Minneapolis places most building and land-use review within Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED). Minneapolis Development Review helps property owners and contractors identify required construction permits, while Construction Code Services reviews plans, issues permits, and performs inspections. Projects that require plan review use ProjectDox for electronic construction documents. If a project changes a building’s footprint, the city requires Preliminary Development Review before the permit application is submitted.
Zoning review is closely integrated with the development process. Minneapolis properties can be affected by a primary zoning district, a built-form overlay district, and additional overlay districts. These classifications determine permitted uses and development standards, while many new buildings, large additions, and certain uses are also subject to site plan review under the zoning code.
Historic resources can require a separate preservation process. Alterations or demolition involving designated landmarks and properties in historic districts are reviewed by CPED preservation staff or the Heritage Preservation Commission, depending on the application. The commission also considers Certificates of Appropriateness, historic variances, and demolition of historic resources.
Projects extending beyond private property may need additional approvals. Minneapolis separately regulates structures and other uses within the public right-of-way, while the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board is responsible for public trees, including boulevard trees. Applicants can start with the City’s construction permitting resources and then confirm applicable zoning, preservation, right-of-way, and tree requirements.