Permit Question - Minneapolis, MN

[Nick Jude]

I am having trouble pulling a permit for a duplex I own to build a 2 car garage on an already existing concrete pad because I own the property through my LLC (I am not a licensed contractor). Had I put it in my own name, I wouldn't have ran into a problem. My problem is, I can build a garage for $4k and the project isn't worth it if I have to pay a contractor to do it. I've built several garages before.

What are my options?  Build it anyways and beg for forgiveness?  Find a contractor who will pull a permit for me?  I'm trying to improve the property as the current tenants have stuff all over the yard.  A garage would help solve that issue greatly.

Thanks,

[Bruce Runn]

I own my own numerous investment properties and have a general contracting license since I do renovations and it is required if you do more than 2 non owner occupied renovations in a 2 year period.  I don't know any fellow contractors that would agree to pull a permit for someone unless they were partially involved and they would have to be a buddy/relative to only do it partially.  Way to much liability and issues for the person pulling the permit and their license is at stake.   I know it seems like hey, I know what I'm doing, but there is much more to it than that even if you have experience.  There's a reason a license is required.   What about all the inspections?? If you've built garages before, you know just having a concrete parking pad most likely would not meet the requirement for a garage floor due to the footings/supports for walls ect.  Yikes.  I couldn't do a "legal" garage for $4,000 and have the contractor license to do it .  My advice and experience is just do it the "right" way especially in Minneapolis.