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City building permits

Caledonia

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

Last verified
April 2026
On this page 6
§ 01

Permit authority

Planning & Zoning Department

Street address
231 E. Main Street, Caledonia, MN 55921
Coverage
City of Caledonia, the Houston County seat
Online portal
Permit portal
Google Docs online zoning permit application
§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Caledonia

New deck, patio or driveway with same dimensions is expressly noted as no permit required on the application
  • Exempt New deck, patio or driveway with same dimensions is expressly noted as no permit required on the application
Required documents
  • Job address, legal description, owner and contractor data, use of building, class of work, description, square footage, energy source, valuation, special conditions.
Building code
The city code states the building code is the Minnesota State Building Code.
Permit validity
Void if work not commenced within 180 days or suspended/abandoned for 180 days; completion required within 1 year.
Contractor requirements
Contractor license number required on the application; the form captures contractor mailing address, ZIP, phone, and license no.
§ 03

Application process

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

  1. 01
    Complete the online zoning permit application.
  2. 02
    Provide project data including job address, legal description, owner and contractor information, class of work, valuation, and special conditions.
  3. 03
    City reviews the land use application under Minnesota Statutes 15.99; the application notes the city has 60 days to approve or deny.
  4. 04
    Permit becomes void if work does not commence within 180 days or is suspended/abandoned for 180 days.
  5. 05
    Work must be completed within 1 year.

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

Source: Planning & Zoning Department ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Caledonia building permit fees

Fee type
Amount
01
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
02
Plan check fee
$750 deposit if an industrial or commercial project requires site plan review by the city engineer
03
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

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

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

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Caledonia permits

01 How much does a building permit cost in Caledonia, MN?
Building permit fees in Caledonia, MN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in Caledonia, MN?
To apply for a building permit in Caledonia, MN, follow these steps: 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.
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in Caledonia, MN?
Building permit processing times in Caledonia, MN typically run 60-day approval/denial window for land use application.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Caledonia, MN?
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
last verified April 2026 source Planning & Zoning Department ↗ entry id permits/minnesota/houston/caledonia

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Planning & Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

§   Adjacent

Other jurisdictions in Houston County.

Same county, different permit office. Click for that jurisdiction's full guide.

All Houston County jurisdictions →