- Home
- Home & Yard
- Builders & Permits
- Building Permit Application Process
Building Permit Application Process
When is a building permit required?
Most projects require a building permit. State law requires that permits be issued before work begins.
Homeowners are typically allowed to perform work on the building they occupy after the building permit is issued.
By state law, commercial projects are required to have a design professional prepare the project documents.
Projects requiring permits
- Additions
- Alterations
- Decks
- Demolition work
- Finishing basements
- Mechanical work
- New construction
- Plumbing
- Pools
- Roofing
- Siding
- Solar - learn if your project qualifies for expedited permitting or if it is a full review application.
- Window replacements
Permits for window replacements, roofing, and siding work are typically issued same day.
Projects not requiring permits
- Painting
- Replacing flooring
- Replacing cabinets
Please contact us if you’re unsure whether your project requires a permit or not.
Applying for a permit
The City of Northfield has a new online application.
Existing contractors
For contractors who have pulled a permit with the City of Northfield in the past:
New contractors
New contractors that have not pulled a permit with the City of Northfield, please call 507-645-3004 or email permits.cd@northfieldmn.gov and we can assist you.
Homeowners
Homeowners in the City of Northfield can proceed to apply online.
Questions
Contact us with any questions. Office hours are Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Plan reviews
Once you have submitted your permit application, it will undergo plan review. Most projects require a plan review, which involves staff examining the project plans to verify that the plans comply with specific code requirements.
The City of Northfield has adopted the 2018 International Code Council codes with 2020 Minnesota Amendments. This review minimizes misunderstandings and construction delays for the projects.
Timeline for reviews
For residential projects allow at least five business days for the plan review process. For commercial projects allow at least 10 business days for the plan review process. These time frames are based on the assumption that the application was complete, and was submitted with no major code violations. For very large commercial projects the plan review process may take longer.
Licensing
Minnesota State Law requires that residential contractors be licensed by the State of Minnesota.
Register with the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry
Fees
Most permits will require a fee to be paid.
The amount of the fee varies depending on the scope of work planned. Permit fees are paid after the plan review and when the permit is issued.
-
Pay for a permit
We accept cash, check and credit card and online payment by credit card or electronic check. A 3% convenience fee will be added to credit card payments. A $3 convenience fee will be added to electronic check payments.
Do not pay until your permit has been issued with your permit number and fee amount total. You will need to enter your permit number found in the email from the Building Inspection Department and the fee amount.
Inspections
Depending on the project, there may be required inspections at various points both during and after construction is completed.
Scheduling inspections
To schedule an inspection, please contact the Building Inspection Department at 507-645-3004.
Inspection requests are accepted Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., by phone. Requests for inspections must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
Electrical Inspections are scheduled directly through the State Electrical Inspector, Scott Price. He can be reached Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at 507-430-3652.
-
Building Inspections
Physical Address
801 Washington Street
Northfield, MN 55057
Phone: 507-645-3004Fax: 507-645-3055
Hours
Monday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
If you need service outside of these hours, feel free to contact Building Official Mike Morehouse, 507-645-3021
-
Mike Morehouse
Building OfficialPhone: 507-645-3021