On this page 5
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Benson
the city states permits are required for all work as required by the Minnesota State Building Code.
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
- 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
- Exempt Fences under 6 feet high
- Exempt Oil derricks
- Exempt Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches high
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 5 feet high unless supporting surcharge or impounding regulated liquids
- Exempt 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
- Exempt Platforms, walks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below
- Exempt Painting, papering, and similar finish work
- Exempt Temporary motion picture, television, and theater state sets and scenery
- Exempt Window awnings supported by an exterior wall of Group R, Division 3, and Group U occupancies when projecting not more than 54 inches
- Exempt 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
§ 03
Fee schedule
Benson building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$21.00
02
Plan check fee
$42.00 per hour for additional plan review
03
Reinspection fee
$42.00 per hour
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- call the Building Official at 320-905-5014 and call for an appointment (online)
Typical sequence: permit application, plan review, then inspections
reinspection fee is billed hourly at $42.00 per hour
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about Benson permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Benson, MN? ▸
Building permit fees in Benson, MN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $21.00. Plan check fee: $42.00 per hour for additional plan review.
03 What work is exempt from building permits in Benson, MN? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in Benson, MN? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Benson, MN via: call the Building Official at 320-905-5014 and call for an appointment.
last verified April 2026
entry id permits/minnesota/swift/benson
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building and Planning / Building Permits and Inspections before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.