Fees
Estimated city fees
Baseline for a simple permitted shed: $225–$550 estimated combined fees when a Minneapolis shed needs a permit; one-story tool and storage sheds under 200 sq ft are listed by the city as exempt from permit, but zoning and trade-permit rules still apply
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis building permit fee (sheds 200 sq ft and larger) | $150–$400 (estimated) | Minneapolis permit fees for larger accessory structures depend on valuation and scope. The city's published exemption applies to one-story tool and storage sheds less than 200 square feet. |
| Plan review fee | $75–$150 (estimated) | Combined permit and plan-review charges typically apply once the shed is 200 sq ft or larger or otherwise outside the exemption. |
| Electrical / plumbing trade permit fees | $50–$150 each (estimated) | Each utility trade (electrical, plumbing) requires a separate Minneapolis Development Services trade permit and inspection, even when the shed footprint is 120 square feet or under and otherwise building-permit-exempt. |
| Minnesota state surcharge | $5–$15 | Minnesota assesses a state surcharge on all permitted construction projects, collected by Development Services at permit issuance and remitted to the State. |
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Conditions
The rules that apply
- Minneapolis publishes a construction-work exemption page stating that one-story tool and storage sheds that are less than 200 square feet are exempt from permit. Sheds at or above 200 square feet require permit review.
- Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work still require the appropriate trade permits and inspections even when the shed itself falls within the published under-200-square-foot exemption.
- Minneapolis Zoning Code governs the placement of accessory structures in residential zoning districts, including setback distances from property lines, maximum lot coverage, and maximum accessory structure height. These zoning requirements apply to all sheds regardless of whether a building permit is required.
- Minnesota's cold climate still matters: once a shed needs a permit, foundations and framing have to satisfy Minnesota code requirements for frost depth and structural loading.
- All permit applications are submitted through the Minneapolis ePermits online portal at minneapolismn.gov/permits. Minnesota-licensed contractors must hold a valid Minnesota Residential Contractor or Residential Remodeler license issued by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). Homeowners may pull owner-occupant permits for their own residence.
- Minnesota's severe winter construction season (December through March) can limit construction windows and inspection scheduling availability. Plan projects to account for this constraint.
- Minnesota requires sellers to disclose known code violations and unpermitted construction under the Seller's Disclosure of Property Condition (SDPC); unpermitted sheds can affect sale price or require remediation before closing.
Documents
What you'll need to file
- Permit application submitted through the Minneapolis ePermits online portal at minneapolismn.gov/permits.
- Scaled site plan showing property lines, lot dimensions, existing structures, proposed shed location and footprint, and distances to all property lines — required to confirm compliance with Minneapolis Zoning Code setbacks, lot coverage, and accessory structure requirements.
- Floor plan and elevations showing shed dimensions, wall heights, roof type, door locations, and intended use.
- Foundation details appropriate to the shed size — concrete piers, concrete slab, or treated wood skid system — demonstrating compliance with Minnesota State Building Code frost requirements. Permitted sheds must have footings extending below the 42-inch Minneapolis frost line.
- Structural framing details for sheds that require a permit, including wall framing, roof framing, and connections sized for Minneapolis snow and frost conditions under the Minnesota State Building Code.
- Manufacturer's installation instructions and specifications for pre-fabricated shed kits, including foundation and anchorage methods.
- Minnesota-licensed contractor information: Residential Contractor or Residential Remodeler license number issued by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). The license number must appear on the ePermits application.
- A current survey or site plan confirming setback compliance if working near property lines or in unusual lot conditions.
Process
How the permit process works
Sequential — each step gates the next.
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Apply Minneapolis' published under-200-sq-ft shed exemption first Minneapolis's construction-work exemption page says one-story tool and storage sheds less than 200 square feet are exempt from permit. Start there. If the shed is 200 sq ft or larger, multi-story, or tied to utility work, move into the permit path.
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Verify zoning placement using the Minneapolis Zoning Map Use the Minneapolis Zoning Map and parcel search at minneapolismn.gov to identify the property's zoning district and confirm applicable rear and side yard setbacks, maximum lot coverage, and maximum accessory structure height. Setbacks and lot coverage limits vary by residential zoning district. Confirm compliance before ordering a prefab unit or pouring footings.
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Account for Minnesota frost depth and snow load Once the shed is in permit territory, design for Minnesota frost depth and structural loading. Larger sheds need code-compliant footings and framing that Minneapolis reviewers can approve under the Minnesota State Building Code.
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Determine utility scope and plan trade permits Decide whether the shed will have electrical wiring, outlets, lighting, plumbing, or mechanical systems. Each utility trade requires a separate Minneapolis Development Services trade permit and inspection, regardless of whether the shed's footprint qualifies for the building-permit exemption. Plan trade permits alongside any main permit application.
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Verify Minnesota contractor licensing If hiring a contractor, verify they hold a valid Minnesota Residential Contractor or Residential Remodeler license from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 326B. The license number must appear on the ePermits application. Homeowners may self-permit under the owner-occupant exemption for their own residence. Check license status at dli.mn.gov.
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Submit through Minneapolis ePermits and undergo plan review For permitted sheds, submit the application through the Minneapolis ePermits portal at minneapolismn.gov/permits. Upload the site plan, shed drawings, snow-load structural details, foundation details, and contractor license information. Development Services reviews all submissions online; standard residential plan review takes 10–20 business days.
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Pay fees, post permit, and complete required inspections After plan review approval, pay fees through the ePermits portal and post the permit before beginning work. Request inspections through the ePermits portal or by calling Development Services. Typical shed inspections include a footing inspection (before concrete pour, to verify 42-inch depth), a framing inspection, and a final inspection. Trade inspections are scheduled separately.
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Provenance
Code basis & official sources
Last verified 2026-04-20.
Minneapolis's published construction-work exemption for one-story tool and storage sheds under 200 square feet; Minneapolis zoning rules for accessory-structure placement; and the Minnesota State Building Code for sheds that require permit review.
If you skip the permit
- Minneapolis Development Services can issue a stop-work order and require removal or correction of unpermitted shed construction.
- A shed placed in a required setback or exceeding lot coverage limits can be ordered relocated or removed at the owner's expense.
- After-the-fact permits in Minneapolis may require exposing foundation and framing elements for inspection, adding significant cost.
- Unpermitted electrical or plumbing work creates fire, shock, and water-damage risks that go unverified without Development Services trade inspections.
- Sheds without proper frost-depth footings may shift or become structurally unsafe due to Minnesota's severe freeze-thaw cycles, creating ongoing maintenance and liability problems.
- Civil penalties assessed by Minneapolis accumulate until violations are resolved; unresolved violations appear in Development Services records and complicate property sales.
- Minnesota requires disclosure of known permit violations in residential real estate transactions under the Seller's Disclosure of Property Condition (SDPC), affecting sale price or requiring remediation before closing.
- Homeowner's insurance may deny claims for damage or injury related to an unpermitted shed, leaving the homeowner fully liable.
FAQ
Common Minneapolis shed permit questions
Do I need a permit to build a shed in Minneapolis, MN?
It depends on size and utility connections. Under the MSBC as enforced by Minneapolis Development Services, sheds at 120 square feet or less in footprint that comply with Minneapolis Zoning Code setbacks and have no utility connections may be building-permit-exempt. Sheds over 120 sq ft and any shed with electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work require a permit. Note that Minneapolis's 120 sq ft threshold is lower than the 200 sq ft exemption used in many other cities. All permit applications are submitted through the Minneapolis ePermits portal at minneapolismn.gov/permits.
What is the frost line depth for shed footings in Minneapolis?
Minneapolis's code-minimum frost line depth under the MSBC is 42 inches. Permitted shed footings must extend at least 42 inches below finished grade to prevent frost heave — the seasonal ground movement caused by Minnesota's severe freeze-thaw cycles. The footing inspection verifies depth before concrete is poured. Small prefab sheds on shallow skids may be acceptable for exempt-sized structures, but site-built permitted sheds require deeper footings.
How does Minneapolis's snow load affect shed construction?
Minneapolis is in a ground snow load zone of approximately 50 psf (pounds per square foot). Permitted shed roof framing must be designed to carry accumulated snow loads in addition to standard live loads. For larger sheds or sheds with flat or low-slope roofs, a structural engineer's input is advisable. Pre-fabricated sheds should include documentation confirming their design meets Minnesota's 50 psf snow load requirement. Development Services reviewers check structural adequacy during plan review.
Does adding electricity to my Minneapolis shed require a permit?
Yes. Adding wiring, outlets, lighting, or a subpanel to a shed requires a separate Minneapolis Development Services electrical permit and inspection, even when the shed's footprint is 120 square feet or under and otherwise exempt from the building permit requirement.
What are Minneapolis's shed setback requirements?
Minneapolis Zoning Code sets accessory structure setbacks that vary by residential zoning district. Use the Minneapolis Zoning Map and parcel search at minneapolismn.gov to identify your zoning district and look up the applicable rear and side yard setbacks before placing or ordering a shed. Confirm that the shed's footprint, combined with existing structures, does not exceed the maximum lot coverage for your zoning district.
How much does a Minneapolis shed permit cost?
Estimated combined fees (building permit + plan review) for a permitted Minneapolis shed typically run $225–$550, plus a small Minnesota state surcharge. Fees are based on project valuation. Verify current amounts through the Minneapolis ePermits portal at minneapolismn.gov/permits.
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Disclaimer: Informational only — not legal advice. Rules change; verify with Minneapolis permitting staff before you build.