulties Worksheet (make this a link) to determine if you qualify for a variance, since you are requesting the code variance or exception you have the burden of proving that the variance is justified. 

5. How do I apply for a variance?

Before starting the application process, contact the Planning Department at 763-785-6180 to discuss your proposal. A planner will inform you of specific documents required for your application based on the nature of your request.

6. How do I apply for a rezoning and/or a comprehensive land use amendment?

Before starting the application process, contact the Planning Department at 763-785-6180 to discuss your proposal. A planner will inform you of specific documents required for your application based on the nature of your request.

7. What are the setbacks for my property?

The first step is to confirm the Zoning designation of your property by following the steps in the first frequently asked question. Once you have determined the Zoning Designation of your property, please access the Zoning Ordinance. You will be able to click on the Zoning Designation that applies to your property. Once you have completed this step, please read through the ordinance to determine the setbacks for the property in question. View the Zoning Ordinance

8. What is site plan approval and how do I apply for this?

Site Plan approval is an administrative process that builders/developers/property owners need to go through in order to construct a building on their property. Site plan approval generally applies to all commercial and industrial projects, but it also applies to residential townhome development. This process is initiated after all Planning Commission and City Council meetings have been held on the issue, or for permitted uses in each Zoning District, after a meeting with City staff to discuss the project. 

Before starting the application process, contact the Planning Department at 763-785-6180 to discuss your proposal. A planner will inform you of specific documents required for your application based on the nature of your request.

9. Can I have a home occupation?

The City’s Zoning Ordinance discusses home occupations in Chapter 33.10. If you have questions on home occupations please contact the Planning Department at 763-785-6180 or the Planning Department. The Administration Assistant can direct you to the appropriate Planning personnel to determine if you home occupation is allowed. Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 33.10

10. When are Planning Commission and City Council meetings held?

The Planning Commission meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month at 7PM unless dictated by State and Federal holidays that may occur on that same day. City Council meetings are held on the first and third Mondays of every month at 7:30PM. The City Council generally holds workshop meetings before the regularly scheduled meetings. The meetings are held in the City Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall. Meeting Calendar

11. How can I find out what new residential and commercial/industrial developments are occurring within the City?

View our Current Developments.

12. Does the City have a list of local contractors or surveyors available?

The City cannot recommend any privately owned company to do work in the City.

13. Does the City have a list of all homeowners associations in the City?

Given the large number of homeowners associations in the city, the city does not keep an official list and/or contact information for the associations within the city.

14. Does the City have a list of all senior housing developments in the City?

View our senior housing development information sheet.

15. Does the City have a list of all apartment rental housing available within the City?

View our rental housing information sheet.

16. Does the City have any financial assistance available for starting a new business?

View Incentive and Financing

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1. How do I find the zoning designation of my property?

Please visit the city’s mapping application. Users are able to type in any address and get the zoning classification for the property. 

2. How do I find the zoning definition of my property?

View the zoning ordinance to locate all standards that apply to your property.

3. How do I get a zoning classification letter?

Please apply for a zoning classification letter using our online portal. Zoning Classification Letter Information

4. How can I pay for a zoning classification letter?

Payment is accepted during your online application process. 

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1. How do I apply for a sign permit?

Please apply for your permit online. 

• Permanent Signs (link)
• Temporary Signs (link)

2. Can I have temporary signage?

Yes, please refer to our sign information handout.

3. Do I need a permit for simply refacing my sign?

Yes, you will need a permit to reface a sign.

4. How much signage is allowed on my property?

The first step is to determine the zoning designation on your property. You are able to type in any address and get the zoning designation for the property. Once you have determined the zoning designation for your property, please refer to the Sign Information handout. This will tell you what you are allowed to have for square footage for wall signage and monument signage. It also provides the general requirements for the signs. View Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 34.

5. Am I allowed to have temporary signs on my property?

Many businesses wish to have signage on their property that is temporary in nature and that can be used for special events or promotions. These types of signs may include banners, flags, sign trailers etc. The city allows sites to have 8 weeks of temporary signage per year. If a tenant in a multi-tenant building wishes to have temporary signage, it is important to remember that the whole building shares the 8 weeks of temporary signage, and not just the tenant requesting the temporary signage. For more information, please refer to our Sign Information handout. View Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 34.

6. Do I need to have a contractor license to install any signage within the City of Blaine?

No person, firm, or corporation shall engage in the business of erecting, altering, extending, repairing or maintaining signs or sign structures within the city without first having procured a license as required in Section 6-40 of the Blaine Code, except that the owner, lessee or occupant of the property upon which the sign is located may perform the actual work himself provided he had obtained a permit for the sign.

7. Do I need a permit if I am simply changing the wording or legend of my sign?

Yes, a permit is required for refacing or changing the wording (legend) of a sign. It is important to keep in mind that if an older sign is refaced and that sign does not meet current ordinance requirements, that sign will need to be brought into conformance with current signage standards.

8. Why can’t I apply for a sign permit?

The most common reason a permanent sign permit application cannot be submitted is that the contractor license associated with the account submitting the application is expired or the insurance certificate is expired. Log in and either renew your contractor license or upload a new insurance certificate.

9. Why can’t I find a sign contractor in the list?

The contractor either does not have a current license or has an expired insurance certificate. Ask the contractor to update their license.

10. What can be submitted as owner consent?

Owner consent can be provided through a completed owner consent form (available at BlaineMN.gov/OwnerConsent), an authorization letter from the owner, a signature on the sign proof, or an email from the owner.

11. When is a building permit required?

A building permit is required for any freestanding sign over ten feet in height. Refaces of existing signs do not require a building permit, but structural modifications to existing signs do require a building permit. Stamped engineered plans must be submitted with the building permit application.