City of Lake Elmo, MN

Welcome to the Building Permits and Zoning applications page. All of the following informational documents and applications are intended to guide you through the building and land use process within the City of Lake Elmo. If any of the information contained within this section is unclear, please contact the City of Lake Elmo Planning or Building Department for clarification. We are happy to assist you!

Before you start your project:
Before engaging in Building or Zoning activities in the City, check to see if a permit is needed. The following document should help you determine what types of projects require a building or zoning permit.  When are City permits needed?

Please review the City of Lake Elmo Zoning Code regarding your project.

Call before you dig: Gopher State One

*Electrical permits are issued through the State of Minnesota's eTRAKiT system which can be found here.  
*For right-of-way permits and information, visit our right-of-way permitting page.


Building Permit Applications
It is important to include all of the required materials in your submission. Please read about the building permit process:  The Building Permit Process. 


Attention Builders: As of November 29, 2021 the City of Lake Elmo will resume in-house plan reviews.
When submitting new construction plans you will need to submit:
One set of digital plans
One hard copy (18 inches by 24 inches) of plans to be returned.
Once approved with comments, this set is to be kept on-site and made available to inspectors during all inspections.

For new homes, the City requires a building permit application, one certificate of survey to scale, and one set of house plans.

Driveway permits require a contractor/homeowner to obtain a license from the city before they apply for driveway permits. Please contact the Administration Department first to apply for the license. 

Building application submittals may be done digitally, please submit application and plans to dwendt@lakeelmo.org. Or you may mail/drop off applications and payment to 3880 Laverne Ave N, Lake Elmo MN 55042.

Permits must be paid in full, approved, and in your hand before you start your project.  

To schedule an inspection or for general building related questions, call the Building Department at 651-747-3918. 48-hour notice is required for all inspections.



Planning and Zoning Permit Applications
2023 Land Use Application Due Dates


City Fee Schedule  *Please note that not all building fees are listed as some are state required fees.


The City of Lake Elmo is now accepting online payments for building and zoning permits. Payments from checking/saving accounts are charged $1 per transaction, payments from credit cards are charged 2.75%. Payments are capped at $30,000.

• Online Permit Pay

• Lake Elmo Building Permit Refund Policy