Inspections & Code Enforcement
Each municipality is mandated by the state to adopt and enforce a building code. Cities have building inspection personnel that issue permits and perform inspections of construction to check for code compliance.
Although many people think that inspection by the city guarantees 100% code compliance, that is not the case. A building inspection is an attempt to verify that the work complies with the code. As soon as the inspector leaves the jobsite, anything can be changed. Building inspections are intended as spot checks of construction to verify substantial code compliance. Although city inspections identify visible code violations, they cannot, and are not intended to, guarantee every aspect of the work. Inspection by the city also does not guarantee workmanship or that the work is free of construction defects.
Contractors and material suppliers are responsible for problems associated with construction defects and workmanship.
For general permitting information questions, please email the Building Department.
Permit Submittal Documents
Residential Related Handouts
Commercial Related Handouts
Construction Related Excavation and Erosion Control Information
Electrical Permitting Information
Local Electrical Inspection:
Call Rod VanOrt at (612) 528-2091
More Resources
- MN Dept of Labor & Industry – Construction Codes and Licensing Division
State Authority for State Building Code – Residential Building Contractor Licensing - Minnesota State Building Code
- International Code Council
Model Code Organization for International Codes - Builders Association of Minnesota
Minnesota Builders Organization - National Association of Home Builders
National Builders Organization - Minnesota Department of Health
Information on mold, lead, and asbestos - Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Information on water quality, grading - State Fire Marshal Division
Minnesota State Fire Code - Minnesota Board of Electricity
Information about inspections and codes