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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Roseau
Building permits are required for all construction projects within the city
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
- Exempt Water tanks not exceeding 5,000 gallons
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Certain window awnings on one or two family dwellings
- Exempt Movable cases, counters, and partitions under 5 feet 9 inches
- Exempt Insulation installed without removing wall finish
- Exempt Roof gutter systems, soffit, fascia, trim, and accessories
- Exempt Battery operated or plug-in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Exempt Certain storm window and door work and minor window or door repairs
- Exempt Retaining walls under 4 feet, unless supporting a surcharge
- Exempt Fences not over 7 feet
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 200 square feet
- Exempt Detached decks and platforms not more than 30 inches above grade without dwelling access
- Exempt Private sidewalks, walkways, and driveways not part of an accessible route
- Exempt Prefabricated above-ground swimming pools under 5,000 gallons and 24 inch depth
- Exempt Playground equipment
- Exempt Some mechanical and plumbing minor repairs listed on the city sheet
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
- Building code
- 2020 Minnesota Building Code Set and Minnesota State Plumbing Code
- Permit validity
- Permit becomes void if construction is not begun, suspended, or abandoned within 180 days after work starts
- 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
§ 03
Fee schedule
Roseau building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
5 percent of the building permit fee
02
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
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about Roseau permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Roseau, MN? ▸
Building permits are required for all construction projects within the city
02 How much does a building permit cost in Roseau, MN? ▸
Building permit fees in Roseau, MN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 What work is exempt from building permits in Roseau, MN? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in Roseau, MN? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Roseau, MN via: Requests to meet with or request services from the Building Official must be scheduled in advance by calling the office.
last verified April 2026
entry id permits/minnesota/roseau/roseau-city
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Roseau Planning Department and Building Official before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.