County Building Permits
Ramsey County, MN - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Ramsey County, Minnesota. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
White Bear Township is the township-level local permit authority for township areas in Ramsey County not incorporated into another city
- Department
- Building Department
- Address
- 1281 Hammond Road, White Bear Township, MN 55110
- Phone
- Building Department 651-747-2750; Building Official Mike Johnson 651-747-2762
Online Permit Portal
Platform: Township paper/application workflow • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Obtain the correct application from the township Building Department page.
- Prepare the application and project-specific plans or supporting materials.
- Deliver the application in person, mail it, or fax it to 651-426-2258.
- Wait for township review and permit approval.
- Pay the applicable permit fee.
- Complete required inspections through the township Building Department before project close-out.
Source: Building Department
General Requirements
The township FAQ says building permits are required for new construction and most home improvement projects, including windows, siding, roofing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, additions, decks, fences, driveways, accessory buildings, and bathroom or kitchen remodels.
Required Documents
- Application
- Project-specific plans
- Building code
- Minnesota State Building Code adopted through township ordinance
- Contractor requirements
- Township code requires license verification information on permits and insurance/bonding provisions in the township building code
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Building Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- Township Building Department after permit issuance (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Township office hours posted on official site
Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: permit issuance, required inspections during work, final sign-off
Additional Resources
- Building code: Minnesota State Building Code adopted through township ordinance
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Building Permits & Inspections
- FAQ
- Directory
- 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 Building Department before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ramsey County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Ramsey County, MN?
- The township FAQ says building permits are required for new construction and most home improvement projects, including windows, siding, roofing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, additions, decks, fences, driveways, accessory buildings, and bathroom or kitchen remodels.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Ramsey County, MN?
- 1. Obtain the correct application from the township Building Department page. 2. Prepare the application and project-specific plans or supporting materials. 3. Deliver the application in person, mail it, or fax it to 651-426-2258. 4. Wait for township review and permit approval. 5. Pay the applicable permit fee. 6. Complete required inspections through the township Building Department before project close-out.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Ramsey County, MN?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: Township Building Department after permit issuance.
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