Yes, ePermits are available for most residential and commercial projects. We do not accept credit card payments over the phone or via fax. Please contact Building Inspections at 952-882-2650 if you have any questions.

A building permit is only required for certain types of fences. Please refer to the fence handout for specific fence requirements.

If the wall is over 4 feet tall, a building permit is required. Engineering or manufacturer's specifications will also be required. The retaining wall may not encroach in the drainage of the property. Contact the the Engineering Division for questions related to drainage issues.

A building permit is only required for sheds that exceed 200 square feet in size. Contact the Planning Division for additional requirements or special permits that may apply.

No, electrical inspections are performed by the State Electrical Inspector, Justin Doebbling. His phone number is 612-643-1838. Inspections can be made online at jdinspectionsmn.com. Electrical permits can be obtained at the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry.

The City of Savage performs inspections only on active building permits. Refer to the Minnesota Attorney General Handbook for information on tenants rights and responsibilities.

The City of Savage cannot provide homeowners this type of inspection service. The City performs inspections on active permits only. Independent inspectors can be hired to do these types of troubleshooting inspections.

Smoke detectors are required for the entire house when remodeling or finishing a basement. Smoke detectors must be hard wired with battery backup in the newly remodeled areas. They should be interconnected whenever possible.

The purpose of a building permit is to provide minimum construction standards established by the International Code Council so as to provide safeguards for life or limb, health, property and welfare by regulating design, construction, materials, use and the type of occupancy of all buildings. A building permit must be obtained any time a building or structure is erected, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, converted or demolished. The average turn around time is 10 business days.

The Department of Commerce recommends the following steps before you hire a contractor.

• Call the Department of Labor & Industry at 651-284-5065 to see if the contractor is licensed or has been disciplined by the organization.
• Contact the Builders Association of the Twin Cities at 651-697-1954 or the Builders Association of Minnesota at 651-646-7959 to determine if the builder is a member.
• Contact the Better Business Bureau at 651-699-1111 to find out whether a particular contractor has had any complaints filed against him/her.
• Ask the contractor for references and call the references provided.
• Obtain a copy of the Minnesota Attorney General's publication called "Citizen's Guide to Home Building and Remodeling" by calling 651-296-3353 or 1-800-657-3787. This brochure also has information explaining mechanics liens.