Confirm who handles each approval
Official building guidance points to General Building Permit Application. Current-transition MRCCA Overlay Zoning (CA-* symbols) is the zoning-related source.
Municipal permit guide
City of St. Paul, MN permit planning guide
Start with your property address to identify the offices, approvals, and project documents that apply in City of St. Paul, MN.
Local guidance available Reviewed October 25, 2026
Best first step
Find the approvals for your parcel, not just a generic form.
Start with the property address. GovCodex uses it to identify the parcel, zoning authority, overlays, and the mix of municipal, county, and state approvals that can apply.
Prefills City of St. Paul, MN Checks authority by address
What are you building?
Choose a common project or enter any description on the next screen.
Project preparation
Local application forms are available
Use the project type and property address together before choosing a form or paying a fee.
Before you file
Check the parcel details
Use the address check to confirm the current local offices, forms, and requirements before filing.
Project-specific preparation
What can trigger review and what to prepare
These project checks highlight situations that can add an approval. Your property address and project scope determine what applies.
Common approval triggers
Fence Permit
A completed fence permit application is required before installing any fence. Residential heights: front yard <= 4 ft; side/rear <= 7 ft; on corner lots <= 2 ft within the triangular area 10 ft from the corner unless the…
City of Saint Paul - Dept. of Safety & InspectionsSource
Preparation order
A practical order for project planning
Use this sequence to organize the work. The property address and project scope determine which steps actually apply.
Fence Permit
A completed fence permit application is required before installing any fence. Residential heights: front yard <= 4 ft; side/rear <= 7 ft; on corner lots <= 2 ft within the triangular area 10 ft from the corner unless the…
Responsibility by office
Who may handle the approvals
Separate offices can review different parts of the same project. Confirm the parcel-specific split before filing.
City of Saint Paul - Dept. of Safety & Inspections
Fence Permit
Fee signals
Published fee examples
Use these to anticipate cost structure. Confirm the adopted schedule and project calculation before filing.
Fence Permit - first 200 lineal ft
Base fee $45 · minimum $45 · $15 per per additional 100 lineal ft · Re-verified verbatim 2026-07-18: $45 for the first 200 lineal ft or fraction thereof; $15 for each additional 100 lineal ft or fraction thereof; height-variance application $85 (nonrefundable)…
View fee sourcePreparation library
Browse forms only when you need them
Search by project or approval. Official forms and adaptable state templates are labeled separately.
Showing forms that match your project search.
General Building Permit Application
Use this official form when preparing your project submission.
Checked Jul 1, 2026Source
Electrical Permit Application (Circuits & Service)
Use this official form when preparing your project submission.
Checked Jul 1, 2026Source
Plumbing / Gas Permit Application
Use this official form when preparing your project submission.
Checked Jul 1, 2026Source
Mechanical / Warm Air Permit Application
Use this official form when preparing your project submission.
Checked Jul 1, 2026Source
Demolition Permit Application
Use this official form when preparing your project submission.
Checked Jul 1, 2026Source
Detached Garage Permit Application
Use this official form when preparing your project submission.
Checked Jul 1, 2026Source
Deck Permit Application
Use this official form when preparing your project submission.
Checked Jul 1, 2026Source
Swimming Pool Permit Application
Use this official form when preparing your project submission.
Checked Jul 1, 2026Source
Solar Photovoltaic Permit Application
Use this official form when preparing your project submission.
Checked Jul 1, 2026Source
Official references
Official sources for City of St. Paul, MN
Statewide sources describe the governing code regime. Locally verified sources identify the actual issuing office, form, or adopted schedule.
Official reference
Airport Safety Overlay Districts
City of St. Paul, MN · checked October 24, 2026
Official reference
Current-transition MRCCA Overlay Zoning (CA-* symbols)
City of St. Paul, MN · checked October 25, 2026
Official reference
Electrical Permit Application (Circuits & Service)
City of St. Paul, MN · checked July 1, 2026
Official reference
Floodplain Management Overlay Zoning
City of St. Paul, MN · checked October 24, 2026
Official reference
General Building Permit Application
City of St. Paul, MN · checked July 1, 2026
Official reference
General Overlay Zoning
City of St. Paul, MN · checked October 24, 2026
Official reference
Legacy Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area Overlay Zoning
City of St. Paul, MN · checked October 24, 2026
Official reference
Open Information Saint Paul — DCAT-US 1.1 catalog (publisher of record for Principal Zoning)
City of St. Paul, MN
Official reference
Right-of-Way Excavation / Obstruction Permit Application
City of St. Paul, MN · checked July 1, 2026
Official reference
Saint Paul Principal Zoning
City of St. Paul, MN · checked October 24, 2026
Official reference
Site Plan Review Application
City of St. Paul, MN · checked July 1, 2026
Official reference
Zoning Variance Application (Board of Zoning Appeals)
City of St. Paul, MN · checked July 1, 2026
Reference excerpts
Source excerpts for City of St. Paul, MN
These excerpts provide context from official materials associated with this municipality.
Title V - COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS | Code of Ordinances | St. Paul, MN | Municode Library
an individual is associated. (a) Any association doing business in Minnesota in connection with which an individual is compensated in excess of fifty dollars ($50.00) except for actual and reasonable expenses in any month as a director, officer, owner, member, partner, employer or employee, or is holder of securities worth two thousand five hundred ($2,500.00) or more at fair market value. (b) Any association doing business in Minnesota in connection with which an individual owes money except for customary household expenses, retail credit accounts, and mortgage contracts on the principal place of dwelling. (3) Financial interest. Any interest which shall yield, directly or indirectly, a monetary or other material benefit (other than duly authorized salary or compensation for services to the city) to the appointed member, the spouse of the appointed member and all minor children within the custody and control of the appointed member. (4) Appointed member. A person appointed by the mayor and approved by the city council to any advisory body, including, but not limited to, boards, commissions, committees and task forces established by the city. (Ord. No. 17503, § 1, 10-20-87
Official reference excerpt · p. 1 · Open sourceTitle V - COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS | Code of Ordinances | St. Paul, MN | Municode Library
appointed member is specifically exempted from the prohibitions of this paragraph when the action to be taken or the decision to be rendered is one which is solely advisory. (Ord. No. 17503, § 1, 10-20-87) - #### Sec. 100.03. - Sanction. - Share Link - Print - Download (docx) - Email - Compare Share Link to sectionPrint sectionDownload (Docx) of sectionsEmail sectionCompare versions Any appointed member violating the provisions of [Section 100.02](https://library.municode.com/mn/st._paul/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIIIADCO_TITVCOCO_CH100CICOONIN_S100.02COIN) may be removed from the appointive position by the mayor with the consent of the city council. Violation of this section may render the action taken voidable by the city council or by a court of competent jurisdiction. Any monies paid as a result of such violation may be recovered by a joint and several action from the parties to the action and the appointed member interested in the same. (Ord. No. 17503, § 1, 10-20-87) - ### Chapter 101. - Civil Service Commission\[2\] - Share Link - Print - Download (docx) - Email - Compare Share Link to sectionPrint sectionDownload (Docx) of sectionsEmail s
Official reference excerpt · p. 1 · Open sourceTitle V - COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS | Code of Ordinances | St. Paul, MN | Municode Library
a commission meeting or a hearing or of the existence of a conflict of interest on behalf of a regular member. Terms for alternates shall be six (6) years, except that one (1) of the three (3) alternates first appointed shall serve for a term of two (2) years and one (1) for a term of four (4) years. The office of human resources director shall contact alternates to serve in a rotating order. (b) For the first meeting or hearing for which an alternate is needed, the office of human resources director shall first contact the alternate appointed for a two-year term followed by the alternate appointed for a four-year term and then the alternate appointed for a six-year term. No more than two (2) alternates may serve at any one (1) time. All appointments shall be from among the qualified voters of the city who are in known sympathy with the application of merit principles to public employment. No alternate may hold any office or employment under the city. An alternate shall cease to be an alternate to the commission upon becoming a candidate for elective city office. Any alternate may be removed by the city council for cause after a hearing. Proceedings for removal may be initiated b
Official reference excerpt · p. 1 · Open sourceTitle V - COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS | Code of Ordinances | St. Paul, MN | Municode Library
w Commission - Share Link - Print - Download (docx) - Email - Compare Share Link to sectionPrint sectionDownload (Docx) of sectionsEmail sectionCompare versions - #### Sec. 102.01. - Purpose and scope of commission review. - Share Link - Print - Download (docx) - Email - Compare Share Link to sectionPrint sectionDownload (Docx) of sectionsEmail sectionCompare versions (a) In order to assure the public that police services are delivered in a lawful and nondiscriminatory manner, and build upon the 2001 agreement entered into between the City and the NAACP, the public should be accorded participatory oversight of the police and their interaction with the citizenry. To this end, the mayor and council wish to structure citizen involvement as set forth in this chapter so that in the event complaints are received regarding police activities such complaints are reviewed and processed with the participation of citizen representatives. Citizen review, in conjunction with the police, of complaints against officers will assure that complaints are dealt with fairly and with due regard for officers and citizens equally. (b) The commission shall review all complaint i
Official reference excerpt · p. 1 · Open sourceTitle V - COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS | Code of Ordinances | St. Paul, MN | Municode Library
rientations. All members of the commission shall be appointed to three-year terms. No member shall serve more than two terms. A member's term may be extended to allow a new member to meet the criteria to become a voting member. (b) The members of the commission shall be recommended by the director of the Department of Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity to the mayor for appointment. (c) No member of the Saint Paul Police Federation nor his or her immediate family shall be eligible to serve as a member. (d) The commission shall meet a minimum of quarterly and up to twice a month as determined by a majority of the commission. The commission shall elect a chair and vice-chair to preside over its proceedings. The chair shall be elected from among the members. Members of the commission shall receive fifty dollars ($50.00) per meeting attended. (e) The director of the Department of Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity shall, in consultation with the chief of police and the chair, appoint a review coordinator to serve as staff to the commission, manage the complaint process, and prepare minutes of commission meetings. The review coordinator shall serve at the pleasu
Official reference excerpt · p. 1 · Open sourceTitle V - COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS | Code of Ordinances | St. Paul, MN | Municode Library
rdinances and published policy directives. Further, the commission shall be subject to statutes regarding government data practices, open meetings, peace officers' bill of rights and related law. The commission shall develop policies and procedures to guide the work of the commission including policies and procedures related to new member orientation, recusal, data privacy, and media contact. (b) Training required; termination of appointments. Each member of the commission shall, prior to voting on any matter before the commission, participate in a training program which shall include topics related to police work, investigation, relevant law, cultural competency, racial equity, implicit bias, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity as defined in Chapter [183.02](https://library.municode.com/mn/st._paul/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIILECO_TITXVIIIHURI_CH183HURI_S183.02DE) of this Code, physical disability, mental health challenges, and the emotional impact of abuse. Members shall also participate in ride-alongs with an officer on actual patrol duties. Failure to complete the training program shall constitute cause to terminate a member's appointment by the mayor as recom
Official reference excerpt · p. 1 · Open sourceQuestions people ask
St. Paul permit FAQ
Where do I start for a project in City of St. Paul, MN?
Start with the property address. The parcel determines whether municipal, county, state, shoreland, floodplain, sanitary, transportation, or special-district approvals can apply.
Who handles building permits in St. Paul?
General Building Permit Application. Confirm the current filing process at the official source before submitting.
Who handles zoning approval in City of St. Paul, MN?
Current-transition MRCCA Overlay Zoning (CA-* symbols) is provided by City of Saint Paul. Separate building, county, or trade approvals can still apply.
Are the fees and forms on this page final?
No. Adopted fees, application versions, issuing offices, and required attachments can change. Verify the current official source before filing or paying a fee.
Do not guess from the municipality name.
Check which permits apply