FAQs • Blaine, MN • CivicEngage

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Is a plan check fee do at the time of permit application?: Not for tenant finish permits. For some projects going through a Planning Department site plan approval process, a portion of the plan review is collected.

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Building Inspections - Commercial Plan Submittal FAQs

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1. How many sets of plans are required for submittal?

Two (2) sets of hard copies and any supporting documentation for new buildings and additions.
Plus one (1) additional set for civil utilities.
Two (2) sets of hard copies and any supporting documentation for Tenant Finish and Remodel.

Plans and all supporting documentation must also be uploaded into the iMS permit system.

2. Do plans need original signatures or are electronic signatures okay?: Electronic signatures are acceptable.

3. Do plans need to be embossed by an architect and engineer?: No

4. What is the current review period for drawings?: Three (3) to four (4) weeks (worst-case scenario) first come, first served basis.

5. What is the current review period for responses to the building department comments?: Two (2) weeks.

6. Is express plan review available?: No. If so, what are the requirements? NA

7. Do permit drawings need to be submitted to any additional departments such as Fire Marshal, State Review, etc.?: No, however separate submittals and permits are required for plumbing, mechanical, fire suppression systems, and utilities as applicable. Electrical permits and inspections are through the MN State Board of Electricity. SAC is handled by the Met Council.

8. Is a demolition permit available prior to the building permit? If so, what are the requirements?: Yes. Two (2) sets of plans detailing the extent of the demolition are required when submitting for this permit.

9. Does a general contractor need to be awarded prior to permit issuance?: No. General and all subcontractors need to be licensed before the City will issue the permit.

10. Does the general contractor and/or subcontractor’s names need to be stated on the permit application for the submittal to be accepted and plan review to begin?: No.

11. If yes to above, do general contractor or subcontractor licenses need to be provided at the time of application?: No just prior to issuing the permit.

12. Are insurance certificates or bonds required at the time of application? If so, by whom?: See the City Contractor’s License Application, for details (form located on the web page).
Licensing Information

13. Are separate applications required by the subcontractors? If so, by whom?: Separate submittals and permits are required for plumbing, mechanical, fire sprinkler systems, and utilities as applicable. Electrical permits and inspections are handled by the MN State Board of Electricity.

14. Is landlord approval required for submittal? If so, at permit submittal or at permit issuance?: Landlord approval is required at permit submittal for a demolition permit.

15. Can we receive our permit without the landlord’s work being completed and approved?: If there is a landlord permit, additional finish permits may be permitted, prior to the completion of the landlord work, even if the same subcontractors are being used.

16. Are low voltage permits required?: Electrical permits and inspections are through the MN State Board of Electricity. Questions regarding low voltage work are to be directed to the MN State Board of Electricity.

17. Do Fire Alarm and Sprinkler drawings need to be submitted with the building permit application?: No.

18. Do the Fire protection subcontractors need to prepare drawings, cut sheets, and calculations for building permit submittal?: No. Separate permits and submittals are through Fire (Community Standards).

19. Can the permit application be mailed in?: Yes. A copy must also be uploaded into iMS system.

20. If the submittal is to be made in person, can we use an expeditor?: No.

21. Does the building department work with any specific expediters?: No.

22. Is the general contractor specifically required to submit the drawings?: No. The application will need to be signed by the general contractor upon selection. An application will need to be submitted with the plans. This can be signed by the architect.

23. Is a plan check fee do at the time of permit application?: Not for tenant finish permits. For some projects going through a Planning Department site plan approval process, a portion of the plan review is collected.

24. Are permit fees due at the time of application or permit pick up?: Building permit fees are due at permit pick up.

25. Are there any additional fees that customers should be aware of?: A SAC determination is required my Metropolitan Council Environmental Services which may result in additional fees. Please see the details on the application.

26. What current building codes are being used?

2020 Minnesota Building Code
2020 Minnesota Mechanical and Fuel Gas Code
2015 Minnesota Plumbing Code
2020 Minnesota Electrical Code
2020 Minnesota Fire Code
2020 Minnesota Accessibility Code
2020 Minnesota Energy Code (must declare whether using IECC or ASHRAE 90.1, cannot combine the two)