Building Permits

Residential:

The City of Clearwater has adopted the Minnesota State Building Code, which requires a building permit application for most building projects including but not limited to new construction, accessory structures (over 200 sq ft), remodeling/alterations, decks/porches, fences (over 7 ft) and other home maintenance permits, including replacement of mechanical and plumbing units, re-roofing, re-siding, and door or window replacement.

City-administered permits are required for fences 7ft or under and accessory structures 200 sq ft or under.

Fence Permit Application (6 feet or under)
Accessory Structure Application (200 sq ft or under)

Compliance with city code is required for all projects, whether it requires a permit or not. To view the city code, please visit www.clearwatercity.com/citycode

Commercial:

All construction, renovation, or building projects involving commercial properties require a valid building permit application prior to beginning. This requirement ensures that all work complies with local safety codes, zoning regulations, and construction standards. Obtaining the appropriate permits helps protect property owners, tenants, and the community by promoting safe and properly inspected developments. Failure to secure the necessary permits may result in penalties, delays, or removal of unauthorized work.

To submit a permit application:

E-mail to:
Kimberlie Gramsey,kgramsey@clearwatercity.com
Alan Strohschein, astrohschein@clearwatercity.com

Building permits that include full-size plans and certificate of survey must have two (2) sets of each submitted to City Hall by mail or in-person along with a digital copy.

Permit Fees

See the city fee schedule for permit costs.

Questions?

For questions regarding the Minnesota State Building Code, please contact the city’s building official, Rob Douglas, at MetroWest Inspections. Final inspections must be scheduled through MetroWest Inspection Services Inc., at 763-479-1720.

For questions regarding city zoning ordinances, please contact City Hall at 320-558-2428.

Zoning Map

The City of Clearwater’s zoning map shows the properties and parcels that are within city limits and their current zoning district designation. The city only issues permits for properties or parcels within city limits. Those with a Clearwater mailing address that are located outside of city limits will need to contact the township or county where they are located.

Expired Permits

Permits expire within 180 days of issuance if no work is started and no inspections have been called in by the permit holder. Permits also expire if work has started, but then is suspended for more than 180 days and no inspections are called in by the permit holder.

City of Clearwater Official Zoning Map

Building Permit Application

Important Reminders

Locate Property Lines

Before starting any project such as a fence, deck, shed, gazebo, garage, or other structure, you must know exactly where your property lines are. This helps the building inspector verify that your project meets all zoning and building setback requirements.

Building outside required setbacks or over a property line can result in costly delays, including having to move or remove the structure.

If you are unsure where your property lines are, you will need to locate your survey pins or monuments. Please note: The City of Clearwater does not provide property line identification services.

Call 811 Before You Dig

Before any digging project on your property, contact Gopher State One Call at 811. They will mark the approximate locations of underground utilities with paint or flags to help prevent accidental damage. This applies to all projects that involve digging, including planting trees or shrubs and installing fences or mailboxes.

Submit your request a few days before you plan to start work to allow time for utilities to respond. Confirm that all utilities have completed their markings before you begin digging.

Once lines are marked, dig carefully around utility markers and consider adjusting your project if it is too close to buried utilities. For more information, visit the Gopher State One Call website.