City Building Permits
Duluth, MN - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Duluth, Minnesota. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
DLI lists DULUTH as having adopted the Minnesota State Building Code with local enforcement. All properties within the incorporated City of Duluth.
- Department
- Construction Services and Inspections (CSI)
- Address
- City Hall, Room 100, 411 West First Street, Duluth, MN 55802
- Phone
- (218) 730-5240
- Website
- https://duluthmn.gov/csi/
Online Permit Portal
Platform: ePlace • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Create an ePlace account at duluthmn.gov/eplace.
- Use the online permit application and the residential or commercial checklist to assemble the submittal.
- Upload plans, forms, and supporting documents through ePlace.
- Respond to review comments and pay fees when the permit is ready.
- Call the assigned inspector shown on the issued permit at least one business day in advance for inspections.
- Obtain final approval after all required inspections are passed.
General Requirements
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 via ePlace
- Construction plans
- Project-specific checklists and submittal forms
- Supporting documents as required by CSI
- Building code
- Yes. DLI directory lists DULUTH as adopted and locally enforced.
- Contractor requirements
- Minnesota DLI licenses residential building contractors, remodelers, roofers, and manufactured home installers. Verify license before hiring.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- $66 for solar-only permits (2026 fee page); valuation-based fees apply to many permits
- Plan check fee
- 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.
- Penalty (no permit)
- Double permit fee for work without permits 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 (CSI) to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- Call the assigned inspector shown on the issued permit (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- At least 24 hours or one business day in advance
- Inspection hours
- Inspectors typically reachable 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday-Friday; office hours 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Additional Resources
- Building code: Yes. DLI directory lists DULUTH as adopted and locally enforced.
- Verify contractor license: Minnesota DLI Contractor License Lookup
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Apply Online
- Inspection Information
- 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 Construction Services and Inspections (CSI) before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Duluth Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in Duluth, MN?
- 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 for solar-only permits (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: 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 at duluthmn.gov/eplace. 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 shown on the issued permit 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 in advance.
Need help with your project?
Navigating permits in Duluth can be complicated.
Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.
Learn how Jaspector works