Minnesota

Minnesota Permit Guide for Metal Carports, Garages and Barns

A Minnesota carport permit depends on where you build: one State Building Code applies everywhere, but it is only enforced with permits and inspections where a city, county or township has adopted it. Most cities do, and many rural areas do not. Where the code is enforced, a one-story detached shed up to 200 square feet skips the building permit, and anything bigger, like most carports and garages, needs one. Farm buildings that meet the state definition are outside the code entirely, though zoning and shoreland rules still apply.

Building code in effect

Homes and their accessory buildings fall under the 2020 Minnesota Residential Code (Minnesota Rules chapter 1309), based on the 2018 International Residential Code with Minnesota amendments. It took effect March 31, 2020, together with the rest of the 2020 Minnesota State Building Code, and permit administration comes from Minnesota Rules chapter 1300. An update is in the works. The Department of Labor and Industry published a request for comments on February 2, 2026 about adopting the 2024 IRC with Minnesota changes, but no draft rule or effective date has been set yet. Under Minn. Stat. 326B.121, the State Building Code is the statewide standard and overrides local building codes.

Who issues permits

Building permits come from the city, county or township that enforces the State Building Code in your area. Cities that had adopted the code by January 1, 2008 must keep enforcing it, except cities under 2,500 people outside a metropolitan county, and any other city, county or township can choose to adopt it (Minn. Stat. 326B.121). If your area has not adopted it, you won't get a building permit, but the code still technically applies. Zoning is separate. Counties zone most unincorporated land, some townships zone too, and cities zone inside their limits. Lake and river lots also fall under a local shoreland ordinance.

County permit guides

County guides are coming soon.

Don't see your county? Call 919-725-8176 and we'll help you find the right office.

When you need a permit

Small sheds: Where the code is enforced, a one-story detached accessory structure up to 200 square feet (tool shed, storage shed, playhouse) doesn't need a building permit under Minnesota Rules 1300.0120. Electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits are still needed if you add those.
Carports and garages: Anything over 200 square feet, or more than one story, needs a building permit where the code is enforced. That covers most metal carports and garages.
Lake and river lots: Shoreland covers land within 1,000 feet of a lake or 300 feet of a river or stream. Setbacks from the water and lot coverage limits come from your county or city shoreland ordinance.
Areas with no local enforcement: In a township or small city that hasn't adopted the code, there's no building permit, but county zoning permits and setbacks can still apply.

Farm buildings

Under Minn. Stat. 326B.121, the State Building Code does not apply to agricultural buildings, with a few exceptions such as state electrical inspection rules (326B.36) and a rule that skylights and translucent roof panels must carry the same load as the roof around them. Minn. Stat. 326B.103, subd. 3 defines an agricultural building as one on land the assessor classifies as agricultural, built and used to house farm implements, livestock or farm products, and used by the owner or renter, their family and employees, and people picking up or delivering farm products. A garage for personal vehicles on a farm doesn't meet that definition. County zoning, setbacks and shoreland rules can still apply to farm buildings.

Wind and snow

Minnesota sees long winters with heavy snow, especially in the north and along the North Shore of Lake Superior, plus summer thunderstorms with straight-line winds and tornadoes in the south and west. Open prairie areas in the west get strong winter winds that drift snow. Ask your local building office for the design wind speed and ground snow load for your address before you pick a building. Our partnered manufacturers offer certified buildings rated for 140 MPH wind and 35 PSF snow load, and higher ratings can be quoted where required.

Before you order

Ask your city, county or township whether it enforces the State Building Code. That decides if you need a building permit at all.
If the building is over 200 square feet, plan on a building permit wherever the code is enforced.
On a lake or river lot, call the county zoning or shoreland office about setbacks from the water before you choose a spot.
For a farm building, check that your land is classified agricultural by the assessor and the building will house equipment, livestock or crops.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Minnesota?
Where your city, county or township enforces the State Building Code, yes for anything over 200 square feet, which covers most carports. A one-story detached structure of 200 square feet or less is exempt. In areas that don't enforce the code, check for a county zoning permit instead.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage in Minnesota?
In most cities, yes. A detached garage over 200 square feet needs a building permit under the Minnesota Residential Code where the code is enforced. Zoning setbacks and any shoreland rules are checked separately by your city or county.

Are farm buildings exempt?
Yes, if they meet the state definition of an agricultural building in Minn. Stat. 326B.103: on agricultural land, used to house farm equipment, livestock or farm products, and used by the farm owner, family and workers. Minn. Stat. 326B.121 keeps the State Building Code off those buildings, but state electrical rules and local zoning still apply.

Sources

Permit rules change. Always confirm with your local permit office before you build.

Looking at buildings? See our metal carports, metal garages and metal buildings.

Ready to design your building?

Design it yourself in 3D with the button below, or call 919-725-8176 and we'll help you figure out what your county needs.

Design Your Building in 3D