Permits

Click here to submit a permit inquiry or Land Use Matters.

Permits, Licenses, Zoning and Land use matters

The City of Gem Lake requires that anyone performing work within the City must first obtain a permit before the work is started. A contractor that is not licensed by the State of Minnesota also will be required to obtain a City license. Land use matters such as re-zoning, subdivision of land and other such activities also require a request form. Other business and home activities are also licensed by the City. See the City of Gem Lake 2007 fee schedule, on this web site for the fee required for all permits and licenses.

All permits and licenses can be obtained at the City of Gem Lake Permit/License Bureau located at 1281 Hammond Rd. (White Bear Township Administration Building) in White Bear Township. Hammond Rd. runs west off of Otter Lake Rd north of Hwy 96 and County Rd H about 1 ½ miles north of the City of Gem Lake.

City of Gem Lake Permit/License Bureau
           1281 Hammond Rd.
           White Bear Township, MN 55110
           Phone 651-747-2750    FAX 651-426-2258
     Hours of operation 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM weekdays

Construction Permits and Inspections

The City of Gem Lake requires that anyone performing work within the city must first obtain a permit. Work or activity done without a permit may be subject to fine and removal. You may download a copy of the permit application from this web site page.
The following activities require a permit:

Building/remodeling
Roofing/Siding
Plumbing
Electrical
Sewer connections
Septic removal/sewer connections
ISTS (Septic system) construction or re-construction
Mechanical/Heating
Grading
Signs
Tree removal
Wetland Alteration
Erosion and Stormwater control
Driveways
Relocation of Buildings
Burning

Contact the City of Gem Lake building inspector if you have questions.

Zoning , Subdivision and other Land Use Matters

Any of the following listed activities requires an application to the City of Gem Lake and payment of related fees. Contact the City of Gem Lake Zoning Administrator if you need help or advice.

Rezoning of land
Zoning Ordinance amendment
Comprehensive Plan amendment
Planned Unit Development (PUD)
Variance
Sub-division of land
Conditional or Interim Use permit
EAW/EIS (Environmental permits)
Appeals or adjustments

The forms for most of these actions are provided on this Website. Complete the form and return it to the City of Gem Lake Permit/Licensing Bureau. The License Bureau, the Building Inspector or the Zoning Administrator will help answer your questions.

City of Gem Lake Permit/License Bureau
           1281 Hammond Rd.
           White Bear Township, MN 55110
           Phone 651-747-2750    FAX 651-426-2258
     Hours of operation 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM weekdays

NOTE: Most of the Zoning matters identified here will require public hearings and appearances before the City of Gem Lake Planning Commission and/or the City Council before approval will be given. The City Council of the City of Gem Lake is the final authority that can give final approval on all Zoning Matters.

City Licenses and other charges

The following city licenses and charges are also handled by the Permit/License Bureau:

Dog license
Kennels
Stables
False Alarm charges
Working in right-of-way permit
Rental unit charges
On-Sale Liquor license
3.2 malt liquor license
Off-sale liquor license
Retail Tobacco reseller
Adult use business license
Special home occupation permit
Pawnbroker license
Amusement device license
Contractor license (if not State of Minnesota licensed)

The Permit/License Bureau will answer your questions on any of these matters or refer them to the correct City of Gem Lake official if needed.

City of Gem Lake Permit/License Bureau
           1281 Hammond Rd.
           White Bear Township, MN 55110
           Phone 651-747-2750    FAX 651-426-2258
Hours of operation 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM weekdays