White Bear Lake (Washington County portion), MN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

City building permit authority for the portions of White Bear Lake located in Washington County as well as Ramsey County

Department

Building Department, City of White Bear Lake

Address

City Hall, 4701 Highway 61, White Bear Lake, MN 55110

Phone

651-429-8518

Email

buildingdepartment@whitebearlake.org

Website

https://www.whitebearlake.org/building

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the property is in White Bear Lake and not a neighboring jurisdiction.
2. Use ePermits for eligible White Bear Lake jobs or email the permit application and plans to the Building Department; drop-off is also accepted at city hall.
3. Submit the correct permit application and any required plans or zoning forms.
4. Pay fees after review and obtain issuance before starting work.
5. Schedule inspections by calling the Building Department with at least 24 hours notice.

Source: Building Department, City of White Bear Lake

General Requirements

White Bear Lake publishes building permit applications, zoning handouts, and FAQs for code-regulated work

Required Documents

• Permit application, plans, valuation, and permit-specific handouts; some work may also need right-of-way forms

Permit validity

White Bear Lake FAQ says all permits except electrical are valid for 6 months, with the 6 month clock restarting after each completed and approved inspection; some electrical permits have different state-based periods

Building code

Minnesota State Building Code as enforced by White Bear Lake

Owner-builder

Homeowners may apply for eligible work subject to Minnesota law

Contractor requirements

Minnesota contractor and trade licensing rules apply; White Bear Lake publishes a licensing requirements handout

Fees

Minimum permit fee

White Bear Lake FAQ references minimum fee electrical permits of $51; verify current full fee schedule for other permit types

Plan check fee

Included where applicable in permit review

Permit fee formula

Mix of permit-type fees, valuation-based fees, and flat fees

Reinspection fee

Refund requests are subject to a 20% city handling fee and no refunds are allowed on minimum-fee permits; other fees may apply per current schedule

Payment note

Applicants may use ePermits, email, or drop-off paths depending on permit type

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• White Bear Lake FAQ states a permit is not required for radon mitigation on existing dwellings

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Call 651-429-8518; White Bear Lake electrical inspections are separately scheduled online through Tokle Inspections or b (online)

Inspection hours

Inspections are scheduled Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; 24 hour notice is required

Work must pass required inspections to keep the permit active

Additional Resources

• Building code: Minnesota State Building Code as enforced by White Bear Lake
• 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

White Bear Lake (Washington County portion) Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in White Bear Lake (Washington County portion), MN?

White Bear Lake publishes building permit applications, zoning handouts, and FAQs for code-regulated work

How much does a building permit cost in White Bear Lake (Washington County portion), MN?

The minimum permit fee is White Bear Lake FAQ references minimum fee electrical permits of $51; verify current full fee schedule for other permit types. Fees are calculated as: Mix of permit-type fees, valuation-based fees, and flat fees. Plan check fee: Included where applicable in permit review.

How do I apply for a building permit in White Bear Lake (Washington County portion), MN?

1. Confirm the property is in White Bear Lake and not a neighboring jurisdiction. 2. Use ePermits for eligible White Bear Lake jobs or email the permit application and plans to the Building Department; drop-off is also accepted at city hall. 3. Submit the correct permit application and any required plans or zoning forms. 4. Pay fees after review and obtain issuance before starting work. 5. Schedule inspections by calling the Building Department with at least 24 hours notice.

What work is exempt from building permits in White Bear Lake (Washington County portion), MN?

The following work is generally exempt: White Bear Lake FAQ states a permit is not required for radon mitigation on existing dwellings.

How do I schedule a building inspection in White Bear Lake (Washington County portion), MN?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Call 651-429-8518; White Bear Lake electrical inspections are separately scheduled online through Tokle Inspections or b.

Other cities in Washington County