Instructions
If you are applying for a permit that does not require a plan review, you can now complete the permit application online. If you need a PIN, please email city@gemlakemn.org.
For Contractor’s click here For Homeowners click here
Permits requiring a plan review can still be emailed to the City Clerk. For permits that require a plan review, please allow 7-10 business days. If you have not received an email requesting payment after this time, please follow-up as sometimes permits are not received due to spam filters setup by our contracted IT Department and/or your email service.
Payments
Accepted forms of payment are cash, check, debit and credit card. You can also pay online.
Refund Policy
Request for refund must be in writing within 60 days of permit issuance. No more than 50% of the permit fee will be refunded. No refunds for plan review fees. The state surcharge is 100% refundable. Electrical permits are non-refundable.
Building Permits
Building permits are required for the construction of a new dwelling and for various modifications to existing structures. Separate permits are required for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire suppression/alarm system, sewer and water and zoning.
Subcontractors must be state licensed or be contractor licensed with the City before work begins.
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.
Existing Structures
Existing structures require a building permit for any of the following:
- Accessory buildings
- Any structural changes
- Driveways and Fences
- Heating and Air Conditioning
- Plumbing and Electrical work
- Radon Mitigation Systems
- Re-roofing and Re-siding
- Swimming pool and Decks
New Dwellings
New Dwellings require two (2) sets of plans, energy calculations, a Certificate of Survey, placement of the house on the survey with all corner stakes visible, and the house staked out on the lot. The City engineer must establish proper elevations before a permit is issued. Separate permits are also required for:
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Mechanical
- Water Meter
- Outside Sewer and Water Line
- Fire Suppression
- Fire Alarm Systems
Public Right-of-Way
Work proposed to be done within the public right-of-way, including sidewalks, driveways, tree planting, etc, also requires a permit application review by the City Engineer.
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.
- 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
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:
- Adult Use Business License
- Agricultural Animal Keeping
- Amusement Device License
- Archery Deer Hunting
- Archery Turkey Hunting
- Business Licenses
- Business License Application
- Edible Cannabinoid Products License Application
- Liquor License Packet – On Sale, Sunday and Off Sale (Off Sale additional state document required for approval)
- Optional 2 A.M. Liquor License – State of MN
- Tobacco License Packet
- Contractor License (if not State of Minnesota licensed)
- Chicken/Fowl Keeping
- Dog License
- False Alarm Charges
- Golf Cart Permit
- Heritage Hall Rental
- Kennels
- Pawnbroker License
- Rental Units
- Special Home Occupation Permit
- Stables
- Working in right-of-way Permit