Minnetonka, MN Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)

Section 505.005 defines the code Minnetonka enforces as the national electrical code adopted as part of the Minnesota state building code and the city building code. Section 505.010 requires all electrical equipment for a new or existing building, structure or premise to be constructed, installed, altered or removed in conformity with it. When the market value of alterations and repair within a 12-month period exceeds 50 percent of the present market value of an existing building or structure, the building or structure must be made to conform in all respects to the requirements for new buildings.

Equipment in a building moved into or within the city must meet the new-building requirements, and the owner is responsible for maintaining electrical equipment in a safe condition. The permit rule is section 505.020. A permit application must be accompanied by a complete set of plans and specifications, although the building official can waive that when the nature of the work makes construction documents unnecessary, and once a permit is issued the work must follow the approved plans. A permit must be obtained before work begins, and the building official can waive the double fee only when the work was required by an emergency.

Permits for new structures go only to electrical contractors licensed by the state of Minnesota. For existing structures, permits go to licensed contractors or to resident owners who homestead the property. Every permit becomes invalid unless work starts within 180 days of issuance or is suspended or abandoned for 180 days, and the building official can grant one or more written extensions of not more than 180 days each, requested in writing with justifiable cause. Renewing an invalid permit requires payment of the full permit fee. Inspections are covered by section 505.030.