Construction Services & Inspections

Backflow Preventer Program

In accordance with the 2020 Minnesota Plumbing Code, the following devices are considered to be Regulated Backflow Preventers:

• Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) Backflow Prevention Assembly (ASSE 1020)
• Spill Resistant Pressure Vacuum Breaker (SRVB) Assembly (ASSE 1056)
• Reduced Pressure Principal (RP) Backflow Prevention Assembly and Reduced Pressure Principal Fire Protection (RP) Backflow Prevention Assembly (ASSE 1013)
• Reduced Pressure Detector Fire Protection (RP) Backflow Prevention Assembly (ASSE 1047)
• Double Check (DC) Valve Backflow Prevention Assembly and Double Check (DC) Fire Protection Backflow Prevention Assembly (ASSE 1015)
• Double Check (DC) Detector Fire Protection Backflow Prevention Assembly (ASSE 1048)

In order to install or remove a device listed above, a State of Minnesota licensed plumbing contractor must obtain a plumbing permit.  These devices require testing by a State-Certified Backflow Preventer Tester at the time of installation and annually thereafter in accordance with Minnesota Statute 326B.437 and Chapter 6 of the MN Plumbing Code.  A backflow preventer test permit must also be submitted to the City of Duluth to record the initial testing and annual testing of these devices along with an initial and annual program administration fee by December 31 of each calendar year.

Commercial building construction usually requires preparation of plans and documents by a Minnesota licensed architect which are submitted for review by CSI. The Commercial Building Intake Checklist for Commercial & 3+ Multi-Family Residential form provides a list of all submittal requirements for commercial building construction.

We strongly encourage pre-review meetings with the architect, owner, and CSI staff during the design development phase of commercial construction projects.

Commercial Re-Roofing Permits

Plans and specifications for new roof structures shall be prepared and certified by a licensed design professional in accordance with the Minnesota State Building Code (MSBC).

When the project is limited to the replacement of roofing material only on a sloped roof, as is necessary periodically for maintenance, the roof covering shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and the MSBC.

When the project involves any of the following:

1. Low sloped roof(s)
2. Change to the type of roofing material
3. Alteration or replacement of decking, or
4. Addition of insulation R-value,

a Minnesota licensed structural engineer shall provide a certified report of the roof’s compliance with the Minnesota State Building Code requirements for roof assemblies and structural design. If needed, plans and/or specifications prepared and certified by the structural engineer for work required to achieve compliance with the code shall be submitted. The report is required for the issuance of a building permit for reroofing. 

If the roof structure is capable of supporting the code required loads (dead and live), compliance with Minnesota Rules, Chapter 1323 Minnesota Commercial Energy Code will also be required.

If the roof structure is not capable of supporting the code required loads (dead and live), the structural capacity and insulation requirements will be dealt with on a case by case basis.

Commercial Window Replacement Plan Review

Permits are required for all window replacements, including in commercial buildings. 

Plan review of plans prepared by a MN licensed design professional is required for replacement windows.

Exceptions

1. The replacement window(s) is the largest standard size that will fit in existing frame or rough opening or the building is fully sprinklered and,

2. The replacement window(s) is the same operating style as the existing window(s) (ie: double hung, casement, awning, etc.) or the building is fully sprinklered and,

3. Existing openable window(s) are being replaced with openable windows and,

4. Projection of new windows does not overhang beyond the property line when opened and,

5. No required exterior exit stairways or ramps are located within 10 feet vertically or horizontally of replacement windows and,

6. The building is not a foster care or day care facility registered by the state of Minnesota.

In Group R occupancies, replacement windows must comply with MN State Building Code requirements for emergency escape and rescue openings.

COMMERCIAL WRECKING PERMIT APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Application for commercial wrecking permits need to include the following:

1. Building permit application (link provided above).
2. Site plan.
3. A narrative or drawings showing the wrecking process and any special item with the site, such as historic designations.
4. Any special items, such as fill, fall guards or special treatment of site, which are needed at the site, should be documented in this submission.
5. Contractors obtaining permits for wrecking structures must provide bonding and insurance in accordance with Duluth Legislative Code Section 10-4.  See Wrecking and Moving Permits Bonding and Insurance Requirements handout (link provided above) in the Construction Services & Inspections for more information. Bonding and insurance requirements must be reviewed and approved by the City prior to the issuance of the wrecking permit.
6. Any sewer, water and gas services cut off shall be the responsibility of the permit holder in accordance with the regulations of the City of Duluth and under their supervision. Telephone and electric service shall be terminated under the supervision of the utility company owning the service. Adherence to the City of Duluth Specifications for cutting off and/or plugging of old unused water wells, water, gas and sewer services shall be required. Before commencing work, the permit holder shall verify that all utility services have been shut off and disconnected at the curb or the main according to City Engineering requirements. The City Engineering must approve the utility-cut offs (link provided above) prior to the issuance of the wrecking permit.

Please Note: Guards or any construction items needed, as a result of the building being removed, will require a separate building permit.

Review for wrecking permits are typically 1 to 2 weeks depending on the complexity of the project & how removing the building will affect surrounding buildings and infrastructure.

Requirements for Demolition of Buildings Under Wrecking Permit

The permit holder shall comply with all applicable Federal, State or Local laws, regulations and ordinances and it is expressly understood and agreed that a WRECKING permit authorizes that subject buildings are to be demolished upon the premises prior and then removed from the premises.  Adequate notice shall be given to the Construction Services & Inspections Division prior to the start of demolition of each building.

FILLING OF EXCAVATIONS

In addition to wrecking and removing the building(s) the permit holder will remove all exterior and interior foundation walls, columns, piers, beams floor slabs and other projections. All building and building service piping, heating plants, or other fixtures, furniture, partitions, steps, rubbish or other debris shall be removed from the premises. All combustible debris shall be removed from the premises. Concrete stairs and walks shall be removed from the premises and those areas graded. Excavations shall be filled to a plane twelve (12) inches below the adjacent undisturbed ground surface with common fill material such as gravel or coarse sand which may include some clay and rocks with a maximum dimension of four (4) inches. The top twelve (12) inches shall be backfilled with compact coarse granular material, with sufficient binder to permit adequate consolidation and stabilization of surface, and finished to conform to a minimum grade of 2% for drainage to adjacent undisturbed ground on the premises unless otherwise authorized by the Construction Services & Inspection Division.

SAFETY AND CLEANUP

The structure shall be demolished upon the site. All combustibles and scrap material shall be removed by the permit holder.  Dust and debris shall not be allowed to blow or scatter from the area as a result of the demolition operation. The permit holder may be required to maintain a source of water to dampen and water down the structure as the demolition operation proceeds.

Damage to sidewalks, curb and gutter, street paving and utility structures shall be avoided on or adjoining the site. Any damage caused by the operations shall be repaired at the expense of the permit holder.

MPCA AND OTHER REGULATIONS

The permit holder is responsible for compliance with MPCA and all other applicable state, federal and local regulations.

DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTE

All solid waste materials generated by demolition must be disposed of at a site approved by the MPCA and WLSSD.

GOPHER STATE ONE-CALL

The permit holder MUST call 800-262-1166 and comply with all Gopher State One-Call requirements.

Accessibility permits are required for exterior site work, including parking lot restriping, where accessibility is required when not part of another project requiring a building permit.

For commercial buildings where parking is provided, MN State Building Code requires accessible parking and an accessible route to the entrance in accordance with MN Accessibility Code.

Check our web page Accessibility in the Building Code for more information.

Fill, Excavation and Grading Permits

No permit is required when:

1. The volume of fill to be placed is less than 10 cubic yards; or
2. Fill is less than two feet in depth and placed on natural terrain flatter than 5 to 1 (20% slope); or
3. When approved by the building official, grading in an isolated, self-contained area if there is no danger to public or private property; and
4. Work does not obstruct a drainage course.

Permit Process Requirements

Application is made to the permit counter in the Construction Services’ office.  Once submitted, plans are reviewed and a site visit made by Construction Services’ staff.  When a soils report is required it must be submitted before a permit is issued.

See submittal requirements in Fill, Excavation and Grading Permits Requirements and Checklist.

Residential building construction usually requires preparation of plans and documents which are submitted for review by CSI. The Residential Checklist 1 & 2 Family and Townhouses form provides a list of all submittal requirements for residential building construction.

View Residential Decks and Residential Detached Garages for more specific information.

Once all required information is submitted, most residential deck permits can be issued within 3 days.

Once all required information is submitted, most residential detached garage permits are issued within 5 working days of application.

Permits

HVAC permit applications are available online.  The building code requires that the permit be issued prior to doing the work.

• For those of you familiar with Duluth’s eTRAKiT online permits, you will select permit type WBS HVAC. The work description in the permit application should indicate the installation of a gas fireplace.

• If you have not used eTRAKiT, call our office at 218-730-5240 to set up a contractor’s account.

• Gas piping in conjunction with fireplace installations requires a separate GAS PIPING permit and inspection.

• Electrical work in conjunction with fireplace installations requires a separate ELECTRICAL permit and inspection.

Inspections

Inspections for gas fireplace installations will be done by Construction Services’ HVAC Inspector.  Call for inspections after the permit is issued and before covering any work.

Other Information

The Minnesota State Building Code requires permits and inspections for gas fireplaces.  Inspections will help assure that installations are completed safely.

Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry licensing and bonding regulations are applicable, requiring the installer of a gas fireplace to meet Minnesota Construction Codes and Licensing Division (CCLD) requirements for bonding of mechanical contractors or to be the owner/occupant of the single family dwelling where the work is done.  Contact CCLD at (651) 284-5034 or online at http://www.dli.mn.gov/business/plumbing-and-mechanical-contractors with questions.

Gas piping must be done by a licensed plumbing contractor, and electrical work must be done by a licensed electrical contractor in accordance with MN contractor licensing requirements.

Requirements for Demolition of Buildings Under Wrecking Permit

The permit holder shall comply with all applicable Federal, State or Local laws, regulations and ordinances and it is expressly understood and agreed that a WRECKING permit authorizes that subject buildings are to be demolished upon the premises prior and then removed from the premises.  Adequate notice shall be given to the Construction Services & Inspections Division prior to the start of demolition of each building.

FILLING OF EXCAVATIONS

In addition to wrecking and removing the building(s), the permit holder will remove all exterior and interior foundation walls, columns, piers, beams floor slabs and other projections. All building and building service piping, heating plants, or other fixtures, furniture, partitions, steps, rubbish or other debris shall be removed from the premises. All combustible debris shall be removed from the premises. Concrete stairs and walks shall be removed from the premises and those areas graded. Excavations shall be filled to a plane twelve (12) inches below the adjacent undisturbed ground surface with common fill material such as gravel or coarse sand which may include some clay and rocks with a maximum dimension of four (4) inches. The top twelve (12) inches shall be backfilled with compact coarse granular material, with sufficient binder to permit adequate consolidation and stabilization of surface, and finished to conform to a minimum grade of 2% for drainage to adjacent undisturbed ground on the premises unless otherwise authorized by the Construction Services & Inspection Division.

UTILITY SERVICE

Any sewer, water and gas services cut off shall be the responsibility of the permit holder in accordance with the regulations of the City of Duluth and under their supervision. Telephone and electric service shall be terminated under the supervision of the utility company owning the service. Adherence to the City of Duluth Specifications for cutting off and/or plugging of old unused water wells, water, gas and sewer services shall be required.

Before commencing work, the permit holder shall verify that all utility services have been shut off and disconnected at the curb or the main according to City Engineering requirements.

SAFETY AND CLEANUP

The structure shall be demolished upon the site. All combustibles and scrap material shall be removed by the permit holder.  Dust and debris shall not be allowed to blow or scatter from the area as a result of the demolition operation. The permit holder may be required to maintain a source of water to dampen and water down the structure as the demolition operation proceeds.

Damage to sidewalks, curb and gutter, street paving and utility structures shall be avoided on or adjoining the site. Any damage caused by the operations shall be repaired at the expense of the permit holder.

BONDING AND INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

Contractors obtaining permits for wrecking structures must provide bonding and insurance in accordance with Duluth Legislative Code Section 10-4.  See Wrecking and Moving Permits Bonding and Insurance Requirements handout in the Construction Services & Inspections office for more information.

MPCA AND OTHER REGULATIONS

The permit holder is responsible for compliance with MPCA and all other applicable state, federal and local regulations.

DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTE

All solid waste materials generated by demolition must be disposed of at a site approved by the MPCA and WLSSD.

GOPHER STATE ONE-CALL

The permit holder MUST call 800-262-1166 and comply with all Gopher State One-Call requirements.

Permits

Water heater permit applications are available online.  Minnesota’s building code requires that a permit be issued prior to installation.

• For those of you familiar with Duluth’s ePlace online permits, you will select permit type Plumbing (Water Heater) - 1 or 2 Family Dwelling.
• When converting an electrical appliance to a gas appliance, a separate GAS PIPING permit is required.
• When the project does not involve gas piping beyond the shut-off valve, no additional gas piping permit is required.

Inspections

Inspections for water heater replacements will be done by Construction Services’ Plumbing Inspectors.  Check here to find out which inspector’s area you are in.

Inspectors will be looking for:

• Required new pressure and temperature relief valve, extended to within 18” of the floor with a full-sized discharge pipe.
• An adequate source of combustion air in the mechanical room.
• Proper ventilation of the water heater chimney, which may require a chimney liner.

Other Information

In the case of bona fide emergency installations, the permit may be issued the next business day.

The Minnesota State Building Code requires permits and inspections for water heaters.  Inspections will help assure that installations are completed safely.

Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry licensing regulations are applicable, requiring the installer of a water heater to be a Minnesota licensed plumbing contractor or the owner/occupant of a single family dwelling unit where the work is done.