Loretto, MN

Loretto is one of the smallest Hennepin County cities (around 700 residents) and does not publish a curb cut permit fee schedule or detailed driveway zoning standards on its website. The first and most important step before any driveway work is to call or email City Hall — the city expects applicants to confirm the permit type, fee, and submittal requirements directly with staff before applying.

A permit is required for installing a new driveway, upgrading from gravel to a paved surface, replacing or reconstructing an existing driveway, and expanding driveway dimensions. Sealcoating existing asphalt and general maintenance without resurfacing are exempt. Forms and permit applications are published at ci.loretto.mn.us. Fillable forms work best when opened in a PDF reader such as Adobe Reader. Completed forms can be submitted in person at Loretto City Hall, 279 Medina Street North, Suite 260, Loretto, MN; emailed to mschneider@ci.loretto.mn.us; or mailed to City of Loretto, PO Box 207, Loretto, MN 55357.

The city had a proposed ordinance amending the 2025 Fee Schedule under consideration in mid-2025, indicating fees may have been updated recently. Because the schedule is not posted, you must contact City Hall for the current curb cut and driveway permit fees. When you call, ask specifically about the curb cut/driveway permit fee, the width and setback limits for your zoning district, the required site plan format, and which inspector handles building inspections — small cities like Loretto typically contract building inspection services to an outside agency rather than staff their own building official. Confirm who that inspector is and whether you need to schedule inspections separately from the city permit issuance.

Your application package should include a completed permit application, a site plan showing the driveway location relative to property lines, the curb, and the street, plus driveway width and any distance from intersections. If your zoning district has impervious surface limits, include a coverage calculation on the plan. Proof of property ownership and contractor license/insurance information may also be required.

Road jurisdiction matters in Loretto. If your driveway connects to a Hennepin County road, the city does not have authority over the curb cut — contact Hennepin County Public Works for a separate access permit. If your driveway accesses a state trunk highway, MnDOT requires an Access/Driveway Permit whenever there is a request for a change in access to or from a MnDOT right-of-way or a change in use of the property. Before any digging, call Gopher State One Call at 811 to locate underground utilities — required by Minnesota law statewide. The most reliable way to reach Loretto staff is by phone at 763-479-4305 or by emailing mschneider@ci.loretto.mn.us before driving to City Hall.