Minnesota Code & Officials
State residential-code excerpts that actually matter for a carbon-zero build, plus the building-department directory for the 7-county metro: who issues the permit, what plan review involves, what it costs, and how to reach them.
State-level code that matters
- Climate Zone 6 / 7 envelope requirements (IECC + MN amendments).
- Egress (IRC R310) — bedroom window sizing, basement egress where applicable.
- Fire ratings — when plywood interior needs Type X behind it, when not.
- Well permits (MDH) — required for private water supply.
- Septic permits (MPCA) — required where no municipal sewer.
- Geothermal well disclosure / heat-exchange permits (MDH + MPCA depending on loop type).
- Shoreland setbacks (county-administered, where applicable).
7-county metro building departments
| County | Permit authority | Phone | Plan review | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hennepin | — | — | — | — |
| Ramsey | — | — | — | — |
| Dakota | — | — | — | — |
| Anoka | — | — | — | — |
| Washington | — | — | — | — |
| Scott | — | — | — | — |
| Carver | — | — | — | — |