MN Rules, Chapter 1300.0120 Subp. 4 lists the following exemptions:
- Building:
- one-story detached accessory structures, used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet;
- fences not over seven feet high;
- oil derricks;
- retaining walls that are not over four feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or III-A liquids;
- water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1;
- sidewalks and driveways that are not part of an accessible route;
- decks and platforms not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not attached to a structure with frost footings and which is not part of an accessible route;
- painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work;
- temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery;
- prefabricated swimming pools installed entirely above ground accessory to dwelling units constructed to the provisions of the International Residential Code or R-3 occupancies constructed to the provisions of the International Building Code, which do not exceed both 5,000 gallons in capacity and a 24-inch depth;
- window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support, when constructed under the International Residential Code or Group R-3 and Group U occupancies constructed to the provisions of the International Building Code;
- movable cases, counters, and partitions not over five feet, nine inches in height; and
- swings and other playground equipment.
Unless otherwise exempted, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits are required for subitems (1) to (13).
- Gas:
- portable heating, cooking, or clothes drying appliances;
- replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make the equipment unsafe; and
- portable fuel cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are interconnected to a power grid.
- Mechanical:
- portable heating appliances;
- portable ventilation appliances and equipment;
- portable cooling units;
- steam, hot, or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code;
- replacement of any part that does not alter approval of equipment or make the equipment unsafe;
- portable evaporative coolers;
- self-contained refrigeration systems containing ten pounds or less of refrigerant or that are actuated by motors of one horsepower or less; and
- portable fuel cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.
- Electrical:
A municipality must not require an electrical permit if the work falls under the jurisdiction of the commissioner or if the work is exempt from inspection under Minnesota Statutes, section326B.36, subdivision 7. This exemption does not exempt the work from other State Building Code requirements relating to electrical equipment.In addition, MN Rules, Chapter 1300.0215 allows for the following plumbing work to be completed without a plumbing permit:Unless the plumbing work poses an unsanitary or hazardous condition, the administrative authority is authorized to waive the permit, inspection, and testing requirements for the following plumbing work performed in one- and two-family dwellings:- the reconnection of an existing water supply line to a replacement appliance that does not involve the replacement or alteration of the existing water supply line;
- replacement of the internal working components of existing water closets, faucets, or valves;
- replacement of sink faucets when the work does not include alterations to the existing plumbing piping system; or
- replacement or resetting of water closets when the work does not include alterations to the existing plumbing piping systems.
