Construction Codes and Licensing

labor & industry
Department of Labor and Industry
Construction Codes and Licensing Division
443 Lafayette Road N.
St. Paul, MN 55155
Phone: (651) 284-5012 or 1-800-657-3944
TTY: (651) 297-4198 Fax: (651) 284-5749
The State of Minnesota adopts a set of
construction standards known as the Minnesota
State Building Codes (MSBC). The MSBC
contains safety requirements relating to structure,
mechanical, plumbing, energy, electrical, elevators,
manufactured buildings and life safety.
The information in this brochure is for general
reference for residential construction projects.
Contact your municipal building official regarding
permits and specific code requirements for
residential construction within your community.
To confirm if your contractor is
licensed in Minnesota contact the:
Department of Labor and Industry
Residential Building Contractors
Phone: (651) 284-5069 or 1-800-657-3944
www.dli.mn.gov/ccld/LicVerify.asp
E-mail: DLI.Contractor@state.mn.us
Building permits are required for
construction of all garages. The
Minnesota State Building Code (MSBC)
differentiates between attached and
detached garages and there are some
differences in the requirements. Garages
must also meet the land use and setback
requirements of the city zoning code.
Zoning questions should be directed to the
local planning and zoning department.
a. Footing or concrete slab
05-07
To be made after all form work is set
and any required reinforcement is in
place but prior to the pouring of the
concrete.
b. Framing
To be made after framing is complete
and other required rough-in inspections
are completed and approved.
Municipal permit fees, plan review and
inspections
c. Final
Building fees are established by the
municipality. Inspections are performed
at various stages of construction to
verify code compliance. The plan
review is done by the building official
in order to spot potential problems or
pitfalls that may arise. The building
official may make notes on the plan for
your use. Inspections are performed at
various stages of construction to verify
code compliance. Actual permit costs
can be obtained by calling your local
building inspection department with your
estimated construction value.
d. Other inspections
Note: Setbacks from property lines
vary depending upon the city and
zoning district your home is located in.
Some communities have other zoning
provisions that may include lot coverage
or screening.
www.dli.mn.gov
Gopher State One Call
Call at least two full business
days before you dig.
Phone: 811 or (651) 454-0002
www.call811.com
Guidelines for planning
the construction
of a garage.
Required inspections
To be made upon completion.
In addition to the inspections above, the
inspector may make or require other
inspections to ascertain compliance
with the provisions of the code or
to assist you with your questions or
concerns during the construction
process.
Construction Codes and Licensing
GARAGES
minnesota department of
Permits
General building code requirements
The 2007 Minnesota State Building Code adopts the 2006 International Residential Code (2006
IRC). All "R" code references provided in this brochure pertain to the 2006 IRC.
a. Footings must extend to frost depth for all attached garages. A "floating slab" may be used for the
foundation support of detached garages on all soils except peat and muck. The slab perimeter must
be sized and/or reinforced to carry all design loads. The minimum-slab thickness must be 31/2 inches
and reinforcing is recommended. The minimum concrete strength required is 3500-pounds-persquare-inch for floating slab. Protect concrete from freezing until cured.
b. Anchor bolts or straps: Foundation plates must be anchored to the foundation with not less than
1/2 inch diameter steel bolts, or approved straps, embedded at least seven inches into the concrete
and spaced not more than six feet apart. There must be a minimum of two bolts for each piece of
sill plate with one bolt located within 12 inches of each end of each piece of sill plate. Anchor straps
must be installed according to manufacturer's specifications.
f.
g. Wood and earth separation: Wood used in construction located nearer than 6 inches to earth
shall be treated wood.
h. Roof framing: Size and spacing of conventional lumber used for roof framing depends upon the
roof pitch, span, the type of material being used and the loading characteristics being imposed.
Garages must be designed for the appropriate snow load in your area. Contact your local building
inspector. A snow load map is online at www.dli.mn.gov/ccld/pdf/bc_map_frost_depth.pdf.
Sill plate: All foundation sill plates must be approved pressure-preservative-treated wood,
heartwood of redwood, black locust or cedar.
Rafters need to be framed directly opposite each other at the ridge. A ridge board at least one
inch (nominal) thickness and not less in depth than the cut end of the rafter is required for handframed roofs. At all valleys and hips, there also needs to be a single valley or hip rafter not less
than two inches (nominal) thickness and not less in depth than the cut of the rafter. Valley needs
to be designed as a beam.
d. Wall framing: Studs must be placed with their wide dimension perpendicular to the wall and not less
than three studs must be installed at each corner of an exterior wall. Minimum stud size is two inches
by four inches and spaced not more than 24 inches on center.
The following samples show the minimum detail expected on site, floor and elevation plans to ensure the
permit process proceeds smoothly. Additional information, such as sectional drawing or elevations, may
be required. The plans should include the following information:
4. Size, spacing and direction of rafter (roof) materials.
1. Proposed size of garage.
5.Type (grade and specie) of lumber to be used.
2. Location and size of door and window opening.
3. Size of headers over all doors and window openings. 6. Braced wall panels per R602.10.
Sample site plan
Rafters must be nailed to the adjacent ceiling joist to form a continuous tie between exterior walls
when the joists are parallel to the rafters. Where not parallel, rafters must be tied by a minimum
one inch by four inch (nominal) cross tie spaced a maximum four foot on center. Manufactured
trusses are to be installed per the manufacturer.
i.
Separation required: An attached garage shall be separated from the residence and its attic
area by not less than 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) gypsum board applied on the garage side. Where the
separation is a floor-ceiling assembly, the structure supporting the separation shall be protected
by not less than 5/8-inch (15.9 mm) type “X” gypsum board or equivalent.
j.
Concrete curb block: Concrete masonry curb blocks shall be at least 6-inch-modular width
(4-inch-curb blocks are not permitted by code).
Sample floor plan
Dimension
Dimension
Alley
Sheathing, roofing and siding: Approved wall sheathing, siding, roof sheathing and roof covering
must be installed according to the manufacturer's specifications. Wall sheathing may be required
to have a weather-resistive barrier installed over the product prior to application of the siding
product.
Sample section
Dimension
Dimension
Show window and header size.
Proposed
garage
Existing home
Show size, spacing and direction of
rafters or trusses.
Size spacing grade
(or provide truss
detail sheet)
Show door and header size
Type of
sheathing
and siding
Driveway
Center line of street
Standard floating slab detail
(May be used on detached garages only)
Show overhead door size
Dimension
Dimension
Dimension
Dimension
Size
provide scale
Grad
e
Reinforcing as required
31/2 inch minimum
Show header size
Curb cut
Minimum six inches
above grade
Height
c.
e. Top plate: Bearing and exterior wall studs need to be capped with double-top plates installed to
provide overlapping at corners and at intersections with other partitions. End joints in double-top
plates must be offset at least 24 inches.
provide scale
To frost depth
(attached)
provide scale
Floating slabs should be designed to carry intended
loads based on soil conditions.
provide scale
Accessory Uses & Structures
Land Development Code
2.3.1 Purpose
This section authorizes accessory uses and structures that are incidental and customarily
subordinate to principal uses. The intent of this section is to allow accessory uses while not
creating adverse impacts on surrounding lands. Examples of accessory uses and structures
include accessory dwelling units, detached garages, detached sheds, gazebos, swimming pools,
hot tubs and spas, and courts for tennis and other recreational sports.
2.3.2 General Provisions
1
(A) Fencing and walls will not be subject to the requirements of this section. Standards for
fencing and walls are established in Section 3.3.2, Fencing and Walls.
(B) An accessory use structure will be incidental to the principal use of the site, and shall not
negatively alter the character of the principal use.
(C) Small accessory structures such as arbors, benches, doghouses, play sets, garden
decorations, pergolas, and firewood cribs are exempt from the provisions of this section,
but cannot be located in public rights-of-way.
(D) Accessory structures will only be constructed concurrent with or after the construction of
the principal building on the same site.
(E) Accessory structures located on lots with stream or river frontage may be located between
the public road and the principal structure, provided it is clearly demonstrated that physical
conditions require such a location.
(F) Uses and structures that are accessory to a conditional use permit for a principal use shall
be permitted in accordance with this section, without requiring a conditional use permit
amendment, unless specifically required as a condition of the conditional use permit
approval.
(G) An accessory structure in residential districts that is detached from the principal building
will comply with the following standards, unless otherwise stated in this section and the
use-specific standards of Section 2.10.4, Standards for Specific Accessory Uses and
Structures.
(1) Setbacks
(a) An accessory structure will not be located within a front yard.
(b) An accessory structure will maintain a front and corner side setbacks at least as
great as the setback of the principal building, except that an existing nonconforming detached residential garage may be replaced or expanded to a
distance of at least 3 feet to the interior side or rear yard property line.
(c) An accessory structure shall maintain at least a 5 foot separation from other
accessory structures and the principal building.
(2) Size and Height Limits
(a) With the exception of sheds and detached garages, the maximum height of a
detached accessory structure will be 10 feet.
Building and Inspections
801 Washington Street
Northfield, MN 55057
Phone: 507-645-3004
www.ci.northfield.mn.us
Page |3
Accessory Uses & Structures
(b) Detached sheds on residential properties shall not be larger than 200 square feet,
and cannot exceed an 8 foot sidewall and a peak height of 13 feet from grade.
(c) No detached garage used or intended for the storage of vehicles on a residential
property shall exceed 864 square feet nor shall any access door or other opening
exceed the height of 12 feet.
(d) Detached garages will not exceed 18 feet in height, or 24 feet in height if the
structure includes an accessory dwelling unit.
(3) Maximum Number and Building Area Ratio
(a) Up to three accessory structures may be permitted on a single lot, but only one of
those detached structures may be a garage. For the purposes of this subsection,
accessory structures shall only include detached garages, sheds, accessory
dwelling units, swimming pools, hot tubs, spas, and courts for tennis or other
recreational sports.
(b) Detached garages are included in the building area ratio requirements in Table
3.2-1.
(H) An accessory structure in non-residential districts that is detached from the principal
building will comply with the following standards, unless otherwise stated in this section
and the use-specific standards of Section 2.10.4, Standards for Specific Accessory Uses and
Structures:
(1) Setbacks
One half of the required setback for the principal building, but in no instance less than
10 feet except for properties zoned C1.
(2) Height limits
The maximum height shall be 20 feet.
(3) Maximum size
The maximum size shall be no greater than 50 percent of the building area of the
principal building.
(4) Building area ratio
The building area of non-residential accessory structures shall be limited by the
building area ratio as applicable in the zoning district.
Building and Inspections
801 Washington Street
Northfield, MN 55057
Phone: 507-645-3004
www.ci.northfield.mn.us
Page |4
Certificates of Survey
The City of Northfield requires Certificates of Survey with building permit applications for new buildings,
additions, attached or detached garages, or alterations to the location or exterior dimensions of existing
buildings.
Information Required: The Certificate must be signed and dated by a land surveyor registered with the
State of Minnesota and shall include the following minimum information:
a) Location of property corners & existing lot corner elevations.
b) Location of lot lines and of offset stakes set on lot lines along the front and rear of building
extensions.
c) Location of all drainage and utility easements.
d) Location of setbacks.
e) Location of driveways.
f) Distance from buildings to lot lines.
g) Existing elevations of buildings, lot corners, and top of curbs.
h) Proposed house and floor elevations for top of foundation block, garage floor, and lowest level
floor & proposed lot corner elevations.
i) Locations and ground elevations for the corners of buildings, located on adjacent parcels, which
are nearest to the building for which the application for permit is being made.
j) Legal description.
k) Arrows showing direction of drainage.
l) North directional arrow.
m) Measurement scale.
n) Other information as may be required by the Building Official and City Engineer to determine
the effect of construction on drainage, easements, and lot lines, and to determine compliance
with City ordinances, codes and regulations.
Exceptions:
1) Generally, Certificate of Surveys will not be required for sheds, decks, and swimming pools;
however, a site plan will be required that includes setbacks on all sides, a north arrow, location
of adjacent streets, changes in drainage patterns, and address.
2) Any interior work or exterior work that does not alter the location or exterior dimensions of the
existing buildings
3) Permitted Encroachments as defined in the Zoning Ordinance of the Northfield Ordinance Code.
Conditions for Waiving a Certificate of Survey:
1) The Building Official may waive the Certificate of Survey requirement for additions when a
Certificate of Survey is on file with the City.
2) The Building Official may waive the survey requirements where it can be determined that the
construction will have a minimum impact on drainage, easements and lot lines, and compliance
with city ordinances, codes, and regulations, through other reasonable means.
Building and Inspections
801 Washington Street
Northfield, MN 55057
Phone: 507-645-3004
www.ci.northfield.mn.us
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Finding Your Property Lines
Here are some strategies you can use to find the iron survey stakes that mark your property
lines:
1. Obtain a Certificate of Survey from the Building Inspection Department at City Hall.
2. Measure from the curb to where the property corners should be. The corners will typically
be 8 – 12 feet from the curb. This distance from the curb to your property corner is the
boulevard width. The survey stakes are typically under the sod and you may have to dig for
them.
3. Find your utility boxes. Utility boxes (cable TV and electric) are typically on the property line
or close to the property line.
4. Rent a metal detector to help you find the buried survey stakes.
5. Log on to Gopher State One Call, or call (651) 454-0002 to have your utility lines marked
before digging.
6. Hire a surveyor to come out and survey your property. The City of Northfield does not
perform this service.
7. Visit the county websites and search for your address to find more information:
•
Rice County: http://beacon.schneidercorp.com/
•
Dakota County: http://gis2.co.dakota.mn.us/maps/property.htm
Building and Inspections
801 Washington Street
Northfield, MN 55057
Phone: 507-645-3004
www.ci.northfield.mn.us
P a ge |6
ADDRESS:_______________________________________________ DATE:_______________________
BUILDING PERMIT SITE PLAN
MINIMUM SITE PLAN REQUIREMENTS:
Drawing must be to scale (1” = 30’)
Indicate address or legal description
Indicate lot dimensions
Indicate all easements
Indicate building setbacks
Show building location on site plan
I the undersigned state that this is a true and correct drawing of
the property shown above and have included lot dimensions,
easements, building location and other property restrictions as
required.
__________________________________________________
APPROVED:________________________________________ Date:___________________________
Zoning Administrator
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Notice to Homeowners:
Be Sure Your Contractor is Licensed
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Know Your Rights
The State of Minnesota has adopted a statewide "Contractor and Remodeler License Law." This law is
designed to protect the consumer by requiring that contractors be licensed with the State. Contractors
must apply to the State, post a bond, and show proof of insurance and competency. The law gives
homeowners reasonable assurance that they are dealing with a reputable, professional contractor, and
a place they can call to get general contractor information.
Getting Information on a Contractor
Contractors, with a few exceptions, who contract with a homeowner to perform home
construction, remodeling, or repair, must be licensed with the Minnesota Department of
Commerce.
Homeowners can call the Commerce Department licensing Division at
651/296-6319 to obtain information on a specific contractor. Contractors must display their
license number on their advertising and they must make it available to consumers. Building
permits cannot be granted to contractors who are not properly licensed by the state.
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Exceptions to Being Licensed
State law exempts contractors who have gross annual receipts from the construction
business of less than $15,000.00. Also exempt are some specialty contractors who perform
only one specialty skill. The Commerce Department is attempting to gain further authority
from the Legislature and hopes to license specialty contractors in the future.
Homeowner Rights if a Contractor is Not Licensed
If your contractor is required to be licensed by the State of Minnesota and you find that
he/she is not, you may still have recourse under the law. Generally, the law provides that a
contractor who is working in violation of the Minnesota State license Law has no lien rights
and may not be able to enforce a contact signed with a homeowner. If you find yourself in
this situation, you should consult with an attorney to get sound legal advice. You should
never knowingly hire someone who is deliberately violating the State License Law.
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Working on Your Own Home
You can obtain permits to do work on your own home. The License Law was written to
insure a reasonable degree of protection for you as the consumer of construction services,
not to discourage homeowners from doing work on their own property. For your safety,
building permits are required for most construction projects. (Permits are generally not
required for painting, decorating, carpeting, or similar work.)
For more information on State Licensing, contact the
Builders Association of Minnesota at 800/654-7783 or 651/646-7959; or the
Minnesota Department of Commerce at 800/657-3602 or 651/296-4026.
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Permit Type
Bldg
Work Permit Application
Plbg
Mech
Permit Number (By City)
Address of Project and/or Building Name
Building Owner name
Address
City
State
Zip
Phone
Applicant Name
Address
City
State
Zip
Phone
Contractor & License No.
Address
City
State
Zip
Phone
Classification of Work
Property Type
Dwelling (1 or 2 unit)
Res. Multi (3 + attached)
Townhouse
Commercial
Industrial
Public
Other
Building Construction Type
New
Alteration/Remodel
Addition
Repair
Building
Addition
Garage
Deck
Porch
Roof
Siding
Description of Work
Fire Sprinkler (existing)
Pool
Yes
Demolition
No
Plumbing
Sewer & Water
Furnace/AC Replacement
Mechanical / HVAC
Other________________
Valuation of Work Material & Labor
(State of MN minimum Labor $10.00 per hr.)
Note: If commercial addition is over 500 SF Site plan review is required.
Does applicant have knowledge of any of
the following?
Year structure was built?
Lead paint
Asbestos
I hereby certify that I have examined this application and certify that the information contained therein is correct. If a permit is issued, I agree all work will be completed
in conformance with all applicable codes and ordinances of the City of Northfield and the State of Minnesota.
Date:
Applicant Signature:
Note to applicant and owner. This permit becomes null and void if work is not started within 180 days or if work is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days at
any time after work has started. The granting of a permit does not presume to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of any federal, state or local law
regulating the construction or performance of construction.
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Approvals
Fee Calculation
Engineering
Date
Permit Fee
Other Fee
Planning
Date
Plan Review Fee
Other Fee
Building
Date
State Surcharge
SAC & WAC
Comments to be added to permit:
Building & Inspections
Total Fee
801 Washington St,
Northfield, MN 55057
Phone: 507-645-3004
www.ci.northfield.mn.us
Property Owner Waiver
State Contractor Licensing Requirements
By signing this from, property owners acknowledge their responsibilities to the Minnesota
Building Code, Zoning Ordinance, and to other applicable rules and regulations when they
are acting as General Contractor in building projects.
Property Address:
Permit Number:
I understand the State of Minnesota requires all Residential Building Contractors, Remodelers, and
Roofers, obtain a State License unless they qualify for a specific exemption from the licensing
requirements. By signing this waiver, I attest to the fact that I am building or improving my property by
myself. I claim to be exempt from the State License requirements because I am not in the business of
building on speculation or for resale and this is the first residential structure I have built or improved in
the past 24 months.
I acknowledge that because I do not have a State License, I forfeit any mechanic’s lien rights to which I
may otherwise have been entitled under Minnesota State Statute 514.01.
I acknowledge that I may be hiring independent contractors to perform certain aspects of the
construction or improvement of this property. Some of these contractors may be required to be licensed
by the State of Minnesota. I understand that unlicensed residential contracting, remodeling, and/or
roofing activity is a misdemeanor under Minnesota State Statute 326.92, subdivision 1, and that I forfeit
my rights to reimbursement from the Contractor’s Recovery Fund in the event that any contractors that
I hire are unlicensed.
I also acknowledge that as the contractor on this project, I am solely and personally responsible for any
violations of the State Building Code and/or City Ordinances in connection with the work performed on
this property.
PLEASE RETURN THIS SIGNED WAIVER WITH THE BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION
Print Property Owner Name (Homeowner)
Signature of Property Owner (Homeowner)
Date
To determine whether a particular contractor is required to be licensed, or to check on licensing status of
individual contractors, please call the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, Construction Codes and
Licensing Division, at (651) 284-5012 or 1-800-657-3944 or visit the web site http://www.dli.mn.gov/CCLD.asp.
Building and Inspections
801 Washington Street
Northfield, MN 55057
Phone: 507-645-3004
www.ci.northfield.mn.us
P a g e | 10