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Bu enclosed) for parking garages, open or except 1Sgroup (as defined by the MSBC under occupancy Storage )Bgroup (as defined by the MSBC under occupancy si
<br />Below is a partial section of the Revisor of Statutes outlining structural exceptions, in conjunction of 326.02 Subd.
<br />5. (above), to when an architect is required. Almost all home occupations will fall under the “Business” or “Storage
<br />– S1” categories. The full section is included as an attachment.
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<br />1800.5900 Classes of Buildings.
<br />In accordance with Minnesota Statutes, sections 326.02, subdivision 5, and 326.03, subdivision 2, the following
<br />classes of buildings are exempt subject to the limitations of the elements listed below:
<br />Not greater than two story with a basement; and
<br />Not greater than 2,250 GSF
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<br />Not greater than one story with no basement; and
<br />Not greater than 3,000 GSF
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<br />Exceptions
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<br />Even if a structure does not require an architect, it still must meet all applicable commercial building, electrical,
<br />plumbing, mechanical, and fire codes. An architect is just one piece of the approval process.
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<br />Again, residential houses, garages, and sheds/pole buildings are typically not constructed anticipating commercial
<br />uses/codes, and with the change of use, the conversion to do so, if possible, can be extremely expensive/difficult.
<br />Items including commercially compliant ingress/egress, standard and ADA accessible restrooms, stair slopes,
<br />hazardous material storage/ventilation/disposal, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical are not typically considered
<br />with construction of a home or accessory structure.
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<br />City Ordinances
<br />Below are two of the city’s ordinance regarding when plans are required and when needed to be signed by an
<br />architect.
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<br />Section 30-83 (c)(1) states: With each application for a building permit, and when required by the building
<br />official for enforcement of any provisions of this article, two sets of plans and specifications shall be submitted
<br />together with a certificate of survey of the lot upon which the proposed building or construction is to be done.
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<br />Section 30-83 (c)(2) states: All plans and specifications, except for single-family dwellings, or any other buildings
<br />exempted by Minnesota Statute or the Minnesota State Building Code, shall be prepared and signed by a registered
<br />architect or a registered professional engineer duly qualified by registration as required by Minn. Stats. § 326.02.
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<br />In summary, the only time an architect is not required is when a business is just the owner with no other people
<br />on site (customers or employees) and occupies a space no larger than allowed by the state, which typically will be
<br />2,500 or 3,000 square feet depending on the use. In other words, if any people are on site, other than the owner,
<br />or the structure is larger than the state regulations, an architect it required.
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<br />The exceptions would allow individuals to continue working from a home office, studio, or workshop using only
<br />equipment which is normally found in a home.
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<br />Architect and City Relationship
<br />Building codes are established to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public prior to the occupancy of a
<br />structure. These codes cover a range of issues, including structural integrity, fire safety, accessibility, and energy
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