How do I apply for a building permit in Apple Valley, MN?

1. Confirm permit need with Building Inspections and review the city handout for the project type. 2. Apply in ePermits. 3. Upload plans and supporting documents in ProjectDox when plan review is required. 4. Respond to plan review comments, pay fees, and wait for issuance. 5. Post the permit and schedule required inspections.

What work is exempt from building permits in Apple Valley, MN?

The following work is generally exempt: - Detached decks 30 inches or less above grade that are not attached to a structure; - Small accessory structures under Minnesota code thresholds, subject to zoning. Note: rely on city handouts and Minnesota code for project-specific exemptions

How do I schedule a building inspection in Apple Valley, MN?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Call 952-953-2588 for all inspections except electrical, electrical inspections at 507-381-1791.

City Building Permits

Apple Valley, MN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Apple Valley, Minnesota. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Minnesota Dakota County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Covers properties inside the City of Apple Valley

Department: Building Inspections Division, Public Works
Address: Apple Valley Municipal Center, 7100 147th Street W, Apple Valley, MN 55124
Phone: 952-953-2588
Email: Building Inspections via staff directory on city page
Website: https://www.applevalleymn.gov/288/Building-Inspections

Online Permit Portal

Open ePermits plus ProjectDox

Platform: ePermits plus ProjectDox • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Confirm permit need with Building Inspections and review the city handout for the project type.
Apply in ePermits.
Upload plans and supporting documents in ProjectDox when plan review is required.
Respond to plan review comments, pay fees, and wait for issuance.
Post the permit and schedule required inspections.

Source: Building Inspections Division, Public Works

General Requirements

City page says permits are issued for building, mechanical, plumbing, demolition, septic systems, and manufactured housing work; deck page confirms attached decks require permits and detached decks over threshold conditions do as well

Required Documents

Permit application
plans drawn to scale
survey/site plan
footing and property line details where applicable

Building code: Minnesota State Building Code
Owner-builder: Resident homeowners may obtain permits and do their own work
Contractor requirements: Contractors shall be state-licensed

Fees

Plan check fee: Required for plan review projects
Payment note: Electronic application and plan review through ePermits and ProjectDox

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Building Inspections Division, Public Works to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Call 952-953-2588 for all inspections except electrical (phone)
electrical inspections at 507-381-1791 (other)

Inspection hours: Office Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Footings, framing, rough trade inspections, insulation or close-in where needed, final

Additional Resources

Building code: Minnesota State Building Code
Zoning information: View zoning info
https://www.applevalleymn.gov/712/Deck
https://www.applevalleymn.gov/Directory.aspx?did=28
License lookup guide: Minnesota Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Minnesota Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Minnesota hub: Minnesota Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Building Inspections Division, Public Works before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Apple Valley Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Apple Valley, MN?: City page says permits are issued for building, mechanical, plumbing, demolition, septic systems, and manufactured housing work; deck page confirms attached decks require permits and detached decks over threshold conditions do as well
How do I apply for a building permit in Apple Valley, MN?: 1. Confirm permit need with Building Inspections and review the city handout for the project type. 2. Apply in ePermits. 3. Upload plans and supporting documents in ProjectDox when plan review is required. 4. Respond to plan review comments, pay fees, and wait for issuance. 5. Post the permit and schedule required inspections.
What work is exempt from building permits in Apple Valley, MN?: The following work is generally exempt: - Detached decks 30 inches or less above grade that are not attached to a structure; - Small accessory structures under Minnesota code thresholds, subject to zoning. Note: rely on city handouts and Minnesota code for project-specific exemptions
How do I schedule a building inspection in Apple Valley, MN?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Call 952-953-2588 for all inspections except electrical, electrical inspections at 507-381-1791.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Apple Valley can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.