North Minneapolis, MN

North Minneapolis is served by the City of Minneapolis permit office, not a separate North Minneapolis department. All curb-cut applications go through the City of Minneapolis Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED) department, with the same rules, fees, and process used citywide. Replacing an existing driveway in the same footprint with no changes to the curb cut is generally exempt from permit requirements. Any new curb cut requires an encroachment or right-of-way permit. Widening or extending an existing driveway typically requires a permit because it increases impervious surface coverage and may affect drainage. If the widening involves a modified curb cut, a right-of-way permit is also required.

Minneapolis enforces strict placement rules. The driveway must be perpendicular to the public right-of-way, 5 feet away from fixed structures in the public right-of-way (fire hydrants, light poles, etc.), 5 feet away from property lines (and if that distance can't be met, you need a signed and dated letter from the neighboring property owner), and at least 20 feet from the end of any street intersection corner radius. Each home can only have one driveway, and driveways are not allowed if your home (1 to 3 units) has alley access — a rule that affects many North Minneapolis lots, since alleys are common in this part of the city.

A sidewalk contractor licensed in Minneapolis must do the work. Homeowners are not allowed to do it themselves unless they are a licensed sidewalk contractor in Minneapolis. The process runs through ProjectDox in two stages. First, submit a Plan Review Request online via the city's portal. You'll receive a ProjectDox email within 48 to 72 hours with upload instructions, and you upload your site plans (drawn to scale, at 40:1 or at least 1/16 inch = 1 foot) showing the full driveway on your property, the garage, any other parking areas, a north arrow, your name and phone number, and the property address. Once plans are approved, apply for a Sidewalk Inspection Permit and include the approved curb-cut plans from ProjectDox. After the permit is issued, work can begin.

Estimated permit fees for driveway and paving projects in Minneapolis range from $150 to $500, varying by project scope and valuation. Curb removal and replacement (the contractor cost, not the city fee) typically runs $15 to $30 per linear foot. For the official fee schedule, see minneapolismn.gov/business-services/licenses-permits-inspections/construction-permits/permits-overview/fees. New curb cuts and any work affecting boulevard trees require separate approvals — placing driveways near a boulevard tree or removing one may require Minneapolis Park Board approval, which can affect schedule and cost. Curb cuts may also be routed through Development Review/311.

Contact CPED at 612-673-3000 or call/email 311 for non-emergency questions and routing. The Public Service Building is at 505 Fourth Avenue South, Room 220, Minneapolis, MN 55415; CPED hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Sidewalk Inspections Office is at 505 Fourth Avenue South, Room 410, phone 612-673-2420. The official curb-cut page is at minneapolismn.gov/business-services/licenses-permits-inspections/construction-permits/building-requirements/curb-cuts. A 2-year warranty is required on all right-of-way work.