Building Permits and Inspections

Building Official:  Michael Friedrichs 320-377-9029

Please call for an appointment.

The Building Inspections portion of the Department deals with plan reviews and inspections to ensure compliance with all applicable construction codes. The Building Official enforces the 2006 Minnesota State Building Code and assists the Zoning Administrator in the enforcement of the City's Zoning Ordinance.

WHEN IS A BUILDING PERMIT REQUIRED?
The City Building Official issues permits for all work as required by the Minnesota State Building Code. Work requiring a permit and exempt work is listed as follows:
     *Uniform Building Code Section 106.1
     *Uniform Building Code Section 106.2

SECTION 106 - Permits

106.1 Permits Required. Except as specified in Section 106.2 of this section, no building or structure regulated by this code shall be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted or demolished unless a separate permit for each building or structure has first been obtained from the building official.

106.2 Work Exempt From Permit. A building permit shall not be required for the following:
     1.  One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses provided the projected roof area does not exceed 120 square feet.
     2.  Fences not over 6' high.
     3.  Oil derricks.
     4.  Movable cases, counters and partitions not over 5' 9" high.
     5.  Retaining walls which are not over 5' in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids.
     6.  Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons, and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
     7.  Platforms, walks and driveways not more than 30" above grade and not over any basement or story below.
     8.  Painting, papering and similar finish work.
     9.  Temporary motion picture, television and theater state sets and scenery.
     10.  Window awnings supported by an exterior wall of Group R, Division 3, and Group U occupancies when projecting not more than 54".
     11.  Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R, Division 3 Occupancy in which the pool walls are entirely above the adjacent grade and if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons.