Shed Permit Requirements in St. Paul, MN

Uses Minnesota State Building Code. State capital. Licensed trades required.

By Joey, Founder · Last verified March 29, 2026 · How we research →

Population: 311,527 Code: 2015 Verified: 2026-03-29 3 local rules

When you don’t need a Shed permit in St. Paul

Exempt·Rule 1

Accessory structures (sheds) 120 sq ft or less are generally exempt from a building permit.

SourceMinnesota State Building Code (based on 2012 IRC with amendments)

When you need a Shed permit in St. Paul

Required·Rule 1

Sheds over 120 sq ft require a building permit.

Estimated Fee$70 – $285
Typical Timelineabout 2 weeks
SourceMinnesota State Building Code (based on 2012 IRC with amendments)
Required·Rule 2

Sheds with electrical wiring require an electrical permit regardless of size.

Estimated Fee$50 – $140
Typical Timelineabout 1 week
SourceMinnesota State Building Code (based on 2012 IRC with amendments)

Shed Permit Costs: St. Paul vs. Nearby

St. Paul comes in on the low side for Minnesota. You're looking at $50 – $285 here, compared to the state average of $77 – $265.

CityEstimated Fee
St. Paul $50 – $285
Minneapolis $50 – $300
Rochester $125 – $550
Bloomington $40 – $255

Fees shown are estimates based on local building code data. Actual fees may vary based on project scope and valuation. See all St. Paul permit costs →

Zoning & HOA Considerations

Zoning

Sheds may be subject to zoning setback requirements and lot coverage limits. Placement near property lines or in front yards may require zoning approval.

HOA Communities

If you live in an HOA community: many HOAs restrict or prohibit outbuildings. Check your CC&Rs for rules on shed size, placement, materials, and appearance before purchasing or building.

Estimated Project Timeline in St. Paul

Here's a typical timeline for a shed project in St. Paul, MN:

Week 1
Get quotes & finalize design
Contact licensed contractors, get 3+ quotes, finalize project scope and drawings (plan drawings required).
Week 2
Prepare permit documents
Contractor prepares site plan, construction drawings, and permit application. Gather required documents per your city's checklist.
Week 3
Submit permit application
Your contractor submits the application to St. Paul's building department, apply online here.
Week 4-5
Plan review & approval
Typical processing time in St. Paul: about 2 weeks. Plan review examiner checks drawings for code compliance.
Week 6+
Construction & inspections
Post the permit card on site. Work begins. Schedule inspections at required stages (varies by project). Final inspection required before closing the permit.

Timeline is based on St. Paul's typical about 2 weeks permit processing time. Actual timelines vary by project complexity, completeness of application, and current department workload.

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Building Department Contact

NameDepartment of Safety and Inspections
Address375 Jackson St, Suite 220, St. Paul, MN 55101
HoursMon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm

Frequently Asked Questions

Estimated permit fees for Shed projects in St. Paul, MN range from $50 – $285. Fees vary based on project scope and valuation.

It depends on the specifics of your project. Some smaller Shed projects may be exempt from permit requirements, while larger ones typically require a permit. Use our free lookup tool to check your specific situation.

Working without a required permit in St. Paul can result in fines, stop-work orders, being required to remove completed work, and complications when selling your home. It's always best to check first.

Typical approval time for Shed permits in St. Paul is about 2 weeks. More complex projects may take longer if plan review is required.

If you live in an HOA community, you may need architectural review approval in addition to a building permit. HOA rules and city building codes are separate, you may need to satisfy both. Review your CC&Rs and submit to your HOA's architectural review committee before starting work.

Learn More About Shed Permits

Read our complete guide covering permit requirements, costs, common exemptions, and the application process.

Read Shed Guide →

Estimate your permit fees →

Disclaimer: This information was last verified on 2026-03-29. Building permit requirements may change. Zoning requirements (setbacks, lot coverage, height limits) are separate and vary by location. Always confirm with your local building and planning departments before starting your project. PermitMint provides general guidance, not legal advice.