Madelia, MN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

City limits of Madelia

Department

City of Madelia City Hall; building, maintenance, and plumbing applications are provided through Harry Jenness Inspections LLC

Address

18 Drew Ave NE, PO Box 158, Madelia, MN 56062

Phone

(507) 642-3245

Email

cityhall@madeliamn.com for permit submission

Website

https://www.madeliamn.com/building-special-use-permits/

Application Process

1. Determine whether the project needs a building permit, zoning permit, or both.
2. Print the application and email it to cityhall@madeliamn.com or complete it at City Hall.
3. For building / maintenance / plumbing permits, use the city-provided process through Harry Jenness Inspections LLC.
4. For zoning permits, submit the application and permit fee to City Hall.
5. If digging is required, call Gopher One before staking the project.
6. City and light plant inspect the staked layout before approval.
7. If a special use variance or conditional use permit is needed, the request goes to Planning Commission, then public hearing, then City Council.

Source: City of Madelia City Hall; building, maintenance, and plumbing applications are provided through Harry Jenness Inspections LLC

General Requirements

Madelia states a general building permit is required for construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, move, demolition, or change of occupancy, and for regulated mechanical, electrical, plumbing, gas, or similar work.

Required Documents

• Detailed plan drawn to scale and location as needed

Building code

City states it adopted the Minnesota State Building Code as of January 1, 2024

Owner-builder

Permits may be issued to the homesteader for single and two-family residential construction or to a licensed contractor

Contractor requirements

City references Minnesota State Contractor Law

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Zoning application and permit fee is $50. Public fee schedule for building permits was not fully readable in source fetch, but the city has a published 2025 permit fee schedule

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Decks and platforms not over 30 inches above grade, not acting as landings, and not attached to a structure with frost footings
• Retaining walls under 4 feet of earth
• Residential sidewalks and driveways do not need a building permit, but still require a zoning permit
• Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
• Minor earth work for gardens or landscaping that does not affect drainage patterns

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Call Harry Jenness at (507) 380-4555 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Application, fee payment, review, permit issuance, completion inspection

Additional Resources

• Building code: City states it adopted the Minnesota State Building Code as of January 1, 2024
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• City applications page
• License lookup guide: Minnesota Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Minnesota Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Minnesota hub: Minnesota Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Madelia Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Madelia, MN?

Madelia states a general building permit is required for construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, move, demolition, or change of occupancy, and for regulated mechanical, electrical, plumbing, gas, or similar work.

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

The minimum permit fee is Zoning application and permit fee is $50. Public fee schedule for building permits was not fully readable in source fetch, but the city has a published 2025 permit fee schedule.

How do I apply for a building permit in Madelia, MN?

1. Determine whether the project needs a building permit, zoning permit, or both. 2. Print the application and email it to cityhall@madeliamn.com or complete it at City Hall. 3. For building / maintenance / plumbing permits, use the city-provided process through Harry Jenness Inspections LLC. 4. For zoning permits, submit the application and permit fee to City Hall. 5. If digging is required, call Gopher One before staking the project. 6. City and light plant inspect the staked layout before approval. 7. If a special use variance or conditional use permit is needed, the request goes to Planning Commission, then public hearing, then City Council.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Decks and platforms not over 30 inches above grade, not acting as landings, and not attached to a structure with frost footings; Retaining walls under 4 feet of earth; Residential sidewalks and driveways do not need a building permit, but still require a zoning permit; Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Minor earth work for gardens or landscaping that does not affect drainage patterns.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Call Harry Jenness at (507) 380-4555.

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