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How to Get a Permit

See also: Do I need a building permit?

Where do I get a permit?

• Building permits are available at City Hall.
• At this time we do not process permits on-line, although you can download the application form from this website.
• You can apply in person during business hours (8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday) or by mail or by fax (See address/fax number info below).
  SUMMER HOURS (Memorial Day - Labor Day): 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 pm. Monday - Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - Noon on Friday
• If you have a contractor, they should apply for the permit. Make sure this is done before work begins. See Consumer Alert.
• If you are doing the work yourself, or if you are serving as your own general contractor, you apply for the permit. Be prepared with your site plan, if required, and all required drawings.
• For major projects, we strongly recommend a preliminary zoning review.

How much does it cost?

• Our permit fee structure follows the fees set up by the State of Minnesota.
• Some projects are charged on a scale based on the value of the project.
• Some projects (such as fences and driveways) have a flat fee.
• Contact City Hall for information on current permit fees.

How long does it take to get a building permit?

• Be sure to allow plenty of time for your permit to be processed.

  Applying Friday afternoon when you've scheduled excavation to begin Monday morning is Too Late — about 2 weeks too late! Please plan ahead. We cannot “rush” a permit or move you to the head of the line. It is not the responsibility of our staff to accommodate poor planning by homeowners and contractors.

• Permits that do not require a zoning (site plan) review or approval from the building official may be done “over the counter” during business hours (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday). How do I know if I need these reviews?
• A zoning review (site plan review) takes approximately 2 working days, unless there are complications. (How do I know if I need a zoning review?)
• Review by the building official takes about a week. During the busy building season, it may take longer. Don't wait until the last minute! (How do I know if I need this review?)
• You can speed things up by filling out your application form in advance and having your drawings ready.
• We also recommend a preliminary zoning review. In many cases there is no charge for a preliminary review.
• You must begin work within 120 days of the granting of the permit.

Where to get an Application Form

You can download the following permit forms from our website:

• Building Permit Application — For garages, additions, remodels. Also for signs, driveways, fences, etc.
• Planning Application —For re-zoning, variances, subdivision, etc.
• Plumbing Permit Application
• Mechanical Permit Application

Adobe^® Acrobat^® is required to view and print these forms.

You can also pick up an application at City Hall or call and request to have one faxed or mailed to you.

Preliminary Zoning Review

Save time, money and aggravation! Before you give your heart to a particular idea, before you commit a lot of time and money to an architect's design, before you sign an agreement with a contractor, before you apply for a permit...

...Bring your plans to City Hall for a preliminary zoning review! Usually, its free!

We will look at your plan and let you know whether or not everything meets City Code requirements before you have invested a lot of time and money. We may be able to suggest some options you haven't thought of.

The first preliminary review on a project is free to owners of residential property. (If additional review is required, a fee may be charged.)

You don't need professional drawings for the preliminary review. You can bring us your own rough sketches. But if you want accurate answers to your questions, be sure you give us accurate information.

The preliminary zoning review is not the same as a permit. You must still apply for your permit and submit a final set of plans. Your project must still go through a final zoning review.

This preliminary review is only for zoning (height, size, setback, etc.); it does not include a building code review. We do not offer a preliminary building code review. The building inspector reviews your plans after you apply for your permit.

Some projects do not need approval by the building official and are reviewed for zoning only. These include fences, sheds under 120 square feet, driveways, patios.

Permit Requirements and Process

• Please consult the chart below for more information on your type of project.
• Allow 2 working days for Site Plan Review. This review checks setbacks, height and lot coverage for compliance with City Code.
• Allow 1 week for Building Review; may be up to 2 weeks during "busy" season.
• This does not include time for making changes required by code.
• Construction drawings are required for any remodeling or construction work.
• When the permit is ready, we will call the applicant and let them know.
• Payment is due when the permit is picked up.
• Permits may be picked up during regular business hours at City Hall, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

* For these projects, there is no permit fee or official permit. If the project meets City Code provisions, it is entered in the permit database and verbal approval is given.

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