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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Minneapolis
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.
- Exempt Minneapolis publishes a dedicated work-exempt-from-a-permit resource from the building-permits page.
- Exempt Applicants should use the city's exemption page for project-specific confirmation rather than rely on general assumptions.
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.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Determine the correct permit type and review the city's application and submittal instructions.
- 02 Submit the permit application and project plans through the city's online permit workflow or other city-approved intake method.
- 03 Development Review and Construction Code Services review plans for zoning, preservation, and code compliance.
- 04 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 ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Minneapolis building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Not clearly isolated in the reviewed snippets.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about Minneapolis permits
01 How much does a building permit cost in Minneapolis, MN? ▸
Building permit fees in Minneapolis, MN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Not clearly isolated in the reviewed snippets..
02 How do I apply for a building permit in Minneapolis, MN? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Minneapolis, MN, follow these steps: 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.
03 What work is exempt from building permits in Minneapolis, MN? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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.. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
last verified April 2026
source Community Planning and Economic Development - Development Review and Construction Code Services ↗
entry id permits/minnesota/hennepin/minneapolis
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Community Planning and Economic Development - Development Review and Construction Code Services before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.