How much does a building permit cost in Empire, MN?

The minimum permit fee is Fee schedule uses state-style permit tables; check current PDF for exact minimum by category. Fees are calculated as: Mixed valuation-based and category-based. Plan check fee: 65 percent of permit fee appears in city fee schedule.

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

1. Pull the correct building, zoning, or right-of-way form from the city permits page. 2. Submit the application with plans and supporting documents. 3. Building official reviews and computes permit fee. 4. Pay fees before permit release. 5. Schedule required inspections through Inspectron.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Empire, MN?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Inspectron.

City Building Permits

Empire, MN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Minnesota Dakota County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Covers the City of Empire; city incorporated in 2023 and still uses contracted inspection workflows

Department: City of Empire, contracted building inspection through Inspectron
Address: 3385 197th Street W, Farmington, MN 55024
Phone: 651-322-6626 Inspectron main office; city hall contact through website
Email: City and permit contacts routed through city site , Inspectron application lists city-specific use
Website: https://empiremn.gov/permits

Online Permit Portal

Open PDF forms and Inspectron workflow

Platform: PDF forms and Inspectron workflow • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Pull the correct building, zoning, or right-of-way form from the city permits page.
Submit the application with plans and supporting documents.
Building official reviews and computes permit fee.
Pay fees before permit release.
Schedule required inspections through Inspectron.

Source: City of Empire, contracted building inspection through Inspectron

General Requirements

Building permit handouts and forms are posted on the city permit page; use Minnesota code baseline and city zoning review for footprint or site changes

Required Documents

Permit application
plans
site information
contractor license number
valuation

Building code: Minnesota State Building Code; city fee schedule includes state surcharge and permit tables
Contractor requirements: Permit application asks for contractor state license number

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Fee schedule uses state-style permit tables; check current PDF for exact minimum by category
Plan check fee: 65 percent of permit fee appears in city fee schedule
Permit fee formula: Mixed valuation-based and category-based
Reinspection fee: Review current fee schedule PDF
Payment note: City online payments page available

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Empire, contracted building inspection through Inspectron to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspectron (other)

Typical inspection sequence: Building official inspection sequence by permit type

Additional Resources

Building code: Minnesota State Building Code; city fee schedule includes state surcharge and permit tables
Zoning information: View zoning info
https://empiremn.gov/ordinances
https://ci.empire.mn.us/publicworks
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 City of Empire, contracted building inspection through Inspectron before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Empire Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Empire, MN?: Building permit handouts and forms are posted on the city permit page; use Minnesota code baseline and city zoning review for footprint or site changes
How much does a building permit cost in Empire, MN?: The minimum permit fee is Fee schedule uses state-style permit tables; check current PDF for exact minimum by category. Fees are calculated as: Mixed valuation-based and category-based. Plan check fee: 65 percent of permit fee appears in city fee schedule.
How do I apply for a building permit in Empire, MN?: 1. Pull the correct building, zoning, or right-of-way form from the city permits page. 2. Submit the application with plans and supporting documents. 3. Building official reviews and computes permit fee. 4. Pay fees before permit release. 5. Schedule required inspections through Inspectron.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Empire, MN?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Inspectron.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Empire 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.

Learn how Jaspector works

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.