Minnesota Radon Mitigation Permit and Licensing Requirements

Permit requirements, contractor certification rules, radon zones, and step-by-step guidance for Minnesota homeowners.

Contractor Cert: Required (MDH) Certifying Body: Minnesota MDH EPA Zone: 1 & 2
Key Facts for Minnesota Homeowners Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) requires licensed contractors for radon mitigation. Minnesota was the first state in the U.S. to incorporate radon-resistant new construction requirements into its building code. For existing homes, no statewide building permit is required, but local electrical permits apply.

Contractor Certification in Minnesota

MDH licenses radon mitigators through a certification program that includes examination and continuing education. Verify your contractor's MDH license at health.state.mn.us. In the City of Saint Paul, a radon plumbing permit (minimum ~$150) is required for some installations — confirm locally.

Regardless of state licensing requirements, always verify that any radon contractor you hire holds current NRPP certification (nrpp.info) or NRSB certification (nrsb.org). These national certifications require passing a written exam and adhering to AARST ANSI installation standards.

Permit Requirements

Minnesota does not require a statewide building permit for radon mitigation in existing single-family homes. An electrical permit is typically required at the local level when a new circuit or outlet is installed for the radon fan. Confirm with your local building department before work begins.

Radon Zones in Minnesota

Minnesota has counties in EPA Radon Zone 1 & 2. Zone 1 counties have the highest predicted average indoor radon levels. Even homes in lower-zone counties can test high — the only way to know your home's actual level is to test it with a certified test device.

What Minnesota Homeowners Should Do

  1. Confirm your test result. At or above 4 pCi/L on a confirmed long-term test, proceed with mitigation. At 8+ pCi/L, act without further delay.
  2. Find 2–3 certified contractors. Search NRPP at nrpp.info or NRSB at nrsb.org for Minnesota-based certified mitigators. Get written quotes.
  3. Confirm permit requirements. Ask your contractor: "Will you pull an electrical permit if new wiring is needed?" Confirm with your local building department.
  4. Schedule installation. Standard SSD installation takes 3–8 hours. Typical cost in Minnesota: $900–$2,100.
  5. Post-mitigation test. Wait 24–48 hours after installation, then run a radon test. Target: below 4 pCi/L, ideally below 2 pCi/L.
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Free Download: Minnesota Radon Homeowner Checklist

Step-by-step checklist covering testing, permits, contractor selection, and post-mitigation testing. One printable page.

Download Free PDF

Frequently Asked Questions

No statewide building permit is required for radon mitigation in existing homes in Minnesota. An electrical permit may be required locally if new wiring is installed for the fan. Call your local building department to confirm.
Contractor certification in Minnesota is handled by Minnesota MDH. Whether required or voluntary, always verify NRPP or NRSB certification before hiring. Check at nrpp.info or nrsb.org.
Typical radon mitigation cost in Minnesota is $900–$2,100 for a standard single-point sub-slab depressurization system. Complex foundations or multiple suction points increase cost. Always get at least two quotes.
Search NRPP (nrpp.info) or NRSB (nrsb.org) for certified contractors in your area. Contact MDH Indoor Air Unit at (651) 201-4601 or visit health.state.mn.us for a certified contractor list. Always verify the certification is current before signing any contract.
Disclaimer: This page is for general informational purposes. Requirements change. Verify with your local building department and a certified radon professional. State radon office contact: (651) 201-4601.
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