On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for White Bear Lake (Washington County portion)
White Bear Lake publishes building permit applications, zoning handouts, and FAQs for code-regulated work
White Bear Lake FAQ states a permit is not required for radon mitigation on existing dwellings
- Exempt White Bear Lake FAQ states a permit is not required for radon mitigation on existing dwellings
Required documents
- Permit application, plans, valuation, and permit-specific handouts; some work may also need right-of-way forms
- Building code
- Minnesota State Building Code as enforced by White Bear Lake
- 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
- 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
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Confirm the property is in White Bear Lake and not a neighboring jurisdiction.
- 02 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.
- 03 Submit the correct permit application and any required plans or zoning forms.
- 04 Pay fees after review and obtain issuance before starting work.
- 05 Schedule inspections by calling the Building Department with at least 24 hours notice.
§ 04
Fee schedule
White Bear Lake (Washington County portion) building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
White Bear Lake FAQ references minimum fee electrical permits of $51; verify current full fee schedule for other permit types
02
Plan check fee
Included where applicable in permit review
03
Permit fee formula
Mix of permit-type fees, valuation-based fees, and flat fees
04
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
Applicants may use ePermits, email, or drop-off paths depending on permit type
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about White Bear Lake (Washington County portion) permits
01 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
02 How much does a building permit cost in White Bear Lake (Washington County portion), MN? ▸
Building permit fees in White Bear Lake (Washington County portion), MN are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in White Bear Lake (Washington County portion), MN? ▸
To apply for a building permit in White Bear Lake (Washington County portion), MN, follow these steps: 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.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in White Bear Lake (Washington County portion), MN? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in White Bear Lake (Washington County portion), MN? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in White Bear Lake (Washington County portion), MN via: Call 651-429-8518; White Bear Lake electrical inspections are separately scheduled online through Tokle Inspections or b.
last verified April 2026
source Building Department, City of White Bear Lake ↗
entry id permits/minnesota/washington-mn/white-bear-lake
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Department, City of White Bear Lake before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.