Building Permits
BUILDING PERMITTING DEPARTMENT
The Building Inspection staff is responsible for plan review, inspections, and Building Code enforcement. Starting February 5th, 2024, the City is contracting with SAFEbuilt (formerly MNSPECT) for Building Inspection Services.
If you have an onsite septic system (SSTS) the City of Princeton contracts with Mille Lacs County and Sherburne County for permits and inspections. For Sherburne County permits please contact Sherburne County Planning and Zoning Department at 763-765-4450. For Mille Lacs County permits please contact Mille Lacs County Environmental Resource Department at 320-983-8458.
There are several Townships that have a Princeton mailing address, but they are not in our jurisdiction. To confirm an address is within the City Limits, you can call City Hall to check. 763-389-2040
- To obtain a building permit application contact City Hall or Click HERE for the building application form. For commercial projects see commercial section below.
- Once completed, fax the application to 763-389-0993, e-mail to [email protected], or bring to City Hall. We take check or cash only at this time. Over the Counter Permits must be accompanied by payment at the time of submittal to be issued.
- To schedule a building inspection contact SAFEbuilt (formerly MNSPECT) 952-442-7520. Scheduling is not done through City Hall. For all other Building Code/permit questions contact SAFEbuilt 952-442-7520. SAFEbuilt (formerly MNSPECT) Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.
- Call Gopher State One 48 hours before you dig at 1-800-252-1166 Toll Free or log on to www.gopherstateonecall.org
BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATIONS AND HANDOUTS
Please note that we can only accept check or cash for
payment.
Building Permit Fee
Schedule (2025)
Completely fill out the forms in the appropriate application below.
Follow the Submittal Checklist supplemental information included within
applicable applications or handouts to be sure your application materials are
complete before submitting them. Electrical permits are issued by the State of Minnesota. For links to construction codes and
licensing brochures, visit the Construction Codes and Licensing | Minnesota Department of
Labor and Industry (mn.gov).
Visit SAFEbuilt/MNSPECT's
website to view helpful
handouts that assist with submittals and answer common plan review and
inspection questions.
BUILDING - RESIDENTIAL OVER-THE-COUNTER PERMIT APPLICATIONS
The following permits are able to be approved on the same
day they are submitted, and payment is received:
Residential Roofing, Siding, Window, and Door Replacement
Permit Application
Residential
Mechanical and/or Plumbing Permit Application
BUILDING - RESIDENTIAL OVER-THE-COUNTER PERMIT HANDOUTS
Garage Door Replacement Handout
Lawn
Irrigation Handout
Mechanical/Fireplace
Handout
Plumbing Handout
Roofing Replacement Handout
Siding Replacement Handout
Water
Heaters Handout
Water
Softeners Handout
Window/Door
Handout
BUILDING - RESIDENTIAL PLAN REVIEW REQUIRED PERMIT HANDOUTS
The following permits require zoning code and building code review. Once a complete application is submitted and accepted to SAFEbuilt (formerly MNSPECT), turnaround time is 5 - 7 business days (holidays may create additional delay). If during plan review, it is determined additional information is needed, you will be sent an email with the details needed. The timeline begins again upon resubmission. Payment is not due until the approved permit is collected by applicant. Click HERE for the building application form:
Basement Finish Handout
Deck
and Deck Stairs Handout
Detached
Garage Handout
Egress
Windows Handout
Footing
and Foundation Handout
Interior
Draintile Handout
Manufactured
Mobile Home Handout
Modular/Pre-Fab
Home Handout
Move-In
Structures Handout
New
Home Construction and Home Addition Handout
Porches
Handout
Post
Frame/Pole Shed Accessory Structures Handout
Sheds
and Accessory Structure (over 200 sq. ft.) Handout
Stairs,
Landings, Handrails, and Guardrails Handouts
Stucco
Swimming
Pools
BUILDING - COMMERCIAL PLAN REVIEW REQUIRED PERMITS APPLICATIONS & SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
The following permits require zoning code and building code review. Once a complete application is submitted and accepted by SAFEbuilt (formerly MNSPECT), turnaround time is 10-15 business days (holidays may create additional delay). If during plan review, it is determined additional information is needed, you will be sent an email with the details needed. The timeline begins again upon resubmission. Payment is not due until the approved permit is collected by applicant. Payment is not due until the approved permit is collected by applicant:
Commerical Building Permit Application and Supplemental
Requirements (Additions, New Construction, and Remodels)
Commerical
Mechanical Permit Application
Commercial
Plumbing Permit Application (SAFEbuilt has been authorized by DOLI to
review and inspect Commerical Plumbing Permits. It is no longer
required to apply through the State unless it is a State Licensed
Facility.)
Commercial
Roofing Permit Application and Supplemental Requirements
Commerical
Window and Door Application and Supplemental Requirements
Paint
Spray Booths Application and Supplemental Requirements
Princeton
Public Utilities Handout
Sign
Permit Application and Supplemental Requirements
Underground
Tank Removal Application and Supplemental Requirements
Public Buildings and State Licensed Facilities
The City of Princeton has a Letter of Understanding with the Department of
Labor and Industry which confirms the transfer of the State Building Code
Administration and Enforcement to the City of Princeton for "Public
Buildings and State Licensed Facilities" as described in MN Statute
326B.103.It is agreed that the City of Princeton will provide code
administration and enforcement services for "Public Buildings and State
Licensed Facilities" for the following services only:
*Building Plan Review and Inspections - Commercial Building Permit
Application and Supplemental Requirements
*Mechanical Plan Review and Inspections - Commercial Mechanical
Permit Application
*Fire Alarm and Fire Sprinkler Plan Review and Inspections. - Commercial Building Permit
Application and Supplemental Requirements
BUILDING - "OTHER" PLAN REVIEW REQUIRED PERMITS APPLICATIONS, HANDOUTS & SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
The following permits require zoning code and building code review. Once a complete application is submitted and accepted by SAFEbuilt (formerly MNSPECT), turnaround time is 5 - 7 business days (holidays may create additional delay). If during plan review, it is determined additional information is needed, you will be sent an email with the details needed. The timeline begins again upon resubmission. Payment is not due until the approved permit is collected by applicant. Payment is not due until the approved permit is collected by applicant:
Demolition (Interior) Application and Supplemental Information
Demolition (Structures) Application and Supplemental
Information
Fence Permit Application and Supplemental Information
Grading
Permit (Grading permit required for excavation or filling in excess of 100
cubic yards)
Radon Handout
Retaining Walls Handout
Right-of-Way
Excavation/Dig Permit
Sediment and Erosion Control Handout
Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Alarms Handout
Solar Handout**
**Approved Interconnection Application and required
paperwork from Princeton Public Utilities (PUC) required with solar building
permit submittal. PUC phone number - 763-389-2252