Show All Answers

1. Do I Need A Permit?

Permits, either construction or zoning related, are usually required when making a change or adding something to your property.  

Building Permits

Building permits are required when: 

• Erecting, expanding, or changing buildings
• Performing major maintenance such as  reroofing, residing, and/or replacing windows/doors 
• Adding or changing swimming pools that are either over two (2) feet in height or 5,000 gallons capacity
• Adding or replacing a deck 
• Fire suppression systems

You don't need a building permit for painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work

Small sheds 200 square feet or less in size don't need a building permit but they do require a zoning permit. 

Plumbing Permits

Plumbing permits are needed when adding or changing plumbing fixtures, pipes, adding a second/irrigation meter, changing out water heaters/softeners and making changes to supply or drainage systems. You do not need a plumbing permit to re-set an existing toilet in a single family home, to replace a faucet, or to make repairs to an existing fixture. 

Mechanical Permits

Mechanical permits are required to add or change out heating, venting, air conditioning systems, and fire suppression systems.

Zoning Permits

Zoning permits are required for sheds over 25 sf to 200 sf and less in size. Sheds over 200 sf require a building permit. Zoning permits are also needed for fences, sheds, driveways, concrete slabs, patios (decks require a building permit), sidewalks, and parking pads.

Right Of Way Permits

Working in, excavating, or obstructing a street, boulevard, or alley requires a right of way permit. Replacing, expanding, or altering a driveway may require a right-of-way permit. Right of way permit applicants must provide proof of insurance and  a bond/check to ensure work completed properly.

Rental Dwelling Permit

Prior to renting/letting any dwelling unit a rental license is required, regardless of the amount/type of rent paid or familial relationship with the property owner. The rental license process involves permit application and inspection. 

Change in Occupancy Permit

When the occupancy of a building changes a permit and associated review is required.  

Electrical Permits

Most electrical alterations, additions, or change-outs require an electrical permit. This includes utility service providers adding electrical back haul. 

Easement Encroachment Permit

Many lots have easements which provide for drainage and utilities.  If your project impacts an easement you must apply for an easement encroachment permit. Anything you put in an easement is at your own risk, meaning if the easement is needed for drainage or utility purposes your private property may be removed/removed and you will not be compensated. 

Business Licenses

Certain businesses require a business license to operate. 

2. What Is The Difference Between A Building And A Zoning Permit?

Most changes to property require some type of permit. There are two different categories of permits:

• Permits required by City adopted building and related construction codes. These types of permits are further classified as:
  • Building permits (includes additions, finish basement, decks, garages over 200 s.f.)
  • New home/commercial permits
  • Plumbing permits
  • Mechanical permits (HVAC, fire suppression) 
  • Electrical
• Permits required under the City zoning ordinance. These types of permits are further classified as:
  • Shed permit (accessory structures 200 s.f. and less)
  • Fence permit
  • Driveway permit
  • Slab, patio, parking pad permit
  • Right of way permit
  • Sidewalk permit
  • Easement encroachment permit
  • Rental dwelling permit

Zoning review including site plan, variance, conditional use permit, nonconformance expansion permit, and platting (property subdivision) may be required prior to securing a building or zoning permit. 

3. What Do I Need To Submit A Permit Application?

Permit review consists of submitting and review of applications and attachments and conducting inspections.  Permits must be applied for using City application forms. You will need to complete the appropriate application form and supply required plans and materials.   Applications may be downloaded and completed online where available and are also available for pick-up at City Hall. 

Site plans are often required.  

You may need to locate your property by finding and exposing corner pins/stakes. The City has a metal detector loan program available to assist. The City doesn't locate property lines. 

If you are unsure of where to begin, please review our permit guide. 

4. Do You Have "How To" Guides For Permitting?

Detailed information on permitting is included in our permit guide. 

5. Do I Need A Survey For My Permit?

Do I Need A Survey For My Residential Project?

Surveys are not required for: interior remodels, re-roofs, re-siding, windows/doors.

Surveys will be required for residential building projects unless the work qualifies for one of the following exclusions:

• General maintenance projects (defined as the repair or replacement of an existing structure where no expansion is proposed) can be excluded from the survey requirement if the following occurs:

• The applicant provides an old certified survey that shows the current location of the structure being replaced/repaired. Note that the dimensions of the proposed construction on the plan sets must match the old survey. Or,
• The applicant provides a to-scale site plan showing that the structure being repaired or replaced is at least three feet away (see note) from any applicable setback, and there is no grading, stormwater, easement, or maximum coverage concerns posed by the proposed project as determined by City staff.
  Note that staff may use discretion in situations to accept a site plan when the distance from a setback is less than three feet based on the adjacent land. This discretion is only exercised when staff is 100% certain that the potential for a nonconformity will not create any future problems. Staff exercise of discretion should be viewed as the cautious exception, not the expectation. 

• Additions to existing structures that expand the building footprint can be excluded from the survey requirement if:

• The proposed addition is greater than three feet beyond any applicable structural setback requirement and
• The proposed addition will not require any grading with the potential to impact adjacent property and
• The proposed addition will clearly be conforming to impervious surface requirements

• Additions that do not require expansion of a building footprint (i.e. a second story addition) can be excluded from the survey requirement if:

• The existing structure is at least six inches greater than any applicable structural setback requirement  and property lines are identified

This final exception also applies to expansions that have been reviewed and approved through the land use process using an existing survey or site plan.

New residential construction will always require submittal of a survey to document the proposed grading extent, location of erosion control, proposed drainage following construction, etc. Exceptions to this rule include:

• Sheds or other small structures that do not require footings, however property pins/stakes may need to be exposed
• Fences, provided property pins/stakes are located and exposed

If you have questions contact permitting. 

Do I Need A Survey For My Commercial Building Project?

Surveys will be required for commercial and industrial building projects unless the work qualifies for one of the following exclusions:

• General maintenance projects (defined as the repair or replacement of an existing structure where no expansion is proposed) can be excluded from the survey requirement if the following occurs:

• The applicant provides an old certified survey that shows the current location of the structure being replaced/repaired. Note that the dimensions of the proposed construction on the plan sets must match the old survey. Or,
• The applicant provides a to-scale site plan showing that the structure being repaired or replaced is at least 3 feet away (see note) from any applicable setback, and there is no grading, stormwater, easement, or maximum coverage concerns posed by the proposed project as determined by City staff.
  Note that staff is allowed to use discretion to accept a site plan when the distance from a setback is less than 3 feet based on the adjacent land. This discretion should only be exercised when staff is 100% certain that the potential for a nonconformity will not create any future problems. Staff exercise of discretion should be viewed as the cautious exception, not the expectation. 

• Additions to existing structures that expand the building footprint can be excluded from the survey requirement if:

• The proposed addition is greater than five feet beyond any applicable structural setback requirement and
• The proposed addition will not require any grading within twenty (20) feet of adjacent property (note that engineering can still be requested to review the plans and/or conduct a site visit if there are any concerns about drainage issues) and
• The proposed addition will clearly be conforming to impervious surface requirements for the property

• Additions that do not require expansion of a building footprint (i.e. a second story addition) can be excluded from the survey requirement if:

• The existing structure is greater than  six inches beyond any applicable structural setback requirement and property lines are  identified

This final exception also applies to expansions that have been reviewed and approved through the land use process using an existing survey or site plan.

New commercial or industrial construction will always require submittal of a survey to document the proposed grading extent, location of erosion control, proposed drainage following construction, etc. Exceptions to this rule include:

• Sheds or other small structures that do not require footings, however property pins/stakes may need to be located and exposed
• Fences, provided property pins/stakes are located and exposed

If you have questions contact permitting. 

Do I Need To Supply An As-Built Grading Survey?

Applications for new construction or expansions of existing footprints will be required to provide an as-built grading survey if one of the following criteria apply:

• The new construction includes proposed grading that will alter (or has the potential to alter) the drainage patterns onto adjacent property or
• The proposed new construction is being built in conjunction with a variance or conditional use permit subject to specific grading or screening requirements or
• The proposed new construction is being built in accordance with an approved master grading plan

If you have questions contact permitting. 

Zoning Review Applications

Surveys are necessary for proposals that require a land use application:

• Variances
• Conditional Use Permits
• Interim Use Permits
• Site Plan Reviews (non-residential projects)
• Platting

Exception: If the applicant is improving a property such that building footprints, hardcover, etc, will not change (i.e. building upwards) and an old to-scale survey or site plan already provides all information necessary to complete a review, the old survey or site plan may be accepted for the new land use process at staff's discretion.

Are There Minimum Survey Requirements?

When survey requirements apply to a project, Community Development typically use discretion to minimize survey costs whenever possible by excluding extraneous information that will be unnecessary for determining zoning compliance.

If you have questions contact permitting. 

6. What Happens If I Do Work Without A Permit?

Work without a permit could result in a stop-work order, an investigative fee, and for contractors, an investigation from the State. 

Savvy home buyers and realtors want to see proof of permitted work, so also keep in mind that if un-permitted work is occurring at your home, it could be an issue if you choose to sell.

7. I Received A Notification My Permit Expired, But The Project Is Not Completed: What Should I Do?

The City has to follow building code rules for expiring permits, but in many cases if the work is ongoing, we can extend the permit beyond its original expiration date.  Contact the Building Official. 

8. How Long Is My Permit Good For?

Permits are  active for 180 days from the issuance of the permit or last inspection, whichever is greater. It is important to not let your permit expire. Contact the Building Official for more information. 

9. What Type Of Work On Buildings Can I Do Without A Permit?

In most instances, as a general guideline, the following types of projects can proceed without a building permit. Please note exemption from building permit requirements does not grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner that is in violation of the building code or any other laws or ordinances, including work that requires a zoning permit. 

• Retaining walls not over 4 feet high, inclusive of footings
• Platforms, decks, walks and driveways not over 30 inches above grade and not attached to a building
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work (installation of hard surface floor finishes in apartments, condominium, and other multifamily buildings must comply with sounds transmission class [STC] ratings and are not exempt from a permit)
• Window awnings for one or two family dwellings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches from the wall, do not interfere with a public right of way, and do not require additional support
• Movable cases, counter, and partitions not over five feet, nine inches in height
• Installation of roof gutter systems (downspouts shall not be directed to adjacent properties)
• Installation of battery operated or plug-in type smoke and carbon monoxide detectors 
• The following types of window and door related work are exempt from permits:

• Installation of storm windows and storm doors
• Replacement of wood sash for prime windows
• Installation of vinyl jamb liner weather-stripping for existing window sash
• Replacement of glass, screens, wood parts, and other minor repairs

10. What If I Have Emergency Repairs?

Emergency repairs can be done without first obtaining the necessary permits, but the permits must be quickly obtained after the work has been done. Please remember inspections are a required part of permitting process and inspectors must be able to see what they are inspecting.  We recommend you to reach out to the Building Official as soon as possible and proceed with an abundance of caution. 

11. Do I Need To Be On-Site For An Inspection?

Unless otherwise instructed a contractor and/or property owner/representative must be present when an inspection is conducted. 

12. How Do I Set Up An Inspection?

You may email permitting at any time or call 952-873-5553 during normal business hours to schedule an inspection. We will make every effort to conduct an inspection within 48 hours of our receipt of a request. You will need to provide information on the type of inspection, permitted street address, permit number, name of person meeting the inspector, and a contact phone number.