In accordance with the National Electrical Code (NEC), permits are required for any installation, addition, extension, alteration, demolition, or replacement of an electrical system or electrical system element. Electrical work means the installing, altering, repairing of electrical wiring, apparatus, or equipment for electrical lighting, heat, power, technology circuits or systems, or other purposes as regulated by the standards referred to in Minnesota statute 326B.35.
Instructions and Information
Which Projects Need an Electrical Permit?
Separate utility permits must be obtained for any outside underground electrical service line or connection to a public utility system.
Commonly permitted electrical work includes:
- Electrical service
- Wiring
- Outlets and switches
- Circuits
- Panels
- Ground fault protection
- Electric heat
- Temporary power
- Portable equipment
- Lighting
- Communication systems
- Low voltage
- Fiber optics
Note: Fire alarm and fire suppression installations with a panel interface and all electrical/power work also require a separate Fire Permit.
Which Documents Are Required to Apply for an Electrical Permit?
The documents listed below are required at the time of permit submission to allow Building Code Department (BCD) staff to complete their review.
- A complete PDF set of plans, specifications, and submittal documents for the work being done
- Description of work
- Utility site plan / service plan
- Floor / room plans
- Material specifications
- Equipment listing or certification documentation
- Power schedule and plan
- Panel schedule and plan
- Lighting schedule and plan
- Grounding plan
- Systems plan
- One-line diagrams
Plans shall be signed by Minnesota registered engineer or a master electrician.
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.
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.
Printing the reviewed documents
- Visit our online application system
- Click Search Applications
- Select the Application ID
- 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.