New Ulm, MN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

City of New Ulm corporate limits, including the county seat

Department

City of New Ulm Department of Building Safety

Address

100 N Broadway Street, New Ulm, MN 56073

Phone

507-233-2121

Website

https://www.newulmmn.gov/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Use the city permit form or contact Building Safety.
2. Submit the permit application with the project details and valuation.
3. City staff calculate fees and review plans as required.
4. Building Safety issues the permit after approval and payment.

Source: City of New Ulm Department of Building Safety

General Requirements

Building permit fee schedule includes repairs and maintenance such as windows, shingles, decks, sheds, and siding, so those activities require permitting in the city system.

Permit validity

A 180 day validation period is described in the refund policy, which implies the permit must be acted on within that window.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Building permit fixed fee for repairs and maintenance is $59 plus $1 state surcharge, total $60

Plan check fee

Plan review fee is 65 percent of the building permit fee excluding surcharge for new buildings and major alterations. One- and two-family dwellings use a flat $100 plan review fee.

Permit fee formula

Building permit fee schedule scales by estimated project cost. Example ranges include $0 to $1,000 at $36.50 plus $1 surcharge, and a separate plan review fee of 65 percent of the building permit fee excluding surcharge for new buildings and major alterations.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of New Ulm Department of Building Safety to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: Application, fee calculation, plan review if required, permit issuance, inspection and final closeout.

Additional Resources

• City website
• Fee schedule
• County cities directory
• License lookup guide: Minnesota Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Minnesota Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Minnesota hub: Minnesota Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

New Ulm Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in New Ulm, MN?

Building permit fee schedule includes repairs and maintenance such as windows, shingles, decks, sheds, and siding, so those activities require permitting in the city system.

How much does a building permit cost in New Ulm, MN?

The minimum permit fee is Building permit fixed fee for repairs and maintenance is $59 plus $1 state surcharge, total $60. Fees are calculated as: Building permit fee schedule scales by estimated project cost. Example ranges include $0 to $1,000 at $36.50 plus $1 surcharge, and a separate plan review fee of 65 percent of the building permit fee excluding surcharge for new buildings and major alterations.. Plan check fee: Plan review fee is 65 percent of the building permit fee excluding surcharge for new buildings and major alterations. One- and two-family dwellings use a flat $100 plan review fee..

How do I apply for a building permit in New Ulm, MN?

1. Use the city permit form or contact Building Safety. 2. Submit the permit application with the project details and valuation. 3. City staff calculate fees and review plans as required. 4. Building Safety issues the permit after approval and payment.

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