by Dennis Dalman
Who would think that replacing doors in a home or putting in a lawn-irrigation system would require a permit from the city?
Well, they do.
Those are two examples of projects that most residents wouldn’t even think of getting a permit for before plunging into the work.
That is why the City of Sartell is reminding residents that many house projects, including roofing and siding, require building permits before the work can begin.
The fees for most kinds of building projects are based upon the value of the project. It takes about 5-7 days for the city to process a permit.
Before the work begins, a copy of the permit must be affixed to a door, a window or somewhere on the front surface of the house so it can be seen from the road.
A building permit is important because without one there is no record or proof of the project being completed. That record, as verified by the permit, can protect the homeowner if the work done did not meet the requirements of the Minnesota State Building Code. Without a permit, the city building inspector will not check the home project. That lack of proof could adversely affect the homeowner if and when the property is up for sale and the project done without a permit poses safety hazards.
The best thing to do when contemplating a project is to check the Sartell city website or call Sartell City Hall’s building department. That way, a homeowner can find out if a building permit is required or not required for a particular project. The Sartell website is Sartellmn.com. The building department’s phone number is 320-258-7316.
If the project will be undertaken by a contractor, that contractor must first obtain a building permit. The homeowner must make sure the contractor does acquire the permit, and then it must be posted on a surface outside the home.
The following projects do require building permits: attic alterations or insulation, cell-phone antenna, deck, door replacement, driveway-approach replacement, electrical work of any kind, fence installation, fireplace work, a new garage or replacement, a handicapped ramp, a new house, an addition to a house, house demolition, lawn irrigation, a parking pad, a patio, any plumbing project, re-roofing, work in a right-of-way, a shed larger than 99 square feet, siding, a solar-energy project, stairways and steps, street festival, swimming pool, water and sewer installation, the posting of signs (temporary, permanent or for community events).
The following projects “probably” do not require permits: basement alterations or conversions, bathroom remodeling, demolition, insulation, retaining walls. Installation of an air conditioner also does not require a permit.
Permit applications are available online, as well as in person at city hall.
To find out more, go to sartellmn.com.
On the upper bar, click on the word “Resources.” Then, in the pull-down menu, click on “Licensing and Permits.” Scroll down to “Building Permits” and click on that. For sign permits, click on “Sign Permits” (underneath “Building Permits”).
