Building & Remodeling

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A photograph in Northfield, Minnesota. Credits.

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The City of Northfield Building Inspection Staff is ready to assist citizens by providing the necessary information to safely build or remodel a home in Northfield.

Building Permits

Whenever a building is altered, as regulated by the building code, a building permit is required. Examples of work requiring a permit include:

Finishing a basement
Adding a room
Building a garage or deck
Replacing windows or siding
Most remodeling projects
Replacement of sheet rock at fire rated assemblies
Sheds over 120 square feet

Permits are not required for:

Painting
Wallpapering
Kitchen cabinet or vanity replacement
Installation of carpeting, vinyl or wood floors

Permit applications are available online or can be picked up in the Community Development office at City Hall. Completed applications must be submitted in person or by mail. Work shall not start until the permit has been issued.

Residential Permits

Building Permit (Residential)
- Requirements (PDF)
- Site Plan (PDF)
- Permit Application (PDF)
- building-permit-exemption-handout05 (PDF)
Most construction projects require building permits. See list of exemptions for the projects that DO NOT require permits. For all others, permits are required. For any questions, contact the Building Official.
Plumbing Permit (Residential)
- Permit Application (PDF)
Residential plumbing permits are required for all projects that involve piping changes. Changing fixtures on existing piping does not require a permit. Replacement of a gas-fired hot water heater does require a permit. For any questions, contact the Building Official.
Mechanical Permit (Residential)
- Permit Application (PDF)
Residential mechanical permits are required to change or replace furnaces, air conditioners, or changes to gas piping. Also to install or modify fireplaces or wood burning stoves. For any questions, contact the Building Official.
Property Owner Waiver
- Property-Owner-Waiver2 (PDF)
Property owners must sign waiver if they are acting as General Contractor for work done on their own homes.
Handouts and Documents
- Checklist-for-Residential-Submittals (PDF)
- Deck-design-handout (PDF) — Large File: 5MB
- Electrical-inspection-checklist (PDF)
- Handrails (PDF)
- Rental-checklist6-25-09 (PDF)
- Required-Materials-(New-Addition)1 (PDF)
- Required-Materials-(Remodel)1 (PDF)
- Stair-and-landing-detail (PDF)
- Lead-Web2 (PDF)
These are commonly requested and utilized handouts to help you with all your building needs.
Electrical Permit - LIcenses
- ELECTRICAL_inspection_checklist (PDF)
Electrical Inspection Checklist

2011 Fee Schedule

To view: 2011 Fee Schedule

Inspections

If you have received a building permit and are ready to schedule an inspection call the Building Inspections division. On-site building inspections are required to verify that new construction and remodeling projects comply with current regulations. See also the Building and Rental Inspections.

Building Inspection Division Reports

2012 Building Permit Summary

A regularly published report about building permit activity in Northfield.

City of Northfield, Minnesota, U.S.A.

Striving for Excellence, Committed to Service