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

The minimum permit fee is $25 application fee for many zoning permit items; $50 application fee is also listed on the form cover as non-refundable and applied to fees if approved. Fees are calculated as: New residential building $100; new commercial/industrial/organizational building $200; new addition $50; relocating or removing a building $50; new garage $50; salvage yard permit $250; encroachment agreement $200; CUP/IUP/variance/re-zone/subdivide/vacate easement or street generally $100; utility shed, fence, sign, ROW permit, structure alterations $25. Plan check fee: $750 deposit if an industrial or commercial project requires site plan review by the city engineer.

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

1. Complete the online zoning permit application. 2. Provide project data including job address, legal description, owner and contractor information, class of work, valuation, and special conditions. 3. City reviews the land use application under Minnesota Statutes 15.99; the application notes the city has 60 days to approve or deny. 4. Permit becomes void if work does not commence within 180 days or is suspended/abandoned for 180 days. 5. Work must be completed within 1 year.

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

Typical processing time is 60-day approval/denial window for land use application..

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

The following work is generally exempt: New deck, patio or driveway with same dimensions is expressly noted as no permit required on the application.

City Building Permits

Caledonia, MN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Minnesota Houston County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City of Caledonia, the Houston County seat

Department: Planning & Zoning Department
Address: 231 E. Main Street, Caledonia, MN 55921
Phone: (507) 725-3450 city hall, (507) 725-3462 Public Works & Zoning Director
Email: cklug@caledoniamn.gov
Website: https://www.caledoniamn.gov/city-government/city-departments/planning-and-zoning/

Online Permit Portal

Open

Platform: Google Docs online zoning permit application • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Complete the online zoning permit application.
Provide project data including job address, legal description, owner and contractor information, class of work, valuation, and special conditions.
City reviews the land use application under Minnesota Statutes 15.99; the application notes the city has 60 days to approve or deny.
Permit becomes void if work does not commence within 180 days or is suspended/abandoned for 180 days.
Work must be completed within 1 year.

Typical processing time: 60-day approval/denial window for land use application.

Source: Planning & Zoning Department

General Requirements

Required Documents

Job address, legal description, owner and contractor data, use of building, class of work, description, square footage, energy source, valuation, special conditions.

Permit validity: Void if work not commenced within 180 days or suspended/abandoned for 180 days; completion required within 1 year.
Building code: The city code states the building code is the Minnesota State Building Code.
Contractor requirements: Contractor license number required on the application; the form captures contractor mailing address, ZIP, phone, and license no.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $25 application fee for many zoning permit items; $50 application fee is also listed on the form cover as non-refundable and applied to fees if approved
Plan check fee: $750 deposit if an industrial or commercial project requires site plan review by the city engineer
Permit fee formula: New residential building $100; new commercial/industrial/organizational building $200; new addition $50; relocating or removing a building $50; new garage $50; salvage yard permit $250; encroachment agreement $200; CUP/IUP/variance/re-zone/subdivide/vacate easement or street generally $100; utility shed, fence, sign, ROW permit, structure alterations $25

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

New deck, patio or driveway with same dimensions is expressly noted as no permit required on the application

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspection hours: City hall Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM.

Typical inspection sequence: Submit application -> city review -> if approved, permit fee/payment -> work within validity period -> inspections as required.

Additional Resources

Building code: The city code states the building code is the Minnesota State Building Code.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Zoning map
City hall contact
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 Planning & Zoning Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Caledonia Building Permit FAQ

How much does a building permit cost in Caledonia, MN?: The minimum permit fee is $25 application fee for many zoning permit items; $50 application fee is also listed on the form cover as non-refundable and applied to fees if approved. Fees are calculated as: New residential building $100; new commercial/industrial/organizational building $200; new addition $50; relocating or removing a building $50; new garage $50; salvage yard permit $250; encroachment agreement $200; CUP/IUP/variance/re-zone/subdivide/vacate easement or street generally $100; utility shed, fence, sign, ROW permit, structure alterations $25. Plan check fee: $750 deposit if an industrial or commercial project requires site plan review by the city engineer.
How do I apply for a building permit in Caledonia, MN?: 1. Complete the online zoning permit application. 2. Provide project data including job address, legal description, owner and contractor information, class of work, valuation, and special conditions. 3. City reviews the land use application under Minnesota Statutes 15.99; the application notes the city has 60 days to approve or deny. 4. Permit becomes void if work does not commence within 180 days or is suspended/abandoned for 180 days. 5. Work must be completed within 1 year.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Caledonia, MN?: Typical processing time is 60-day approval/denial window for land use application..
What work is exempt from building permits in Caledonia, MN?: The following work is generally exempt: New deck, patio or driveway with same dimensions is expressly noted as no permit required on the application.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Caledonia 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.

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