BuildingPermitCost How Blaine calculates your permit fee
The city charges a building permit fee using a fee table based on project value, with a $75.00 minimum. Plan review is a separate charge: 65% of the permit fee.
The fee table
| Project value | Fee |
|---|---|
| $1 – $500 | $75.00 |
| $501 – $2,000 | $40.00 for the first $500 + $2.25 per additional $100 or fraction |
| $2,001 – $25,000 | $73.75 for the first $2,000 + $14.75 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
| $25,001 – $50,000 | $413.00 for the first $25,000 + $10.75 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
| $50,001 – $100,000 | $681.75 for the first $50,000 + $7.50 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
| $100,001 – $500,000 | $1,056.75 for the first $100,000 + $6.00 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
| $500,001 – $1,000,000 | $3,456.75 for the first $500,000 + $5.00 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
| Over $1,000,000 | $5,956.75 for the first $1,000,000 + $4.00 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
What counts as project value
Not stated in the schedule. Building permits are 'Determined by total valuation'. The schedule refers to a 'current city valuation table' (for basement finishes) but does not publish it or say how total valuation is set for new construction.
Worked example: a $350,000 new home
- Building permit fee: $1,056.75 for the first $100,000.00 + $6.00 × 250 per $1,000.00 over = $2,556.75
- Plan review fee: 65% of $2,556.75 = $1,661.89
- Total before trade permits: $4,218.64.
Fees people miss
May also apply (not in the totals above)
- Contractor license verification fee: when a residential permit requires a licensed contractor; $5.00 on the standard projects.
- Certificate of occupancy (when part of issued permit): when a certificate of occupancy is issued as part of the permit (e.g. a new dwelling); $20.00 on the standard projects.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Minnesota state surchargeWhen: state surcharge, rate not in city schedule | |
| Plan review of revision after permit issuanceWhen: revisions after permit issuance | $100.00 per hour |
| Escrow, new single-family home constructionWhen: new single-family home | $5,000.00 escrow |
| Re-inspectionWhen: re-inspection required | $100.00 each |
| Work started without a proper permitWhen: work started without permit | double permit fee |
| Blaine sewer access charge, residentialWhen: new sewer connection | $327.00 per unit |
| Water access charge, residentialWhen: new water connection | $1,910.00 per unit |
| Erosion control inspection fee (commercial & industrial building permits)When: commercial or industrial building permit | $250.00 each |
How to apply
- Gather your plans and your project's total value.
- Submit to Building Inspections Department, City of Blaine.
- Pay the permit and plan review fees when invoiced.