Permits, Fees & Handouts

For questions on footings/foundations or slabs, please contact the Inspections Department at 507-457-8231.

For question or permits related to curb cuts or sidewalks, contact the Engineering Department at 507-457-8269.

Building permits are required for all decks that are more than 30” above adjacent grade or attached to a structure having frost footings. A permit is also required if the deck is part of an accessible route.

Step One: Review the Requirements

Please contact the Inspections Department to discuss your project and any required paperwork at 507-457-8231.

• All decks should be installed according to the current Minnesota Residential Code.
• Stairways, Handrails and Guardrails (PDF)

Step Two: Submit All Forms 

You must submit a building permit application and provide the information required in the residential deck handout in order to complete any deck projects.  An affidavit is required only if you do the work yourself. 

If hiring a contractor, please make sure that they are licensed. Please see link for Reasons to Hire a Contractor. 

Residential Deck Handout

• Residential Deck Handout/ Required Documentation (PDF)

Permit and Affidavit Form

• Building Permit Application (PDF)
• Affidavit Form (PDF)

The permit and affidavit form can be submitted electronically. You must download the applications and save them to your computer before being able to submit. 

Fees

A building permit fee, a deck plan review fee, and a state surcharge are required for all deck projects. 

Permits can be paid by check (payable to the City of Winona), cash, or credit/debit card (MasterCard or Visa).

Permit fees will be charged per the following fee schedule effective January 1, 2023, as adopted by the Winona City Council, City Code Chapter 51, Section 51.01.

A double permit fee will be added for all work being done without a permit.

Step Three: Plan Review

Plans will be reviewed by the Building Inspections Department for code compliance and returned in a reasonable amount of time. 

Construction must not begin until the code compliant plans are on site and a permit card is hung in a visible location.

Step Four: Schedule Inspections

The permit card will have specific instructions on what inspections are needed and what inspectors will be looking for. In general, required inspections for decks include:

1. Footing Inspection
2. Framing Inspection
3. Final Inspection

To schedule an inspection, please call 507-457-8231. A four-hour notice is required for all inspections. When calling for an inspection, please provide an address where the work is being done, a permit number, type of inspection, name, and phone number.

Note: Permits expire in 180 days after issuance if no work has been started. Permits also expire if work has started but then is suspended for more than 180 days.

General Reminders

• For any questions, contact the Inspections Department at 507-457-8231.
• There is a drop box located in the alley between City Hall and Bremer Bank where permits, payments, and documents that will fit can be dropped off. The drop box is open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday–Friday.

Demolition permits are required for the removal or razing of any permanent structures.

Step One: Review the Requirements

Please contact the Inspections Department to discuss your project and any required paperwork at 507-457-8231.

Step Two: Submit All Forms and Fees

To obtain a demolition permit, you must first complete a wrecking form and then complete a building permit application. An affidavit is required only if you do the work yourself. 

Wrecking Form

• Wrecking Form (PDF)

The wrecking form requires you to get signatures of approval from various utility companies and different departments within City Government. Paper copies can be obtained from the Inspections Department at City Hall.

The Inspections Department will be the last to sign off, and will not sign off until all other departments have. 

Once you receive all of the necessary signatures, you can fill out a building permit application to complete the demolition application process.

Building Permit and Affidavit Form

• Building Permit Application (PDF)
• Affidavit Form (PDF)

The building permit application and affidavit forms can be submitted electronically. You must download the applications and save them to your computer before being able to submit.

Fees

Permits can be paid by check (payable to the City of Winona), cash, or credit/debit card (MasterCard or Visa).

Permit fees will be charged per the following fee schedule effective January 1, 2023, as adopted by the Winona City Council, City Code Chapter 51, Section 51.01.

A double permit fee will be added for all work being done without a permit.

Step Three: Permit Approval

When your application is approved, you will be given a permit card by the Inspections Department. Demolition must not begin until a permit card is received.

Step Four: Schedule Inspections

The permit card will have specific instructions on what inspections are needed and what inspectors will be looking for. 

To schedule an inspection, please call 507-457-8231. A four-hour notice is required for all inspections. When calling for an inspection, please provide an address where the work is being done, permit number, type of inspection, name, and phone number.

Note: Permits expire in 180 days after issuance if no work has been started. Permits also expire if work has started but then is suspended for more than 180 days.

General Reminders

• For any questions, contact the Inspections Department at 507-457-8231.
• There is a drop box located in the alley between City Hall and Bremer Bank where permits, payments, and documents that will fit can be dropped off. The drop box is open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday–Friday.

Contact the State Electrical Inspector for any questions regarding electrical permits. The City of Winona Inspections Department does not issue or conduct any inspections of electrical permits. 

Shannon Merchlewitz: 507-730-2349

It is best to call during office hours, between 7 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Monday–Friday.

General Requirements

A request for electrical inspection shall be files with the Board of Electricity for “all” electrical wiring installations. Failure to do so is a punishable crime.

The request for electrical inspection should be acquired from the State Electrical Inspector listed above.

Wiring that is to be concealed “shall “be inspected before insulating or covering. Rough-in inspection requires “all” wires/boxes in place and “all” splices made. Do “not” install outlets/switches prior to rough-in inspection. Where wiring is concealed prior to rough-in inspection, the person responsible for concealing shall be responsible for all costs for removal of covering material.

Homeowner may install wiring only on premises he occupies as a residence or will occupy as a residence when complete.

Homeowner doing wiring should familiarize themselves with the necessary wiring methods and codes to properly install an electrical system. If your capabilities don’t allow for a proper, safe installation, contact a licenses Minnesota electrical contractor.

Electrical inspectors check the wiring system for compliance, but do not teach wiring.

The owner shall be responsible for contracting the electrical inspector for needed rough-in inspections and final inspections. Owner shall make provisions to be present for required inspections. Owner shall make provisions to pay the required fees at the time of inspection.

It is a punishable crime for any person to wire or advise another concerning electrical wiring without a Minnesota Electrical Contracting License. Individuals working for an electrical contractor may wire when working directly for that contractor, provided they have the proper supervision or license.

Licensed Electrical Contractors are required to file a request for electrical inspection for all wiring they do. The Electrical Contractor shall be responsible for requesting rough-in inspections. Wiring shall be inspected prior to concealment.

Helpful Links

Information on how to obtain an electrical permit from the State of Minnesota: https://www.dli.mn.gov/workers/homeowners/electrical-permits-homeowners

Minnesota State Statute 326B.36–When are Inspections Required: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/326B.36

Electrical inspection checklist and other information regarding electrical inspections and requirements for residential occupancies:   https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/eli_inspection_checklist2.pdf

Minnesota State Statute 326B.35–Safety Standards: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/326B.35

For fire sprinkler permits or information, please contact the
Winona Fire Department 507-457-8266
451 E 3rd Street
Winona, MN 55987

A final sprinkler inspection will need to be completed by the Fire Department before owner occupancy.

Building permits are required for construction of all new garages and accessory structures greater than 200 square feet, whether they are attached to the house or built as a detached structure. The Minnesota State Building Code differentiates between attached and detached garages; there are some differences in the requirements. 

Step One: Review the Requirements

Please contact the Inspections Department to discuss your project and any required paperwork at 507-457-8231.

• All garages should be installed according to the current Minnesota Residential Code.

Step Two: Submit All Forms and Fees

You must submit a building permit application and provide the information required in the residential garage handout in order to complete any garage projects. An affidavit is required only if you do the work yourself.

If hiring a contractor, please make sure that they are licensed. Please see link for Reasons to Hire a Contractor.

Residential Garage Handout

• Garage Handout/ Required Documentation (PDF)

Permit and Affidavit Form

• Building Permit Application (PDF)
• Affidavit Form (PDF)

The permit and affidavit form can be submitted electronically. You must download the applications and save them to your computer before being able to submit. 

Fees

A building permit fee, a garage plan review fee, and a state surcharge are required for all garage projects. 

Permits can be paid by check (payable to the City of Winona), cash, or credit/debit card (MasterCard or Visa).

Permit fees will be charged per the following fee schedule effective January 1, 2023, as adopted by the Winona City Council, City Code Chapter 51, Section 51.01.

A double permit fee will be added for all work being done without a permit.

Step Three: Plan Review

Plans will be reviewed by the Building Inspections Department for code compliance and returned in a reasonable amount of time. 

Construction must not begin until the code compliant plans are on site and a permit card is hung in a visible location.

Step Four: Schedule Inspections

The permit card will have specific instructions on what inspections are needed and what inspectors will be looking for. In general, required inspections for garages include:

1. Footing Inspection
2. Framing Inspection
3. Final Inspection

To schedule an inspection, please call 507-457-8231. A four-hour notice is required for all inspections. When calling for an inspection, please provide an address where the work is being done, permit number, type of inspection, name, and phone number.

Note: Permits expire in 180 days after issuance if no work has been started. Permits also expire if work has started but then is suspended for more than 180 days.

General Reminders

• For any questions, contact the Inspections Department at 507-457-8231.
• There is a drop box located in the alley between City Hall and Bremer Bank where permits, payments, and documents that will fit can be dropped off. The drop box is open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday–Friday.

Mechanical permits are required for all installations, replacements, additions, and alterations of anything that needs a gas hookup. This includes but is not limited to appliances, furnaces, boilers, water heaters.

Step One: Review the Requirements

Please contact the Inspections Department to discuss your project and any required paperwork at 507-457-8231.

• All mechanical work should be done in accordance with the current Minnesota Mechanical and Fuel Gas Code.

Pre-project meetings may be required for commercial mechanical permits (a MN Mechanical engineer stamp may be required).

Gas Contractor's License

Holders of a gas contractor's license shall be entitled to work at or engage in installing, altering, repairing or servicing gas burning equipment.

Installers must be employed by holder's of a gas contractor's license before installing, altering, repairing or servicing gas burning equipment.

All Gas Contractors and Installers must have a gas license with the City of Winona. A gas test is required. Test can be taken at the City of Winona Inspections Department anytime from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

There is a one time $11.00 charge for the test. The test can only be taken once per day. An application is also kept on file with the Inspections Department. Applications are renewed yearly in the spring. You will not have to re-take the test. If a contractor or installer fails to renew their license after one year, they will be required to take a test.

Contractor applications fees for 2022-2023 are $72.00. Installer's applications are $25.00.

Step Two: Submit All Forms and Fees

You must submit a mechanical permit application in order to complete any mechanical work. An affidavit is required only if you do the work yourself. 

A homeowner can apply for Mechanical permits to work on his or her own home. The permit applicant must be the currently listed owner.

A Mechanical Contractor (properly bonded with the State of MN) must apply for a mechanical permit for homes that are not owner occupied. This includes all rentals.

If hiring a contractor, please make sure that they are licensed. Please see link for Reasons to Hire a Contractor.

All Mechanical Contractors must file a $25,000 mechanical contractor bond with the Minnesota Department of Labor in order to perform gas, heating, ventilation, cooling, fuel burning, AC or refrigeration work in Minnesota. You can find information on the State's website at www.dli.mn.gov.

Mechanical Permit and Affidavit Form

• Mechanical Permit Application (PDF)
• Affidavit Form (PDF)

The permit and affidavit form can be submitted electronically. You must download the applications and save them to your computer before being able to submit.

Permit fees will be charged per the following fee schedule effective January 1, 2023, as adopted by the Winona City Council, City Code Chapter 51, Section 51.01. 

Fees 

• Mechanical Fees (PDF)

Specific fees for your project will be verified by the Inspections Department.

Permits can be paid by check (payable to the City of Winona), cash, or credit/debit card (MasterCard or Visa).

A double permit fee will be added for all work being done without a permit.

Step Three: Permit Approval

When your application is approved, you will be given a permit card by the Inspections Department. Mechanical work must not begin until a permit card is received.

Step Four: Schedule Inspections

The permit card will have specific instructions on what inspections are needed and what inspectors will be looking for.

In general, required inspections for mechanical include:

1. Gas line air
2. Gas line piping
3. Final inspection

To schedule an inspection, please call 507-457-8231. A four-hour notice is required for all inspections. When calling for an inspection, please provide an address where the work is being done, permit number, type of inspection, name, and phone number.

Note: Permits expire in 180 days after issuance if no work has been started. Permits also expire if work has started but then is suspended for more than 180 days.

General Reminders

• For any questions, contact the Inspections Department at 507-457-8231.
• There is a drop box located in the alley between City Hall and Bremer Bank where permits, payments, and documents that will fit can be dropped off. The drop box is open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday–Friday.

Moving permits are needed for moving any building or part of a building along or across any public street or ground.

Step One: Review the Requirements

Please contact the Inspections Department to discuss your project and any required paperwork at 507-457-8231.

Step Two: Submit All Forms and Fees

You must submit a moving permit application (which includes a permit approval and notification form) in order to move any structures. An affidavit is required only if you do the work yourself. 

Moving Permit (With Permit Approval and Notification Form)

• Moving Permit Application (PDF)

The permit approval and notification form requires you to get signatures from various utility companies and different departments within City Government. 

The Inspections Department will be the last to sign off, and will not sign off until all other departments have. A permit will not be issued without a completed permit approval and notification form.

Once you receive all of the necessary signatures, you can fill out a moving permit application to complete the process.

Moving permit applications and permit approval and notification forms have to be done on paper and submitted in person. Paper copies can be obtained from the Inspections Department at City Hall.

Affidavit Form

• Affidavit Form (PDF)

The affidavit form can be submitted electronically. You must download the form and save it to your computer before being able to submit. 

Fees

Permits can be paid by check (payable to the City of Winona), cash, or credit/debit card (MasterCard or Visa).

A double permit fee will be added for all work being done without a permit.

Step Three: Permit Approval

When your application is approved, you will be given a permit card by the Inspections Department. No structure may be moved until a permit card is received.

Step Four: Schedule Inspections

The permit card will have specific instructions on what inspections are needed and what inspectors will be looking for. 

To schedule an inspection, please call 507-457-8231. A four-hour notice is required for all inspections. When calling for an inspection, please provide an address where the work is being done, permit number, type of inspection, name, and phone number.

Note: Permits expire in 180 days after issuance if no work has been started. Permits also expire if work has started but then is suspended for more than 180 days.

General Reminders

• For any questions, contact the Inspections Department at 507-457-8231.
• There is a drop box located in the alley between City Hall and Bremer Bank where permits, payments, and documents that will fit can be dropped off. The drop box is open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday–Friday.

Plumbing permits are required for all installations, repairs, or replacements of all plumbing and plumbing fixtures. A plumbing permit also allows for additional fixtures to be installed, moved, or changed for 6 months after the permit is issued. 

A licensed master plumber may make minor repairs on an approved installed fixture without a permit.

Step One: Review the Requirements

Please contact the Inspections Department to discuss your project and any required paperwork at 507-457-8231.

• All plumbing shall be installed in accordance with the most current Plumbing Code.
  
• Commercial projects may require a State Plan Review that must be approved before a permit will be issued. See the Plan Review Checklist (PDF) to determine if a State Plan Review is needed. 

Step Two: Submit All Forms and Fees

You must submit a plumbing permit application in order to perform any plumbing work. An affidavit is required only if you do the work yourself. The permit applicant must be the currently listed property owner. 

If hiring a contractor, please make sure that they are licensed. Please see link for Reasons to Hire a Contractor. A licensed plumbing contractor (properly licensed with the State of Minnesota) must take out any plumbing permits for work being done in non-owner occupied residences. This also applies to all rental properties.

Plumbing Permit and Affidavit Form

• Plumbing Permit Application (PDF)
• Affidavit Form (PDF)

The permit and affidavit form can be submitted electronically. You must download the applications and save them to your computer before being able to submit.

Permit fees will be charged per the following fee schedule effective January 1, 2023, as adopted by the Winona City Council, City Code Chapter 51, Section 51.01. 

Fees

• Plumbing Fees (PDF)

Permits can be paid by check (payable to the City of Winona), cash, or credit/debit card (MasterCard or Visa).

A double permit fee will be added for all work being done without a permit.

Step Three: Permit Approval

When your application is approved, you will be given a permit card by the Inspections Department. Plumbing work must not begin until a permit card is received.

Step Four: Schedule Inspections

The permit card will have specific instructions on what inspections are needed and what inspectors will be looking for. 

To schedule an inspection, please call 507-457-8231. A four-hour notice is required for all inspections. When calling for an inspection, please provide an address where the work is being done, permit number, type of inspection, name, and phone number.

Note: Permits expire in 180 days after issuance if no work has been started. Permits also expire if work has started but then is suspended for more than 180 days.

General Reminders

• For any questions, contact the Inspections Department at 507-457-8231.
• There is a drop box located in the alley between City Hall and Bremer Bank where permits, payments, and documents that will fit can be dropped off. The drop box is open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday–Friday.

Step One: Review the Requirements

Please contact the Inspections Department to discuss your project and any required paperwork at 507-457-8231.

• All pools shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
• Private Pool Setback Requirements (PDF)

Step Two: Submit All Forms and Fees

You must submit a building permit and the manufacturer's instructions in order to install pools. An affidavit is required only if you do the work yourself.

Building Permit, Affidavit Form, and Other Information

• Building Permit Application (PDF)
• Affidavit Form (PDF)
• You must also submit manufacturer's instructions

The permit and affidavit form can be submitted electronically. You must download the applications and save them to your computer before being able to submit. 

Fees

Permits can be paid by check (payable to the City of Winona), cash, or credit/debit card (MasterCard or Visa).

Permit fees will be charged per the following fee schedule effective January 1, 2023, as adopted by the Winona City Council, City Code Chapter 51, Section 51.01.

A double permit fee will be added for all work being done without a permit.

Step Three: Permit Approval

When your application is approved, you will be given a permit card by the Inspections Department. Pool construction must not begin until a permit card is received.

Step Four: Schedule Inspections

The permit card will have specific instructions on what inspections are needed.

To schedule an inspection, please call 507-457-8231. A four-hour notice is required for all inspections. When calling for an inspection, please provide an address where the work is being done, a permit number, type of inspection, name, and phone number.

Note: Permits expire in 180 days after issuance if no work has been started. Permits also expire if work has started but then is suspended for more than 180 days.

General Reminders

• For any questions, contact the Inspections Department at 507-457-8231.
• There is a drop box located in the alley between City Hall and Bremer Bank where permits, payments, and documents that will fit can be dropped off. The drop box is open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday–Friday.

Permits are required for new/re-roofing projects, new/replacement windows, and siding. Some roofing projects and siding projects will not need a permit if it’s just for minor repairs. Please call the Inspections Department if doing minor repairs to see if a permit is needed at 507-457-8231.

Step One: Review the Requirements

Please contact the Inspections Department to discuss your project and any required paperwork at 507-457-8231.

• All roofing/windows/siding projects shall be done according to the most recent Minnesota Residential Code (residential) or Minnesota State Building Code (commercial).

Step Two: Submit All Forms and Fees

You must submit a roofing/windows/siding permit application in order to complete any roofing/windows/siding projects. An affidavit is required only if you do the work yourself.

If hiring a contractor, please make sure that they are licensed. Please see link for Reasons to Hire a Contractor.

Roofing/Windows/Siding Permit and Affidavit Form

• Roofing/Windows/Siding (PDF)
• Affidavit Form (PDF)

The permit and affidavit form can be submitted electronically. You must download the applications and save them to your computer before being able to submit.

Fees

Permits can be paid by check (payable to the City of Winona), cash, or credit/debit card (MasterCard or Visa).

Permit fees will be charged per the following fee schedule effective January 1, 2023, as adopted by the Winona City Council, City Code Chapter 51, Section 51.01.

A double permit fee will be added for all work being done without a permit.

Step Three: Permit Approval

When your application is approved, you will be given a permit card by the Inspections Department. Work must not begin until a permit card is received.

Step Four: Schedule Inspections

The permit card will have specific instructions on what inspections are needed and what inspectors will be looking for. In general, required inspections for roofing, windows, and siding include:

1. Ice/water (roofing)
2. Final Inspection

To schedule an inspection, please call 507-457-8231. A four-hour notice is required for all inspections. When calling for an inspection, please provide an address where the work is being done, permit number, type of inspection, name, and phone number.

Note: Permits expire in 180 days after issuance if no work has been started. Permits also expire if work has started but then is suspended for more than 180 days.

General Reminders

• For any questions, contact the Inspections Department at 507-457-8231.
• There is a drop box located in the alley between City Hall and Bremer Bank where permits, payments, and documents that will fit can be dropped off. The drop box is open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday–Friday.

Solar permits are required for all roof or ground mount solar installations.

Step One: Review the Requirements

Please contact the Inspections Department to discuss your project and any required paperwork at 507-457-8231.

• All solar projects shall be done according to the current Minnesota Residential Code (residential) or Minnesota State Building Code (commercial).
• Structural drawings are required for solar installations.
• Please see the Solar Permit Checklist (PDF) for a detailed project list.

Step Two: Submit All Forms and Fees

You must submit a solar permit application (which includes a permit approval and notification form) for all solar installations. An affidavit is required only if you do the work yourself.

If hiring a contractor, please make sure that they are licensed. Please see link for Reasons to Hire a Contractor.

Solar Permit and Affidavit Form

• Solar Application (PDF)
• Affidavit Form (PDF)
• You must also submit structural drawings.

The permit and affidavit form can be submitted electronically. You must download the applications and save them to your computer before being able to submit.

Fees

Permits can be paid by check (payable to the City of Winona), cash, or credit/debit card (MasterCard or Visa).

Permit fees will be charged per the following fee schedule effective January 1, 2023, as adopted by the Winona City Council, City Code Chapter 51, Section 51.01.

A double permit fee will be added for all work being done without a permit.

Step Three: Permit Approval

When your application is approved, you will be given a permit card by the Inspections Department. Solar work must not begin until a permit card is received.

Step Four: Schedule Inspections

The permit card will have specific instructions on what inspections are needed and what inspectors will be looking for. 

To schedule an inspection, please call 507-457-8231. A four-hour notice is required for all inspections. When calling for an inspection, please provide an address where the work is being done, permit number, type of inspection, name, and phone number.

Note: Permits expire in 180 days after issuance if no work has been started. Permits also expire if work has started but then is suspended for more than 180 days.

General Reminders

• For any questions, contact the Inspections Department at 507-457-8231.
• There is a drop box located in the alley between City Hall and Bremer Bank where permits, payments, and documents that will fit can be dropped off. The drop box is open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Miscellaneous Fees

This document includes more building fees that do not fit into one of the other categories.

• Miscellaneous Fees (PDF)