BCD regulates the permitting and inspection of a septic system to ensure compliance with the University Septic Design Standards when:

• Repairing or modifying an existing septic system or component
• Abandoning a tank or septic system
• Installing septic tanks and/or soil treatment areas (drainfields, at-grades and mounds, etc.)
• Making changes to a facility served by a STSS

Finding Your University Representative (University Rep)

This is a U of M contact on the project that may have the title of Project Manager, Project Coordinator, Team Manager or Owner's Rep. This is the employee at the University of Minnesota (CPM, FM, UConstruction, System Campus, Research and Outreach Centers) who is responsible to ensure that the work is ready for the permitting process to begin.

If you do not know who your University Rep is, contact the entity that hired you (department, college, primary contractor, etc.).

Getting a Project or Work Order Number

You need only a University of Minnesota project number OR University of Minnesota work order number. Call Facilities Management Call Center 612-624-2900 for instruction to receive a project number. Only University of Minnesota Employees may apply for project numbers. Work order numbers should be obtained from your University Rep. If you are a contractor, please talk to your University Project Manager.

Building Permit Valuation

The applicant for a permit must provide an estimated permit value at time of application. Permit valuations must include the total value of all demolition work, including materials and labor, for which the permit is being issued, such as electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing equipment, and permanent systems. 

Scope of Work

Please submit a project scope of work to include the following:

1. Detailed description of what work is being done (pertaining to this application) on this project
2. Building name and address spelled out from acronym
3. Floor(s)
4. Room numbers
5. Other applicable information that further describes the location
6. For properties not part of the contiguous campus, a registered land survey must be submitted (if applicable)
7. Certificate of Pesticide Application
8. Location of any private or public utilities on site (i.e. wells, septics, fuel tanks, utilities) must be provided
9. For disconnection of private utilities, a utility permit is required
10. Building foundations and structures must be completely removed as part of the demolitions

Individual trade permits should include additional details regarding specific trade-related work.

A state SSTS license applicable to the type of work performed is required for any business that conducts work to design, install, repair, maintain, operate, or inspect a septic system.

All permit applications must be submitted online through the online Accela permit system. Click the button below for application instructions.

Accela Permit System Instructions

An average time may vary anywhere between 2 days to 2 weeks and depends on the complexity of the work and the completeness of the plan submittals. It may take longer.

All projects that require a permit also require an inspection of work. The types of inspections required are determined based on project criteria and are assigned within the online permitting system (Accela). Once you complete a permit application through the online permitting system, you will be provided with a list of required inspections and information about how to schedule an inspection. Fore more information about inspections, visit our Inspections page.

You can view the status of you application by clicking the Search Application Link from the Permit Application Home Page or from a link on the permit application page. This will display the permits that you have applied for and the permit status and any actions that may need to be taken by you:

Click on the Processing Status arrow to open the section of the record (if it is closed). Green Check Marks indicate that the task is completed. An hourglass indicates that the task is still in progress. Click on specific task arrow to view more details about the task.

Permit fees can be paid by check or credit card or with a U of M EFS account number (available for U of M departments). A total of all fees due will display in the Fees section of the online application once your permit application has been reviewed and fees have been invoiced.

Paying by Check

Fees assessed will be processed when BCD accepts your check. After payment, you will receive an e-mail that your permit has been issued and you may print your Permit and Inspection Report.

Checks should be made payable to the U of MN Building Code Department. During COVID-19, checks can only be submitted via mail at the address below. Please also email BCD at [email protected] when you mail the check.

University of Minnesota Building Code Department 
270 Donhowe Building
319 15th Ave SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Directions to our office can be found on the campus map.

Paying by Credit Card

You may pay by credit card only at the time you receive an e-mail stating that your permit is ready to be issued. Locate the permit number and pay the fees associated. Once the fees are paid, the permit status will reflect “Issued”. Print both the Permit and Inspection Report.

Paying by U of M EFS Number

Enter a correct budget string when you are applying for the permit; you will be notified when the permit is approved. The fees will display as paid and you will be able to print the Permit and Inspection Report.