A Building Permit must be obtained for the following work:
- New building
- Addition which extends or increases the floor area, number of stories or height of a building or structure
- Remodel which alters a structure, whether this alteration is exterior or interior, from the original construction
- Repair requiring the reconstruction, replacement, or renewal of any part of an existing building for the purpose of its maintenance or to correct damage
- Structural change to an existing building or structureÂ
- Change of OccupancyÂ
- A change of building occupancy classification
- A change of one group to another within an occupancy classification
- Any change in use within a group for which there is a change in application of the code
- A Moved-in building or structureÂ
- Modular wall systems greater than 5 feet 9 inches in height
Instructions and Information
Which Documents Are Required to Apply for a Building Permit?
The documents listed below are required at the time of permit submission to allow Building Code Department (BCD) staff to complete their review.
New Construction and Additions
- Complete PDF set of plans, specifications, and submittal documents for work being performed
- Soil Analysis / Geotechnical Report
- Land Survey—if applicable
- Civil Plans (Grading, drainage, utilities)
- Landscape Plans
- Site Plan
- Architectural Building Plans / Code analysis
- Structural Plans (Structural analysis, design calculators)
- Project Phasing Plan (signed by the Architect and/or Engineer of Record)
- Construction Cost Breakdown
Remodeling Renovations or Improvement
- Complete PDF set of plans, specifications, and submittal documents for work being performed
- Scope of work
- Architectural Building Plans / Floor Plan (Code analysis)
- Structural Plans (Structural analysis, design calculations)—if applicable
- Project Phasing Plan (signed by the Architect and/or Engineer of Record)
- Construction Cost Breakdown
For each type of project listed above, the following documents may be deferred submittals and are required prior to issuance of a permit:
- Signed Special Inspections Form
- SAC Letter from Metropolitan Council
- Energy Calculations
- Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement
- Exiting / Staging Plan
Modular Walls and Furnishings
Cubicle walls, folding walls, modular furniture (including PODS, lactation booths, huddle rooms, etc.) or other kinds of movable partitions are required to obtain a building permit if the wall heights exceed 5 feet 9 inches.Â
These wall/furniture systems and their placement may require a design by MN licensed architect or interior designer. A floor plan layout and elevation plan, specifications, and manufacturer installation instructions are required for obtaining a building permit.
In addition, other trade permits (electrical, mechanical, fire sprinkler, and fire alarm) and documentation may be required prior to their installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Find My University Representative and Project Number?
Finding Your University Representative (University Rep)
The University Representative is a U of M contact on the project that may have the title of Project Manager, Project Coordinator, Team Manager or Owner’s Representative. They are responsible to ensure that work is ready for the permitting process and may be from: Capital Project Management (CPM), Facilities Management (FM), UConstruction, a System Campus Facilities Department, or Research and Outreach Centers.
If you do not know who your University Rep is, contact the entity that hired you.
Getting a Project or Work Task ID
The Project Number or Work Task ID is required prior to applying for a permit. Contact your University Representative to get this information.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Permit?
Allow 2-4 weeks for permit approval. The time is based on the complexity of the work and the completeness of the submitted information.
Which Inspections Are Required?
The required inspections are based on the type of work being performed and will be identified during permit approval and documented on the Inspection Record Card when the permit is issued.
For more information about inspections, visit our Inspections page.
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How Do I Pay My Permit Fees?
Permit fees can be paid by check, credit card, or by University of Minnesota Enterprise Financial System (EFS). The fees due will display in the online application system when the permit has been reviewed and approved.
Paying By Check
Checks should be made payable to the U of MN Building Code Department and can be mailed to:
University of Minnesota Building Code Department
270 Donhowe Building
319 15th Ave SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
When the payment has been received an email will be sent stating that the permit is issued and you can print the Permit and Inspection Record.
Paying by Credit Card
You will receive an email that the permit is ready to be paid for. When you complete the payment, the permit will be issued and the Permit and Inspection Record can be printed.
Paying by U of M EFS Number
Select U of M Budget as the Payment Method when applying for the permit and enter the correct budget string information. When the permit is approved the payment will be applied. You will receive an email that the permit has been issued and you can print the Permit and Inspection Record.
How Do I Print My Permit Documents?
Printing the Permit and Inspection Record
- Visit our online application system
- Click Search Applications
- Select the Application ID.
- Click on Reports in the menu at the top of the page.
- Select the report to print and print the document.Â
Printing the reviewed documents
- Visit our online application system
- Click Search Applications
- Select the Application ID
- Â Select attachments under Record Info
- Click in the file name for the Type of Reviewed plans
The Permit, Inspection Record, and Reviewed, Stamped Plans are required to be onsite for inspections.