Detached and under 200 sq. ft? No permit needed!

Do I Need a Permit to Install an Outdoor Sauna in Minneapolis?

Building an outdoor sauna In Minneapolis typically requires a special permit due to city’s building and zoning regulations. Here, we suggest to read through a detailed guide on the requirements and steps which you should take into account when building an outdoor sauna on your property.

How to build smart in Minneapolis?
Permits and regulations for outdoor saunas

Building Permit Requirements

  • General permit requirement: In general, it is required to get a special building permit for most construction projects to ensure compliance with building codes and zoning ordinances in the City of Minneapolis. Installing an outdoor sauna is not an exception, and it’s important to make sure that the structure is safe and properly built. For more information on this topic, please visit the City of Minneapolis website.
  • Exemptions: For some small detached structures like sheds, greenhouses, and utility buildings under 200 square feet, it is not required to have a building permit. If your outdoor sauna in Minneapolis exceeds this size or is attached to your home, then a permit will be necessary. Read more here.
Custom outdoor sauna | Exterior Custom Home Sauna Entrance Door | For Chicago, Minneapolis & Duluth

Additional Approvals and Inspections

  • Zoning approval: Regardless of whether a building permit is needed, zoning approval is often required. It helps to ensure that the sauna’s placement complies with local land-use regulations, including setbacks from property lines and other structures.  Read more
  • Inspections: After you get a building permit, inspections will be required at different stages of the construction. This has to be done to ensure compliance with building standards. The exact inspection requirements will be detailed when the permit is issued. Read on the official website.

Fees and Penalties

  • Permit fees: The fees for building permits in Minneapolis are based on the valuation of the project, and it also includes labor and materials costs. We advise contacting the Minneapolis Development Review for more certain information about permit costs and the application process.
  • Penalties: If you start your project without a permit, you can end up losing more money by paying double fees and fines. You may also be required to modify or demolish non-compliant work to make it comply with building codes. More about fees and penalties here.

Contact Information and Resources

For more detailed guidance and to ensure you meet all necessary requirements, contact the Minneapolis Development Review:

  • Phone: 612-673-3000
  • Address: Public Service Building, 505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 220, Minneapolis, MN 55415

BW Sauna Co | Outdoor sauna in Minneapolis

To summarize what was told, installing an outdoor sauna in Minneapolis almost always requires a building permit and zoning approval to ensure compliance with safety and zoning regulations. Skipping this step or not paying attention to permits and approvals can result in unpleasant penalties. Always consult the Minneapolis Development Review for specific requirements related to your project.

If you plan to purchase an outdoor sauna in Minneapolis, feel free to visit our website and  explore range of our outdoor custom saunas or contact us directly at BW Sauna Co. 

Download Your BW 2024 Catalog

When you start exploring what a custom sauna could look like, you might already have that exact idea in mind: that perfect finish with a wide panorama window. Or something more true to its history, humbly nestled in the lakeside corner. Either way, we hope this catalog offers inspiration for your journey

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Download Your BW 2024 Catalog