Orono, MN

Orono publishes its 2025-2026 driveway and curb-cut fees clearly. Per the official 2025-2026 Fee Schedule (amended October 20, 2025, by Order #25-257), Curb Cut Permits are $50, Road Opening Permits are $50, the Road Opening Late Fee is $500, and Road Opening Repairs and Testing (held as an escrow account) is $500. The full fee schedule PDF is at oronomn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5160. Building and zoning permits are required for projects that include constructing, building, demolishing, altering, moving, or adding onto any building or structure, or projects involving grading or adding impervious surface — driveway work falls under this when it involves new impervious surface or curb modification. Sealcoating and minor maintenance are exempt.

Applications are completed online through the city's permit portal at oronomn.gov/474/Permits-and-Land-Use. You can apply, view permit review status, pay permit fees, receive your permit, and schedule inspections all from home, office, or mobile device. When applying, choose the type and subtype that best fits your project. Items marked with a red vertical line are required, and all submitted documents must be in PDF format. You can save the application and return to finish it later. Pay the $50 curb cut permit fee online, and await approval from the Engineering/Public Works Department before scheduling your inspection.

Orono's specific driveway width and setback rules are governed by the city's Zoning Ordinance under Chapter 78 of the City Code (available via library.municode.com/mn/orono). For exact width limits, setback distances, and impervious-surface rules for your zoning district, call the Planning Office at 952-249-4620 or email planning@oronomn.gov before breaking ground. The Zoning Ordinance, Zoning Map, or Comprehensive Plan may be amended from time to time; a property owner may request an amendment that affects their or an adjoining property.

It is the responsibility of the permit holder to schedule inspections — inspections are not scheduled without a permit. Generally, inspections can be scheduled 24 to 48 hours prior to the desired time, though during busy seasons it may be longer. Schedule by contacting the City of Orono at 952-249-4600 and pressing 1, or call Public Works Inspections at 952-249-4686 between 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. with at least 24-hour notice.

Key contacts: Building Inspections and Planning at 952-249-4620 (planning@oronomn.gov); general City Hall at 952-249-4600; Public Works inspection scheduling at 952-249-4686. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The State Electrical Inspector is Dave Hucky at 952-442-2761 (Monday through Friday, 7:00 to 8:30 a.m.). The Fire Marshal is James Van Eyll at 952-473-9701. For wells, contact MN Department of Health at 651-215-0811. The Building Inspections page is at oronomn.gov/331/Building-Inspections; the Engineering page is at oronomn.gov/393/Engineering. If your driveway connects to a Hennepin County road, a separate county access permit may be required.