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1. What types of improvements do not affect property taxes?

The following improvements do not affect property taxes: re-roofing, painting, landscaping and other cosmetic improvements.

2. Can I work on my own house?

Homeowners can do all of their own work as long as they obtain the necessary permits required. Permits are required to construct, add onto, alter, remove, demolish or repair any structure. This includes everything from new homes and garages to remodeling projects that might include additions, siding, windows, roofs, decks, storage sheds, fireplaces, wood stoves, swimming pools and hot tubs. Permits are also required for signs and commercial construction.

3. How much do building permits cost?

The cost depends on the value of the work being done and the various City Code requirements of Chapter 206. Call 763-572-3604 for an estimate. We cannot provide an exact figure until we have reviewed the plans.

4. What hours am I allowed to complete construction?

Construction is permitted in Fridley during the following hours:
7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Monday-Friday
9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Saturdays
Construction is not permitted on Sundays or holidays.

5. Do I need a permit to install a retaining wall?

If the wall will be under four feet high, you do not need a building permit, but you need approval from the Engineering Department. If the retaining wall will be over four feet high, it requires a building permit and engineered drawings must be submitted to the city to obtain the permit.

6. Do I need a permit to install a water heater?

Yes, a plumbing permit is required.

7. Do I need a permit to build a shed in my yard?

A shed requires a permit if it is over 200 square feet in size. Sheds must be placed at least three feet from your side or back property line and off any easements across your property. Sheds also must be anchored and the maximum height of a shed is 14 feet to the mean distance between eaves and ridge of a gable, hip or gambrel roof. Make sure your new shed plus any existing garage space does not exceed 1,400 square feet.

8. Do I need a permit to put in a paved area?

You can apply for a Driveway Permit online. 

Small patios and sidewalks typically do not require permits, however the amount of hard cover/imprevious surfaces allowed on your lot may be limited in shoreland areas and other special zoning districts. If you have questions about hard cover requirements, please contact PlanningDivision@FridleyMN.gov. 

Structural slabs do require a permit.

9. What do I need a permit for?

A permit is needed for all new construction, additions, remodeling, alterations and most replacements. Improvements that can be done without a permit might include fences (fence handout), painting, papering, floor coverings or any other cosmetic changes. See the State Building Code, Section 1300.0120, Permits, on the State of Minnesota web site for more details or see Permit Requirements For Building & Construction page.

10. How can I find my property lines?

Locating your property boundaries may help ensure that fences, sheds and other improvements are appropriately placed. Several resources for locating your property boundaries are available, including a Certificate of Survey, aerial imagery, locating your property pins, and consulting a professional land surveyor.

• A Certificate of Survey is a formal document prepared by a licensed surveyor, depicting your property boundaries. A survey is a drawing that shows physical features of the property as well as the location of survey monuments. Survey monuments are also known as "property pins" or "survey markers" placed at the property corners by a licensed surveyor. In some cases, residential properties in the City of Fridley have a Certificate of Survey on file. Visit the Property Information page to access residential property files.
• Aerial imagery available from Anoka County shows the approximate property boundaries.
• Download instructions for locating your property pins.
  • Property pins are buried iron survey markers placed by a surveyor at the corners of your property. To find your property pins:
    1. Contact Gopher State One Call at 651-454-0002 or visit GopherStateOneCall.org before digging to have underground utility locations marked by public utility companies.
    2. Access your property records online
    3. Gather the following materials: survey or aerial imagery, tape measure, shovel, and (optional) metal detector
    4. Property markers are often located 10-15 feet from the curb. The marker is often found 6-10 inches below the ground surface.
    5. Mark the property pin and continue until you have found all pins.
• Professional Land Surveyors are the only people trained and licensed to make property line determinations and can be retained to assist property owners.