What you need to know before applying for a permit
Due to an ongoing digital security incident, the email submission process for building permit applications has been paused since July 17 and remains temporarily unavailable. Any applications submitted via email to DSI-BuildingPlanReview@ci.stpaul.mn.us or DSI‑InformationAndComplaints@ci.stpaul.mn.us on or after July 17 have not been processed during this interruption.
- We anticipate resuming email permit submissions once systems are fully restored.
- If you need immediate assistance or a temporary permit, you may come in person to the DSI Permit Desk:
- Location: Department of Safety and Inspections, 375 Jackson Street, Suite 220, Saint Paul, MN 55101
- Office hours: Monday–Friday, 08:00A.M. – 04:00P.M.
- Walk-in applicants can obtain a temporary permit during this time.
In-person permits may be processed while you wait, and dimensions or site plans can be submitted as paper documentation. Payment information must be brought and provided to receive temporary building permits. Payment is accepted via cash, check, or credit card, though payment processing via card or check will be delayed until our systems are restored.
Normal processes for signoffs from other departments, reviews, etc. remain in place; not all permits can be issued over the counter, and larger projects will need to be taken in for review, and plans with missing information will need to be held onto by Plan Review until that information is received.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience as this will affect our review times and ability to process some permits.
If you have questions, feel free to contact us by email at DSI-InformationAndComplaints@ci.stpaul.mn.us for general inquiries, or DSI-BuildingPlanReview@ci.stpaul.mn.us for building/plan review questions (please note email responses may remain delayed until restoration)
- When is a building 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.
Hours
DSI Main Office/Permit Desk Hours: 8:00 am-4:00 pm (Mon - Fri), closed Weekends & Holidays (Beginning June 6, 2023, the main office will open at 9:00 am the first Tuesday of each month.)