The Building and Inspections Department issues all building and zoning permits for the Township. This department provides for the health, safety and welfare of Township residents by providing inspection services to ensure that all residential, commercial, and industrial buildings are in compliance with the Uniform Building Code and Township Ordinances.

Building Permits

Building permits are required for the construction of a new dwelling and for various modifications to existing structures as outlined below. The Building Permit Application Form (PDF) can be obtained online or at the Townships Administration Building during normal business hours. Separate permits are required for electrical - contractor, electrical - homeowner, plumbing, mechanical, fire suppression / alarm system, sewer and water and zoning. Subcontractors must be state licensed or be contractor licensed with the Township before work begins. Looking for a permit or license application not listed here go to: application forms.

Existing Structures

Existing structures require a building permit for any of the following:

• Accessory buildings
• Any structural changes
• Driveways, fences
• Heating and air conditioning
• Plumbing and electrical work
• Radon mitigation systems
• Re-roofing and re-siding
• Swimming pools and decks

New Dwellings

New Dwellings require two sets of plans, energy calculations, a Certificate of Survey, placement of the house on the survey with all corner stakes visible, and the house staked out on the lot. The Township engineer must establish proper elevations before a permit is issued. Separate Permits are also required for:

• Electrical
• Plumbing 
• Mechanical
• Water meter / spacer
• Outside sewer and water line
• Fire suppression
• Fire alarm systems

Public Right-of-Way

Work proposed to be done within the public right-of-way, including sidewalks, driveways, tree planting, etc, also requires a permit and application review by the Township Engineer.

Instructions

Please download application forms in order to fill out and sign. All applications can be emailed back to BuildingDept@whitebeartownship.org for processing. 

Permits are usually processed within 3 full business days, unless a plan review is required. For permits that require a plan review please allow 7-10 business days. If you have not received a payment link from whitebeartownship@corecommerce.com after this time please follow-up as sometimes permits are not received due to spam filters setup by our contracted IT Department and/or your email service. 

***If a permit is time sensitive please come in to the Township Offices at 1281 Hammond Road, White Bear Township for expedited permit processing.  

Payments

Accepted forms of payment are cash, check, debit and credit card.

Refund Policy

Request for refund must be in writing with 60 days of permit issuance. No more than 50% of the permit fee will be refunded. No refunds for plan review fees. The state surcharge is 100% refundable. Electrical permits are non-refundable.