Building permits

The Minnesota State Building Code, enforced by the City of Minnetonka, provides minimum standards to safeguard life, property, and the well-being of the public by regulating and controlling the design, construction, and quality of materials used in building projects.

The permitting process is in place to ensure that the minimum standards are met and that the citizens of Minnetonka are provided with safe buildings.

The city of Minnetonka issued 1,641 building permits in 2006. The construction value for these permits totaled $112,305,437.

Building permit fees
$1 to $500
Minimum fee: $25
$501 to $2000
$25 for first $500 plus $3.25 for each additional $100 or fraction thereof
$2001 to $25,000
$73.50 for first $2,000 plus $14.75 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof
$25,001 to $50,000
$415.75 for first $25,000 plus $10.75 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof
$50,001 to $100,000
$682.50 for first $50,000 plus $7.50 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof
$100,001 to $500,000
$1,053.50 for first $100,000 plus $6 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof
$500,001 to $1,000,000
$3,427.75 for first $500,000 plus $5 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof
$1,000,001 and up
$5,945.25 for first $1,000,000 plus $4 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof
Flat-rate fees

In addition, the following flat-rate fees are charged:

Plan review fee
65% of building permit fee
Surcharge
.0005 x valuation
Reinspection fee
$52
Raze or demolish building
$52

The city of Minnetonka requires that you obtain a residential building permit application (PDF) or commercial building permit application (PDF) before starting any construction project. Some of the common items requiring a building permit are:

  • Building additions
  • Conversion of attic or basement to a habitable space such as a bedroom
  • Conversion of a single family home to multiple dwelling units
  • Decks
  • Demolition of buildings including garages
  • Fences over six feet in height
  • Garages
  • Remodeling
  • Replacement of doors or windows when the size of the opening is changed
  • Retaining walls over three feet in height
  • Re-roofing
  • Sheds over 120 square feet in size (storage sheds of less than 120 square feet do not require a building permit, but they must be placed behind the rear building line of the house)
  • Siding replacement
  • Skylights
  • Stairs (both interior and exterior)

Building permits may be obtained by downloading the residential building permit application (PDF) or commercial building permit application (PDF) or at the Community Development window in city hall, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd., near the intersection of Minnetonka Boulevard and Williston Road. The office is open Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For specific information, call the inspection division at 952.939.8394.

The following information is needed to apply for a building permit:

  • A completed residential building permit application (PDF) or commercial building permit application (PDF), including a declaration of the value of the project. Application forms are available at city hall and above, for download.
  • Three sets of plans showing enough detail and accurate dimensions such that a tradesperson could construct the project without additional information.
  • An up-to-date survey or lot drawing showing where the project will be located. The city may have a previous survey of your property which may be found by address in our public use area. You will need a survey or site plan if your project is going to be outside the footprint of your home. Examples would include a deck, garage, bay window, roof overhang, or a shed.

  • A plan for preventing erosion and protecting natural resources during construction. See guidelines for plan below.

If you project does not require plans, you may mail your application to:

City of Minnetonka
Attention: Inspections
14600 Minnetonka Boulevard
Minnetonka, MN  55345

or fax the application to 952.939.8244.

Payment is accepted by check, MasterCard or Visa.

Be sure to apply for your permit prior to starting the work. It is strongly recommended that homeowners not obtain permits for work done by contractors, because the homeowner then becomes responsible for work.

For more information, please see the city code of ordinances.

Guidelines for building permit applications and protection of natural resources

The city of Minnetonka continually strives to achieve a balance between development and protection of our natural resources. We recognize that development and building construction can affect our natural resources. In order to help minimize the impact to our forests, wetlands, lakes and creeks, the city requests that the following information be submitted with every building permit application that involves an addition or new construction. Additional information may be required if needed.

  • Proposed location of the building and driveway;
  • Existing and proposed final grades utilizing two foot contours and spot elevations - only required when grading is being done;
  • Locations of all water bodies and their required buffers on and adjacent to the site (within 50 ft.). A notation indicating the water bodies that receive drainage from the site (e.g. Crane Lake, 9- mile Creek, or wetland behind house).
  • The location and elevation of all roads, utilities and structures on and adjacent to the site. (For projects not involving grading, location of adjacent roads and structures on the site may be sufficient.)
  • The location of any easements on the site;
  • Arrows showing the direction of drainage from the site after construction is complete;
  • Locations of significant trees. A significant tree is defined as a deciduous tree eight inches or larger in diameter, or an evergreen tree fifteen feet or taller in height (undisturbed woodland areas may be grouped together). Indicate which trees will be removed and where tree protection fencing will be installed around those that are to be saved.
  • An estimate of the amounts of earth being moved:
    • Over 50 cubic yards moved?
    • Over 5,000 square feet disturbed?
  • Proposed locations of soil stockpiles;
  • Proposed locations of erosion control measures such as silt fence, rock driveways, mulch, tarp or berms.

No grading or tree removal may occur until this information has been reviewed and approved. Natural resource protection devices must be installed and inspected before a building permit is issued.

During construction, you will be expected to comply with the approved plans.

  • Drainage and grading must be completed in compliance with approved plans.
  • Tree and wetland protection must be maintained throughout the construction period.
  • All public streets must be maintained in a clean condition.
  • Erosion control must be maintained throughout the construction period and until new vegetation is established, regardless of property ownership. If vegetation is not established at the time that a Certificate of Occupancy is granted, the owner or contractor will be asked to deposit escrow funds, which will be refunded when the si te is adequately vegetated. The city may use the funds to maintain erosion control or vegetate the site if the owner or contractor fails to do so.
  • Litter and construction waste must be contained.