Sherburne County

Planning & Zoning Administration

Building Permits

Joe St. Dennis
Building Official

Building and Septic Permits - Overview

A building permit is required for:

• A new structure
• Altering or enlarging a structure
• Finishing a basement
• Replacing or installing a gas fireplace, furnace, or water heater
• Replacing or installing any gas appliance that requires a new gas line
• Re-roofing a building
• Re-siding a building
• Retaining walls over four feet in height
• All retaining walls built within the Shoreland Impact Zone
• In-ground swimming pools
• Above ground pools containing over 5,000 gallons of water

The following work is exempt from a permit:

• One story detached accessory structures, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet.
• Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge.
• Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
• Fences not over 6 feet high.
• Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over any basement story below.
• Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep.
• Swings and other playground equipment accessory to a one-family dwelling.
• Window awnings supported by an exterior wall.
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work.

Content:

• Permit Requirements / Applications
• Electrical Inspections
• Fee Schedule
• Permits Issued

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