Minnetonka, MN Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)

Section 510.020 is the plumbing permit rule in the Minnetonka City Code. Paragraph 1 covers installing, altering, repairing or extending a plumbing system or individual sewage disposal system, and it reaches anyone who causes the work to be done. The application must come with a complete set of plans and specifications, although the building official can waive that requirement when the nature of the work makes construction documents unnecessary, and if plans are submitted and a permit is issued the work must be completed in accordance with the approved plans.

The permit must be obtained before work begins, and the double-fee penalty can be waived by the building official only if the work was required by an emergency. Licensing is tiered. Permits for plumbing work in a new structure, or to within 36 inches of the outer foundation of a new or existing structure, are issued only to contractors licensed by the state of Minnesota. Permits for plumbing work in an existing structure go to state-licensed contractors or to resident owners who homestead the property where the work is done.

Every permit becomes invalid unless work starts within 180 days after issuance or if the work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days after it starts. The building official can grant one or more written extensions of not more than 180 days each, requested in writing with justifiable cause, and renewing an invalid permit requires the full permit fee. The old definitions and general provisions in divisions 510.005 through 510.015 were repealed by Ordinance No. 2004-05, adopted February 9, 2004. Inspection duties sit in section 510.025, and section 510.030 makes the community development director and authorized agents responsible for enforcing the section. Under section 500.015 the building official administers all regulations governing plumbing installations.