Local service guide
Saint Paul appliance installation: planning and permits
For appliance installation in Saint Paul, choose an installer after confirming the appliance model, existing connections, and proposed water, gas, or wiring changes. Settle who will handle permits and inspections before booking delivery. The city requires a plumbing permit for installing or changing a plumbing system's water, waste, vent, or gas, and lists gas ranges and dryers among its gas-fitting permit categories. Send connection photos and request a written scope covering hookup, testing, and removal. [1] [2]
Define the installation before choosing a provider
Give prospective installers the model number, installation instructions, and photos of the appliance space and connections. Have them review the cabinet opening, door clearance, water shutoff, drain connection, outlet, and any gas connection relevant to your appliance. Measure the delivery route, including stairs and tight turns.
Request separate prices for delivery, disconnecting the old appliance, installation, connection materials, modifications, and haul-away. Confirm whether the provider will install an appliance purchased elsewhere. For a dishwasher, include water and drain photos; for a dryer, include the exhaust connection. Specify any cabinet work you want included.
For a gas range or dryer, identify the person handling gas fitting and the permit applicant. The city's gas-fitting page names both appliances and states that plumbing contractors licensed with the city must obtain permits for plumbing work. Confirm the provider's qualifications for your proposed scope with the Department of Safety and Inspections. [2]
Resolve permits before the delivery appointment
Saint Paul's plumbing permit rule covers installing, altering, replacing, repairing, relocating, reinstalling, or changing a plumbing system's water, waste, vent, or gas. Describe the exact work to the installer and city staff, including valve replacement, pipe relocation, or reconnection. An existing hookup alone does not answer how the city's rule applies to your job. [1]
The city accepts plumbing and gas applications through PAULIE and lets applicants schedule and track plumbing inspections there. Put permit responsibility and inspection arrangements in the quote. Keep the permit number and establish who will attend an inspection or address required corrections. [1] [3]
For wiring changes, have an electrician review the appliance's requirements and explain the permit and inspection plan. The city's electrical page provides contractor and homeowner permit information for new work and repair or alteration work. It requires an affidavit for the homeowner permit route. [5]
Compare installation quotes and permit charges
The city publishes permit charges; request installation labor prices from your provider. Have the provider itemize connection materials, access charges, cabinet work, permit handling, and removal before you compare offers. Resolve exclusions in writing, including what happens if the installer finds a connection that needs modification. [2] [3]
The plumbing fee table lists a $92 initial permit fee, $36 per plumbing unit, $6 per water unit, $34 per gas unit, and a $1 state surcharge. The separate gas-only page lists an $85 minimum permit fee, a $34 per-unit gas charge, and a $1 state surcharge. Have the permit applicant or city confirm the applicable category and total rather than combining both tables. [2] [3]
The chart compares three per-unit entries from the plumbing fee table. Use these entries to discuss the permit allowance in your quote. The city or permit applicant must still determine the applicable units and charges; the entries do not provide an installation labor price. [3]
Choose how to remove the old appliance
Saint Paul accepts washers, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, and ovens or stoves as bulky items. Residents in one-to-four-unit homes and properties that have opted into city garbage service can use the program. The standard allowance is 12 bulky items per garbage cart per calendar year, included in regular collection charges. Service holds, vacancy, and carts added or removed during the year can reduce or prorate that allowance. Confirm your property's allowance and remaining balance with Garbage and Recycling. Additional items cost $30 each plus tax. [4]
Since July 1, 2026, eligible customers have not needed advance scheduling for pickup at their regular garbage collection location. Empty the appliance of food, liquids, gas, and batteries, as applicable. Label it bulky and place it beside the cart without leaning it against the cart by 6 a.m. on your regular collection day. The city says a truck will return within two business days. Every-other-week customers must use their collection week. [4]
Schedule in advance if you want pickup at a different curb or alley location on your property. The city does not coordinate garbage collection for buildings with five or more units; residents should contact their landlord or private hauler. Have the installer quote disconnection and movement to the collection point so you can compare that option with full haul-away. [4]
Saint Paul plumbing permit per-unit charges
Local details that affect your job
Settle an unclear hookup scope with the permit desk
Call the Department of Safety and Inspections permit desk at 651-266-8989 or the plumbing inspectors' office at 651-266-9005. Describe the appliance, connections, and proposed work before booking delivery. The city identifies licensed plumbing or gas fitter contractors and homesteading homeowners as eligible plumbing and gas permit applicants. [1]
Confirm eligibility before planning homeowner work
The gas-fitting page allows homeowner or homesteader permits for one- and two-family dwellings. In a duplex, the city limits homeowner general plumbing work to the half the homeowner occupies. It excludes homeowner plumbing in new residential units, vacant buildings, and commercial property. Confirm your eligibility and scope with the city before deciding to perform the work. [2]
Arrange a change from alley to curb collection
If your usual garbage location is in the alley but you want the appliance collected at the front curb, arrange the change in advance with Garbage and Recycling at 651-266-6101. Confirm your property's adjusted bulky-item allowance during the same call, then have your installer quote movement to the approved collection point. [4]
Choose the next step for your installation
| Your situation | Who to contact | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| You expect a plug-in replacement | Appliance installer or retailer | Model compatibility, installation scope, testing, and removal |
| The job involves water, waste, or vent work | Plumbing contractor and city permit desk | Permit requirements, applicant, and inspection arrangements |
| You are installing a gas range or dryer | Gas-fitting provider and city permit desk | Provider qualifications, gas-fitting scope, and permit category |
| The appliance needs wiring changes | Electrician and city electrical permit staff | Electrical requirements and permit route for the proposed work |
| You want city collection of the old appliance | City Garbage and Recycling or your landlord | Property eligibility, adjusted allowance, remaining balance, and collection location |
Your hiring checklist
- Send the installer the model number, installation instructions, and connection photos.
- Measure the appliance opening and delivery route, including stairs and doorways.
- Have the provider identify connection changes and additional trades.
- Confirm who will apply for permits, arrange inspections, and handle corrections.
- Request an itemized quote for labor, materials, modifications, and removal.
- Choose a removal destination and confirm any collection allowance before delivery.
- Request an operating demonstration and a review of connections before signing off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an existing hookup mean I can skip the permit check?
Confirm the exact scope with the city. Saint Paul's plumbing rule includes replacement and reinstallation as well as changes to water, waste, vent, or gas systems. Describe what the installer will disconnect, reconnect, or modify before relying on an existing hookup. [1]
Can I take out my own gas-fitting permit?
The city allows qualifying homeowners or homesteaders to apply for work in one- and two-family dwellings, subject to occupancy and property restrictions. Confirm your eligibility and proposed scope with the permit desk before deciding to perform the work. [2]
Do the published permit fees cover the complete installation?
The city publishes permit fee entries. Obtain a provider quote separating installation labor, materials, connection changes, permit charges, and removal. Have the permit applicant confirm the applicable permit total for your job. [2] [3]
Do I need to schedule city pickup of my old dishwasher?
Eligible customers can place an emptied dishwasher beside their cart at the regular collection location by 6 a.m. on collection day without advance scheduling. Label it bulky. Schedule a different collection location in advance, and confirm your remaining allowance because service holds, vacancy, or changes to active carts can affect it. [4]
Sources and scope
This guide combines the sources below with practical planning guidance. Figures apply to the stated geography and period; request a written quote for your property.