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

The minimum permit fee is Not clearly isolated in the reviewed snippets..

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

1. Determine the correct permit type and review the city's application and submittal instructions. 2. Submit the permit application and project plans through the city's online permit workflow or other city-approved intake method. 3. Development Review and Construction Code Services review plans for zoning, preservation, and code compliance. 4. Pay fees after approval, obtain the permit, and complete on-site inspections before final sign-off or certificate of occupancy if required.

What work is exempt from building permits in Minneapolis, MN?

The following work is generally exempt: Minneapolis publishes a dedicated work-exempt-from-a-permit resource from the building-permits page.; Applicants should use the city's exemption page for project-specific confirmation rather than rely on general assumptions..

City Building Permits

Minneapolis, MN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Minnesota Hennepin County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City of Minneapolis is the permit authority for building and trade permits within Minneapolis; this entry is limited to Minneapolis properties in Hennepin County.

Department: Community Planning and Economic Development - Development Review and Construction Code Services
Address: Public Service Building, 505 Fourth Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55415
Phone: 311 or 612-673-3000
Email: Permit applications are routed through Minneapolis Development Review and 311 service channels
Website: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/business-services/licenses-permits-inspections/construction-permits/

Online Permit Portal

Open Minneapolis online construction permit application and express permit tools

Platform: Minneapolis online construction permit application and express permit tools • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Determine the correct permit type and review the city's application and submittal instructions.
Submit the permit application and project plans through the city's online permit workflow or other city-approved intake method.
Development Review and Construction Code Services review plans for zoning, preservation, and code compliance.
Pay fees after approval, obtain the permit, and complete on-site inspections before final sign-off or certificate of occupancy if required.

Source: Community Planning and Economic Development - Development Review and Construction Code Services

General Requirements

Required Documents

When a permit is required: A building permit gives legal permission to start a new construction or remodeling project, and the city states plans must be approved before a permit is issued.
Required documents: Building permit application, submittal instructions, and project plans; exact requirements vary by permit type.
Owner-builder rules if available: Homeowners may apply for qualifying work; express permits are limited to pre-approved licensed contractors.
Contractor license requirements: Contractors may need state licenses and, for some specialties, city licenses.
Building code adopted: 2020 Minnesota State Building Code plus Minneapolis ordinances enforced by Construction Code Services.

Building code: 2020 Minnesota State Building Code plus Minneapolis ordinances enforced by Construction Code Services.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Not clearly isolated in the reviewed snippets.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Minneapolis publishes a dedicated work-exempt-from-a-permit resource from the building-permits page.
Applicants should use the city's exemption page for project-specific confirmation rather than rely on general assumptions.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Additional Resources

Building code: 2020 Minnesota State Building Code plus Minneapolis ordinances enforced by Construction Code Services.
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 Community Planning and Economic Development - Development Review and Construction Code Services before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis Building Permit FAQ

How much does a building permit cost in Minneapolis, MN?: The minimum permit fee is Not clearly isolated in the reviewed snippets..
How do I apply for a building permit in Minneapolis, MN?: 1. Determine the correct permit type and review the city's application and submittal instructions. 2. Submit the permit application and project plans through the city's online permit workflow or other city-approved intake method. 3. Development Review and Construction Code Services review plans for zoning, preservation, and code compliance. 4. Pay fees after approval, obtain the permit, and complete on-site inspections before final sign-off or certificate of occupancy if required.
What work is exempt from building permits in Minneapolis, MN?: The following work is generally exempt: Minneapolis publishes a dedicated work-exempt-from-a-permit resource from the building-permits page.; Applicants should use the city's exemption page for project-specific confirmation rather than rely on general assumptions..

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Minneapolis can be complicated.

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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.