About the Building Permit Survey
Each year, the Metropolitan Council surveys communities in the seven-county Twin Cities region to gather data about building permits issued during each calendar year. This data helps us calculate accurate population estimates to make sure that each community gets its fair share of state funding. We also use the data to inform policymakers and the public about trends in development across the region.
Below, you can find answers to frequently asked questions. If you have a question not answered below, please contact Joel Nyhus at joel.nyhus@metc.state.mn.us or 651-602-1634.
Thank you for participating!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Metropolitan Council gather data on building permits?
Data collected on residential construction, demolitions, and other changes in the housing stock are key inputs into the Council’s annual population and household estimates for the seven-county Twin Cities area. According to Minnesota Statutes 473.24, the Council’s estimates are the official state population estimates used to determine local government aid (LGA), local street aid and other aid to local government. Because of this, we strive for the most complete and consistent information possible.
Data collected on commercial, industrial, public and institutional construction activity measures economic development and informs local planning, site selection, investment analysis, and other uses.
We also use the data to inform the public about construction activity across the region.
Where can I find the results of the survey?
Be sure to check out our summary reports based on trends in residential construction and commercial, industrial, and public and institutional development. You can find them on the Council’s web site.
We also post the data in our Community Profiles and Data Download pages.
My community already provides the Metropolitan Council with construction data for SAC purposes. Why do I need to submit it again?
Some communities provide similar, but less complete, data for new construction through SAC (sewer availability charge) forms. The information we request in this survey is different in several ways:
- SAC data does not include the permit value of the construction.
- It does not cover unsewered units, which are found in many communities in the Twin Cities region.
- The SAC data also does not cover permitting activity during a calendar year since SAC fees are assessed when a residence or business connects to the regional wastewater (sewer) system for the first time, not when a building permit is issued. In order to have comparable data for all communities' population estimates, we need calendar-year permit data.
My community already provides permitting data to the Census Bureau. Why do I need to submit it to the Metropolitan Council?
The Census Bureau’s building permit data is not as complete or refined as we need for accurate estimates. For example, the Census Bureau lacks accurate records of multifamily residential permits, which are often misclassified as commercial permits. Additionally, not all cities and townships report to the Census Bureau.
We inspect the permit data you submit carefully to ensure that it is as accurate as possible and fully consistent across communities. This helps us produce better population estimates.
I’m not responsible for building permit records in my community. What should I do?
If you are no longer responsible for building permit records in your community, please forward this request to the appropriate individual(s). For assistance, please contact Joel Nyhus at joel.nyhus@metc.state.mn.us or 651-602-1634.
