Forms, Licenses & Permits

NOTE: The City of Columbus has adopted the State Surcharge Table per MN State Statute 326B.148.

Please note that we can only accept check or cash for payment.

Completely fill out the forms in the appropriate application below. Follow the Submittal Checklist included within applicable applications to be sure your application materials are complete before submitting them. 

Visit SAFEbuilt's website to view helpful handouts that assist with submittals and answer common plan review and inspection questions.

If you, as the PROPERTY OWNER, are performing work on your property, you need to fill out a Homeowner Contractor Form and submit it with your permit application.

If you are a COMMERCIAL CONTRACTOR performing work in City limits, you need to apply for a Commercial Contractors License Application.

For many permit applications, a Lake or Waterway Form is required. Please fill it out and include it with your application submittals.

Not sure which Watershed District your property is in? You can use the Columbus Watershed Districts Map or access Anoka County GIS and search your property address.

Electrical permits are issued by the State of Minnesota. For links to construction codes and licensing brochures, visit the Construction Codes and Licensing | Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (mn.gov).

The following permits are able to be approved on the same day they are submitted and payment is received:

Residential Maintenance Handouts

The following permits require zoning code and building code review, which usually requires 4-6 weeks to complete. The 4-6 week estimate begins when a complete application is submitted, but payment is not due until the approved permit is collected:

If you are a commercial contractor performing work in City limits, you need to apply for a Commercial Contractors License Application.

The following permits require zoning code and building code review, which usually requires 4-6 weeks to complete. The 4-6 week estimate begins when a complete application is submitted, but payment is not due until the approved permit is collected:

If you are a commercial contractor performing work in City limits, you need to apply for a Commercial Contractors License Application.

The following permits require zoning code and building code review, which usually requires 4-6 weeks to complete. The 4-6 week estimate begins when a complete application is submitted, but payment is not due until the approved permit is collected:

Residential burning permits for parcels within the City of Columbus can now be submitted online for no charge! Please download and complete the Burn Permit Application, and email it to cityoffices@ci.columbus.mn.us. A member of City Staff will process your application during regular office hours and return the completed permit to your email, or explain why the application was denied. The permit is good for up to three days, unless restricted by the DNR, for burning between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. and can be used for burning up to three 10' x 10' diameter piles. No burning if wind speed exceeds 10 mph. No permit is needed for recreational fires 3' x 3' or smaller or if there is 3" of snow on the ground around the pile.

Businesses planning a burn need to obtain a permit directly from Forest Lake Fire & Rescue at 651-464-2244.  

Check the DNR's website for current restrictions.

REMINDER: In case of emergency, please clearly display your address on your property at the end of your driveway, either on your mailbox or at the edge of the ditch, in order for emergency services personnel to quickly locate you.