In accordance with the Minnesota State Fire Code (MSFC), permits are required for any installation, addition, extension, alteration or replacement of a fire system or fire system element. The Minnesota Fire Code requires plans and specifications to be submitted to the authority having jurisdiction and approved prior to construction of any new fire system or prior to any changes to an existing fire system.
Pyrotechnic permits are issued through the City of Minneapolis (if the location is within the City of Minneapolis).
Which Projects Need a Fire Permit?
A Fire Permit must be obtained for fire related activities and installations. Common Fire Permits include:
- Fire suppression
- Automatic sprinkler system
- Fire alarm
- Fire protection water supply
- Emergency and standby power systems
- Kitchen hoods
- Smoke control systems
- Fire pumps
- Hazardous materials use or storage
- Fire hydrants
- Fuel dispensing
- LP gas
- Underground fuel tanks
- Tents/temporary structures
Note: A panel interface and all electrical/power work related to a fire alarm or suppression systems will also require a separate Electrical Permit.
Separate utility permits must be obtained for any outside underground fire service water line or connection to a municipal utility system.
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.