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1. How do I get my City Contractor License?

Please fill out the online license application.

2. Does New Brighton have licensing requirements?

Yes. Please view our Licensing Requirements (PDF) to find out what is required by the City of New Brighton.

3. Where can I find the most current fee schedule?

Please look at our 2021 Fee Schedule (PDF) to view current fees.

4. Should homeowners always hire licensed contractors?

Answer from the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI): "DLI strongly recommends hiring a contractor licensed by the state of Minnesota. That ensures the company has met certain requirements, including having a principal of the company pass an appropriate examination and having liability and property damage insurance. A licensed contractor must also take a number of continuing education classes each year."

If you have questions about the licensing status of a contractor, you can check on the State website.

Some work does not require a license or a permit, if you have specific questions feel free to call us at the City 651-638-2050 or email the Building Department.

Please reference the State of Minnesota's Consumer Guide to Hiring a Contractor (PDF).

5. I am a homeowner and I have hired a contractor who is asking me to pull the permits for them. What should I do?

The Department of Labor lists these as "red flags" when hiring a contractor:

• Arrives in an unmarked van or truck
• Appears to be willing to do the job at an unusually low price
• Requires full or substantial payment before work begins
• Refuses to provide a written estimate or contract
• Refuses to provide a Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry license number
• Refuses to provide references
• Shows up unsolicited
• Uses high-pressure sales tactics
• Asks the homeowner to obtain permits for the job

It is the responsibility of the licensed contractor to pull their own permits. If the City suspects that you are pulling a permit on behalf of a contractor, you may be asked to sign a Homeowner Affidavit (PDF).

6. I suspect the contractor I have hired is not reliable: What should I do?

The Department of Labor lists these as "red flags" when hiring a contractor:

• Arrives in an unmarked van or truck
• Appears to be willing to do the job at an unusually low price
• Requires full or substantial payment before work begins
• Refuses to provide a written estimate or contract
• Refuses to provide a Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry license number
• Refuses to provide references
• Shows up unsolicited
• Uses high-pressure sales tactics
• Asks the homeowner to obtain permits for the job

Please reach out to the City if you need any help: call 651-638-2050 or email the Building Department.

You can also reach out directly to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry:

• Residential Building Contractor unit
  • Residential Building Contractor Enforcement Actions
  • Phone: 651-284-5069
  • Fax: 651-284-5749
  • Email the Department of Labor and Industry
• Contractor Recovery Fund
• Residential Building Contractor License Lookup