Application

Read about the electronic plan (ePlan) submittal process

If you have questions about a plumbing permit application:

• Contact Minneapolis 311
• Ask them to set up a "permit question" case for you

Plumbing permit application

• See Plumbing permit application
• See Plumbing fee schedule
• See Plumbing plan submittal requirements

Many projects require more than one permit. To find out which permits you need for your project, contact Minneapolis 311.

Projects that need a permit

You need a plumbing permit to:

• Replace or install fixtures (e.g., sinks, showers and tubs)
• Replace or install water piping
• Replace or install a water heater
• Install a non-testable backflow preventer device
  Note: Testable backflow device is covered under the Regulated Backflow Assembly (RBA) Program
• Connect gas appliances (e.g., stoves, dryers or fireplaces) to gas piping

You need a mechanical permit to:

• Connect a furnace
  Note: A licensed contractor must get the permit and perform the work to connect the gas to the furnace. Find a licensed contractor 

Projects that do not need a permit

Minneapolis Construction Code Services waives the permit, inspection and testing requirements for certain plumbing work in one- and two-family dwellings.

You do not need a plumbing permit to:

• Reconnect an existing water supply line to a replacement appliance that:
  • Is a similar type
  • Does not involve the replacement or alteration of the existing water supply line
• Replace the internal working components of existing:
  • Closets
  • Faucets
  • Valves
• Replace sink faucets when the work does not include alterations to the existing plumbing piping system
• Replace or reset water closets (a room containing a flush toilet) when the work does not include alterations to the existing plumbing piping systems
• Replace a clean-out plug
• Do a minor repair of:
  • Broken drain, waste and vent pipes
  • Leaking fixtures
  • Leaking water pipes
• Reconnect or replace a dishwasher or ice maker
• Replace or install a new garbage disposal

Note that we waive permit requirements for the above as long as the plumbing work does not pose an unsanitary or hazardous condition.

For more information about exempt plumbing work , see Minnesota Plumbing Code MN Rules Chapter 1300.0215.

Emergency repairs

You can do an emergency repair without first getting the necessary permit. After you complete the work, you must get the permit within a reasonable timeframe.

Licensing requirements

A homeowner can apply for a permit to perform plumbing work on a property if they are the occupant of a:

• Single-family detached dwelling
• Single-family attached dwelling

Note: See the definition of single-family detached and attached dwellings in Minneapolis Code of Ordinances, Section 89.30.

See Minneapolis Ordinance Section 89.30

The City of Minneapolis issues licenses to plumbing contractors. A contractor applying for a license must either:

• Hold a City of Minneapolis Certificate of Competency at the master level
• Employ a tradesperson who holds this certification

Apply for a plumbing contractor business license

Business Assistance

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