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

The minimum permit fee is $21.00. Plan check fee: $42.00 per hour for additional plan review.

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

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses if projected roof area does not exceed 120 square feet; Fences under 6 feet high; Oil derricks; Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high; Retaining walls not over 5 feet high unless supporting surcharge or impounding regulated liquids; Water tanks on grade if capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and height to diameter or width ratio does not exceed 2 to 1; Platforms, walks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below; Painting, papering, and similar finish work; Temporary motion picture, television, and theater state sets and scenery; Window awnings supported by an exterior wall of Group R, Division 3, and Group U occupancies when projecting not more than 54 inches; Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R, Division 3 occupancy if walls are entirely above adjacent grade and capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: call the Building Official at 320-905-5014 and call for an appointment.

City Building Permits

Benson, MN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Minnesota Swift County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City of Benson

Department: Building and Planning / Building Permits and Inspections
Address: City Hall, 1410 Kansas Avenue, Benson, MN 56215
Phone: 320-843-4775
Email: staff@bensonmn.org
Website: https://cityofbensonmn.gov/

Application Process

General Requirements

the city states permits are required for all work as required by the Minnesota State Building Code.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $21.00
Plan check fee: $42.00 per hour for additional plan review
Reinspection fee: $42.00 per hour

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses if projected roof area does not exceed 120 square feet
Fences under 6 feet high
Oil derricks
Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high
Retaining walls not over 5 feet high unless supporting surcharge or impounding regulated liquids
Water tanks on grade if capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and height to diameter or width ratio does not exceed 2 to 1
Platforms, walks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below
Painting, papering, and similar finish work
Temporary motion picture, television, and theater state sets and scenery
Window awnings supported by an exterior wall of Group R, Division 3, and Group U occupancies when projecting not more than 54 inches
Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R, Division 3 occupancy if walls are entirely above adjacent grade and capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons

Inspections

How to Schedule

call the Building Official at 320-905-5014 and call for an appointment (online)

Typical inspection sequence: permit application, plan review, then inspections

reinspection fee is billed hourly at $42.00 per hour

Additional Resources

Zoning information: View zoning info
City forms
City contact page
City code / ordinances
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 and Planning / Building Permits and Inspections before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Benson Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Benson, MN?: the city states permits are required for all work as required by the Minnesota State Building Code.
How much does a building permit cost in Benson, MN?: The minimum permit fee is $21.00. Plan check fee: $42.00 per hour for additional plan review.
What work is exempt from building permits in Benson, MN?: The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses if projected roof area does not exceed 120 square feet; Fences under 6 feet high; Oil derricks; Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high; Retaining walls not over 5 feet high unless supporting surcharge or impounding regulated liquids; Water tanks on grade if capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and height to diameter or width ratio does not exceed 2 to 1; Platforms, walks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below; Painting, papering, and similar finish work; Temporary motion picture, television, and theater state sets and scenery; Window awnings supported by an exterior wall of Group R, Division 3, and Group U occupancies when projecting not more than 54 inches; Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R, Division 3 occupancy if walls are entirely above adjacent grade and capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Benson, MN?: Inspections can be scheduled via: call the Building Official at 320-905-5014 and call for an appointment.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Benson 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.

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