FOR RESIDENTS
Remodeling
- Dumpsters
- Green Remodeling Program
- Remodeling and building permits
- Remodeling Advisor/Architectural Advice
- Remodeling Ideas
- Remodeling lien waivers
- Remodeling Loans
Dumpsters
If you're planning a large scale remodeling project, you may need to arrange for a dumpster. City ordinance prohibits the placement of dumpsters on streets, alleys, sidewalks and public right-of-way (the part of your front yard that's adjacent to the curb).
Dumpsters must be placed entirely on private property (your lawn or driveway-about five feet away from the curb).
For a list of licensed haulers, call the Inspections Department at (952) 924-2588.
Green Remodeling Program
Thinking about remodeling? Think Green!
St. Louis Park is partnering with Mn GreenStar, the state and Center for Energy and Environment to implement a citywide green residential remodeling program. The City’s pilot program is kicking off with FREE workshops.
FREE Workshop
Introduction to Green Remodeling and City Green Incentives
- Tuesday, May 27, 6:30 to 8 pm
- St. Louis Park Rec Center, 3700 Monterey Dr., Banquet Room
- Thursday, June 26, 7 to 8:30 pm
- St. Louis Park Rec Center, 3700 Monterey Dr., Banquet Room
- Event Flyer
Remodeling & building permits
To help ensure that St. Louis Park's homes are safe and durable, permits are required for
- All new construction or additions
- Any remodeling that changes your home's structure, plumbing, mechanical or electrical systems.
- Disturbing more than 5,000 sq. ft. or moving more than 50 cubic yards of soil on or off a construction site
- Any construction near a wetland.
When you or your contractor apply for a construction permit, a city inspector will check the work to verify that it meets state and local construction codes.
Code requirements are the same whether a homeowner or contractor does the work. Most contractors must be licensed by the state or city before receiving a permit. Homeowners should not take out permits for contractors because the permit holder is the person who is held responsible for ensuring the work meets code requirements.
The cost of a permit is based on the type and amount of work to be done. Some examples of work that require a permit are
- building garages, sheds, porches, decks and additions
- installing roofing and siding
- finishing a basement or remodeling a kitchen
- adding a new bathroom
- adding a new window or replacing a window
- adding electrical receptacles
- installing a furnace, water heater or water softener
- installing an underground lawn irrigation system.
No permit is needed for painting, wallpapering, adding insulation, replacing gutters or window sashes, or installing ceramic tile, carpeting or floor coverings.
Obtaining a permit will ensure that your project meets building and zoning codes. Working without a permit increases the likelihood that work will have to be redone because of code violation. It may also protect your investment. Without a building permit, you may find yourself defending shoddy or unsafe work. For example, if you remodel a wall where there is plumbing and the pipes break, your insurance company may ask for the permit. If you can't show the permit, you may not be covered for the damage.
Permits can be obtained at City Hall. Please visit the Inspections Counter on the second floor. You may also print out Permit applications from this web site. click here Permits
For more information about construction permits, call the Inspections Department at (952) 924-2588.
For more information on erosion control permits, call Laura Adler, Public Works Department, at (952) 924-2690.
Remodeling Advisor
To assist residents with home remodeling projects, the City of St. Louis Park partners with the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) to make the services of a remodeling advisor available to St. Louis Park homeowners. CEE is an independent, nonprofit organization that works to promote public interest through the responsible and efficient use of natural and economic resources.
CEE's Bob Mello is an experienced remodeling advisor that will come to any St. Louis Park home to discuss your remodeling ideas at no charge. He can answer questions about renovating existing space or building an addition and contractor bids. To schedule your appointment call the Center for Energy and Environment at (612)335-5858. ( http://www.mncee.org/programs_residential/index.php ) the needs of growing families, the City of St. Louis Park is underwriting much of the cost of a consultation with an architect. A consultation with an architect can help ensure that your new addition fits seamlessly with the style of your existing home and is compatible with your neighborhood.
Architect Design Services
The city, in partnership with the American Institute of Architects, will cover most of the cost of a two hour consultation (a $250 value) with an architect. Homeowners pay only $25 and may choose to meet with one of over 12 participating architects. Click here for a list of approved residential remodeling architects. This visit does not include plan drawings. Other residents have found that this service is most beneficial if you have some ideas and sketches of what you might be planning. The more thought you've given your project, the more the architect can help you with design concepts.
We suggest you narrow your search to one, two or three firms, and then consider contacting them by e-mail to set up a 10 minute phone conversation to get your questions answered and help you make your final selection. Once you've chosen an architect, simply call them directly and schedule a time for your in-home consultation. The consultation will give you a chance to discuss options and ideas for your project, and the process of working with an architect.
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Minnesota is the professional organization of architects in Minnesota. AIA architects are licensed and required to take continuing education courses to keep current with laws, codes and new materials. For more information abut working with an architect, click on the links below. You may also wish to visit www.aia-mn.org for additional information.
Remodeling Ideas
If you live in a Cape Cod or rambler, the Remodeling Planbook - published by St. Louis Park and 14 other suburbs - offers architect-designed expansion plans that homeowners can take directly to a contractor. Illustrations depict what the finished project would look like, and floor plans provide a starting point for your builder. The book can be checked out from the St. Louis Park library or purchased at city hall for $10.
Remodeling lien waivers
If you've hired a general contractor to expand or remodel your home, be sure to ask for a lien waiver(s) from the contractor and any major subcontractors before you make your final payment. The contractor should also be able to provide waivers from major suppliers of materials delivered to the construction site. (i.e. lumber yard).
A lien waiver will protect you in case your contractor fails to pay a subcontractor. Without a lien waiver, any builder, material supplier or subcontractor who wasn't paid by the contractor, can place a lien on your property. A property lien makes you - not the contractor - responsible for their payment: even if you already paid for the main contractor for the work.
For more information, contact the Minnesota Department of Commerce - the agency responsible for issuing licenses to residential contractors in Minnesota.
Remodeling Loans
A number of low interest loans are available for home remodeling and rehabilitation thanks to the City of St. Louis Park's partnership with state agencies and local lenders. For more information about any of the programs listed here, call the Community Development office at (952) 924-2196 or e-mail klarsen@stlouispark.org.
Community Fix-up Fund Loans
These loans can be used for roof replacement, new windows, kitchen or bath| remodeling, garages and many other home fix-up projects. For more information, contact CEE Financial Resources at (612)335-5891 ( www.mncee.org/programs_residential) or e-mail byaritz@mncee.org
- Loans up to $35,000
- 5 percent interest
- Household income cannot exceed $93,000
- 4 percent interest
- Household income cannot exceed $63,000
Home Energy Loans
These loans are for home improvements that increase energy efficiency (adding insulation, replacing windows or furnaces, etc.) For more information contact CEE Financial Resources at (612) 335-5891 ( http://www.mncee.org/programs_residential/index.php) or e-mail byaritz@mncee.org
- Loans up to $10,000
- 6.875 percent interest
- No income limit
- Maximum 5 year repayment term
Emergency Repair Grant
These grants pay for emergency repairs (furnace replacement, roof repair, etc.) This grant program is administered for the City of St. Louis Park by Community Action for Suburban Hennepin (CASH). Call (952) 933-9639, extension 210, for more information.
- Grants up to $4,000
- 0 percent interest/no repayment required
- Grants are for low income households; eligibility is determined by family size and household income. Household income is approximately $26,950 annually.
St. Louis Park Deferred Loans
These loans are available to help low-income families bring their homes into compliance with minimum housing standards. An additional $5,000 is available to correct hazardous situations (lead or asbestos) or make accessibility improvements for physically disabled residents. Repayment is not required if the homeowner remains in the home for 15 years; otherwise, repayment is due when the home is sold. This loan program is administered by Hennepin County; call (952) 924-2196 for more information.
- Loans of up to $20,000
- 0 percent interest
- Loans are for low income families; eligibility is determined by family size and household income. Example: Annual income for a household of two is $30,800 or less.
- Applicants' assets may not exceed $25,000.