ADU Permit Submission Checklist in St. Paul, Minnesota

Everything you need to apply for a adu permit in St. Paul, Minnesota — documents, fees, steps, and a downloadable submission packet.

Key Facts

Permit required
Yes
Submission method
Online
Typical fee range
$4,500 – $15,675
Review time
Varies by jurisdiction
Inspections
7 inspections required
VerifiedLast verified: Feb 15, 20261 verified source

Limited Data Available

Some information on this page has not been fully verified. We're working to improve data quality. Always verify with St. Paul directly.

ADU Permit Checklist

St. Paul6 required, 0 optional

Forms & Applications(1)

  • Building Permit ApplicationREQUIRED[1][2]

    St. Paul building permit application form with property information and project description

Plans & Diagrams(3)

  • Architectural PlansREQUIRED[3][4]

    Architectural drawings prepared and signed by licensed Minnesota architect showing floor plans, elevations, sections, and details

  • Site PlanREQUIRED[5][6]

    Site plan with lot boundaries, property lines, setbacks, building footprints, parking areas, utilities, and landscaping

  • Utility Plans and CoordinationREQUIRED[9][10]

    Utility plans showing water, sewer, electric, and gas with coordination letters from utility providers

Supporting Documents(2)

  • Zoning CertificationREQUIRED[7][8]

    Zoning certification letter confirming property is in ADU-eligible zoning district and meets all dimensional requirements

  • Proof of OwnershipREQUIRED[11][12]

    Property deed or tax statement showing current property ownership

This checklist is for reference only. Requirements may change — always verify with St. Paul before submission.

Generate your permit packet

Get a personalized ADU permit packet for St. Paul, Minnesota — tailored to your project details.

  • Required forms: Building Permit Application, and more
  • Pre-filled templates: Permit Cover Sheet
  • Fee breakdown: $1,500–$9,500 estimated total
  • Step-by-step St. Paul Department of Safety and Inspections portal submission guide
  • Inspection prep checklist (7 items)
  • Personalized for your specific project details
Build My Permit Packet

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Required Documents

St. Paul requires the following documents for this permit application.

R

Building Permit Application

St. Paul building permit application form with property information and project description

R

Architectural Plans

Architectural drawings prepared and signed by licensed Minnesota architect showing floor plans, elevations, sections, and details

R

Site Plan

Site plan with lot boundaries, property lines, setbacks, building footprints, parking areas, utilities, and landscaping

R

Zoning Certification

Zoning certification letter confirming property is in ADU-eligible zoning district and meets all dimensional requirements

R

Utility Plans and Coordination

Utility plans showing water, sewer, electric, and gas with coordination letters from utility providers

R

Proof of Ownership

Property deed or tax statement showing current property ownership

Permit Process

Follow these steps to submit your permit application through St. Paul Department of Safety and Inspections.

  1. 1

    Pre-Application Consultation

    Consult with St. Paul Department of Safety and Inspections regarding ADU requirements, design guidelines, and procedures

    You'll need: Proof of Ownership

  2. 2

    Zoning Verification

    Confirm property is in eligible zoning district (residential) and meets lot size and setback requirements for ADU

    You'll need: Zoning Certification

  3. 3

    Submit Building Permit Package

    Submit complete permit application with architectural plans, site plan, utility coordination, and zoning certification

    You'll need: Building Permit Application, Architectural Plans, Site Plan, Utility Plans and Coordination

  4. 4

    Plan Review

    Department staff review plans for compliance with St. Paul Zoning Code Section 66.291 and building code requirements

  5. 5

    Submit Plan Revisions

    Address plan review comments and resubmit revised plans for final approval

  6. 6

    Pay Permit and Inspection Fees

    Pay building permit, plan review, and inspection fees to receive permit authorization

  7. 7

    Construction and Occupancy Inspections

    Pass required inspections including foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and final occupancy

Fees and Timeline

Fee Breakdown

FeeRangeConfidence
ADU Permit Fee$3,000 – $9,500Verified
Plan Review Fee$1,500 – $6,175Verified

Inspections Required

Foundation and footing inspection per Minnesota Building Cod

Foundation and footing inspection per Minnesota Building Code

Framing inspection of structural members and connections

Framing inspection of structural members and connections

Electrical inspection of service panel, circuits, and ground

Electrical inspection of service panel, circuits, and grounding

Plumbing inspection of water supply, fixtures, and drainage

Plumbing inspection of water supply, fixtures, and drainage systems

Mechanical/HVAC system inspection and proper installation ve

Mechanical/HVAC system inspection and proper installation verification

Rental unit registration inspection if ADU will be rented

Rental unit registration inspection if ADU will be rented

Final inspection for Code compliance and Certificate of Occu

Final inspection for Code compliance and Certificate of Occupancy

Authority Sources

Data on this page is sourced from official records published by the permitting authority. Always verify requirements directly before submitting.

St. Paul Department of Safety and Inspections

Last verified: February 15, 2026

1 source referenced

Portal guide
St. Paul Permits and Licensing Portal

Verified February 15, 2026

Official page
Official page

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a adu permit in St. Paul?
Yes. St. Paul requires a adu permit for this type of project. Submitting without a permit may result in fines, required removal, or complications when selling your property.
How long does adu permit approval take in St. Paul?
Processing times in St. Paul vary depending on project complexity and current review volume. The process involves 7 steps. Contact St. Paul Development Services for current timelines.
What documents are required for a adu permit in St. Paul?
St. Paul requires 6 documents including Building Permit Application, Architectural Plans, Site Plan, Zoning Certification, and others. See the full list above for details.
What happens if I build without a adu permit in St. Paul?
Building without a permit in St. Paul can result in stop-work orders, fines, required removal of work, difficulty selling your property, and insurance complications. It is strongly recommended to obtain proper permits before starting work.
Can PermitMagic help prepare my adu permit submission in St. Paul?
Yes. PermitMagic generates a submission-ready packet tailored to St. Paul's requirements, including a document checklist, workflow steps, and authority references. Start a permit plan to get your personalized packet.
How much does a adu permit cost in St. Paul?
ADU permit fees in St. Paul typically range from $4,500 to $15,675, depending on project scope. Fees may include building permit, plan review, and technology surcharges. Verify current fees with St. Paul.

Related Permits

Ready to apply? Build your submission packet.

Answer a few project questions and get a adu permit packet for St. Paul, Minnesota — with every document, form, and fee organized for submission.

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Sources & Citations

All regulatory information on this page is sourced from official government publications. Always verify requirements directly with your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) before submission.

  1. [1]St. Paul Department of Safety and InspectionsSt. Paul Zoning Code Section 66.291 - Accessory Dwelling Unitshttps://stpaul.gov/permits(verified Feb 15, 2026)
  2. [2]St. Paul Department of Safety and InspectionsSt. Paul Permits and Licensing Portalhttps://stpaul.gov/permits(verified Feb 15, 2026)
  3. [3]St. Paul Department of Safety and InspectionsSt. Paul Department of Safety and Inspectionshttps://stpaul.gov/departments/safety-and-inspections(verified Feb 15, 2026)
  4. [4]St. Paul Department of Safety and InspectionsSt. Paul ADU Development Resources and Guidancehttps://stpaul.gov/departments/safety-and-inspections(verified Feb 15, 2026)