The Building Inspections department is responsible for enforcing the building code and rental housing ordinance. The rental housing ordinance requires all owners/landlords to register their rental property with the city every year and have a yearly inspection. For dtails about this ordinance, please review the City Codes.

When do I need a permit?

Whenever a building is altered a building permit is required. A licensed contractor is required for new residential construction, the homeowner may apply for some permits. Examples of work requiring a permit include, but are not limited to:

• for any new construction (house, garage, storage buildings over 120 square feet)
• finishing a basement
• re-siding/re-shingling
• building decks
• replacing windows/doors
• remodeling involving sheet rock, kitchen cabinets or vanity replacement

Questions?

For answers to your questions about permits, the state of Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry has several pages of interst:

• A page for Building Codes and Standards.
• Or, a page for residential building contractors.
• And a page for Plumbing and Engineering.

You do not need a permit for painting, carpeting, re-floors or wallpapering.

To apply for a building permit bring in building blue prints and site plans for new construction. For remodeling bring in construction costs and description of project. All permits need name and address of owner and contractor.

Contact Building Inspector/Building Official at 218-773-2208, or use the city Contact Page, and choose Building Official from the list of departments.

East Grand Forks Building Statistics:

• Current Month Permits Issued
• Construction Record 2008 (number of permits and value) - Updated Monthly
• Construction Record 1997-2007 (total permits and values) - Updated Yearly