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Permits, Licenses, Zoning and Land Use Matters

The City of Gem Lake requires that anyone performing work within the City must first obtain a permit before the work is started. A contractor that is not licensed by the State of Minnesota also will be required to obtain a City license. Land use matters such as re-zoning, subdivision of land and other such activities also require a request form. Other business and home activities are also licensed by the City. See the City of Gem Lake fee schedule, on this web site for the fee required for all permits and licenses.

All permits and licenses can be obtained at the City of Gem Lake City Hall (Heritage Hall)  located at 4200 Otter Lake Road, Gem Lake, on the corner of Goose Lake Road and Otter Lake Road in Gem Lake.

           City of Gem Lake 
           4200 Otter Lake Road 
           Gem Lake, MN 55110
           Phone 651-747-2790    Fax  651-747-2795
     Hours of operation 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  Monday – Thursday, closed Fridays. 

Payment Options

Gem Lake Heritage Hall accepts the following forms of payment

  • Cash (must be exact)
  • Check (made out to the “City of Gem Lake“)
  • Credit/Debit Card (in person)
  • Pay Online (beginning January 1, 2025)

Construction Permits and Inspections

The City of Gem Lake requires that anyone performing work within the city must first obtain a permit. Work or activity done without a permit may be subject to fine and removal. You may download a copy of the permit application from this web site page.
The following activities require a permit:

  • Building/Remodeling
  • Roofing/Siding
  • Plumbing
  • Electrical
  • Sewer & Water Connections
  • Septic Removal/Sewer Connections
  • ISTS (Septic system) Construction or Re-construction
  • Mechanical/Heating
  • Grading
  • Signs
  • Tree Removal
  • Wetland Alteration
  • Erosion and Stormwater Control
  • Driveways
  • Relocation of Buildings
  • Burning

Contact the City of Gem Lake building inspector if you have questions.

Zoning , Subdivision and other Land Use Matters

Any of the following listed activities requires an application to the City of Gem Lake and payment of related fees.  Contact the City of Gem Lake Zoning Administrator if you need help or advice.

  • Rezoning of land
  • Zoning Ordinance amendment
  • Comprehensive Plan amendment
  • Planned Unit Development (PUD)
  • Variance
  • Sub-division of land
  • Conditional or Interim Use permit
  • EAW/EIS (Environmental permits)
  • Appeals or adjustments

The forms for most of these actions are provided on this Website. Complete the form and return it to the City of Gem Lake.  The Building Inspector or the Zoning Administrator will help answer your questions.

City of Gem Lake 
4200 Otter Lake Road 
Gem Lake, MN 55110
Phone 651-747-2790    FAX  651-747-2795
Hours of operation 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Monday – Thursday, closed Fridays

NOTE:  Most of the Zoning matters identified here will require public hearings and appearances before the City of Gem Lake Planning Commission and/or the City Council before approval will be given. The City Council of the City of Gem Lake is the final authority that can give final approval on all Zoning Matters.

City Licenses and other charges

The following city licenses and charges are also handled by the City of Gem Lake:

City of Gem Lake
4200 Otter Lake Road
Gem Lake, MN 55110
Phone 651-747-2790    FAX  651-747-2795
Hours of operation  7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday – Thursday, closed Fridays

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  • To reach the City of Gem Lake – please call 651 747-2790 or 651 747-2792

    City offices/days open: 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  Monday-Thursday, closed Fridays.