Additions

Addition Requirements

In order to apply for a building permit to build an addition you will need to be either a licensed state residential contractor or the property owner (PDF) with intent to occupy the home. Access the Addition Handout (PDF).

The following needs to be submitted when applying for permit to build an addition that increases the footprint of the building:

• A Grading and Erosion Control Permit
• Rice Creek Watershed District approval or waiver
• A completed Building Permit Application (PDF) form
• New Construction Energy Code Compliance Certificate (PDF)
• Two copies of a certificate of survey
• Two sets of construction plans

A Grading & Erosion Control Permit and Rice creek Watershed approval are not required for additions that do not increase the size of the footprint of the existing building.

Fees

All building permit fees are based on the 2017-State Statute 326B.153 (PDF) and are determined by the city's Building Official. Other costs include the state surcharge.

Please contact the city at 651-792-7800 to get a more accurate permit fee total for your specific project.

Zoning Requirements
Required Setbacks*, Building Height, and Floor Area Ratio (FAR).

*Setbacks are measured from the property line, not the curb.

**Minimum setback/total of both sideyards combined

***15 feet or the height of the principal structure to which it is accessory, whichever is lower.

****Floor Area Ratio (FAR) - The sum of the gross horizontal area of all floors of a building as measured in square feet from the exterior sides of the exterior walls. The ratio is obtained by dividing the sum of a building's floor area by the amount of lot area. Not including covered porches that meet the requirements in Section 1325.03 Subd 2.D; decks; any space where the average floor-to-ceiling height is less than six feet; attached or detached garages; and other detached accessory structures.

Finding Your Property Line

Property lines are usually marked with metal pins, also referred to as monuments or irons. These pins are typically located at the corners of a property either at grade, or a couple inches below grade. Pins can be located with a metal detector. If the pins cannot be found then a licensed surveyor may need to be called out to the property to locate them for you. Only a licensed surveyor can legally relocate or place pins. Once the pins are identified you can place wooden stakes in the ground to mark their location. This will assist the Building Inspector in identifying the property lines at the time of the footings inspection.

You can visit the Ramsey County Online Mapping Program to see an aerial of your property and see approximately where your property lines are located.

Building Specifications

Framing

1. Base plates on concrete shall be treated wood.
2. Studs supporting floors shall be spaced not more than 16 inches on center (o.c.) 2 x 4 inch studs not more than 10 feet in length and supporting ceiling and roof only may be spaced 24 inches o.c. Where studs are spaced 24 inches o.c., framing above must be centered over studs.
3. Rafters shall be nailed to adjacent ceiling joists to form a continuous tie between exterior walls when such joists are parallel to the rafter. When not parallel, rafters shall be tied to 2 x 4-inch minimum crossties. Rafter ties shall not be spaced more than 4 feet o.c.

Light, Ventilation & Ceiling Height

1. All habitable rooms shall have a window area equal to at least 8 percent of floor area, one half of which shall be openable. For the purpose of determining light and ventilation requirements, any room may be considered as a portion of an adjoining room when one-half of the area of the common wall is open and unobstructed. The common wall should provide an opening of not less than one-tenth of the floor area of the interior room or 25 square feet, whichever is greater. Required windows shall open directly onto a street or public alley, or a yard or court located on the same lot as the building. Mechanical ventilation and artificial light may be acceptable complying with IRC R303.1.
2. Minimum ceiling height is 7 feet.
3. Egress Window Requirements (PDF).

Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detector (PDF)

1. Smoke detectors must be installed for additions, interior alterations or repair work, when a building permit is required; or when one or more sleeping rooms are added or created. Repairs to exterior surfaces only are exempt from this requirement.
2. In new construction, required smoke detectors shall receive their primary power from the building wiring with battery backup and interconnected. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch, other than those required for over-current protection. In existing rooms, smoke detectors can be battery operated.
3. A smoke detector shall be installed in each sleeping room and at a point centrally located in the corridor or area, giving access to each separate sleeping area. When the dwelling unit has more than one story and in dwellings with basements, a smoke detector shall be installed on each story and in the basement. Smoke detectors shall sound an alarm audible in all sleeping areas of the dwelling unit in which they are located.

Foam Plastic Insulation

Must be of an approved type or covered with an approved material. Exposed foam plastic insulation is not allowed in any room, including crawl spaces and attics.

General Notes

1. Plan review and building permit issuance normally require ten (10) working days from receipt of the completed application. You will be contacted when the permit is ready.
2. The stamped, approved plan and survey shall be kept on the job site until the final inspection has been made.
3. The Inspection record card shall be placed on the outside exterior wall near the addition and shall remain posted until the final inspection has been made. Cards should be protected from the weather.