Building & Remodeling

Building Tools

Call Before You Dig

Before conducting any excavation in your yard, the law requires that you call Gopher State One Call to have utility lines located in your yard. Calls must be placed at least two business days before digging.

Mark Digging Area

You should mark the digging area with white stakes or white spray paint otherwise the utility may mark your entire yard. You must not dig any closer than two feet from any utility markings.

Utilities will only locate services that they installed. You or a private contractor are responsible for locating such services as sprinklers, power lines to a garage, gas grill line, or invisible fencing.

Construction Debris, Dumpsters & Storage

Construction debris cannot be disposed in normal trash pickup. It is also a violation of City ordinance to store building materials including sand, gravel or dirt on any street or alley right-of-way. Learn more about construction debris, dumpsters and storage.

Red Dumpster

Post-World War II Cape Cod or Rambler Homes

Looking to make a change or addition to your Post World War II Cape Cod or Rambler home? Find sample floor plan ideas from master suites to second floor additions, including some tips on what to keep in mind in this scanned copy of "Cape Cods & Ramblers: A Remodeling Planbook for Post-WWII Houses (PDF)."

Please note that some of the codes referenced in this booklet have changed since it was published in the late 1990’s. The intent of this booklet is to give homeowners floor plan ideas. For current building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing codes, permits, and questions about your potential remodeling project, please contact the Hopkins Inspection Department.