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Minneapolis building permits

Building permits in Minneapolis are issued by the Construction Code Services, Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED)1. You can apply and request inspections online through minneapolismn.gov2.

Last checked

On this page
  1. Building department contacts
  2. Building codes in force in Minneapolis
  3. Minneapolis building permit fees
  4. How to get a building permit in Minneapolis
  5. Inspections in Minneapolis
  6. Building without a permit in Minneapolis
  7. Doing the work yourself (owner-builder)
  8. Minnesota rules that also apply in Minneapolis
  9. Sources

Building department contacts

Construction Code Services, Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED)1

Building permits

Apply online
minneapolismn.gov2
Address
Public Service Building, 505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 320, Minneapolis, MN 55415
3
Hours
Service Center: Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m.5
Inspections
Permit holder schedules; inspector contact is on the permit6

Zoning Administration (CPED)1

Zoning and planning

State of Minnesota (Department of Labor and Industry) - electrical permits and inspections8

State building code agency

Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry4

Contractor licensing

To look up permits already issued for an address (useful before you buy, or to check a contractor's work), use the city's official permit search: apps.ci.minneapolis.mn.us9.

Building codes in force in Minneapolis

These are the model codes Minneapolis enforces, with the edition and the date it took effect. Plans are reviewed and work is inspected against them. For the state framework, see Minnesota building codes.

CodeTitle as adoptedModel editionEffectiveAdopted by
International Residential Code (IRC)2020 Minnesota Residential Code1020181112Commissioner of Labor and Industry, by rule13
International Building Code (IBC)2020 Minnesota Building Code1020181410Commissioner of Labor and Industry, by rule13
International Existing Building Code (IEBC)2020 Minnesota Conservation Code for Existing Buildings1020181510Commissioner of Labor and Industry, by rule13
Energy code, residential2020 Minnesota Residential Energy Code1020121616Commissioner of Labor and Industry, by rule13
Energy code, commercial2024 Minnesota Commercial Energy Code1020191717Commissioner of Labor and Industry, by rule13
Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)2020 Minnesota Plumbing Code1020181819Minnesota Plumbing Board19
International Mechanical Code (IMC)2020 Minnesota Mechanical and Fuel Gas Code1020182021Commissioner of Labor and Industry, by rule13
International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)Minnesota Fuel Gas Code2220182221Commissioner of Labor and Industry, by rule13
International Fire Code (IFC)2020 Minnesota Fire Code10201823–Commissioner of Labor and Industry, on State Fire Marshal recommendations24

Minneapolis building permit fees

Fees come from the Minneapolis Building Permit Fee Schedule25.

How valuation is set. Valuation of the job, including labor and materials26.

Each line is worded as in Minneapolis’s schedule; formulas are not added up into a total (how permit fees work).

FeeTypeAs the schedule states it
Building permit minimum fee - Residential or CommercialMinimum feeMinimum Fee-Residential or Commercial $84.20 (does not include State Surcharge)25
Building permit fee, construction value $1.00 - $500.00Based on project valuation$1.00 - $500.00 $36.70 (Minimum Fee Applies)25
Building permit fee, construction value $501.00 - $2,000.00Based on project valuation$501.00 - $2,000.00 $36.70- first $500 plus $4.50 each add’l $100 and fraction thereof including $2,00025
Building permit fee, construction value $2,001.00 - $25,000.00Based on project valuation$2,001.00 - $25,000.00 $104.20- first $2,000 plus $20.60 each add’l $1000 and fraction thereof including $25,00025
Building permit fee, construction value $25,001.00 - $50,000.00Based on project valuation$25,001.00 - $50,000.00 $578.00- first $25,000 plus $14.90 each add’l $1000 and fraction thereof including $50,00025
Building permit fee, construction value $50,001.00 - $100,000.00Based on project valuation$50,001.00 - $100,000.00 $950.50- first $50,000 plus $10.60 each add’l $1000 and fraction thereof including $100,00025
Building permit fee, construction value $100,001.00 - $500,000.00Based on project valuation$100,001.00 - $500,000.00 $1,480.50- first $100,000 plus $8.40 each add’l $1000 and fraction thereof including $500,00025
Building permit fee, construction value $500,001.00 - $1,000,000.00Based on project valuation$500,001.00 - $1,000,000.00 $4,840.50- first $500,000 plus $6.90 each add’l $1000 and fraction thereof including $1,000,00025
Building permit fee, construction value $1,000,001.00 and upBased on project valuation$1,000,001.00 and up $8,290.50- first $1,000,000 plus $5.60 each add’l $1000 and fraction thereof25
Plan review feePlan reviewPlan Review Fee (65% x building permit fee)25
MN State Surcharge (building)State surchargeMN State Surcharge (Value of Work x 0.0005)25
Plumbing permit minimum fee - Residential & CommercialMinimum feeMinimum Fee - Residential & Commercial $85.20 (Includes $1.00 State Surcharge)27
Plumbing - Full Fixture - All OccupanciesPer fixture or itemFull Fixture - All Occupancies $41.4027
Plumbing - Replacing or extending water distribution piping–Replacing or extending water distribution piping, each 100 lineal feet or fraction thereof $41.4027
Plumbing - Alterations–Alterations - each $500 or fraction thereof $41.4027
Gas piping only–Gas Piping Only 1.99% of the value or the minimum fee, whichever is greater27
MN State Surcharge (plumbing)State surchargeMN State Surcharge fee of $1.00 is required for each permit application.27
Existing residential mechanical permit - Level 1 Misc HVAC Work with No BurnerFlat feeLevel 1 - Misc HVAC Work with No Burner $84.2028
Existing residential mechanical permit - Level 2 Includes Level 1 & Replace Boiler/Furnace SystemFlat feeLevel 2 - Includes Level 1 & Replace Boiler/Furnace System $132.4028
Existing residential mechanical permit - Level 3 Includes Level 1 & 2 and Entire System replacementFlat feeLevel 3 - Includes Level 1 & 2 and Entire System replacement $216.6028
Refund processing fee (work not started)Flat feeThe City keeps a $50 processing fee.26

How to get a building permit in Minneapolis

  1. Submit a wrecking permit application (only if an existing structure must be removed)1
  2. Submit a building permit application; a development coordinator starts the permit and emails a ProjectDox invitation1
  3. Log in to ProjectDox to submit plans and documents1
  4. Development coordinator intake review for completeness1
  5. Plan review by Construction Code Services, Zoning Administration, Public Works and others1
  6. Submit land use application when required (new construction, ADUs, others identified by zoning)1
  7. Pay, download and post the permit and approved plans, then begin construction1
  8. Coordinate and pass on-site inspections1
  9. Pass a final inspection; certificate of occupancy inspection for new buildings or changes of use1
Apply online
Apply by email; plans via ProjectDox2
Over-the-counter permits
Express limited permits (pre-approved licensed contractors, existing 1-2 family homes): siding, same-size windows, drain tile, tuckpointing, stucco/plaster, reroofs; gas/plumbing fixtures, gas meter, water heater; HVAC; street use dumpster permits29
Posting the permit
Post permit and approved plans at the site1

Inspections in Minneapolis

Minneapolis’s inspection stages, in order. Do not cover work until the stage has passed (how inspections work).

  1. Footing inspection8
  2. Foundation wall inspection8
  3. Concrete slab/under-floor inspection8
  4. Underground plumbing inspection8
  5. Rough-in plumbing and mechanical inspections8
  6. Framing inspection8
  7. Insulation/vapor barrier inspection8
  8. Final plumbing and mechanical inspections8
  9. Final building inspection8
  10. Re-roofing/residing final inspection (no underlayment inspection)8
  11. Certificate of Occupancy (CoO) inspection30
How to schedule
Person doing the work calls for inspections when ready8
After the final inspection
Final inspection dated and initialed on permit; property search shows approval6

Building without a permit in Minneapolis

ConsequenceApplies toAs the city states itWay to fix it
Higher permit fee Minneapolis Code of Ordinances Title 5, Chapter 91Construction work begun before getting a permit26Fees may be doubled26Partial or total removal of work may be required to show code compliance26
Criminal penalty Minn. Stat. § 326B.082, subd. 16Unlicensed residential contracting, remodeling or roofing (state law, acknowledged on city application)4Misdemeanor; fine of up to $10,0004–

For how unpermitted work is usually legalized, see how to legalize unpermitted work.

Doing the work yourself (owner-builder)

Homeowner may pull a building permit
Yes - owner-occupants of 1-4 unit dwellings (not corporations/LLCs/partnerships)31
Homeowner plumbing work
Yes - owner-occupants of single-family homes; no work on gas-fired heating equipment31
Owner and occupancy requirement
Owner must live in the unit/home31
Sale or rental limits
Owner-applicant work not for speculation/resale; one property in 24 months (other than rental they maintain)4
Affidavit or declaration
Yes - property owner certification/acknowledgment on application4

Minnesota's statewide owner-builder and licensing rules are on the Minnesota permit guide.

Minnesota rules that also apply in Minneapolis

Sources

  1. Permit Application ProcessCity of Minneapolis, Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED), Construction Code Services / Minneapolis Development ReviewLast updated June 30, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  2. ProjectDox InstructionsCity of Minneapolis, Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED), Construction Code Services / Minneapolis Development ReviewLast updated July 1, 2026Checked November 6, 2026
  3. Construction PermitsCity of Minneapolis, Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED), Construction Code Services / Minneapolis Development ReviewLast updated August 3, 2026Checked November 6, 2026
  4. Building Permit Application (PDF)City of Minneapolis, Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED), Construction Code Services / Minneapolis Development ReviewRevised October 9, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  5. Construction Permits OverviewCity of Minneapolis, Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED), Construction Code Services / Minneapolis Development ReviewLast updated June 30, 2026Checked November 6, 2026
  6. On-site InspectionsCity of Minneapolis, Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED), Construction Code Services / Minneapolis Development ReviewLast updated June 9, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  7. Zoning and Land UseCity of Minneapolis, Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED), Construction Code Services / Minneapolis Development ReviewLast updated June 30, 2026Checked November 6, 2026
  8. When to Call for Inspections (PDF)City of Minneapolis, Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED), Construction Code Services / Minneapolis Development ReviewRevised April 1, 2024Checked November 6, 2026
  9. Property Information SearchCity of Minneapolis, Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED), Construction Code Services / Minneapolis Development ReviewLast updated June 30, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  10. 2020 Minnesota State Building CodesMinnesota Department of Labor and IndustryChecked November 6, 2026
  11. Minn. R. 1309.0010 Adoption of International Residential CodeMinnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes, Minnesota RulesPublished March 31, 2020Checked November 6, 2026
  12. Code book fact sheet: 2020 Minnesota Residential CodeMinnesota Department of Labor and IndustryChecked November 6, 2026
  13. Minn. Stat. § 326B.106 General powers of commissioner of labor and industryMinnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes, Minnesota StatutesPublished 2026Checked November 6, 2026
  14. Minn. R. 1305.0011 Adoption of International Building CodeMinnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes, Minnesota RulesPublished March 31, 2020Checked November 6, 2026
  15. Minn. R. 1311.0010 Adoption of International Existing Building CodeMinnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes, Minnesota RulesPublished March 31, 2020Checked November 6, 2026
  16. Code book fact sheet: 2020 Minnesota Residential Energy CodeMinnesota Department of Labor and IndustryChecked November 6, 2026
  17. Code book fact sheet: 2024 Minnesota Commercial Energy CodeMinnesota Department of Labor and IndustryChecked November 6, 2026
  18. Minn. R. 4714.0050 Title; incorporation by referenceMinnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes, Minnesota RulesPublished September 27, 2021Checked November 6, 2026
  19. Plumbing BoardMinnesota Department of Labor and IndustryChecked November 6, 2026
  20. Minn. R. 1346.0050 Title; incorporation by referenceMinnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes, Minnesota RulesPublished April 22, 2020Checked November 6, 2026
  21. Code book fact sheet: 2020 Minnesota Mechanical and Fuel Gas CodeMinnesota Department of Labor and IndustryChecked November 6, 2026
  22. Minn. R. 1346.5050 Title; incorporation by referenceMinnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes, Minnesota RulesPublished April 22, 2020Checked November 6, 2026
  23. Minn. R. 7511.0090 Codes and standards incorporated by referenceMinnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes, Minnesota RulesPublished April 16, 2020Checked November 6, 2026
  24. Minn. Stat. § 326B.02 Powers; duties; administrationMinnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes, Minnesota StatutesPublished 2026Checked November 6, 2026
  25. Minneapolis Building Permit Fee ScheduleCity of Minneapolis, Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED), Construction Code Services / Minneapolis Development ReviewChecked November 7, 2026
  26. Permit FeesCity of Minneapolis, Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED), Construction Code Services / Minneapolis Development ReviewLast updated February 27, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  27. Minneapolis Plumbing Fee ScheduleCity of Minneapolis, Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED), Construction Code Services / Minneapolis Development ReviewChecked November 7, 2026
  28. Minneapolis Mech. Existing Res. Permit Fee Sched.City of Minneapolis, Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED), Construction Code Services / Minneapolis Development ReviewChecked November 7, 2026
  29. Express Limited Permits for ContractorsCity of Minneapolis, Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED), Construction Code Services / Minneapolis Development ReviewLast updated August 3, 2026Checked November 6, 2026
  30. Certificate of OccupancyCity of Minneapolis, Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED), Construction Code Services / Minneapolis Development ReviewLast updated June 4, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  31. Permit ApplicantsCity of Minneapolis, Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED), Construction Code Services / Minneapolis Development ReviewLast updated June 30, 2026Checked November 6, 2026