Minnesota State Building Code

The Minnesota State Building Code comprises many documents published by various organizations, some of which are available from Minnesota's Bookstore. Note that code publications are amended or updated periodically. Contact the Department of Labor and Industry regarding current applicable codes.

View a summary of 2010 legislation affecting construction trades and licensing in Minnesota.

Helpful Information (PDF files)

Frequently Used Statutes

Minnesota Building Code Statutes

(PDF files)

Related Statutes and Rules

Current Minnesota Building Code Documents

(PDF files)
These files do not include language from a model code that has been incorporated by reference, only amendments made to a model code.

Optional Enforcement

Chapter 1306 Special Fire Protection Systems, either 1306.0020, subp. 2 or subp. 3
Chapter 1305 Appendix chapter J of the 2006 International Building Code (see the 2006 International Building Code)
Chapter 1335 Floodproofing Regulations Parts 1335.0600 to 1335.1200

* These codes have specific statutory authority and with limited exception, are mandatory throughout the state

Archived Minnesota Building Code Documents

(PDF files)

2009 International Code Adoptions

The 2009 editions of the International Residential Code (IRC), International Building Code (IBC), and International Fire Code (IFC) will be published soon and the Construction Codes and Licensing Division and the State Fire Marshal Division have been discussing this adoption. Given the drastic slowdown of the construction economy, we feel it is not the appropriate time to be updating regulations. Read the full memo.

Purchase code books and related documents at Minnesota's Bookstore.

The Minnesota State Building Code is the minimum construction standard throughout all of Minnesota including all cities, townships and counties. Although it is not enforceable by municipalities unless it is adopted by local ordinance, this law creates a level playing field for the construction industry by establishing the Minnesota State Building Code as the standard for the construction of all buildings in the state. Following are excerpts of the law contained in Minnesota Statute 16B.62 Subdivisions 1a and 1b:

Application (1a): The state building code is the standard that applies statewide for the construction, reconstruction, alteration, and repair of buildings and other structures of the type governed by the code. The State Building Code supersedes the building code of any municipality. The State Building Code does not apply to agricultural buildings except with respect to state inspections
Municipal enforcement (1b): (a) If, as of January 1, 2008, a municipality has in effect an ordinance adopting the State Building Code, that municipality must continue to administer and enforce the State Building Code within its jurisdiction. The municipality is prohibited from repealing its ordinance adopting the State Building Code. This paragraph does not apply to municipalities with a population of less than 2,500 according to the last federal census that are located outside of a metropolitan county, as defined in section 473.121, subdivision 4. (b) If a municipality is not required by paragraph (a) to administer and enforce the State Building Code, the municipality may choose to administer and enforce the State Building Code within its jurisdiction by adopting the code by ordinance [appointing a certified building official, and establishing a fee schedule]