Permit guide

Deck permits in Minnesota

Most decks in the Twin Cities need a building permit. Here is what the state code says and where to find your city's rules.

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When you need a permit

Under the Minnesota State Building Code, a deck needs a building permit if:

Cities can add rules. St. Paul, for example, also requires a permit when the deck is the landing outside an exterior door, and decks more than 24 inches off the ground must meet zoning setbacks and lot coverage limits.

Footings go at least 42 inches deep

In the Twin Cities, deck footings must reach at least 42 inches below grade. That puts them below the frost line, so the ground can't heave the deck in winter. Freestanding decks and very low decks can have different rules, so ask your city.

Deck footing cross-section A deck post sits on a concrete footing that goes at least 42 inches below grade, below the frost line. 42 in. minimum Deck boards Ledger bolted to the house Beam Post Grade Concrete footing Frost line
Not to scale. In the Twin Cities, footings must reach at least 42 inches below grade so frost can't heave the deck. Some cities, like Eagan, want any engineered footing, such as a Diamond Pier, named on the plans.

Who pulls the permit

Normally the builder. Ask before you sign and make sure the permit is in the quote.

Check the builder's license

Minnesota requires a residential building contractor or remodeler license for contractors who do more than one kind of work for a homeowner, which covers most deck jobs. You can look up any license on the Department of Labor and Industry website. Ask for proof of insurance too.

Your city's rules

CityPermit info from the city
MinneapolisMinneapolis wood deck guidelines (PDF, 2025)
St. PaulSt. Paul deck handout (PDF)
BloomingtonBloomington residential deck handout (PDF)
PlymouthPlymouth residential building permits
Maple GroveMaple Grove deck plans handout (PDF)
WoodburyWoodbury building permits and inspections
Eden PrairieEden Prairie building inspections
EaganEagan deck handout (PDF)
BurnsvilleBurnsville deck building requirements (PDF)
LakevilleLakeville deck handout (PDF)
EdinaEdina residential decks handout (PDF)
MinnetonkaMinnetonka deck permit checklist
BlaineBlaine decks, porches and repairs
Coon RapidsCoon Rapids residential decks handout (PDF)
Apple ValleyApple Valley deck permits
ShakopeeShakopee building inspection and permits
Prior LakePrior Lake building inspections
ChanhassenChanhassen building permits
StillwaterStillwater building inspections
White Bear LakeWhite Bear Lake building permits
RosevilleRoseville: what you need to build a deck
MaplewoodMaplewood deck permits
Cottage GroveCottage Grove deck permit supplement (PDF)
Lake ElmoLake Elmo decks and the state building code
RichfieldRichfield decks handout (PDF)
Golden ValleyGolden Valley decks handout (PDF)

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm with your city before you build.

Sources: St. Paul, when is a permit required (PDF) · Minneapolis, decks and building permits (PDF) · Bloomington, residential deck handout (PDF) · Golden Valley, decks handout (PDF) · Minnesota DLI, residential contractor licensing

Questions

Do I need a permit for a deck in Minnesota?

Usually. Under the Minnesota State Building Code, a deck needs a building permit if it is more than 30 inches above the ground or attached to the house or another structure with frost footings. Cities can add rules.

How deep do deck footings need to be in Minnesota?

At least 42 inches below grade in the Twin Cities and southern Minnesota, below the frost line. Northern Minnesota requires deeper footings. Ask your city.

Do I need a permit to replace deck boards?

Rules vary by city. Some treat a full re-deck as a repair, others want a permit. Call your city's building department before you start.

Who pulls the permit, me or the builder?

Normally the builder. Ask before you sign, and make sure the permit is in the quote.

Do small, low decks need a permit?

Often not, if the deck is 30 inches or less off the ground and not attached to the house. Some cities still require a zoning permit or setbacks.

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