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Decks / Porches / Ramps / Repair
Deck Repair
One and Two Family Residential Deck
A permit is required for all decks and deck repair (decking and guardrails) with the following exceptions:
- Building permits are not required for patios made of concrete or pavers on grade.
- Freestanding decks (except manufactured homes) do not require a permit if they are not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and do not have a door exiting onto the deck. Freestanding decks do not require footings that extend below the frost depth. It is still important to consider zoning ordinances and/or homeowners association requirements prior to constructing a free standing deck.
Manufactured Home Deck
Manufactured homes require a building permit for all decks that will be used for the path of exit/entry into the dwelling.
A park approval letter is required for all permits and shall be submitted with application for permit.
Please review the information packets pertaining to your construction projects below under the Documents section.
- Step 1 - Review and Prepare
- Step 2 - Create an Account
- Step 3 - Apply
- Step 4 - Review and Payment
- Step 5 - Schedule an Inspection
Review and Prepare
Please review the information packets related to your construction project.
Additional information packets related to your construction project are available below in the Documents section.
Information and Documents Needed
to Submit a Permit
The following documents need to be available for upload during the online application process. Please note, all documents need to be in a PDF format.
- Site Survey
Showing location of deck or porch. - MN Structural Engineer's Report or Documentation from the Floor Truss Company
(required if the house has a cantilevered floor where the deck/porch will be located) - MN Structural Engineer's Signed Plans
(required if there is a hot tub located on the deck) - Helical Pile Design
required if this is being used for the deck footings) - Diagram or Drawing of the Deck or Porch
Showing the following:- Beam size and location
- Footing size and spacing
- Framing plan, joist size, and spacing
- Material list, type of material
- Rail size/height, space between railings
- Size of deck and height from grade
- Stair location and dimension
- Park Office Approval Letter
(if deck is being built in a manufactured home park)
Deck Repair
- This permit type is for the repair/replacement of decking, handrails, and guards only
- List/describe the following in the "Description" and "List Materials" box:
- Decking Material if being replaced
- Guardrail/handrail materials if being replaced
- Rail size/height, space between railings if applicable
For the most current fees related to your project, view the Fee Schedule (PDF).
Inspections
Inspections will typically include the following. Depending on your project, inspections may be added or removed.
Decks
- Ledger Board - a will meet inspection
- Deck Footing - after the holes are dug but before the concrete is poured
- Final
Porch
- Footing – after the holes are dug but before the concrete is poured
- Framing
- Electrical RI and Final
- Mechanical RI and Final
- Water Weather Barrier
- Final
Ramp
- Framing
- Final
Deck Repair
- Final
To schedule an inspection follow the directions in Step 5 Schedule an Inspection.
Allow 3 to 4 business days for scheduling inspections and during the busy construction time please allow more time.
Create an Account
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Please Note:
Contractors applying for permits on behalf of a homeowner must setupan iMS Account and a Pro Accountbefore continuing with the permit process.Are you a new user?
If no, continue to step 3 on the left.If yes, create an account.
Please Note:
Contractors applying for a permit on behalf of a homeowner must setup a User Account and then a Pro Account.
Homeowners doing your own work may setup a User account only.New users to the system need to create an account. Please select create an account.
Creating a New User in iMS and iMS Tips
Having trouble creating an account? Detail instructions are available here, iMS account creation information.Already have an account?
Create a PRO AccountA PRO account is for contractors that require any city or state license or registration.
Please note, Architects are able to apply for a permit for new commercial buildings without being a PRO account.
Creating a Pro Account in iMS
Having trouble creating a PRO account? Detail instructions are available:
Online Application
Once you have gathered or emailed the necessary documents, you are ready to begin the online application process. Select one of the applications below:
How to Submit a Residential Building Application in iMS
Please note the following:
- Once the application is started, the system will not allow you to go back to a previous page, you must continue through the entire application.
- Once you have completed and uploaded all required documents, a review page allows you to go back and edit any part of the application.
- Any question or upload with a red asterisk (*) is required.
Review and Payment Process
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Review time is up to 15 business days.Please note, during the busy construction months and with the online software launch, delays may occur.
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After completion of the permit review, an email with permit cost and payment instructions will be sent.
- After receipt of payment, plans will be emailed, and work and inspection scheduling can start.
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Schedule an Inspection
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- When scheduling inspections, please plan at least three to four business days ahead.
- Please note, during the busy construction months longer delays may occur.
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Information needed before calling to schedule an inspection:
- Permit number.
- Address for the job site.
- Inspection type.
- If you are the homeowner, the name of contractor doing the work is needed.
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Login to IMS Account and go to your dashboard.
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On your Dashboard, go to My Inspections.
- A list of required inspections can be viewed along with the instructions on how to schedule.
General Information
- If the deck is going to be attached to a cantilever (overhang) either provide alternative method of framing support or provide proof that the cantilevers and floor trusses can bear additional load of the deck.
The City does not enforce Homeowners Association Rules or Neighborhood Covenants. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to verify compliance with neighborhood requirements prior to constructing your deck or porch.
Documents
Contact Us
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Commercial Permits
Adeana Anderson
aanderson@blainemn.gov
Phone: 763-717-2765Residential New Homes |
Certificate of Occupancy |
Licensing
Rhonda McDonald
rmcdonald@blainemn.gov
Phone: 763-717-2628Scheduling |
Residential Online Permits
Karli Biedermann
kbiedermann@blainemn.gov
Phone: 763-785-6170, Option 1Septic System
Jane Gough
jgough@blainemn.gov
Phone: 763-717-2657Other Questions
Building Inspections
building@blainemn.gov
763-785-6177
Or contact any of the staff members above with the contact information provided.
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Physical Address
10801 Town Square Drive NE
Blaine, MN 55449
Phone: 763-785-6170