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Safety & Inspections FAQ

Permits and Setbacks

PERMITS:

It is difficult to list each and every thing which may require a Permit. Permits are needed for fences and the Building Code applies generally to every structure.  Sheds and fences can be approved under an Administrative Permit.

It may be necessary to require the property owner to submit a detailed description of what he/she wants to do in order for the City to determine what sort of CUP, IUP, Permit or Variance may be needed.  If a Variance may be needed, please review the Applicants For Variances Notice for additional information.

Demolition permit applicants use our general building permit form along with the required “Demolition Agreement” in connection with the Demolition Permit

SETBACKS:

With regard to setbacks, most are covered by Section 152.5 of the Zoning Ordinance.  Setbacks are required from various things, including lakes, wetlands, water basins, septic systems, wells, and property lines.

Driveways 10 feet from property line
Water oriented structures boathouse 10 feet from ordinary high water mark
Structures 40 feet from front Lot line
40 feet from rear Lot line
30 feet from side Lot line

(There is an exception under which the front and lake setbacks may be set in line with existing structures situated on the adjoining Lots on each side.)

  • Corner Lot front yard setbacks usually apply to both the front and the side facing the streets.
  • The structure setback from any Federal, State or County Road is 40 feet.
  • Setbacks from the Ordinary High-Water Mark of water bodies vary:
    1. White Bear Lake 75 feet
    2. Long Lake 100 feet
    3. Pine Tree Lake 150 feet

GARAGES / ACCESSORY BUILDINGS

GARAGES / ACCESSORY BUILDINGS:

Detached garages are subject to all setback requirements.

Garages are governed by a separate Section in the Ordinance.  In the R-1 District  the maximum total allowable garage space is 1200 square feet, including all attached and detached garage space.   In the F/E and R-2 Districts, the maximum is 1500 square feet.

The definition of “accessory Building” in the Ordinance should not be deemed to include detached garages,

The garage space within a “tuck-under” garage is not included in the computation of total garage space (152.6 D.(6).

No residential Lot may have more than two (2) garages.

No garage space may be built or used for living quarters.

Lots having an area of two acres, but less than 3 acres and have an attached garage, are allowed to have an additional detached garage up to 1500 square feet.  However, the total garage space cannot exceed 3000 square feet and no garage itself can exceed 1500 square feet.

Lots having 3 acres or more and have an attached garage are allowed to have an additional detached garage up to 1800 square feet.  Total garage space cannot exceed 3300 square feet or the footprint of the main dwelling.

ACCESSORY BUILDINGS:

Any residential Lot is allowed to have “no more than one accessory building for purposes of household storage and/or workshop.” Accessory Structures are subject to setbacks.

  • Under the current Ordinance no accessory building may contain plumbing facilities.
  • The maximum size of an accessory building is 200 square feet in area and 10 feet in height.
  • Additional or larger accessory buildings may be allowed under a Use Permit.

ELECTRICAL PERMITS & INSPECTIONS

The State of Minnesota issues and inspects the electrical for the City of Dellwood.

Permits can be obtained online using the state’s DOLI.MN website, or in person at the MN, Dept. of Labor and Industry, 443 Lafayette Rd. N., St. Paul, MN, 55155-4342.

SALE OF HOME - REQUIRED SEPTIC INSPECTION

State law requires a Compliance Inspection of an individual sewage treatment system to be conducted whenever a property in Dellwood is “transferred”.  In addition to sales, a transfer may include probate, court decrees, gift transfers, contracts for deed, and other transactions which result in a change in ownership or occupancy.

Dellwood Ordinance Chapter 51 adopts the State Statute and the Washington County Development Code Chapter Four, plus other provisions.

Failure to conduct a required Compliance Inspection is a Misdemeanor Offense.  Continued use of a non-compliant system can also result in administrative fines and penalties including discontinuance of the system. Individual Sellers and Transferors as well as Real Estate Brokers and Agents and other persons representing parties to a transfer are responsible to see that a required inspection is done by a person who is approved and qualified to perform the inspection.

Further, a Certificate of compliance, or a Notice of Non-compliance, must be filed with the City Clerk within the prescribed period of time.

Expenses incurred by the City in enforcing these requirements can result in a lien being imposed upon the property and being certified to the County Auditor for inclusion on the property tax statements.

RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

All types of recreational vehicles parked on property more than (30) days per calendar year must be concealed from all roads and adjacent residences by screening.

Please cite Code Section 152.9 #5 in the Dellwood Code Book

Fee Schedule

City of Dellwood Fee Schedule - City Code Section 30.11

The City Council may adopt those fees and charges that are authorized by this code. Until a fee becomes effective, all fees and charges established by ordinance or resolution prior to the adoption of this code shall remain in effect. Once a fee has become effective any previous fee is no longer in effect.  License fees are annual fees and permit fees are for each permit, unless specified otherwise.  The following license fees and permit fees shall be paid to the City Clerk together with the application for license or permit:

* This page was last updated on May 6, 2024 with the latest fees. For a PDF copy of the Fee Schedule, please Click Here.

EFFECTIVE JANUARY 12, 2024 (LAST REVISION)

General Fees

For all licenses and permits not listed below $30.00

Administrative Fees

Copies $0.25 per sheet (residents free within reason)
Return Check Fee $30.00

Business & License Fees

Garbage License (Section 50.12) $200.00
Vendor License Application Fee $1.00 per application
Vendor License $200.00
Liquor License (Chapter 112) $600.00
Temporary Liquor License $0.00 per permit
Cigarette License (Chapter 114) $40.00

Animal Control Fees

Animal License (Section 91.02) $10.00 for two years
Animal Control Impound Fee (Section 91.07) $90.00 per occurrence PLUS
* $22 daily impound and any veterinary costs
* All fees incurred by the City shall be born by the animal owner

General Permit Fees

Gambling Permit (Chapter 116) $0.00
Fireworks Application Permit Fee (Section 130.03) $200.00
Open Burning Permit (Section 130.09) Amount required by White Bear Lake Fire Department
Public Dance Permit (Section 118.03) $200.00

Building Permits & Fees

Building Permits On Valuation
Plan Check Fee 65% of building permit fee
Recurring Plan Check Fee 25% of building permit fee
Plumbing (residential) $100.00 & $1.00 surcharge
Mechanical (residential) $100.00 & $1.00 surcharge
Air Conditioning Installation $100.00 & $1.00 surcharge
Air Conditioning (part of mechanical installation) $100.00 & $1.00 surcharge
Gas piping (that is not part of mechanical installation) $100.00 & $1.00 surcharge
Fireplace (gas or wood) $100.00 & $1.00 surcharge
Re-roofing (residential) On Valuation & $1.00 surcharge
Re-siding On Valuation & $1.00 surcharge
Window replacement (in existing opening) On Valuation & $1.00 surcharge
Demolition $100.00 & $1.00 surcharge
Other maintenance of minor projects as determined by the Building Official $80.00 & $1.00 surcharge
Other Inspections and Fees:
- Inspections outside of normal business hours $47.00 per hour*
- Re-Inspection fees $47.00 per hour*
- Inspections for which no fee is specifically indicated $47.00 per hour* (minimum charge one-half hour)
- Additional plan review required by changes, additions or revisions to plans $47.00 per hour*
- For use of outside consultants for plan checking and inspections or both Actual costs**
* Or the total hourly cost to the jurisdiction, whichever is the greatest. The cost shall include supervision, overhead, equipment, hourly wages and fringe benefits of the employees involved.

** Actual costs including administrative and overhead costs.
Septic Permit $800.00
- Maintenance Report Fee $25.00

Land Use & Zoning Fees

Variance, Appeal, Conditional Use Permit, Interim Use Permit, Amendment, Minor Subdivision, Preliminary Plat, Final Plat (Section 152.13), Excavation, Grading & Filling Permits (Section 152.06.G), Stormwater Management Plan (Section 53.095) $200.00 base fee plus $1000.00 escrow*
*Escrow may be reduced to $500 by the City Clerk for minor applications in the sole judgment of the City Clerk
Antenna/Tower Conditional Use Permit (Section 155.05) $1000.00
Antenna/Tower Annual Inspection Fee $300.00
WECS Annual Inspection Fee (Section 155.15.1.4) $100.00
Zoning Permit (including Pool Permit in Section 153.04) $75.00
Septic Site Plan Review $200.00
Zoning and Engineering Site Plan Review $100.00
Right-of-Way or Public Easement Vacation $200.00 plus $600.00 escrow

Right-of-Way Use Fees

Right-of-Way Registration Fee (Section 56.05) $100.00
Right-of-Way Excavation Permit (Section 56.12) $500.00
Right-of-Way Construction Escrow (Section 55.01) $1000.00
Right-of-Way Permits (Section 56.12) $25.00

Public Safety & Enforcement Fees

False Alarm Fees (Sections 135.03 and 135.05)
- Alarms 3-6 $50.00
- Alarms 7+ $100.00
Administrative Penalties (Section 30.16)
- Building Code (Chapter 90) $300.00
- Sewer Ordinance (Chapter 51) $300.00
- Sign Ordinance (Chapter 94) $100.00
- Parking Regulations (Chapter 71) $75.00
- Road Escrow (Chapter 55) $200.00
- Fence (Chapter 93) $200.00
- Exterior Storage (Chapter 95) $200.00
- Peddlers (Chapter 113) $200.00
- Excavation/Filling (Chapter 152) $150.00
- Animal Licensing & Control (Chapter 91) $150.00
- All other offenses $75.00

Additional Resources