Brooklyn Center, MN

Brooklyn Center is direct about its permit rule: property owners are authorized to construct driveways and sidewalks crossing the boulevard onto City streets, but no such construction is allowed without an approved permit from the Director of Public Works. A separate utility service/street cut bond is required when a resident or contractor performs work on a private utility service inside the City right-of-way, and any individual or group must have a permit to use the right-of-way. New installation, replacement, expansion, or any modification to curb cuts or right-of-way access all require a Driveway Permit plus zoning approval. Routine sealcoating and crack repair are exempt.

The city's driveway dimensional rules are tight. The maximum driveway width is 30 feet, and at least 50% of the front yard must remain as ground cover (not paved). Driveways can be expanded to an interior property line provided that 50% of the front yard is still maintained as ground cover and the driveway width does not exceed 30 feet. Expansion of a driveway near property lines requires a property survey and must meet setback requirements. Approved surface materials are concrete, asphalt, brick, stone, or equivalent. The City Surveyor does not locate property corners for private property owners — if your project requires a survey, you'll need to hire a licensed private land surveyor.

Applications are submitted through iMS, Brooklyn Center's permitting software. Apply online for both building/driveway and right-of-way permits through the iMS portal. Permits can also be emailed to communitydevelopment@brooklyncentermn.gov, and customers can pay by credit card over the phone. Once processed, you'll receive an email with the permit and inspection record card attached — print and display these at the job site.

Fee amounts for curb cut and driveway permits are not published online and are set by the City Council; call 763-569-3330 to confirm current 2025-2026 fee amounts. The refund policy is specific: for permits canceled after issuance with no authorized work done, a refund of 80% of the permit fees may be granted, but in no case will the city retain more than $150. Plan review fees and state surcharge fees are non-refundable.

Key contacts: Building & Community Development (permits and inspections) at 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430, phone 763-569-3330, fax 763-569-3360, email communitydevelopment@brooklyncentermn.gov. The Building Division reviews plans and construction work for building, plumbing, mechanical, fire suppression, water and sewer, and sign permits to ensure compliance with city ordinances and Minnesota State Building and Fire Codes. The Engineering Division (right-of-way, curb cut, and street work) is on the second floor of City Hall, phone 763-569-3340, email publicworks@brooklyncentermn.gov. For iMS software questions, call the Engineering office at 763-585-7100. Electrical inspections are scheduled through Sloth Inspections (formerly Tokle) at 763-421-2360. State law requires Gopher State One Call locates before any digging.