Everything from finding your property lines to shed permits (and if you need one) is compiled in a list (below) of our most common topics with answers.
The below information contains common project questions and answers for the following:
Click the links above to skip to that section or use the search bar below to search for words, phrases or key terms:
If you would like to view the pdf handout for accessory building, please click here or click through the details below.
If you would like to view the pdf handout for basement finishing, please click here or click through the details below.
Application for a Building Permit requires two sets of plans showing:
New bedrooms need to have an escape (egress) window with:
If you would like to view the pdf handout for decks, please click here or click through the details below.
A permit is required for installing a new deck, replacing an existing deck and replacing deck boards. If you have questions please call 651-638-2050.
Information required for permit:
Frost Footing/Foundations
Required for any deck attached to a dwelling, porch or garage that has frost footings. The minimum depth to the base of the footing is 42 inches. Approved pin foundations are acceptable. Pin foundations are not permitted to support screen porches, 3-season porches or other attached habitable spaces.
Total Load
All decks shall be designed to support a live load of 50 pounds per square foot (40 pounds live load plus 10 pounds dead load).
Guards/Guardrails
Required on all decks or stairs more than 30 inches above grade. Required guards shall be a minimum 36 in height and shall not have opening from the walking surface to the required guard height which allows passage of a sphere 4 inches in diameter. Exception: On an open stairway, the triangular opening formed by the riser, tread and bottom element of a guardrail must be sized so that a six inch sphere cannot pass through.
The top rail must support a 200 pound lateral load. Infill area must withstand a horizontally applied normal load of 50 pounds on an area equal to one square foot.
Handrails
The top shall be placed not less than 34 inches or more than 38 inches above the nosing of the treads. Stairways having four or more risers shall have at least one handrail with handrail ends returned or terminated in posts. Circular hand grips shall be between 1-1/4 inches to 2 inches in cross-sectional dimension or the shape shall provide an equivalent gripping surface.
Cantilevers: Overhanging Joists and Beams
Beams shall not overhang support posts by more than one foot unless a special design is approved.
Framing Details
Header beams and joists that frame into ledgers or beams shall be supported by approved framing anchors such as joist hangers.
Flashing
All connections between deck and dwelling shall be weatherproofed. Cuts in exterior finish shall be flashed.
Nails and Screws
Use only stainless steel, high strength aluminum or hot-dipped galvanized.
Wood Required
All exposed wood is required to be approved wood with natural resistance to decay (redwood, cedar, etc.) or approved treated wood. This includes posts, beams, joists, decking and railings. Any composite or plastic decking materials must be approved by Building and Inspection prior to installation.
Stairs
Minimum width is 36 inches. Maximum rise is 7- 3/4 inches, minimum rise is 4 inches. Minimum run is 10 inches. Largest tread width or riser height shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch. Maximum 4 inch opening at risers greater than 30 inches above grade.
Illumination
All exterior stairways shall be illuminated at the landing to the stairway. Illumination shall be controlled from inside the dwelling or automatically activated.
If you would like to view the egress window sizing chart PDF, please click here or click through the details below.
A building permit is required with reviews for egress window installation.
We will require:
If you would like to view the fence handout PDF, please click here or click through the details below.
Make sure that the desired location of the pool is approved by our zoning department. You can call or email Mark Andrle at mark.andrle@newbrightonmn.gov / 651-638-2058
Fill out and submit an Excavation/Grading permit. The cost is based on the amount of cubic yards.
Please look at the enclosure requirements in the New Brighton city code.
If you would like to view the roof handout PDF, please click here or click through the details below.
Before undertaking any re-roofing project there are several questions that should be considered to ensure a successful project. You should familiarize yourself with all aspects of the re-roofing process before you begin. There are various conditions about your roof that may limit your product choices or affect the cost of your roofing job.
The 2015 Minnesota Residential Code adopts the 2012 International Residential Code (2012 IRC). Roofing materials must be installed in accordance with Chapter 9 of the 2015 Minnesota Residential Code and the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Building permits are required for re-roofing existing dwellings. Building permit fees are established by the municipality. Building inspections are performed at various stages to verify code compliance. Permit costs and required inspections can be obtained by contacting your local department of building safety.
How old is it? A roof that has been properly installed, ventilated, and has not been damaged can last 20 years or more. An inspection of the roof should be done periodically. Look for cracks, curled or cupped shingles, worn mineral coatings, exposed nails, previous patches, holes and exposed underlayment or sheathing.
If your roof leaks, it is necessary to determine why. If you have inspected the roof and it looks sound, the problem could be roof flashing. Many roof leaks are result of bad or misapplied flashing. You should spend time in the attic looking for water stains, particularly around vents, chimneys and vertical wall elements above the roof. Flashing can sometimes be replaced or repaired without installing a whole new roof.
There are two options available for re-roofing installations. One would be to tear off the old roof before applying the new one. The second would be to lay new shingles over the existing roof. Roofing materials are heavy, so multiple layers can affect the ability of a roof to hold the weight of winter snow.
An overlay can be the less expensive option. However, it is not necessarily always the best choice. There are advantages to tearing off the old roof before installing a new one. For example:
Recovering versus replacement?
New roof coverings shall not be installed without first removing all existing layers of roof coverings where any of the following conditions exist: •
Exceptions:
What is roof slope and does it limit the choice of shingles?
Asphalt shingles shall only be used on roof slopes of two units vertical in 12 units horizontal (2:12) or greater. The slope of the roof is measured by the vertical rise of the roof to the horizontal run and is expressed as a fraction. A "4:12 roof slope" means the roof rises 4 feet for every 12 feet of horizontal roof span.
Roof slopes between 2:12 and 4:12 can use shingles, but require roof application techniques to take into account a greater potential for ice dam water backup. Roof slopes between 2:12 and 4:12 require a double underlayment application in accordance with Section R905.2.7.
Slopes of 4:12 and above can use standard asphalt roofing applications (R905.2.2).
Roof ventilation is required and must be installed in accordance with Section R806 of the 2015 Minnesota Residential Code and the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Enclosed attics and enclosed rafter spaces formed where ceilings are applied directly to the underside of the roof rafters must have cross ventilation for each separate space by ventilating openings protected against the entrance of rain or snow. Ventilating openings must be provided with corrosion-resistant wire cloth screening, hardware cloth mesh, or similar material with 1/16 inch minimum to 1/4 inch maximum openings.
Minimum vent area: The minimum net free ventilating area is 1/150 of the area of the vented space. Exception: The minimum net free ventilation area is 1/300 of the vented space provided one or more of the following conditions are met:
It might be necessary to add ventilation with your new roof to meet these standards.
What function does shingle underlayment serve?
An underlayment, commonly known as roofing felt, will:
Protection against ice dams can be obtained by using a special waterproof shingle underlayment at the eaves or lower edges of the roof, in addition to installing adequate ventilation and proper insulation in the attic. The code in Minnesota requires this special waterproof shingle underlayment at the eaves or lower edges of the roof.
How can you determine if the roof is properly ventilated?
An attic needs to breathe. An effective ventilation system will help prevent attic heat build-up, attic moisture and condensation, and ice dam build-up. Research has shown that proper ventilation is necessary if the shingles are to last their design life.
A typical installation of asphalt shingles is illustrated below for use on roofs 4:12 and greater. However, the code also permits application on a roof that has a slope of less than 4:12 if the low-slope-roofing procedures are used.
Fasteners
Fasteners for asphalt shingles must be galvanized steel, stainless steel, aluminum or copper roofing nails, minimum 12 gage shank with a minimum 3/8 inch head, ASTM F 1667, of a length to penetrate through the roofing materials and a minimum of 3/4 inch into the roof sheathing. Where the roof sheathing is less than 3/4 inch thick, the fasteners must penetrate through the sheathing. Fasteners must comply with ASTM F 1667. Staples are not permitted for shingle application unless specifically noted in the manufacturer's installation instructions on the shingle package.
Underlayment
The code requires that underlayment of one layer of nonperforated Type 15 felt lapped two inches horizontally and four inches vertically to shed water. In addition, an ice barrier that consists of at least two layers of underlayment cemented together or of a self-adhering polymer modified bitumen sheet, be used in lieu of normal underlayment and extend from the eave's edge to a point at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall line of the building.
Valley linings
Install valley linings in accordance with manufacturer's installation instructions before applying shingles. Permitted valley linings include:
Cricket and saddle
Install a cricket or saddle (see illustration, page 4) on the ridge side of any chimney greater than 30 inches wide. Cricket or saddle coverings must be sheet metal or the same material as the roof covering.
Sidewall flashing
Sidewall flashing against a vertical sidewall (see illustration, page 4) must be continuous or step flashing and a minimum of 4 inches and 4 inches in width and direct water away from the vertical sidewall onto the roof or gutter.
Kickout flashing
Install kickout flashing where the lower portion of a sloped roof stops within the plane of an intersecting wall cladding to divert or kick out water away from the assembly.
Other flashing
Apply other flashing, such as flashing against a vertical-front wall and the soil stack, vent pipe and chimney flashing, according to the asphalt shingle manufacturer's printed instructions.
Drip edge
Drip edge is not required unless specifically required by the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
If you would like to view the safety glass handout PDF, please click here or click through the details below.
The areas considered to be hazardous requiring tempered glass are:
1. Glass in any door, guards or railings, including all infill parts of guards and railings.
2. Glass within 24” of either side of a door when less than 60” above the floor.
3. Glass in fixed or operable panels that meet all of the following conditions:
4. Where the bottom of edge of glass is less than 60” above a standing surface and drain outlet of any bathtub, shower, hot tub, steam room or sauna. Exception: Glass more than 60” horizontally from the water’s edge.
5. Glass adjacent to stairs and ramps where the bottom exposed edge is less than 36” above walking surface of stairs, landings between flights of stairs and ramps.
6. Glass adjacent to landings at the bottom of a stairway when the glass is less than 36” above the landing and within 60” horizontally of the bottom stair tread.
Exception: When the glass is protected by a guard complying with R312.
To see code requirements click here.
If you would like to view the Stair and Handrail handout PDF, please click here or click through the details below.
Below please find information on how to find your property lines, how to request a parcel map and information on New Brighton's Survey Policy
Custom Parcel Map: This scaled map can be used to sketch your site plan for a building permit or can assist with locating property lines. You can obtain a copy of a parcel map that displays address, lot dimensions, property lines and an aerial photo. Simply provide us with a New Brighton address and a staff member will create your custom parcel map. Maps are free for New Brighton Residents.
To order your Custom Parcel Map you can stop by City Hall, send an e-mail request to Mark Andrle or call Mark at 651-638-2058.
Sample Map:
A property corner monument (also referred to as a property iron) marks the edges of your property. If you are having trouble finding your property monuments, try using a metal detector over the area where the iron might be buried. If they can't be found, a certified land surveyor will need to locate your property lines.
It is the objective of the survey policy to establish criteria defining the circumstances in which a survey (or a survey update) will be required with a building permit application. Certain provisions of zoning (stormwater management, floodplain rules, etc) can only be reviewed for compliance via submission of a survey. However, the City recognizes that requiring a survey adds additional cost for its residents and staff should strive to only require the information necessary to ensure compliance with City Code. This policy is intended to establish consistency on when surveys will be required.
If you have questions about the New Brighton Survey Policy, please contact Ben Gozola.
Surveys shall always be necessary for Proposals that require a land use application:
Exception: If the applicant is improving a property such that building footprints, hardcover, etc, will not change (i.e. building upwards) AND an old to-scale survey or site plan already provides all information necessary to complete a review, the old survey or site plan may be accepted for the new land use process at staff’s discretion.
If you have questions about the New Brighton Survey Policy, please contact Ben Gozola.
Surveys are NEVER required for: interior remodels, re-roofs, re-siding, windows/doors.
Surveys will be required for residential building projects unless the work qualifies for one of the following exclusions:
OR
* Note that staff is allowed to use discretion to accept a site plan when the distance from a setback is less than 3 feet based on the adjacent land. Is the adjacent land non-buildable? Is the adjacent land parkland? Is there little chance of anyone complaining either now or in the future if the project is built out of compliance? This discretion should only be exercised when staff is 100% certain that the potential for a nonconformity will not create any future problems.
AND
AND
AND
AND
This exception also applies to expansions that have been reviewed and approved through the land use process using an existing survey or site plan.
New residential construction will always require submittal of a survey to document the proposed grading extent, location of erosion control, proposed drainage following construction, etc. Exceptions to this rule include:
Floodplain Rule: structures proposed within a floodplain and/or structures which will require grading within a floodplain will always require a survey.
If you have questions about the New Brighton Survey Policy, please contact Ben Gozola.
Surveys will be required for commercial and industrial building projects unless the work qualifies for one of the following exclusions:
OR
* Note that staff is allowed to use discretion to accept a site plan when the distance from a setback is less than 3 feet based on the adjacent land. Is the adjacent land non-buildable? Is the adjacent land parkland? Is there little chance of anyone complaining either now or in the future if the project is built out of compliance? This discretion should only be exercised when staff is 100% certain that the potential for a nonconformity will not create any future problems.
AND
AND
AND
AND
This exception also applies to expansions that have been reviewed and approved through the land use process using an existing survey or site plan.
New commercial or industrial construction will always require submittal of a survey to document the proposed grading extent, location of erosion control, proposed drainage following construction, etc. Exceptions to this rule include:
Floodplain Rule: structures proposed to be within a floodplain, and structures which will require grading within a floodplain, will always require a survey.
If you have questions about the New Brighton Survey Policy, please contact Ben Gozola.
Option 1: Foundation surveys (a survey to certify the location and elevation of a structure prior to the framing of a structure) will not be required by the City of New Brighton. Applicants may wish to complete such a survey on their own accord to ensure a proposed structure is located and elevated as proposed to avoid significant future problems before it’s too late
Option 2: Applications for new construction or expansions of existing footprints will be required to provide an as-built foundation survey if one of the following criteria apply:
If you have questions about the New Brighton Survey Policy, please contact Ben Gozola.
Applications for new construction or expansions of existing footprints will be required to provide an as-built grading survey if ONE of the following criteria apply:
OR
OR
OR
If you have questions about the New Brighton Survey Policy, please contact Ben Gozola.
When survey requirements apply to a project, DCAD staff is encouraged to use discretion to minimize survey costs whenever possible by excluding extraneous information that will be unnecessary for determining zoning compliance.
If you have questions about the New Brighton Survey Policy, please contact Ben Gozola.