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1. When do I need a permit?

Building permits are required for room additions, decks (with walking surface over 6-inches above grade), porches, finishing basements, wood stoves, masonry fireplaces, interior modifications (including any work where existing framing is exposed), structure or non-structural renovations or repairs, demolition work, accessory structures over 200 square feet in area, re-roofing, re-siding, replacement windows (including window inserts), fences over 7-feet high and retaining walls over 4-feet high. Separate electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits are required for the installation, alteration, repair, relocation, replacement or addition to any wiring, piping, duct alterations, and any equipment, fixtures or appliances associated with those systems.

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2. Do I need a building permit for a swimming pool?

A permit IS NOT required for a temporary pool (up for under 6 months per year).

A permit MAY BE required for a permanent pool (up over 6 months per year), including prefabricated pools above ground. A permit IS required if the permanent pool is over 24-inches deep AND 5000 gallons or larger in capacity. A site plan is needed along with an application for a permit. 

ALL pools must meet zoning requirements (please call the Planning and Zoning office at 320-255-7218 for information), and any electrical wiring (hardwiring or adding outlets) requires an electrical permit.

3. Why do I need a permit?

Building and related permits ensure that your project will be constructed according to nationally recognized standards to protect homes from structural collapse, fire and other life-safety issues.

Review of permit applications ensures that your home meets zoning requirements such as lot coverage, setbacks and building height.

4. When is a permit NOT needed?

Permits are not required to paint a house (interior or exterior), hang wallpaper, or similar finish work; to install concrete sidewalks or patios; or to build a fence under 7-feet high, or accessory structures under 200 square feet (fences and accessory structures must still meet all zoning requirements) Accessory structures between 100 and 200 square feet require a Land Use/Zoning Permit that can be obtained from the City of St. Cloud Planning office, for more information please call 320-255-7218.

An electrical permit is not required for minor repair work. Minor repair work includes the adjustment, repair or replacement of worn or defective parts of electrical equipment and replacement of defective receptacle outlets and manual switches for lighting control.

5. Where do I obtain my permits?

To apply for and obtain a permit you will need to visit St. Cloud City Hall, 400 - 2nd Street S (1 block west of the Mississippi River on Division Street). The Building Safety Department is located on the main floor of City Hall.

6. What information should I provide when applying for a permit?

Information requirements vary depending on the specific project. Handouts and checklists are available on-line or at City Hall which describe the information required to submit with an application. Typically, for building permits, you will need two copies of detailed construction plans (new construction requires three copies), drawn to scale, showing the proposed project. Homeowners may prepare their own plans, however, the Building Safety Department may require architect, engineer or other design professionals to prepare the plans if necessary to ensure accuracy, building code compliance, and legibility. Handouts and checklists are available online here.

7. How long does it take to get a permit?

Some permits, such as plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and residential (one or two family dwelling) re-roof, re-side, and replacement windows (same-for-same replacement windows) can be issued at the time you apply. Most other residential permit applications (that are complete and accurate with correct plans) may take up to five working days to process, small commercial remodel/tenant finish applications can take two to three weeks, and large commercial applications can take four to six weeks. Please allow yourself enough time so that our staff can help you through the process and issue your permit before you are ready to start work. This is especially true during the spring and summer construction season.

8. Is there a charge for a permit?

There is a charge for permits, this fee includes the required inspections (multiple trips for an inspection may result in an additional inspection fee). Building permits are typically based on the value of the project (labor and material). Residential (one and two family dwellings) re-roof, re-side, deck, and replacement window permits are on a set scale of approximately $61.00. Plumbing permits are based on the number and type of each fixture unit and/or meter sizes, mechanical and electrical permits are based on the type of work being done.

9. When are inspections done, and who inspects the work?

You will be provided with information about when and who to call for inspection(s) with your permit. Our inspectors will inspect your work several times for such things as, but not limited to, footings, framing, insulation, draft/fireblocking and final for building permits; and rough-in and final inspections for plumbing, electrical and mechanical.
Call (320)255-7239, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to arrange for an inspection at least one-business day in advance of the requested inspections. Inspections are available between 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Inspections are scheduled on a first-come basis. A yellow inspection record card will be given with the building permit and must be placed where it is visible from the street, and must be available to the inspector at the time of an inspection.

10. How do I find my property lines?

Property lines are found by locating the property irons (buried in each corner of the lot) typically by using a metal detector. If property irons cannot be found you can hire a surveyor to locate them. The City of St. Cloud DOES NOT survey properties. Sidewalks and fences are not necessarily on the property lines. The only way to find a property line is by finding the property irons.