--- title: I wanted to make some renovations, add a sign, or make changes to my building. Where do I start? description: Permits are required for business renovations or changes. Get your permits here and learn why you need one. --- [Skip to content](https://research.egfeda.org/i-wanted-to-make-some-renovations-add-a-sign-or-make-changes-to-my-building.-where-do-i-start#main-content) English - United States Show submenu for translations ![East Grand Forks Minnesota Logo](https://research.egfeda.org/hs-fs/hubfs/EGF%20EDA%20Logo_Full%20Color-1.png?width=400&height=197&name=EGF%20EDA%20Logo_Full%20Color-1.png) - Small Business Show submenu for Small Business - [Startups](https://egfeda.org/entrepreneur) - [Funding](https://egfeda.org/funding) - [Rules & Regulations](https://egfeda.org/rulesregs) - [Border Cities Program](https://egfeda.org/bordercities) - [Resources & Partners](https://egfeda.org/resources-partners) - [Business Directory](https://egfeda.org/businessdirectory) - [Sites](https://egfeda.org/properties) Show submenu for Sites - [Site Selectors](https://info.egfeda.org/siteselectors) - [Industrial Park](https://egfeda.org/industrialpark) - [City Special Assessments](https://www.eastgrandforks.us/421/Special-Assessments) - 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[EDA Help Section](https://research.egfeda.org/?hsLang=en-us) 2. [General](https://research.egfeda.org/general?hsLang=en-us) # I wanted to make some renovations, add a sign, or make changes to my building. Where do I start? ## TL;DR- Before starting work or buying supplies, visit the Planning & Zoning Dept first to get the necessary permits and understanding of what is allowed. The city, county, and state have particular regulations and codes around different renovations to your location. To ensure the easiest approach with the least headaches: 1\. First, visit the Planning & Zoning Dept at City Hall or schedule a visit with Brenda at bault@eastgrandforks.gov or 218-773-2208 for a consultation on your design plans.  2\. Acquire any required permits for your project. This can be accomplished at the Planning & Zoning Dept at City Hall with the assistance of Brenda, Planning Tech or Nancy, Community Development Director.  3\. Ensure your contractor is licensed to do work in the State of Minnesota and they are bonded and insured.  4\. Schedule a follow-up visit with the Building Inspectors to close out your permit(s) when the work has been completed.   Pro-Tips: The better the communication, the easier the process. Feel free to have the Building Inspectors pop in during the project or seek feedback from the Community Development Director at any point. Our goal is to ensure the safest, best outcome for your location! While all the additional steps seem frustrating, they actually help with your building's insurance and future resale value. When the work is done by a licensed contractor, you know the work is done right and prioritizes safety.  If the activity or project is permitted, it still needs a permit.  Get your permits here:[https://www.eastgrandforks.gov/135/Information-on-Inspections-and-Permits](https://www.eastgrandforks.gov/135/Information-on-Inspections-and-Permits) - [FAQs](https://research.egfeda.org/faqs?hsLang=en-us) - [General](https://research.egfeda.org/general?hsLang=en-us) - [Support](https://research.egfeda.org/support?hsLang=en-us#main-content) - [Funding](https://research.egfeda.org/support?hsLang=en-us#funding) [![EGF EDA Logo\_Full Color](https://research.egfeda.org/hs-fs/hubfs/EGF%20EDA%20Logo_Full%20Color.png?width=200&height=99&name=EGF%20EDA%20Logo_Full%20Color.png "EGF EDA Logo_Full Color")](https://www.eastgrandforks.gov/451/Economic-Development) 600 Demers Ave NW, East Grand Forks, MN 56721 Copyright © 2026, East Grand Forks Economic Development Authority