Coon Rapids Building Inspections

Please plan ahead, inspections are now running at least 48 hours out.

Residential Contractors & Lead Certification - Effective February 1, 2011

When issuing permits in compliance with the State Building Code to a residential building contractor, residential remodeler, manufactured home installer, or residential roofer licensed under section 326B.805, municipalities must verify lead certification qualifications of the licensee required under subdivision 14 for renovations performed on residential property constructed prior to 1978.

A $5.00 surcharge is required for verification of this certification under section 326B.815, subdivision 2.

Please note: Lead certification has been extended until August 1, 2011

The Building Inspections Division issues permits and inspects all new construction and major remodeling projects. Permit applications are available online via the links on the right sidebar on this page. In addition, the Building Inspection Division addresses complaints about maintenance of commercial and residential structures.  Information frequently requested by homeowners considering improvements to their properties can be found in the Homeowner Information links to the right. To determine if your residential property is zoned Low-Density Residential-1 or -2, refer to the City's Zoning Map.

Why are building permits necessary?

Building permits are extremely beneficial to you and your community for many reasons. In working with an expert building code official, you will benefit from their knowledge of building codes to ensure your construction project is built correctly and is constructed with safety in mind.

What is a Building Permit?

A building permit gives you legal permission to start construction of a building project in accordance with approved drawings and specifications.

When is a Building Permit required?

The best way to find out if you need a permit is to call the Building Inspections Division at (763-767-6476). Discuss your plans with the code official before you begin construction to determine whether you need a permit. If a permit is not needed, the code official will answer your construction questions and may provide valuable advice.

Permits are usually required for the following:
New buildings
Additions
Residential work (decks, garages, fences, fireplaces, porches, pools, water heaters, window replacement, sheds, etc.
Renovations (basement, kitchen expansions, re-roofing, garage conversions)
Electrical systems
Plumbing systems
HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning)

Even when a permit is not required, there are very specific location and setback requirements. It is always a good idea to check with the Building Inspections Division first anyway.

What good does a Building Permit do?

Your home or business is a large investment. If your construction or remodel project does not comply with the codes adopted by the State and your community, the value of your investment could be reduced. Many property insurers will not cover construction or remodel work done without a permit and inspections. If you sell your home or building that has been modified without a permit, you may be required to tear down the addition, leave it unoccupied, or do costly repairs. A property owner who can show that code requirements were strictly and consistently met - as demonstrated by a code official's carefully maintained records, has a strong ally if something happens to trigger a potential lawsuit. Your permit also allows the code official to protect the public by reducing the potential hazards of unsafe construction and ensuring public health, safety and welfare. By following code guidelines, your completed project will meet minimum standards of safety and will be less likely to cause injury to you, your family, your friends or future owners.

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