Grand Marais, MN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Incorporated City of Grand Marais. City zoning and building and use permits are administered through the zoning administrator and city office.

Department

City of Grand Marais Zoning Administrator / City Office

Address

15 N Broadway, PO Box 600, Grand Marais, MN 55604

Phone

218-387-1848

Email

cityhall@grandmarais.city

Website

https://www.ci.grand-marais.mn.us/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Submit a building or land use permit application to the Zoning Administrator on city forms.
2. Attach a scaled site plan showing lot dimensions plus building and accessory building size and location.
3. Include any other information the city deems necessary.
4. The Zoning Administrator reviews the application for compliance with the city code.
5. The permit is issued only after compliance is determined.
6. For some projects, the City of Grand Marais Public Utility Commission must certify utility availability and hook-up fees before issuance.
7. Land use permits are typically reviewed within 10 days on the solar permitting checklist.

Typical processing time: Land use permits are typically reviewed within 10 days on the solar permitting checklist.

Source: City of Grand Marais Zoning Administrator / City Office

General Requirements

Except as provided in the ordinance, no person may construct, erect, alter, wreck, or move a building or structure without first securing a building permit from the city. The ordinance also states a land use permit is required for many activities and that permits are tied to zoning compliance.

Required Documents

• City form completed for the permit
• Scaled plan showing lot dimensions and the size and location of the building and accessory buildings
• Additional information as needed for code enforcement
• For solar PV, a land use permit form
• For solar PV, an aerial site plan
• For solar PV, a street view site plan
• For solar PV, supporting information

Permit validity

All building and use permits expire after one year from issuance unless substantial progress has been made or a written extension is approved.

Building code

Minnesota State Building Code, with city zoning ordinance references to tiny house compliance

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$35 for building permits up to 100 sq. ft.

Permit fee formula

Up to 100 sq. ft. = $35; above 100 sq. ft. = add $5 for each additional 50 sq. ft. up to a maximum fee of $250

Penalty (no permit)

After-the-fact building permit fee = additional $300; fire zone review fee = additional $10

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Interior alteration, repair, or change inside a residential building does not require a building permit if it does not affect exterior dimensions or change the existing use and occupancy.
• Any deck-like structure 18 inches and under does not require a land use permit.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspection hours

City Hall office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, except holidays.

Typical inspection sequence: For building permits, the ordinance focuses on zoning review and utility certification before issuance. For solar PV projects, the city checklist says complete the online interconnection application after assembling permit documents.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Minnesota State Building Code, with city zoning ordinance references to tiny house compliance
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Zoning ordinance PDF
• Fee ordinance PDF
• Solar permitting checklist
• Forms and applications entry point
• License lookup guide: Minnesota Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Minnesota Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Minnesota hub: Minnesota Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Grand Marais Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Grand Marais, MN?

Except as provided in the ordinance, no person may construct, erect, alter, wreck, or move a building or structure without first securing a building permit from the city. The ordinance also states a land use permit is required for many activities and that permits are tied to zoning compliance.

How much does a building permit cost in Grand Marais, MN?

The minimum permit fee is $35 for building permits up to 100 sq. ft.. Fees are calculated as: Up to 100 sq. ft. = $35; above 100 sq. ft. = add $5 for each additional 50 sq. ft. up to a maximum fee of $250.

How do I apply for a building permit in Grand Marais, MN?

1. Submit a building or land use permit application to the Zoning Administrator on city forms. 2. Attach a scaled site plan showing lot dimensions plus building and accessory building size and location. 3. Include any other information the city deems necessary. 4. The Zoning Administrator reviews the application for compliance with the city code. 5. The permit is issued only after compliance is determined. 6. For some projects, the City of Grand Marais Public Utility Commission must certify utility availability and hook-up fees before issuance. 7. Land use permits are typically reviewed within 10 days on the solar permitting checklist.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Grand Marais, MN?

Typical processing time is Land use permits are typically reviewed within 10 days on the solar permitting checklist..

What work is exempt from building permits in Grand Marais, MN?

The following work is generally exempt: Interior alteration, repair, or change inside a residential building does not require a building permit if it does not affect exterior dimensions or change the existing use and occupancy.; Any deck-like structure 18 inches and under does not require a land use permit..

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