The City of Minneapolis is strengthening its reputation as a business-friendly city in announcing a series of changes to the building permit process. The changes shorten development timelines for developers, business owners and residents. Instead of weeks, the process shortens approval time for certain permits to days, making it even easier to do business in Minneapolis. The changes are informed by City staff who work directly with the permitting process, as well as feedback from residents, property owners and contractors about their experiences.
The revised process still requires projects to comply with applicable building codes but removes the building plan review requirement for specific project types. With this improvement, the City expects hundreds of permits each year to be issued, or available for payment, within one to two days of application. Some permits may be available immediately.
“We’re cutting unnecessary red tape and making it easier to get permits approved faster – without sacrificing safety,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “At a time when costs are already high, we’re pressing the easy button and making the City a better partner for homeowners, contractors and businesses.”
Making straight forward development simpler
The new process eliminates the need for applicants to upload plans for building plan review on certain projects, including commercial and residential flat roofs, siding, and replacement windows and doors. Under the previous process, these projects would require applicants to move through a series of administrative steps. This revised process eliminates that step for these projects, reducing work for applicants and City staff – and gets projects closer to completion in less time.
Applicants are already seeing significant improvements in approval times for common projects. For example, the average approval time for residential remodel permits has decreased from around three weeks to under one week following the new process.
“Whether you’re updating your storefront, fixing your roof, or converting a downtown skyscraper time spent in the permit process matters,” said Minneapolis Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED) Director Erik Hansen. “Streamlined approvals mean you are out quicker on common projects freeing you up to get your project done and freeing us up to address more complex issues. We strive to deliver a faster, simpler, and predictable process, no matter if you are a business owner, property developer, or resident. You will receive the same exceptional customer service and building code standards that keep your buildings safe and Minneapolis vibrant.”
The changes also eliminate several administrative tasks for development coordinators and applicants and is expected to reduce the number of 311 cases submitted by customers seeking clarification about what materials they need to provide for these projects.
Additionally, the City is expanding its use of automation through its Express Limited Permit process, which allows eligible applicants to complete the permit process online, including submitting payment, without the same level of staff review. The system is currently available on an opt-in basis, and the City plans to expand the list of permits required to use the Express Limited Permit process in the future.
Redevelopment and renovations see quicker turnaround
Historic properties are also seeing changes to streamline their design review. At the start of the year, new regulations took effect so that certain projects can now be approved through a standard building permit. This means repairs and routine work no longer require a separate historic preservation application. Additionally, mid-sized projects can now be reviewed administratively, without needing a public hearing, making the process quicker and easier for applicants.
Several notable historic landmarks have already gone through this expedited process, including the Prospect Park Water Tower for general repairs and the Northside Station for storefront alterations. In both cases, the properties would have originally needed a public hearing, but under the new process, a review was completed through an administrative application. The Historic John Cook House received a building permit with no land-use application under the new process, giving the green light for extensive masonry repairs.