Frequently Asked Questions

Some residential permits, such as roofing, siding, window replacement, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical permits may be issued in 1-3 days. Residential permits which require plan review may take 3 weeks or more before the permit is ready to be issued. Some commercial permits may take up to 4 to 8 weeks for plan review. If plans are not complete, the review time will be longer. Therefore, it is important for the applicant to review the plans before submitting to make sure they show specifically what is to be built and how it will be built.

Typically, construction plans do not have to be professionally drawn, but they must be specific enough with dimensions and materials that someone would be able to construct the project from the plans. Please speak to our Building Inspector or Building Official to verify if your project will need architectural or engineered drawings.

Some permits are a flat fee, while other permits are based on the valuation of the cost of material and labor as if a contractor was doing the work. Please call 651-249-2300 for specifics.

Check payments can be mailed or dropped off. Cash payments can be accepted in person. Currently, credit card payments can only be taken over the phone and an additional 2.5% non-refundable credit card processing fee will be added. 

1. Permit applications can be submitted by mail or in person to:

     Community Development Department:
     1830 County Road B E
     Maplewood, MN 55109

2. Complete submittals can be placed in the drop box outside the front door at City Hall 24/7. Verify you have all the necessary information and put the submittal in a clearly marked envelope.

3. Permits that don't need to be reviewed can be emailed to building@maplewoodmn.gov if you would like to pay with a credit card. An additional 2.5% non-refundable credit card processing fee will be added. Permits that need to be reviewed can also be emailed to this email address.

An inspection card listing the expected inspections for your project is included with the building permit. The individual construction handouts also give some general inspection guidelines. For specific questions, please contact a Building Inspector at 651-249-2300.

Permits are required for any:

• Addition
• Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing projects
• New construction project
• Remodeling project
• Structural alteration

We do not require permits for finish work such as new cabinets, carpeting, or painting. If you are not sure if you need a permit, please contact us at 651-249-2300.

It is the property owner's responsibility to determine where the property lines are located. Iron stakes are placed at the corners of the lot, usually at or below grade, and can sometimes be found using a metal detector. The City does not provide surveying services. Approximate property lines and dimensions can be found on the Ramsey County GIS map.