BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION
AND ONLINE INSPECTION REQUEST PORTALBUILDING PERMITS – NEW PROCESS
You now have two options to apply for a building permit through TCPA.
(1) Drop or mail your application and plans to our office, we’ll process your permit and email you an invoice when it’s ready to pick up.
(2) Complete your permit application online through the Building Inspector’s – Construction Management Services – online portal.
More than ever – especially if you’re applying online – it’s important your application includes all the required forms. An incomplete application will add unnecessary delays to the permitting process.
Click the buttons below to see a list of the required forms for your project. Then simply download those forms at the next set of links.
WHAT FORMS DO I NEED?
HOUSE - Are you building a new house?
You’ll need to download and complete the following forms:
- 001 – Building Permit Form (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- 002 – Zoning Certificate (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- 003 – Grading Plan – (Only if you’re building in a platted subdivision of Rochester Township.)
- 004 – Energy & Mechanical Calcs Forms
- 006 – Self-Waiver – (Only if you are the homeowner and are signing the permit application.) Also (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- 008 – Erosion Control – (Download, read and follow requirements on-site. No form to complete.)
- Building Inspector’s New Home Condition Letter – 017 – is provided below for your information.
- You’ll need to provide one hard copy of construction plans and related documents (not bid plans) AND one PDF copy. The Building Inspector can print your documents for you at a cost of 25 cents per page – 11 x 17 and smaller – or $5.00 per plot-sized page. (Size is dependent on level of detail on plans to be seen legibly.)
- You’ll also need to submit a Septic Design to GGG Engineering who will then issue your septic permit to our office. GGG Website
- You’ll need to provide a well permit (unless you’re on a shared well). Typically, your well drilling contractor will pull the well permit – but you’ll have to call us with the permit number.
- If you’re not in a platted subdivision, then you’ll likely need an address. You need to provide us with a site plan showing the location of the driveway and the proposed house along with a check for $112.00 made payable to Olmsted County.
DECK - Are you building a deck?
You’ll need to download and complete the following forms:
- 001 – Building Permit Form (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- 002 – Zoning Certificate (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- 006 – Self-Waiver – (Only if you are the homeowner and are signing the permit application.) (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- 015 – If you’re building a deck and you don’t have formal plans you can use this form.
- Building Inspector’s Deck Condition Letter – 019 – is provided below for your information.
- You’ll need to provide one hard copy of construction plans and related documents (not bid plans) AND one PDF copy. The Building Inspector can print your documents for you at a cost of 25 cents per page – 11 x 17 and smaller – or $5.00 per plot-sized page. (Size is dependent on level of detail on plans to be seen legibly.)
SHED - Are you building a pole shed?
You’ll need to download and complete the following forms:
- 001 – Building Permit Form (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- 002 – Zoning Certificate (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- 006 – Self-Waiver – (Only if you are the homeowner and are signing the permit application.) (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- 012 – Post Frame Construction Detail (If you don’t have formal plans use this form.)
- Building Inspector’s Pole Building Condition Letter – 025 – is provided below for your information.
- You’ll need to provide one hard copy of construction plans and related documents (not bid plans) AND one PDF copy. The Building Inspector can print your documents for you at a cost of 25 cents per page – 11 x 17 and smaller – or $5.00 per plot-sized page. (Size is dependent on level of detail on plans to be seen legibly.)
AG SHED - Are you building an Ag Shed?
You’ll need to download and complete the following forms:
- 007 – Self-Waiver – Which includes the required Zoning Certificate
Minnesota State Statute defines an ag building as follows:
Subd. 3.Agricultural building.
“Agricultural building” means a structure that is:
- on agricultural land as determined by the governing assessor for the municipality or county under section 273.13, subdivision 23;
- designed, constructed, and used to house farm implements, livestock, or agricultural products under section 273.13, subdivision 23; and
- used by the owner, lessee, and sublessee of the building and members of their immediate families, their employees, and persons engaged in the pickup or delivery of agricultural products.
PORCH - Are you building a 3-Season or Covered Porch?
You’ll need to download and complete the following forms:
- 001 – Building Permit Form (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- 002 – Zoning Certificate (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- 006 – Self-Waiver – (Only if you are the homeowner and are signing the permit application.) (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- Building Inspector’s 3-Season/Covered Porch Condition Letter – 022 – is provided below for your information.
- You’ll need to provide one hard copy of construction plans and related documents (not bid plans) AND one PDF copy. The Building Inspector can print your documents for you at a cost of 25 cents per page – 11 x 17 and smaller – or $5.00 per plot-sized page. (Size is dependent on level of detail on plans to be seen legibly.)
LOWER-LEVEL - Are you finishing off the lower level?
You’ll need to download and complete the following forms:
- 001 – Building Permit Form (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- 006 – Self-Waiver – (Only if you are the homeowner and are signing the permit application.) (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- Building Inspector’s Lower-Level Finish Condition Letter – 026 – is provided below for your information.
- You’ll need to provide one hard copy of construction plans and related documents (not bid plans) AND one PDF copy. The Building Inspector can print your documents for you at a cost of 25 cents per page – 11 x 17 and smaller – or $5.00 per plot-sized page. (Size is dependent on level of detail on plans to be seen legibly.)
- If your lower-level finish includes a net increase in the number of bedrooms then you’ll need to either: A.) Provide a septic compliance report to the septic inspector (GGG) – showing that the septic system is large enough for the new net total of bedrooms; or B.) obtain a septic permit to enlarge the septic system. GGG Website
- (*) If yours is a newer house the septic system may have been sized for lower-level bedrooms. We can check your permit if you need this information. Just call.
POOL - Are you installing a swimming pool?
You’ll need to download and complete the following forms:
- 001 – Building Permit Form (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- 002 – Zoning Certificate (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- 006 – Self-Waiver – (Only if you are the homeowner and are signing the permit application.) (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- Building Inspector’s Swimming Pool Condition Letter – 027 – is provided below for your information.
- You’ll need to provide one hard copy of construction plans and related documents (not bid plans) AND one PDF copy. The Building Inspector can print your documents for you at a cost of 25 cents per page – 11 x 17 and smaller – or $5.00 per plot-sized page. (Size is dependent on level of detail on plans to be seen legibly.)
SOLAR - Are you installing ground mounted solar panels?
You’ll need to download and complete the following forms:
- 001 – Building Permit Form (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- 002 – Zoning Certificate (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- 006 – Self-Waiver – (Only if you are the homeowner and are signing the permit application.) (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- Building Inspector’s Ground Solar Condition Letter – 029 – is provided below for your information.
- You’ll need to provide one hard copy of construction plans and related documents (not bid plans) AND one PDF copy. The Building Inspector can print your documents for you at a cost of 25 cents per page – 11 x 17 and smaller – or $5.00 per plot-sized page. (Size is dependent on level of detail on plans to be seen legibly.)
MOBILE HOME - Are you installing a mobile/manufactured home?
You’ll need to download and complete the following forms:
- 001 – Building Permit Form (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- 002 – Zoning Certificate (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- 006 – Self-Waiver – (Only if you are the homeowner and are signing the permit application.) (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- 010 – Professional Installation form, and
- 011 – Homeowner Installation form
- Building Inspector’s Manufactured Home Condition Letter – 031 – is provided below for your information.
- If you’re adding a deck or a detached garage as part of the total project, you’ll need to provide one hard copy of construction plans and related documents (not bid plans) AND one PDF copy. The Building Inspector can print your documents for you at a cost of 25 cents per page – 11 x 17 and smaller – or $5.00 per plot-sized page. (Size is dependent on level of detail on plans to be seen legibly.)
ADDITION - Are you building an addition to an existing home?
You’ll need to download and complete the following forms:
- 001 – Building Permit Form (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- 002 – Zoning Certificate (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- 005 – Energy Calcs for Addition Form
- 006 – Self-Waiver – (Only if you are the homeowner and are signing the permit application.) (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- 008 – Erosion Control – (Download, read and follow requirements on-site. No form to complete.)
- 016 – If you’re building an addition and you don’t have formal plans you can use this form.
- Building Inspector’s Home Addition Condition Letter – 018 – is provided below for your information.
- You’ll need to provide one hard copy of construction plans and related documents (not bid plans) AND one PDF copy. The Building Inspector can print your documents for you at a cost of 25 cents per page – 11 x 17 and smaller – or $5.00 per plot-sized page. (Size is dependent on level of detail on plans to be seen legibly.)
- If your addition includes a net increase in the number of bedrooms then you’ll need to either: A.) Provide a septic compliance report to the septic inspector (GGG) – showing that the septic system is large enough for the new net total of bedrooms; or B.) obtain a septic permit to enlarge the septic system. GGG Website
GARAGE - Are you building a detached garage?
You’ll need to download and complete the following forms:
- 001 – Building Permit Form (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- 002 – Zoning Certificate (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- 006 – Self-Waiver – (Only if you are the homeowner and are signing the permit application.) (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- 008 – Erosion Control – (Download, read and follow requirements on-site. No form to complete.)
- 013 – If you’re building a detached garage and you don’t have formal plans you can use this form.
- Building Inspector’s Detached Garage Condition Letter – 020 – is provided below for your information.
- You’ll need to provide one hard copy of construction plans and related documents (not bid plans) AND one PDF copy. The Building Inspector can print your documents for you at a cost of 25 cents per page – 11 x 17 and smaller – or $5.00 per plot-sized page. (Size is dependent on level of detail on plans to be seen legibly.)
GARAGE - Are you building an attached garage?
You’ll need to download and complete the following forms:
- 001 – Building Permit Form (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- 002 – Zoning Certificate (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- 006 – Self-Waiver – (Only if you are the homeowner and are signing the permit application.) (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- 008 – Erosion Control – (Download, read and follow requirements on-site. No form to complete.)
- 014 – If you’re building an attached garage and you don’t have formal plans you can use this form.
- Building Inspector’s Attached Garage Condition Letter – 021 – is provided below for your information.
- You’ll need to provide one hard copy of construction plans and related documents (not bid plans) AND one PDF copy. The Building Inspector can print your documents for you at a cost of 25 cents per page – 11 x 17 and smaller – or $5.00 per plot-sized page. (Size is dependent on level of detail on plans to be seen legibly.)
IN-FLOOR HEAT - Did you forget the In-Floor Heat?
Frequently the in-floor heat gets forgotten on the original application. If you did forget you’ll need to complete a new permit and include the total square footage that will have in-floor heat.
You’ll need to download and complete the following forms:
- 001 – Building Permit Form (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- 006 – Self-Waiver – (Only if you are the homeowner and are signing the permit application.) (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- Building Inspector’s In-Floor Heat Condition Letter – 023 – is provided below for your information.
GEO-THERMAL - Are you installing a geo-thermal system?
If you’re installing a geo-thermal system as part of a new home construction project, be sure to note it on your plans/specs.
You’ll need to download and complete the following forms:
- 001 – Building Permit Form – (Only if this is the install of geo-thermal to an existing house.) (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- 006 – Self-Waiver – (Only if you are the homeowner and are signing the permit application.) (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- 009 – Geo-Thermal Energy Calcs form
- Building Inspector’s Geo-Thermal Condition Letter – 033 – is provided below for your information.
REMODELING - Are you remodeling an existing home?
You’ll need to download and complete the following forms:
(NOTE: This permit would be for interior remodeling only – that does not include an addition to the footprint of the structure.)
- 001 – Building Permit Form (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- 006 – Self-Waiver – (Only if you are the homeowner and are signing the permit application.) (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- Building Inspector’s Remodel Condition Letter – 028 – is provided below for your information.
- You’ll need to provide one hard copy of construction plans and related documents (not bid plans) AND one PDF copy. The Building Inspector can print your documents for you at a cost of 25 cents per page – 11 x 17 and smaller – or $5.00 per plot-sized page. (Size is dependent on level of detail on plans to be seen legibly.)
- If your remodeling includes a net increase in the number of bedrooms then you’ll need to either: A.) Provide a septic compliance report to the septic inspector (GGG) – showing that the septic system is large enough for the new net total of bedrooms; or B.) obtain a septic permit to enlarge the septic system. GGG Website
- Per Minnesota State Statute 1444.9501-144, if the structure being remodeled was built prior to 1978, you’ll need to list the name of a qualifying contractor or company with certification for lead abatement and their certification number.
RETAINING WALL - Are you building a retaining wall?
You’ll need to download and complete the following forms:
- 001 – Building Permit Form (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- 002 – Zoning Certificate (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- 006 – Self-Waiver – (Only if you are the homeowner and are signing the permit application.) (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- Building Inspector’s Retaining Wall Condition Letter – 024 – is provided below for your information.
- You’ll need to provide one hard copy of construction plans and related documents (not bid plans) AND one PDF copy. The Building Inspector can print your documents for you at a cost of 25 cents per page – 11 x 17 and smaller – or $5.00 per plot-sized page. (Size is dependent on level of detail on plans to be seen legibly.)
- For any retaining wall supporting more than 48” of unbalanced backfill the design of the wall must be created by an accepted engineering practice.
SOLAR - Are you installing roof mounted solar panels?
You’ll need to download and complete the following forms:
- 001 – Building Permit Form (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- 006 – Self-Waiver – (Only if you are the homeowner and are signing the permit application.) (Not required when applying via online portal.)
- Building Inspector’s Roof Solar Condition Letter – 030 – is provided below for your information.
- You’ll need to provide one hard copy of construction plans and related documents (not bid plans) AND one PDF copy. The Building Inspector can print your documents for you at a cost of 25 cents per page – 11 x 17 and smaller – or $5.00 per plot-sized page. (Size is dependent on level of detail on plans to be seen legibly.)
BUILDING PERMIT FORMS
001 - Building Permit Application
You will need this form for 99% of all building permit applications.
This form is not required when applying via online portal.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FORM
(If you are applying for an ag exemption building, you will NOT need this form.)
005 - Energy Compliance Additions
If you’re building an addition to a dwelling structure, you’ll need to provide this form. Again, many individuals will have their HVAC contractor complete this form.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FORM
009 - Geo-Thermal Energy Calcs
If you’re adding a geo-thermal system or geo-thermal is part of your new construction project you’ll need this form. Again, many individuals will have their HVAC contractor complete this form.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FORM
013 - Detached garage Constructiion Detail
If you’re building a detached garage and you don’t have formal plans you can use this form.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FORM
002 - Zoning Permit Application
You will need to provide zoning information for any building project that changes the footprint of the structure. I.E. an addition, a deck, a garage – even something as minor as adding a front step landing – requires a zoning permit application.
Keep in mind you must include – either on this form or a separate sheet – a complete and accurate site plan. That site plan must include the distances to the septic tank, septic field, well, and all property lines. If you are unsure of the required setbacks to these items call or email our office.
If you are building a new home in a platted subdivision in Rochester Township, you will also need a site plan created by an engineer. See form #003.
If applying online this form is not needed, but the site plan still needs to be uploaded in the portal.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FORM
006 - Self-Waiver Form
If you are signing the building permit application and you’re not a licensed contractor, you’ll need to provide this form. It simply states that you’re not a contractor and that you’re pulling this permit for yourself.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FORM
010 - Manufactured Homes - Professional Install
If you’re pulling a permit for a mobile home and it will be professionally installed – you’ll need to complete this form.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FORM
014 - Attached Garage Constructiion Detail
If you’re building an attached garage and you don’t have formal plans you can use this form.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FORM
003 - Rochester Grading Plan Application
If you are building a new home in a platted subdivision of Rochester Township you will need a site/grading plan, created by an engineer, that addresses all of the required information as listed on this application form. The site/grading plan will then be reviewed by the Rochester Township Engineer.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FORM
007 - Ag Exemption Form
If your property is “Classified” by the Assessor as “Agricultural” and you’re building an accessory structure that is strictly for agricultural use, you may qualify for an Ag Exemption permit. This is a $54 flat fee permit, and you can complete the forms and mail them to our office along with a check and we’ll mail the permit back. Or just stop in our office. Call if you have questions.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FORM
011 - Manufactured Homes -Homeowner Install
If you’re pulling a permit for a mobile home and you will be installing it yourself – you’ll need to complete this form.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FORM
015 - Deck Constructiion Detail
If you’re building a deck and you don’t have formal plans you can use this form.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FORM
004 - Energy & Mechanical Calcs - New Dwelling
If you are building a new home, you’ll need to provide the energy & mechanical calculations forms. Most individuals will have this completed by their HVAC contractor.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FORM
008 - Erosion and Sediment Control Policy
If you’re building a home in a platted subdivision of any of the TCPA Townships you must adhere to this policy.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FORM
012 - Post Frame Construction Detail
If you’re building a pole building and you don’t have formal plans you can utilize this form.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FORM
016 - Addition Constructiion Detail
If you’re building an addition and you don’t have formal plans you can use this form.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FORM
BUILDING INSPECTOR CONDITION LETTERS
The Building Inspector Condition letters provided below are not required as part of your application but provided here simply for your information. The Building Inspector may add certain conditions to your issued permit – those common conditions found at the links below. The Building Official also updates these condition letters on a regular basis.
ARE YOU READY TO APPLY ONLINE?
If you need help or some basic instructions for the online application process, click below.
If you have all the required forms completed and saved as PDFs and you have a complete set of digital building plans, you’re ready to apply online.
FLAT FEE – OVER-THE-COUNTER – PERMITS
APPLY & PAY FOR FLAT FEE PERMITS AND SCHEDULE INSPECTIONS – ALL RIGHT HERE
If this is your first time applying for a permit online, you’ll need to call CMS – Construction Management Services – to obtain an access code.
CMS – 507-282-8206
APPLY FOR A MAINTENANCE ITEM PERMIT – I.E. REPLACE A WATER HEATER OR FURNACE
APPLY FOR NON-MAINTENANCE ITEMS PERMIT – NEW ITEMS/FEATURES
SCHEDULE A MAINTENANCE ITEM INSPECTION
- Maintenance flat fee permits are for projects that are replacing existing items/features such as appliances, shingles, fireplaces, windows, etc.
- Non-maintenance flat fee permits are for projects that add new appliances or existing appliances that change fuel sources, such as fireplaces that change from electric to gas.
- Flat fee permit applications mailed in or dropped at our office must be pre-paid with cash or check for $125.00 for Maintenance permits or $137.00 for Non-maintenance flat fee permits.
- If you apply on-line – ABOVE – you may pay with credit card or ACH transfer.
- If you don’t want to use the on-line system you can still use the paper applications found below.
REPLACING FURNACE / AC
If you’re replacing a furnace and or AC unit – and you’re not applying online – you’ll need the following forms: (SEE ABOVE)
- 001 – Building Permit Form
- 032 – Building Inspector’s Over the Counter/Maintenance/Flat Fee Condition Letter
REPLACING/INSTALLING WATER HEATER
If you’re replacing or installing a water heater – and you’re not applying online – you’ll need the following forms: (SEE ABOVE)
- 001 – Building Permit Form
- 032 – Building Inspector’s Over the Counter/Maintenance/Flat Fee Condition Letter
REPLACING SIDING
If you’re replacing siding – and you’re not applying online – you’ll need the following forms: (SEE ABOVE)
- 001 – Building Permit Form
- 036 – Building Inspector’s Residing Condition Letter
REPLACING ROOFING
If you’re reroofing a building – and you’re not applying online – you’ll need the following forms: (SEE ABOVE)
- 001 – Building Permit Form
- 034 – Building Inspector’s Reroofing Condition Letter
REPLACING/INSTALLING GAS FIREPLACE
If you’re replacing or installing a gas fireplace – and you’re not applying online – you’ll need the following forms: (SEE ABOVE)
- 001 – Building Permit Form
- 032 – Building Inspector’s Over the Counter/Maintenance/Flat Fee Condition Letter
REPLACING/INSTALLING GAS LINE
If you’re replacing or installing a gas line – and you’re not applying online – you’ll need the following forms: (SEE ABOVE)
- 001 – Building Permit Form
- 032 – Building Inspector’s Over the Counter/Maintenance/Flat Fee Condition Letter
REPLACING WINDOWS AND/OR DOORS
If you’re replacing windows and/or doors – and you’re not applying online – you’ll need the following forms: (SEE ABOVE)
- 001 – Building Permit Form
- 035 – Building Inspector’s Windows and Doors Condition Letter
SEPTIC PERMITS
- Septic permits are issued by GGG Engineering in Chatfield, Minnesota. Submit septic designs and applications to GGG.
- New home constructions permits cannot be issued without a septic permit.
- Home addition projects that add bedrooms require a septic compliance check.
OTHER FORMS & APPLICATIONS
- If you are looking to subdivide a parcel of land you will most likely need to go through the metes and bounds process. Download and complete the application and call TCPA Staff at 507-529-0774 with any questions.
- Conditional Use Permits, Variances and Rezone applications all require public hearings and notification of neighboring property owners. You can download the application(s) here but you’ll want to call TCPA Staff at 507-529-0774 before applying.
- Addresses: for new addresses and modifications, please complete the form and return to our office.