Building Inspections

Scott County Building Inspections

The Scott County Building Inspections Department is responsible for administering the Minnesota State Building Code. This site is intended to provide you, with information to help you navigate your way through the permitting process and to make your project a positive experience. Please take the time to browse through our site. If you have any comments or questions regarding our website or your experience with the Scott County Building Inspections Department, we appreciate hearing your feedback.

The Building Inspections Department staff are available by appointment only

• If the situation cannot be resolved first by email or phone conversation, a virtual or in-person meeting appointment can be scheduled though a Building Inspector or Permitting staff.

Permit application processing is filed electronically through the ePermit portal.

• All permit instructions can be found here on the Building Inspections website.
• For the most efficient service, review all ePermit requirements as well as permit submittal document requirements prior to applying for a permit.
• Applications not following the required file naming requirements or incomplete submittals will be rejected and cause delays.
• Through the ePermit system, permit applicants should select the permit type and enter the permit data, upload the required submittal and/or revision documents, make payments, and retrieve the final approved documents. All instructions related to ePermits can all be found here.

Exception: If unable to apply through ePermit portal, call 952-496-8160 to discuss alternative application and permit process options. 

Permit or inspection questions are available by:

• Email (most efficient) -- The more detail in your email, the more efficiently your request can be processed. Inspectors are typically out on inspections; and permit technicians are processing permits, so email is the most efficient path for code or permit questions. 
  • Staff email addresses are listed on the Building Inspections main page. Building inspections staff 
• Voicemail – Detailed voicemails allow staff to gather information to provide a thorough response on the first call back. If the voicemail does not include sufficient detail - staff may need several calls to get additional information, conduct research, and provide a response. 
  • Building Inspector questions, select option 2
  • Permit or Licensing Questions Select Option 3

Permits

When is a permit required?

MN State Statute 326B and Administrative Rule 1300.0120 requires permits to be obtained any time a building or structure is built, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, converted, demolished, or changes use and to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any gas, mechanical, plumbing system, or equipment.

Building permits are required to ensure that minimum construction standards (established by the Minnesota State Building Code) are met. These minimum standards provide safeguards for life, limb, health, property, and welfare by regulating design, construction, materials, use, and the type of occupancy of all buildings.

Work exempt from a building permit:

Types of work not needing a permit include accessory structures 200 square feet or less, painting, wallpaper, carpet, tile, replace cabinets and similar finish work, fences under 7 feet tall, and sidewalks.

For a full list of work not needing a permit and other state permit regulations, see: Minnesota Administrative Rules 1300.0120

Please note: Zoning or Environmental Services permit, review, or approval may be required even if a building permit is not.