How much does a building permit cost in St. Cloud, MN?

The minimum permit fee is Public fee page states the website is being updated; permit-specific fees are not fully summarized there. Fees are calculated as: Mixed by permit type. Plan check fee: Project-specific; see permit applications and city fee pages.

How do I apply for a building permit in St. Cloud, MN?

1. Review the Building Safety pages and create an Accela account if filing online. 2. Submit all electronic permit applications through Accela; paper applications may be mailed or delivered in person to City Hall. 3. Include project application, plans, and any homeowner waivers if the homeowner is doing the work. 4. City staff complete plan review and request revisions if needed. 5. Pay fees, receive permit approval, and schedule inspections through the city workflow.

How do I schedule a building inspection in St. Cloud, MN?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Contact permit authority.

City Building Permits

St. Cloud, MN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Minnesota Sherburne County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Applies within St. Cloud city limits, including the Sherburne County portion of the city.

Department: Building Safety - Permits
Address: 1201 7th Street South, St. Cloud, MN 56301
Phone: 320-255-7200; Building Safety Department 320-255-7239
Email: building.safety@ci.stcloud.mn.us
Website: https://www.ci.stcloud.mn.us/86/Building-Safety---Permits

Online Permit Portal

Open Accela Permitting and Licensing System

Platform: Accela Permitting and Licensing System • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Review the Building Safety pages and create an Accela account if filing online.
Submit all electronic permit applications through Accela; paper applications may be mailed or delivered in person to City Hall.
Include project application, plans, and any homeowner waivers if the homeowner is doing the work.
City staff complete plan review and request revisions if needed.
Pay fees, receive permit approval, and schedule inspections through the city workflow.

Source: Building Safety - Permits

General Requirements

Required Documents

Permit application
plans
homeowner waiver where applicable
additional plan-review materials vary by project

Building code: Minnesota State Building Code administered by the city
Owner-builder: Homeowners doing their own work must include homeowner waivers with the permit application and payment
Contractor requirements: Contractors using Accela must have the license entered and linked to their public user account; some permits require licensed contractors

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Public fee page states the website is being updated; permit-specific fees are not fully summarized there
Plan check fee: Project-specific; see permit applications and city fee pages
Permit fee formula: Mixed by permit type
Payment note: Electronic submissions through Accela; mailed or in-person paper applications accepted for Building Safety forms

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Building Safety - Permits to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Contact permit authority (phone)

Inspection hours: City Hall Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Additional Resources

Building code: Minnesota State Building Code administered by the city
Zoning information: View zoning info
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 Safety - Permits before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Cloud Building Permit FAQ

How much does a building permit cost in St. Cloud, MN?: The minimum permit fee is Public fee page states the website is being updated; permit-specific fees are not fully summarized there. Fees are calculated as: Mixed by permit type. Plan check fee: Project-specific; see permit applications and city fee pages.
How do I apply for a building permit in St. Cloud, MN?: 1. Review the Building Safety pages and create an Accela account if filing online. 2. Submit all electronic permit applications through Accela; paper applications may be mailed or delivered in person to City Hall. 3. Include project application, plans, and any homeowner waivers if the homeowner is doing the work. 4. City staff complete plan review and request revisions if needed. 5. Pay fees, receive permit approval, and schedule inspections through the city workflow.
How do I schedule a building inspection in St. Cloud, MN?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Contact permit authority.

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Navigating permits in St. Cloud can be complicated.

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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.