The Building Inspection Division strives to meet the following standards for checking plans, issuing permits and conducting inspections. During the peak construction season, the number of plan submittals may occasionally affect the Division's ability to meet these standards. Applications for permits should always be submitted as early as possible so as not to delay construction. Brochures and information sheets are available to help customers know what constitutes a complete permit application and complete work for an inspection.
Residential and Commercial Repair Permits
Requiring no plan review to be issued in one working day. This includes siding, roofing, and window replacement.
New Work and Remodeling for Single-Family and Two-Family Buildings
Ten business days upon receipt of completed application and materials. Up to three additional working days may be needed to evaluate revised plans and information.
Single-Family and Two-Family Plumbing, Sewer and Water, Mechanical
Maximum of one business day upon receipt of completed application forms.
Commercial/Industrial/Multiple Family Dwelling (New Construction and Additions)
Maximum of fifteen business days upon receipt of completed application and materials. Building staff will provide a letter detailing any plan deficiencies noted to all applicants. Also, and very importantly, all related special conditions of approval detailed in the City Council action or administrative action authorizing the permits must be satisfied before permits are issued. Up to ten extra business days may be needed when revised plans and information are necessary or submitted.
Finishing Tenant Areas in Commercial/Industrial Building
Maximum of ten working days upon receipt of completed application and materials.
Plumbing, Sewer/Water, Mechanical Work and Fire Suppression Systems in Commercial/Industrial/Multi-Family Buildings
Maximum of three business days upon receipt of completed application, plans and materials. This applies when applications are made separately from the building permit for these classes of work.
Moving Permits
Maximum of ten business days upon receipt of completed application, plans, and materials.
Inspection Requests
Inspection requests for specific times will be honored whenever possible. If the requested time is not available, the customer will be advised so that an alternate time can be selected. Twenty-four hours advance notice is requested.
Bill of Rights
Customer Service Policy
Applicants for Permits and Licenses
In order to assure fair and equal treatment under the law for applicants for all types of permits and licenses issued by the City of Hopkins, the City has adopted the following standards for our actions:
- You have the right to be treated courteously and respectfully at all times during the course of your business transactions with the City.
- You have the right to request an informal meeting with staff, prior to submission of your application, to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with the application, plan review, investigation or inspection process.
- You have the right to request a copy of any specific citation of a law, ordinance, code, or city resolution that is the basis for your requirements.
- You have the right to appeal any decision of any enforcing official without fear of reprisal to an employee's supervisor, department head, and, if necessary, to the city manager.
- You have the right to timely decisions based upon written departmental standards established from time to time.
- You have the right to have City personnel make a good faith effort to explain all relevant codes and requirements.
- You have the right to have all rulings and interpretations following the original review of plans which have a significant impact on the cost or timely completion of a project reviewed by a supervisory person in advance of their issuance and to have a specific citation of the regulation that is the basis for the ruling.
- You have the right to prompt action on your application or request for inspection of your work, even if the regularly assigned staff person is not available.
- You have the right to have a specific citation of the regulation that is the basis for notices of correction or code violation.
Who's Who
Community Service Department
Jim Genellie - Community Service Director
Chris Kearney - Building Official
Chris Van Hauer - Plan Review Inspector
Pam Hove - Permit Technician
Elizabeth Page - Code Enforcement Officer
Mark Lucht - Housing Inspector
Art Carlson - Plumbing/Mechanical Inspector
Dale Specken - Fire Marshal/Chief
For more information, contact at 952-548-6320.