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

The minimum permit fee is From the 2014 schedule, the lowest published permit fee shown is $18.50 with a total of $31.03 including plan check and surcharge for the $1 to $500 valuation bracket.. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based fee table; plan check fee is listed separately.. Plan check fee: Published on the fee schedule. The schedule shows plan check values by valuation bracket..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Driveways; Grading / excavating, except utility location notice is still recommended; Patios without roof; City guidance also states some decks under 30 inches and not attached may only need zoning permit.

City Building Permits

Austin, MN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Minnesota Mower County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City of Austin

Department: City of Austin Building Department / Public Works Building
Address: 500 Fourth Avenue NE, Austin, MN 55912
Phone: 507-437-9950
Email: LaurenB@ci.austin.mn.us , timd@ci.austin.mn.us , fredh@ci.austin.mn.us
Website: https://www.ci.austin.mn.us/public-works/building

Online Permit Portal

Open

Platform: iWorQ online permit application and lookup • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Typical processing time: The city asks contractors and homeowners to allow 15 working days for review.

Source: City of Austin Building Department / Public Works Building

General Requirements

Building permits are needed to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, or demolish a building or structure, except exemptions stated by the city.

Required Documents

Plans, specifications, calculations, plot plan, contractor data; homeowner as contractor form when applicable.

Owner-builder: City uses a Homeowner as Contractor form.
Contractor requirements: City posts MN DOL licensed contractor lookup and requires separate trade permits for electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, and HVAC.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: From the 2014 schedule, the lowest published permit fee shown is $18.50 with a total of $31.03 including plan check and surcharge for the $1 to $500 valuation bracket.
Plan check fee: Published on the fee schedule. The schedule shows plan check values by valuation bracket.
Permit fee formula: Valuation-based fee table; plan check fee is listed separately.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Driveways
Grading / excavating, except utility location notice is still recommended
Patios without roof
City guidance also states some decks under 30 inches and not attached may only need zoning permit

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: Footing, foundation wall, underground plumbing, radon, plumbing/heating, framing, insulation, final.

The new home handout sets the inspection sequence before concrete pours and before concealment of work.

Additional Resources

Zoning / planning page
General permit info
City code link
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 Austin Building Department / Public Works Building before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Austin, MN?: Building permits are needed to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, or demolish a building or structure, except exemptions stated by the city.
How much does a building permit cost in Austin, MN?: The minimum permit fee is From the 2014 schedule, the lowest published permit fee shown is $18.50 with a total of $31.03 including plan check and surcharge for the $1 to $500 valuation bracket.. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based fee table; plan check fee is listed separately.. Plan check fee: Published on the fee schedule. The schedule shows plan check values by valuation bracket..
How long does it take to get a building permit in Austin, MN?: Typical processing time is The city asks contractors and homeowners to allow 15 working days for review..
What work is exempt from building permits in Austin, MN?: The following work is generally exempt: Driveways; Grading / excavating, except utility location notice is still recommended; Patios without roof; City guidance also states some decks under 30 inches and not attached may only need zoning permit.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Austin 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.

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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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