BUIlding permits and inspections

Scott McCarty                                                                                       Sheila Schmitz

Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Official                                Building Permit/Planning Assistant

952-873-5655                                                                                        952-873-5655

smccarty@ci.belleplaine.mn.us                                                        sschmitz@ci.belleplaine.mn.us

Inspection Hours:

Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

A 24 hour notice is needed to schedule all appointments.

The City of Belle Plaine offers full in-house service for Building Inspections Department. The primary task of the Building Inspections Department is to ensure that the new construction of buildings within the City meets minimum standards as regulated by the Minnesota State Building Code. These codes ensure that the buildings are safe and pose no risk to the publics welfare. The department works with homeowners and contractors to ensure that residential homes and commercial buildings meet the required safety guidelines.

The Building Inspections Department has information and applications available to those who may be constructing new homes or making improvements to existing homes.The following list is the type of permits required withing the City and how you may obtain information and a permit application:

GENERAL PERMITS

The Permit Application link above can be used for all the following permits. All General Permits can be issued over the counter. The fee is $40.00 for all general permits, with the exception of the Mechanical and Plumbing permit.

• Re-roof
• Re-side
• Window Replacement
• Above-Ground Swimming Pool
• Lawn Irrigation System
• Mechanical  - The fee is $39.50 for each mechanical unit with a one time $0.50 surcharge. The general mechanical can be used for most furance, air conditioner, gas fitting, ventilation/air exchange and wet heat projects. Commercial fee is 1.25% of the contract value with a minimum fee of $50.00, plus a state surcharge.
• Plumbing - The minimum fee is $39.50 or $5.00 for each fixture, which ever is greater, with a one time $0.50 surcharge. The general plumbing can be used for most new, addition, repair or alteration fixture projects. Commercial fee is 1.25% of the contract value with a minimum fee of $50.00, plus a state surcharge.

BUILDING PERMITS

All the following applications can be picked up at the Government Center or mailed out, with the exception to the Remodel and Addition permit. You may use the Permit Application above for the Remodel and Addition permit.

• New Home Construction - The permit, plan review and surcharge fee is based on the 1997 UBC plus 10%, using the MN valuation or construction cost, whichever is higher. City fees charged on the permit will be: water connection fee, $3, 850.00; sewer connection fee, $4, 850.00; water meter fee, $145.00; tracer wire boxes, $30.00; and site plan, $40.00. Mechanical and plumbing permits should be applied for at the same time. A complete Certificate of Survey showing actual front, rear and side yard setbacks, easements, garage floor elevation and drainage areas is required along with two sets of construction plans. It is the Contractors responsibilty to know or inquire about the ordinances and code requirements of the City.
• Finished Basement. - The fee is typically at the fixed fee of $150.50. Finished bathrooms will require a plumbing permit and fire places will require a mechanical permit. Two sets of plans with room dimensions is required. Framing, electrical and final inspection will be needed, as well as plumbing and mechanical, if applicable.
• Decks - The fee is typically at the fixed fee of $125.50. Two sets of construction plans and a certificate of survey or site plan is required. Setback requirements must be maintained for the side and rear yard. Please contact the Government Center to inquire about the setbacks since each residential district is zoned differently. Structures will not be allowed in the easements.
• Detatched Garages/Accessory Structures - The permit, plan review and surcharge fee is based on the 1997 UBC plus 10%, using the MN valuation or construction cost, whichever is higher.Two sets of construction plans and a certificate of survey or site plan is required. Setback requirements must be maintained for the side and rear yard. Please contact the Government Center to inquire about the setbacks since each residential district is zoned differently. Structures will not be allowed in the easements.
• Remodel - Application can be downloaded. The permit, plan review and surcharge fee is based on the 1997 UBC plus 10%, using the MN valuation or construction cost, whichever is higher.Two sets of construction plans are required.
• Additions - Application can be downloaded. The permit, plan review and surcharge fee is based on the 1997 UBC plus 10%, using the MN valuation or construction cost, whichever is higher.Two sets of construction plans are required. Setback requirements must be maintained for the side and rear yard. Please contact the Government Center to inquire about the setbacks since each residential district is zoned differently. Structures will not be allowed in the easements.

ZONING PERMITS

The Permit Application link above can be used for all the following permits. All Zoning Permits can be issued over the counter. The fee is $40.00 for all zoning permits.

• Fences - The City allows fences to be constructed on the side and rear yards. The fence cannot be any higher than six feet in height. The construction material must of approved and acceptable quality, i.e., chain link, wood, plastic, etc. Barbed or razor wire will not be approved or accepted. Setback requirements for the side and rear yards will be maintained at two feet from the property lines. A zero setback will be allowed if written and signed permission is given from the surrounding property owners.
• Utility Sheds ( 120 square feet or less) - The City allows the construction of a utility shed of 120 square feet or less in the side or rear yard. A ten foot distance must be maintained from the primary structure. Setback requirements must be maintained for the side and rear yard. Please contact the Government Center to inquire about the setbacks since each residential district is zoned differently. Structures will not be allowed in the easements.
• Carports (without footings) - The City allows the construction of carports in the side or rear yard. A ten foot distance must be maintained from the primary structure. Setback requirements must be maintained for the side and rear yard. Please contact the Government Center to inquire about the setbacks since each residential district is zoned differently. Structures will not be allowed in the easements.

These documents may be downloaded from this website, printed out, completed and faxed to 952-873-5509, or dropped off at the Government Center. Please note that many of these documents are in pdf format, and require Acrobat Reader for viewing. For questions regarding permit requirements and scheduling inspections, contact the Building Inspections Department at 952-873-5655.

ELECTRICAL PERMITS

Building Permits do not include electrical wiring. A separate Request for Inspection must be filed with the Board at or before commencement of any electrical wiring that is required by law to be inspected. An owner who wishes to do his own electrical wiring may obtain a Request for Inspection form at the Belle Plaine Government Center.

For inspections only  please call Terry Krominga at 507-665-3205. It is the responsibility of the person filing the Request for Inspection to call for all required inspections.