Permit Review times during COVID-19

Due to ongoing restrictions associated with the COVID-19 outbreak, standard building permit review times will be longer than normal. In order to reduce interruptions, please do not contact Plan Review for a status update until two weeks have passed so they may focus on approving your application.

We are making every effort to remain operational during this period and provide our permitting services, with most building permit review work being done remotely to maintain social distancing requirements for our staff.

What you need to know before applying for a permit

  • When is a permit required?
  • If you hire a contractor, the contractor will apply for the permit.
  • All exterior residential construction projects valued at more than $25,000 must submit a Residential Construction Management Acknowledgement form before a permit is issued. This includes new builds or major remodels, expansions, demolitions, and more. The form also applies to vacant buildings. A copy of the form may be found here. 

Steps to obtain a building permit

Homeowner: The following 2 forms will need to be completed, signed and submitted along with the construction plans.

Licensed Building Contractor

Making the Rounds: Required for new construction (IRC Single family dwelling, Two-family dwelling, Townhouse; IBC new construction and additions) Prior to submitting the building permit application to DSI, the applicant shall submit the building permit application form along with the survey and plans to the following Public Works departments who will sign the back of the application form in the applicable boxes.

Submittal Methods for Permit Applications

  • Email: Applications accepted via email include General Building Permit, Fence Permit/Plan Review, and Demolition Permits. (NOTE: When submitting permit applications and plans via email, please be sure all attachments are pdf file format only. Please, convert PNG, JPEG, etc files to pdf before submitting your application.)  DO NOT INCLUDE CREDIT CARD INFORMATION ON ANY APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED BY EMAIL: emailto:DSI-BuildingPlanReview@ci.stpaul.mn.us
  • Fax: 651-266-9124
  • Mail: Department of Safety and Inspections,  375 Jackson St, Suite 220,  Saint Paul, MN 55101-1806
  • In person:  8:00 am - 4:00 pm (Free parking is provided in the surface lot at the corner of 6th St E and Jackson St)
  • Electronic Plan Review (ProjectDox)
    • Follow this link for information on ProjectDox.
    • A General Building Permit Application must be submitted per one of the above methods. Check “Yes” for Electronic Plan Review Requested and include an email address to receive upload link.
    • Once the permit application is entered, you will receive an email with a link to upload your drawings.

Building

Finishing an Existing Basement

Electronic Plan Review

Building Site Plan

Deck / Porch

Attics

Energy Code

Fence information and applications page

Garage

Parkland Dedication Ordinance

Residential Rain Gardens

Roofing

Signs

Visit the Zoning webpage for more information and application requirements.

Stucco / Plaster information and applications page

Vacant Buildings information and applications page

Walls

Windows - New and Replacement

Miscellaneous Construction Forms A-Z

Last Edited: June 1, 2023