Duluth, MN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

DLI lists DULUTH as having adopted the Minnesota State Building Code with local enforcement.

Department

Construction Services and Inspections

Address

City Hall, Room 100, 411 West First Street, Duluth, MN 55802

Phone

(218) 730-5240

Email

permittingservices@duluthmn.gov

Website

https://duluthmn.gov/csi/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Create an ePlace account.
2. Use the online permit application and the residential or commercial checklist to assemble the submittal.
3. Upload plans, forms, and supporting documents through ePlace.
4. Respond to review comments and pay fees when the permit is ready.
5. Call the assigned inspector at least one business day in advance for inspections.
6. Obtain final approval after all required inspections are passed.

Source: Construction Services and Inspections

General Requirements

Duluth states that a building permit is required for construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, or change in use of a building or structure, plus regulated mechanical, gas, electrical, and plumbing work.

Required Documents

• Online application, plans, checklists, and project-specific submittal forms.

Permit validity

Not captured in the reviewed pages.

Building code

Yes. DLI directory lists DULUTH as adopted and locally enforced.

Owner-builder

Not captured in the reviewed pages.

Contractor requirements

Duluth notes Minnesota DLI licenses residential building contractors, remodelers, roofers, and manufactured home installers.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$66 solar-only permits are listed in the 2026 fee page; valuation-based fees apply to many permits.

Plan check fee

Plan review fee is generally 65% of the permit fee when plan review is required.

Permit fee formula

Combination of valuation-based permit fees, flat fees for common residential permits, state surcharge, and plan review charges.

Reinspection fee

Work without permits results in double permit fee under city code and Minnesota Rules 1300.0160.

Payment note

Fees are paid through ePlace once the city notifies the applicant that the permit is ready.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Construction Services and Inspections to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Call the assigned inspector shown on the issued permit at least 24 hours or one business day ahead. (phone)

Inspection hours

Inspectors can typically be reached 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday-Friday; office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Not specifically captured in the reviewed pages.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Yes. DLI directory lists DULUTH as adopted and locally enforced.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Other useful links
• Other useful links
• License lookup guide: Minnesota Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Minnesota Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Minnesota hub: Minnesota Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Duluth Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Duluth, MN?

Duluth states that a building permit is required for construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, or change in use of a building or structure, plus regulated mechanical, gas, electrical, and plumbing work.

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

The minimum permit fee is $66 solar-only permits are listed in the 2026 fee page; valuation-based fees apply to many permits.. Fees are calculated as: Combination of valuation-based permit fees, flat fees for common residential permits, state surcharge, and plan review charges.. Plan check fee: Plan review fee is generally 65% of the permit fee when plan review is required..

How do I apply for a building permit in Duluth, MN?

1. Create an ePlace account. 2. Use the online permit application and the residential or commercial checklist to assemble the submittal. 3. Upload plans, forms, and supporting documents through ePlace. 4. Respond to review comments and pay fees when the permit is ready. 5. Call the assigned inspector at least one business day in advance for inspections. 6. Obtain final approval after all required inspections are passed.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Call the assigned inspector shown on the issued permit at least 24 hours or one business day ahead..

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