To schedule an inspection, the homeowner or the owner's agent may either call the Inspections Department at (952) 924-2588 or come to St. Louis Park City Hall (second floor - Inspections Department). City Hall is located at 5005 Minnetonka Boulevard (three blocks east of Highway 100). You may also apply on-line. (Click on Permits & Forms.)

The fee for the housing inspection includes the initial inspection and any follow-up inspections that may be needed. Inspection appointments are typically available within one to three days. A City inspector will visit your property to check that the siding, roof, garage and interior complies with the City's property maintenance code. A typical inspection takes about 45 to 60 minutes. Fees are

• $195 house or townhome
• $115 condo
• $275 duplex

If the inspector finds no code violations, a Property Maintenance Certificate is issued.

If code violations are found, work orders are issued for the needed repairs. In most cases, corrections must meet the code requirements that were in place when the building was constructed. If a portion of the home was remodeled, the remodeled section must comply with the building code that was in effect when the remodeling occurred. (Exception: smoke detectors are required in all buildings, no matter when constructed.)

In most cases, the seller makes the code corrections. However, buyers may obtain a temporary property maintenance certificate if they sign an agreement acknowledging the work orders and agreeing to make all required code work within a specific time period. Buyers and sellers must use the City's Agreement Form and pay a $50 service fee. In addition, sufficient funds must be put in escrow to cover the cost outlined in the agreement. A City representative must also sign off on the agreement.

After repairs have been completed, a City housing inspector will return for a follow-up inspection to verify that all work meets code. Once this is done, a Property Maintenance Certificate is issued. Certificates are good for one year.