Building Inspections

The Community Development Department is responsible for administering the Minnesota State Building Code guide (PDF) . Through permitting and inspections, the City ensures that construction and remodeling projects within the City have the appropriate permits and meet the minimum standards of the Minnesota State Building Code.

What is a building permit?

A building permit is legal permission to conduct certain types of construction activities. A permit allows the City to review the proposed project, plans, and conduct inspections throughout the project. Not only is the City legally obligated to do this under Minnesota Statute, it also ensures that buildings are constructed safely.

When is a permit required?

Permits are usually required for the following:

New buildings
Additions
Decks
Garages
Accessory structures (sheds, etc.)
Plumbing
HVAC
Water heaters
Building renovations (including framing and sheetrock)
Windows
Porches
Interior Renovations Involving framing, Sheetrock, or other significant work

For details, read the Permit-Required-English.pdf(PDF, 193KB). For Spanish, read Permit-Requirements-Spanish.pdf(PDF, 49KB).

If you do not see the type of work listed, contact the Community Development Department by phone at 507-372-8640 or by email at community.development@ci.worthington.mn.us.

Apply for a building permit online

Applications for a building permit can be submitted online at the portal below. Users will need login to an existing account or create a new account. Once the application is successfully submitted, City Staff will review, provide comments or request additional information. Fees will be calculated and a notification will be sent back to the user when ready to be paid (you should receive a notification to the email address associated with your account).

*Link Coming Soon*

Please be aware, this online portal is new. If you encounter issues or have questions please don't hesitate to call the City. For new construction or complex renovation projects we recommend contacting City Staff prior to submitting an application online.

Frequently Asked Question

Do I need to hire a contractor or can I do the work myself?

A homeowner can do the work themselves on their personal home. If you are not confident in your abilities or knowledge of how to complete the project, it is recommended you hire a contractor. Homeowners doing their own work must obtain the necessary permits and are responsible for ensuring the work meets Minnesota Building Code Standards.

A landlord can do everything except for plumbing and electrical work on any rental property. Licensed contractors must be hired in order to do plumbing or electrical work. A bonded mechanical contractor is required to do HVAC work on multi-unit (greater than 4 unit) rental properties.

You are required to hire a licensed contractor if you are improving a home for re-sale or speculation ("flipping").

If the building is a commercial building, the owner may do the work without hiring a contractor and without a license. Exceptions to this include plumbing, mechanical, and electrical work that must be performed by licensed (or bonded in the case HVAC) contractors.

Are contractors required to be licensed?

Yes, Minnesota law requires residential builders, remodelers, and roofers to be licensed. License numbers begin with "BC" (building contractor), "CR" (remodeler), or "RR" (roofer). Plumbing licenses start with "PB". Mechanical contractors are not required to be licensed but are required to file a mechanical contractor bond with the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry. They are generally assigned a number that begins with "MB".

Electricians must be licensed as well. For information on electrical license, visit: https://www.dli.mn.gov/workers/electrician-or-electrical-installer/electrical-licensing-basics

Some contractors may have an "IR" or registration number with the State. An "IR" is not a license. This registration process is an exemption that exists primarily for subcontractors or specialty contractors who provide only one skill.

You can verify if a contractor is licensed though the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry's website here: https://www.dli.mn.gov/business/residential-contractors-remodelers-roofers or by calling the City.

Contractors are required by State Law to include their license number on an contracts and in any advertising including online or physical advertisements (including trailers). Unlicensed contractors should be reported to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry here: https://www.dli.mn.gov/business/residential-contractors/residential-building-contractor-complaints or by reporting them to the City.

Possible "Red Flags" or indicators the contractor may not be be reliable or following the law include:

-Refusing to provide a license number.

-Asking you to obtain a permit for the project under your name.

-Their vehicles or trailers bearing their name/logo are not accompanied by a license number.

-Refusing to provide a written estimate or contract.

-Promising to complete a job at an unusually low price compared to others or only working on the project at night or on the weekends.

-Requires full payment before beginning work (some upfront payment, especially for materials is common).

For additional tips on hiring contractors please visit: https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/rbc_consumer_contractor.pdf