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Building Section

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1. When is a building permit required?

A Building permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure. Work exempt from permit includes:

1. A one-story accessory structure with a floor area less than one hundred and twenty square feet.
   
2. Retaining walls less than 4 feet in height and not supporting a surcharge.
   
3. Water tanks supported directly on grade with a height to diameter ratio not exceeding 2:1 and a capacity not exceeding Five thousand gallons.
   
4. Sidewalks and driveways not exceeding thirty inches above adjacent grade and not part of an accessible route.
   
5. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
   
6. Playground equipment accessory to a one-or two-family dwelling.
   
7. Movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height.

2. When am I required to arrange for an inspection of the work?

Required inspections include the following:

1. Footing inspection prior to pouring the concrete, to verify the minimum setback to property boundaries, the size, depth and location of the footing, the size, quantity, quality and clearances of the reinforcement as applicable, the soil type and condition, and weather controls as necessary. The approved plan, site plan and verification of the property boundaries must be provided on site at the time of the footing inspection.
   
2. Foundation inspection prior to pouring the concrete for a poured wall foundation, and prior to backfill for all foundation types to verify the foundation drain tile, damp-proofing or water-proofing, and the exterior foundation insulation in applicable.
   
3. Framing inspection, following rough-in approval of all plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems, to verify adequate support and bracing for all loads and to verify compliance with the approved plan. The approved plan and all truss diagrams and other engineered design documents must be provided on site at the time of the framing inspection.
   
4. Insulation inspection following the installation of all required fire- and draft-stopping.
   
5. Gypsum Board inspection when the gypsum board is required for fire-protection or for resistance to shear forces.
   
6. Final inspection following the completion of all construction work and final approval of all trade permits.
   
7. Additional inspections as prescribed by the building official based on specific project conditions.

3. How do I arrange for an inspection?

Contact your area building inspector between 7:30 am and 9:00 am to arrange for the inspection. The name and telephone number of your inspector is listed on the inspection sign-off sheet and on the permit receipt.

4. How many layers of roofing material are allowed for asphalt shingle roofing material?

Only one layer of asphalt roofing material is now permitted in Minnesota due to the high incidence of hail in our region.

5. When is a sheathing lay-over required for installation of new asphalt shingles on an existing roof deck?

The roof sheathing surface must be in sound condition, flat, capable of accepting the fasteners without splitting and capable of supporting all anticipated loads. Roof sheathing that is decayed, cracked, split, warped, cupped, water-soaked, spaced more than 5/8 inch, or deteriorated in such a manner as to compromise its strength must be replaced or covered using an approved sheathing material. The shingle manufacturer may specify additional warranty conditions.