Minnetonka, MN Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Fee sections
- Sections 710 and 715 of the city code
- State surcharge
- Paid to Minnesota department of administration, Minn. Stat. § 326B.148
- Plans required
- Two sets of plans and specifications
- Signed plans exemption
- Single family dwelling or structure not exceeding $30,000
- Demolition bond
- $2,000.00 bond or certified check
- New dwelling limit
- One owner-occupant permit within any eighteen month period
- Penalty for no permit
- Equal to the amount of the permit fee
Summary
In the City of Minnetonka, Minnesota, building permits, inspections and fee collection follow sections 710 and 715 of the city code and chapter 1 of the international building code adopted through the state building code. The city can reduce or waive fees for construction that meets its affordable housing goals, and every permit also carries a state surcharge.
1. In General. Permits, inspections and collection of fees will be as provided in section 710 and section 715 of this code and chapter 1 of the international building code that is adopted as part of the state building code, except that the city may reduce or waive fees for construction that meets the city's affordable housing goals. Permit fees will be established by the city using the current building valuation data provided by the building codes and standards division of the Minnesota department of administration. 2. Surcharge. In addition to the permit fees required in paragraph 1, the applicant must pay a surcharge to be paid to the Minnesota department of administration as required in Minnesota Statutes, section 326B.148.
Full Breakdown
The Minnetonka City Council adopts the mandatory provisions of the Minnesota state building code by reference in section 500.005, authorized by Minnesota Statutes, section 326B.106 and contained in Minnesota Rules, chapter 1300 et seq. The city adds two optional provisions: IBC appendix chapter J on excavation and grading, with permit fees set under section 710, and chapter 1306, special fire protection systems, with option Subpart 2 of 1306.0020. Section 500.010 sends permits, inspections and fees to sections 710 and 715 and chapter 1 of the international building code.
The city sets permit fees using the current building valuation data provided by the building codes and standards division of the Minnesota department of administration, and the applicant also pays a surcharge to that department under Minnesota Statutes, section 326B.148. The application has its own requirements. Section 500.035 calls for two sets of plans and specifications signed by a registered architect or registered professional engineer, except for a single family dwelling or any other structure if the cost will not exceed $30,000, and buildings exempted by statute.
Section 500.040 requires a certificate of survey for the lot, attested by a registered land surveyor, showing dimensions of front, rear and side yards, recorded easements and grade elevations. The building official, appointed by the city manager and under the direction of the community development director, can refuse a permit if other work on the property does not comply with city ordinances or if the proposed work appears to be in an easement area without the easement holder's written permission (section 500.015). Section 500.055 lets the building official require a performance bond equal to the value of the work from an applicant deemed not a responsible builder, and under section 500.060 a proposed owner of a new dwelling unit receives only one building permit within any eighteen month period. Demolition needs its own permit under section 500.030, with a $2,000.00 bond or certified check.
Violations & Fines
Section 1310.010 of the Minnetonka City Code requires a person who violates the code by failing to obtain a required permit or approval to pay a penalty equal to the amount of the fee for the permit, in addition to the permit or application fee itself. A violation is a misdemeanor punished in accordance with state law, each calendar day is a separate offense, and the city attorney can bring legal proceedings to stop or abate it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Minnetonka office handles building permits?
What does a Minnetonka building permit application need to include?
Can Minnetonka waive permit fees?
Do I need a permit to tear down a building in Minnetonka?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Minnetonka
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Building Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Hennepin County handle building permits.