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1. How long will it take for my permit to be approved?

We work very hard to be accurate and thorough with your permit to avoid issues down the road. Our plan reviews timelines vary depending on the complexity of the project, completeness of the application, and the time of year. The busiest times are March through May and August through October. The two biggest causes of long review times are incomplete submittals and changing plans. Please take the time to prepare complete, final plans for review by our team.

2. My link to Citizenserve is broken.

CitizenServe continuously improves their service, occasionally resulting in a new URL.  If your bookmarked link does not work, simply access the site through the city website and the Permits and License applications button.

3. How can I check my permit progress online?

Log in to the portal. Click “view my requests” and select the appropriate permit. From there you can see if there are comments or if there are documents to print.

4. What are common permit submittal mistakes or causes for delays?

Incomplete submittals: missing building plans or site plan, plans not drawn to scale, unclear plans, etc. Changing plans from Land Use Approved Plans.

5. How do I find out what permits have been pulled at a specific address?

You can find many items using the Search tool in the online portal. Click on Search, chose the file type, and enter the address of the property you are seeking information on.

6. I am thinking of building and/or remodeling, which builders do you recommend?

City Staff may not recommend any contractor over another.  The best recommendations often come from your friends and neighbors.  

7. I have a septic system on my property, who do I contact with questions?

The City can tell you who installed the system and pumping information.   The City does not maintain a list of contractors nor may we provide any recommendations.  The State of Minnesota has a Subsurface Sewage Treatment System Licensed Business and Certified Individual Search tool to assist with what type of specialty area is needed, i.e. installer, maintainer, etc.  

8. Do I need a Site Plan or Survey for my proposed project?

A Certified Site Plan or Survey is required for all new principal buildings, building additions to principal buildings and grading and/or filling project requiring a permit.  A Certified Site Plan shall be drawn to scale and prepared by a person registered by the Minnesota Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture and Interior Design. 

9. I need a wetland delineation, who should I contact?

The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) publishes a list of wetland delineators.  

10. Do I really need a permit?

A permit is necessary to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, or demolish any building or structure, or any part or portion, including but not limited to the general construction, plumbing, on-site sewage treatment system, wood stoves and fireplaces, ventilating, heating or air conditioning systems.  If no building permit is necessary, a separate zoning permit application for hardcover and/or land alteration shall be submitted prior to conducting any land alteration or hardcover installations on a property, including grading, patios and retaining walls.  Full text may be found in Section 86-66 in the city code.  

11. Why don’t I get emails about my permit project?

You need to have an account in Citizenserve and be included as a contact for your project. If your contractor or a representative applied for the permit on your behalf, make sure they add your contact to the permit so you can receive emails and all comments regarding this project.

12. Is financial assistance available in demolishing my home?

Hennepin County offers financial assistance for certain demolition projects that diverge refuse from landfills.  Learn more about the grants including eligibility and requirements at www.hennepin.us/deconstruction.