Building Permits

*You can now apply for a building permit through the City of Bemidji's new online platform! Click here for more information*

Apply for a Permit

Building permits are required whenever a building is altered in a way that is regulated by the building code. Examples of work requiring a permit include, but are not limited to:

  • adding a room,
  • building a garage or deck,
  • finishing a basement,
  • replacing windows or siding, and/or
  • remodeling involving removal or replacement of sheetrock or plaster.

Examples of work that do not require a permit include painting, wallpapering, replacement of kitchen cabinets or vanities, and installation of carpeting or vinyl or wood floors.

Even if you are the homeowner, you need a permit to work on your own home.

 

PROCEDURE AND DATA REQUIRED FOR OBTAINING BUILDING PERMITS

Permits will be issued by the Building Office after submission and review of the required data as listed below:

 1. Application for Permit -All construction, remodeling, and/or demolition projects within the City of Bemidji require a permit.  Application is available at City Hall. 

2. Certificate Of Survey For All New Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Or Institutional Buildings, Prepared By A Registered Land Surveyor, Showing:

  • Legal description of property
  • Scale (for example) 1 inch = 20 feet
  • North arrow
  • Location of iron monuments
  • Proposed and existing structures
  • Dimensions of structures
  • Setback distances to all property lines from proposed/existing structures
  • Arrows showing surface drainage patterns
  • Street right-of-way location
  • Proposed location and width of driveway
  • All measurements to be to the tenth of a foot (i.e., 32.6)
  • If abutting a water body or outlet, show elevation of respective water body and low floor elevation.
  • Type of building (i.e., split level, walkout, rambler)
  • Date of survey
  • Surveyor's signature
  • Surveyor's registration number in the State of Minnesota

       This requirement may be waived if the corner irons can be located and verified by a previous survey.

3. REVIEW AND SIGN OFF BY JOINT PLANNING BOARD FOR ZONING COMPLIANCE (to determine if proposed setbacks are appropriate and if Variance, Special Use Permit, Rezoning, etc. is necessary). A complete site plan is required.  If Planning Case public hearing is necessary, the application must be filed by the last working day of the month. 

4. DRIVEWAY PERMITS - All applications for structures which require driveway access or involve a change in use of an existing access to a state or county highways must be accompanied by an access permit issued by that highway department.  A copy of the "Driveway Installation Application" is below.

5. EXTERIOR ENVELOPE AVERAGE "U", COMPUTATION:

 "R" values of material in walls and roof as per Energy Code.

6. APPROVED BUILDING PLANS (2 COPIES) SHOWING THE FOLLOWING:

  • Foundation Plan
  • Floor Plan
  • Roof Plan
  • Elevation
  • Sections and details
  • Plumbing, Heating and Electrical Plan

7. PLAN REVIEW - Required for all new buildings and remodeling for occupancy changes. Fee for review of plans, specifications and related documents is 65 percent of building permit fee.

8. OTHER PERMITS, if necessary, i.e., plumbing, sewer, water, mechanical.

9. Call before you dig - GOPHER STATE ONE CALL 1-800-252-1166.

10. REQUIRED BUILDING INSPECTIONS - MUST BE SCHEDULED WITH BUILDING INSPECTOR - 24 hour advance notice required:

  • Site Inspection
  • Footing Inspection
  • Framing Inspection
  • Insulation Inspection
  • Interior Sheeting Inspection
  • Final Inspection
  • CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY - A Certificate of Occupancy will be issued after the final inspection and before occupancy of the structure.
Building_and_Mechanical_Fee_Schedule.pdf