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Building Department FAQs
Why do I need a permit?
Your home or business is an investment. If your construction project is not permitted and does not comply with the codes adopted by the community, the value of your investment could be reduced. Property insurers may not cover work done without permits and inspections. If you decide to sell a home or building that has had modifications without permits, you may be required to do costly repairs. A property owner who can show that code requirements were strictly and consistently met, as demonstrated by 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 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 and future owners.
Category: Building Department FAQ
When is a permit required?
Permits are required for New Buildings, Additions, Residential Alterations or Renovations (decks, garage, basement finishes, kitchen expansion, roofs, pools etc.), Building or Interior Demolition, Electrical, Plumbing and HVAC/Mechanical. If you are wondering if your project requires a permit, contact the Building Department at 651-429-8518.
Category: Building Department FAQ
What projects do NOT require a permit?
Cosmetic updates do not require permitting, such as painting, carpet flooring, tile flooring, cabinet replacement, storm doors, gutters or trim.
Category: Building Department FAQ
Do I need a permit to repair my deck?
Minor repairs to decks such as a couple deck boards, do not require a permit. Larger repairs, such as replacing all the decking or a new guardrail, would require a permit. If you are not sure, please call the Building Department at 651-429-8518.
Category: Building Department FAQ
I am a homeowner, can I pull my own permits?
Most of the time. Property owners may perform building related trades on property they own and occupy. Property owners may personally perform mechanical, electrical and plumbing on property they own and occupy. Property owners will be required to sign the Property Owner Waiver acknowledging their responsibilities to the Minnesota State Building Code, to Zoning Ordinances and to other applicable rules and regulation when they are acting as general contractor. If sub-contractors are hired, they must be disclosed on the building permit application.
Exceptions:
Rental Properties - Owners may perform building trade work. However, all plumbing, electrical & HVAC work shall be performed by a licensed contractor.
Intend to Sell Property - Owner must be state license if performing work on more than one property in a two-yer period. All other trades require a licensed contractor.
Category: Building Department FAQ
How long does it take to get a permit?
- Commercial permits require a minimum of 10 business days for staff review (review time is subject to change).
- Residential permits that require a plan review (i.e. garages, additions, decks, remodeling, etc.) require a minimum of 7-10 business days for staff review (review time is subject to change).
- Other residential permits can be issued immediately via ePermits, over the counter, email or fax (i.e. roofing, siding, Windows, etc.).
- Note: Projects that involve a variance or other land use requirements may require more time for review.
Category: Building Department FAQ
How long is my permit valid?
All permits, with the exception of Electrical, are valid for 6 months. If multiple inspections are required, each time an inspection is completed and approved, the 6 month time frame starts over.
Electrical permits are as follows: Permits are null & void if work does not commence within 180 days. If the permit amount is under $100 the permit will expire in 18 months if not finaled. If the permit is over $100, the permit is valid until project is complete and finaled. Expired permits are not refunded and a new permit is needed to final and complete the electrical project.
Category: Building Department FAQ
Do I need an inspection to sell my home in White Bear Lake?
No, the City of White Bear Lake has no Truth in Housing requirements.
Category: Building Department FAQ
How do I find my property pins / markers?
The iron property pins are located in each corner of your yard and are most easily found with a metal detector. For more tips on finding pins click here.
Category: Building Department FAQ
Do I need a permit for radon mitigation?
No, a permit is not required for radon mitigation on existing dwellings. However, effective June 1, 2009, a passive sub-slab depressurization system must be provided in all NEW single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings, and townhouses or additions to the living area of these uses.
Category: Building Department FAQ
What is SAC, WAC and the Met Council?
New commercial buildings, additions to commercial buildings, change of occupancy in existing buildings, and alterations to commercial buildings require a Metropolitan Council Sewer Availability Charge Determination. The number of SAC units determined by the Metropolitan Council is applied to the three different SAC and WAC fees: Met Council SAC, White Bear Lake SAC, and White Bear Lake WAC.
Category: Building Department FAQ
Do I need an inspection after the permitted work is complete?
Yes! Each permit is assigned a variety of required inspections. To set up an inspection call 651-429-8518. Inspections are scheduled Monday - Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., with most inspections taking 30 minutes or less. A 24 hour notice is required when scheduling an inspection.
Category: Building Department FAQ
What are the construction hours in White Bear Lake?
Construction Hours in White Bear Lake are between 7 am & 10 pm on weekdays and between 9 am & 9 pm on weekends and holidays.
Category: Building Department FAQ
Can I speak with a Building Inspector?
Yes! While our inspectors are out in the field a majority of the day, they are typically available during the following hours 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. & 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. to answer code or structural questions. Note: If you have a zoning or set back question, please contact the planning staff at 651-429-8534.
Category: Building Department FAQ
