Community Development - Building Inspections/Permits

• Whose responsibility is it to see that State Building Code is followed?

  The contractor you hire to complete your project is responsible for compliance with the State Building Code. Contractors should be licensed by the state (when required) to perform the work. If there is ever a question as to whether or not some aspect of a construction project complies with the code, the contractor is the responsible party. If you are performing the work yourself, then you are the responsible party.

• Who do I contact for approval to relocate my mailbox?

  Mailbox requirements and/or relocations are reviewed and approved by the Prior Lake Post Office at 952-447-1062.

• Who can apply for a permit?

  A contractor licensed in the State of MN or the property owner can apply for building permits.

• What should I do if I have a complaint about by my contractor?

  Builders typically have a policy and timeframe for making corrections on new homes. Regardless, always make requests to contractors in writing. Contact the MN Department of Labor and Industry at 651-284-5069 if you feel your contractor has not meet contract requirements. Complaints against contractors can also be filed with the Better Business Bureau.

• What is a building permit?

  A building permit gives you legal permission to start construction of a building project in accordance with the approved drawings and specifications approved by the City of Prior Lake. The purpose of the permit is to ensure that the building project meets minimum safety, zoning and aesthetic requirements enforced by the City of Prior Lake and required by the State Building Code. Building permits can be submitted both in person and online.

• What contractors have to be licensed?

  The MN Department of Labor and Industry has established the rules for contractor licensing. Most contractors are required to be licensed; however, there are some exceptions. The City of Prior Lake verifies contractor licensing for all building permit applications. Resident homeowners do not have to be licensed to perform work on their own home. 

• Should I take a permit out for the contractor?

  Do not take out a building permit for a contractor. The contractor signature on the permit signifies agreeing to do the work according to code. If you sign for the permit, you are liable for correcting the contractor's work if it should fall short of city or state building code standards. Make sure your contractor has a permit and that the contractor calls for inspections. An inspection card will be issued and should be displayed near the work area. When each inspection has been completed, the city's Inspector will sign the card. When the final inspection is approved, the inspectors' signatures are your assurance that the work has been properly inspected and no violations of the building code were noted. You should pay for the work only after it has passed final inspection.

• I am a renter and having problems with my rental unit. Can you come out and inspect it?

  The City of Prior Lake performs inspections only on active building permits. Refer to the Minnesota Attorney General Handbook, Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities. Additional information can be found at the Office of the Attorney General or by calling (651) 296-3353.

• How long does it take to obtain a permit?

  Different types of building permit applications (New Home, Addition, Lower Level Finish, Deck, Re-Window, etc.) require different types of review. It is our intention to process each and every permit as quickly as possible while still preserving the integrity of the review to ensure the health and safety of the public. Typically, residential related permits will be reviewed and issued within two weeks of submittal of an application and all required supporting materials. 

• How do I hire a contractor?

  Selecting a contractor can be challenging and overwhelming. Below are suggestions on how to research prospective contractors:
   - Request referrals from trusted friends, neighbors, local lumberyards and building centers or local builder associations.
   - Contact the Better Business Bureau or call (651) 699-1111 to verify if complaints have been filed against the contractor.
   - Request references from the contractors and then confirm their validity by contacting those for whom the contractor has performed construction work.
   - Confirm the prospective contractor is licensed by the State of MN, has insurance coverage and is bonded. To verify licensing, visit MN Department of Labor and Industry Licensing Division or call
     (651) 284-5005.  

• How do I get my escrow returned?

  Escrows are only released to whomever submitted the escrow after final grade approval and the installation of approved sod and trees. Contact your builder to determine how an escrow is returned to the homeowner(s). 

• Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?

  Yes. Proposed retaining walls in the Shoreland Overlay District and any wall over four (4) feet in height require a building permit. Engineering and/or manufacturer's specifications will also be required. Retaining walls may not encroach into drainage and utility easements on the property.

• Do I need a permit for a fence?

  Yes. Fences on residential lots less than seven (7) feet in height require a no-fee zoning permit be obtained prior to installation (including replacement). Residential fences seven (7) feet in height or greater, as well as fences on commercial and industrial properties require a building permit.

• What good does a permit do?

  Your home, business and property is an investment. If your construction project does not comply with the codes adopted by the City, the value of your investment could be reduced. Property insurers may not cover work done without property permits and inspections. If you decide to sell your home or building, the potential buyer may examine our records to ensure the property permits and inspections were obtained.

• How do I find out the cost for my permit?

  Most permit fees are based on the valuation of the work to be performed. For more information, please email permits@priorlakemn.gov with the site address and scope of work.

• I have problems with rippling siding, roof leaking, foundation cracking, etc. Can the City come out and complete an inspection and tell me what is wrong?

  The City of Prior Lake only inspects active building permits. These types of inspections would need to be completed by an independent contractor.  

• Does the City handle electrical inspections?

  No. Electrical inspections are performed by Justin Doebbeling, State Electrical Inspector. He may be contacted at 612-643-1838 Monday - Friday, 7 - 8:30 am. 

• Can the City recommend a contractor or surveyor?

  For many reasons, some of them legal, Staff must refrain from this practice. 

• Can I apply and pay for permits online with a credit card?

  Yes. Permit applications and supplemental materials can be submitted electronically via BS&A. Questions regarding submitting permits online shall be sent to permits@PriorlakeMN.gov.
  
  There is a 3.25% credit card convenience fee that is retained by Point and Pay that is not reflected on your receipt. 

• How do I obtain a survey for my property?

  Recent surveys are kept on file here. Surveys on file prior to 2018 are located here under Property Records. The City does not have a licensed surveyor on staff, therefore to obtain a new survey you will need to engage a surveyor licensed in the State of MN. The City of Prior Lake cannot endorse any particular surveyor or company. 

• Can I do a building project myself?

  Resident homeowners do not have to be licensed by the MN Department of Labor and Industry to perform work on their own home. If you're planning to do a do-it-yourself home improvement project,  please contact the Building Department at permits@priorlakemn.gov for information about specific zoning and building code requirements. 

• My mailing address is Prior Lake. Do I get zoning info and permits from the City of Prior Lake?

  The Prior Lake Post Office services properties within the municipal boundaries of Prior Lake (including Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community) as well as properties in Credit River Township, Spring Lake Township and portions of Cedar Lake Township, Savage and Shakopee. The nine digit Property Identification Number (PID) found on your tax statement or Scott County GIS is your best resource to determine where to go for zoning information and permits!
  
  The first two numbers of your PID reference who would provide zoning and permitting information for your property. 

  PID Starts With	Located In / Jurisdiction	Contact
  25	City of Prior Lake	(952) 447-9810
  03	Cedar Lake Township / Scott County	(952) 496-8653
  11	Spring Lake Township / Scott County	(952) 496-8653
  26	City of Savage	(952) 882-2650
  27	City of Shakopee	(952) 233-9300
  49	Credit River Township / Scott County	(952) 496-8653

  ^{*Properties located on SMSC property will list the Taxpayer as "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN TRUST FOR THE SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX". Permits for those properties are handled by the SMSC.}

• There is a new house being built on our street. What are the hours they can be working making noise?

  Equipment and construction activity hours on public and private property are 7:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M., Mondays through Saturdays, and between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M. on Sundays and legal holidays. This includes, but is not limited to: noise from power tools, equipment, vehicles and other construction activities.

• What are the hours that a homeowner can operate landscaping maintenance equipment?

  The use of power lawn or landscape maintenance equipment including, but not limited to: lawn mowers, hedge clippers, grass/weed trimmers, garden tillers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, or wood chippers by individual homeowners or occupants is permitted between the hours of 7:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M., Mondays through Saturdays, and between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M. on Sundays and legal holidays.