Everything you need to know about getting a deck permit in St. Paul: fees, requirements, exemptions, and direct links to the St. Paul Dept. of Safety and Inspections.
Permit Fees
Valuation-based per Section 33.04 of St. Paul Legislative Code. Starts at $36 for $0-$500 valuation.
Processing Time
Permits expire if work not commenced within 180 days.
Apply Online
Yes — via PAULIE Online Permitting
Building Code
Minnesota State Building Code (based on IRC/IBC with MN amendments)
Contact: (651) 266-8989
Decks not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to a structure with frost footings, and not part of accessible route are exempt. Exception: ALL decks in Historic Preservation Areas require a permit.
If your deck does NOT meet all exemption criteria, you must obtain a permit before construction. Building without a required permit can result in fines, stop-work orders, and required demolition.
Review the exemption criteria above. If your deck exceeds any threshold, a permit is required.
You'll need a site plan, deck dimensions, framing details, and footing specifications. Check St. Paul's specific documentation requirements.
Apply through PAULIE Online Permitting . Pay the permit fee at submission.
Once approved, post your permit visibly and schedule required inspections (typically footing, framing, and final).
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Sources
Data verified April 2026. Fees, processing times, and requirements are subject to change. Always confirm current information with St. Paul's St. Paul Dept. of Safety and Inspections.