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

Fees are calculated as: The city fee resolution references the 1988 Minnesota Building Code fee schedule, a surcharge, and plan review at 5 percent of the building permit fee. Plan check fee: 5 percent of the building permit fee.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Water tanks not exceeding 5,000 gallons; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Certain window awnings on one or two family dwellings; Movable cases, counters, and partitions under 5 feet 9 inches; Insulation installed without removing wall finish; Roof gutter systems, soffit, fascia, trim, and accessories; Battery operated or plug-in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; Certain storm window and door work and minor window or door repairs; Retaining walls under 4 feet, unless supporting a surcharge; Fences not over 7 feet; One-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 200 square feet; Detached decks and platforms not more than 30 inches above grade without dwelling access; Private sidewalks, walkways, and driveways not part of an accessible route; Prefabricated above-ground swimming pools under 5,000 gallons and 24 inch depth; Playground equipment; Some mechanical and plumbing minor repairs listed on the city sheet.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Roseau, MN?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Requests to meet with or request services from the Building Official must be scheduled in advance by calling the office.

City Building Permits

Roseau, MN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Minnesota Roseau County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City of Roseau

Department: Roseau Planning Department and Building Official
Address: 121 Center Street E, Suite 202, Roseau, MN 56751
Phone: (218) 463-5003 for planning; (218) 463-2351 for the Building Department office; city clerk (218) 463-1542
Email: todd.peterson@city.roseau.mn.us , rosoclrk@mncable.net
Website: https://www.city.roseau.mn.us/buildingpermits

Application Process

General Requirements

Building permits are required for all construction projects within the city

Required Documents

Building permit application; for new construction, a complete plan set including site plan, floor plan, elevations, and wall cross sections with foundation size and depth

Permit validity: Permit becomes void if construction is not begun, suspended, or abandoned within 180 days after work starts
Building code: 2020 Minnesota Building Code Set and Minnesota State Plumbing Code
Owner-builder: Homeowner may act as general contractor if the homeowner is building or improving their own home and is not doing so for speculation or resale
Contractor requirements: The application asks for general, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and architect/designer information; it also notes licensed subcontractors may be required under state law

Fees

Plan check fee: 5 percent of the building permit fee
Permit fee formula: The city fee resolution references the 1988 Minnesota Building Code fee schedule, a surcharge, and plan review at 5 percent of the building permit fee

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Water tanks not exceeding 5,000 gallons
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Certain window awnings on one or two family dwellings
Movable cases, counters, and partitions under 5 feet 9 inches
Insulation installed without removing wall finish
Roof gutter systems, soffit, fascia, trim, and accessories
Battery operated or plug-in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Certain storm window and door work and minor window or door repairs
Retaining walls under 4 feet, unless supporting a surcharge
Fences not over 7 feet
One-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 200 square feet
Detached decks and platforms not more than 30 inches above grade without dwelling access
Private sidewalks, walkways, and driveways not part of an accessible route
Prefabricated above-ground swimming pools under 5,000 gallons and 24 inch depth
Playground equipment
Some mechanical and plumbing minor repairs listed on the city sheet

Inspections

How to Schedule

Requests to meet with or request services from the Building Official must be scheduled in advance by calling the office (online)

Inspection hours: City office hours are 7:30 am to 4:00 pm

Typical inspection sequence: Preliminary meeting, application, plan review, permit issuance, periodic construction observations, final compliance

The permit form states the city will review plans and conduct periodic construction observations, but the applicant remains responsible for code compliance

Additional Resources

Building code: 2020 Minnesota Building Code Set and Minnesota State Plumbing Code
Planning and zoning page
Community development page
Exempt work sheet
Building permit application
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 Roseau Planning Department and Building Official before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Roseau Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Roseau, MN?: Building permits are required for all construction projects within the city
How much does a building permit cost in Roseau, MN?: Fees are calculated as: The city fee resolution references the 1988 Minnesota Building Code fee schedule, a surcharge, and plan review at 5 percent of the building permit fee. Plan check fee: 5 percent of the building permit fee.
What work is exempt from building permits in Roseau, MN?: The following work is generally exempt: Water tanks not exceeding 5,000 gallons; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Certain window awnings on one or two family dwellings; Movable cases, counters, and partitions under 5 feet 9 inches; Insulation installed without removing wall finish; Roof gutter systems, soffit, fascia, trim, and accessories; Battery operated or plug-in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; Certain storm window and door work and minor window or door repairs; Retaining walls under 4 feet, unless supporting a surcharge; Fences not over 7 feet; One-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 200 square feet; Detached decks and platforms not more than 30 inches above grade without dwelling access; Private sidewalks, walkways, and driveways not part of an accessible route; Prefabricated above-ground swimming pools under 5,000 gallons and 24 inch depth; Playground equipment; Some mechanical and plumbing minor repairs listed on the city sheet.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Roseau, MN?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Requests to meet with or request services from the Building Official must be scheduled in advance by calling the office.

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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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