Express Building Permit

An express building permit includes only the following work types:

  • Basement Drainage System
  • Chimney Repair
  • Gutters
  • Re-roof & Roof Repair
    • Shingle w/Tear Off
    • Shingle w/Overlay
    • Flat w/Tear Off
    • Flat w/Overlay
    • Slate/Slate Repair
    • Tile/Tile Repair
  • Re-siding
  • Soffit/Fascia
  • Trim
  • Tuckpointing
  • Windows

The Contractor Express Permit application has been developed for contractors only and is intended to speed up the application process. The express items listed above do not require plan review and can be issued online.

Contractor Express items do not include structural work; any structural work must be submitted on a General Building Permit Application and requires plan review. If a contractor is working on any of the express items plus additional work, a General Building Permit Application must be submitted to the Department of Safety and Inspections.

Owners may not use the Contractor Express application; they must complete a General Building Permit Application.

There are restrictions for construction on historical property. To find out if a property is designated historical or if there are any restrictions, contact Heritage Preservation Commission staff at 651-266-9078. If the property is historical, a General Building Permit Application is required.

If installing new general sheet metal or replacing existing general sheet metal on a residential structure with greater than four (4) residential units and/or commercial structures, a General Sheet Metal Permit is required. Please do not indicate sheet metal work on a Contractors Express Permit Application.

Application Requirements

Contact the building inspector listed on your permit before beginning work in order to arrange for the required inspections. See the Building Permit Fee Schedule for information regarding permit fees and the state surcharge. Each permit issued shall expire if the work authorized by the permit is not commenced within 180 days from the date issued, or if the work is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the work has begun. In addition, exterior work done on a single-family or two-family dwelling (including garages) must be completed within one year from the date issued. Interior and exterior work done on commercial properties (including hotels and apartment buildings) where the permit valuation is under $500,000 must be completed within one year from the date issued. See Chapter 33.04 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code.

Last Edited: June 16, 2023