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 structure
- Change of Occupancy
- 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 structure
- Modular wall systems greater than 5 feet 9 inches in height
- Industrialized Modular Buildings
- Re-Roof
Instructions and Information
Modular Walls and Furnishings
A building permit for alteration/renovation is required for Modular Wall and Furniture Systems which would include cubical walls, folding walls, modular furniture (including PODS, lactation booths, huddle rooms, ect.) or other kinds of movable partitions if the wall exceeds 5 feet 9 inches.
The placement of any wall and furniture systems may require design by a Minnesota licensed architect or interior designer.
In addition, other trade permits (electrical, mechanical, fire sprinkler, and fire alarm) and documentation may be required prior to their installation.
Modular Wall and Furniture Systems Building Permit Submittals
- Floor Plan showing wall and furniture layout, exits, and accessible route
- Manufacturer's product specifications & installation instructions
Industrialized/Modular Buildings
A building permit for new construction is required for Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) regulated Industrialized/Modular buildings manufactured at a location other than the permanent site of occupancy
Industrialized/Modular Buildings Permit Submittals
Plans, which include:
- Site plan and/or a registered land survey depending on the structure location
- Foundation Plan
- Utility plan (private and/or public)
- Sediment and erosion control plan
- Permanent Industrialized Building Commissioning Seal and Data Plate
- Complete Set of Department of Labor & Industry approved plans
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?
Steps to print the permit and inspection record and the reviewed documents:
- Visit the online application system
- Login
- Click on your username in the upper right corner and select Your Items
- Click on view for the permit that documents are needed for
- Click on the Documents tab
Download from the Approved Documents folder.