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1. When is a building permit required?

Generally, a permit is required for any work other than painting, flooring, cabinets and trim work on a home. Please call the Inspection Department at 952-227-7531 to verify the work being done either does or does not require a permit.

2. As a homeowner, can I take out the building permit?

Yes, although the City of Chaska strongly recommends that if the homeowner is having a contractor do the work, the contractor should take out the permit. They are licensed and are responsible for any code problems associated with the project.

3. As a homeowner, can I do plumbing work?

Yes, but only if you are the owner and live on site. If not, a licensed plumber is the only one allowed to do plumbing work.

4. When you say my deck footings shall be 18 inches in diameter, does that mean all the way from the surface down to 42 inches in depth?

No, only the bottom 6-8 inches of the footing shall be the required size. You may reduce the diameter to the surface. The sides shall be uniform and smooth. The post shall bear on the center of the footing.

5. Do I need to be home for a deck inspection?

No, all we need is the approved plan packet on site, available to the inspector.

6. Do I need a permit for a shed?

When the shed is over 200-square-feet in size, a permit is required. Submit a building permit application, 2 copies of a construction plan, and a site plan.

7. Do I need a permit for a fence?

Yes, a fence permit is required. Submit a fence permit application, site plan, and a description of the fence. Rear yard fences can be a maximum of 6 feet in height and placed only in the rear yard. Decorative fences have a 4 foot maximum height and 50% opaque can be in the front and side yards.

8. Do I need a safety fence at a swimming pool?

A fence is required at all in-ground swimming pools. A fence is required at all above-ground pools when they are 24 inches or greater in depth and have 5,000 gallons or more of water. A minimum fence height of 5 feet and a maximum of 6 feet is required. Pedestrian access gates shall be self-closing and self-latching. The release mechanism shall be located no lower than 54 inches above grade. The maximum opening within and under the fence shall be 4 inches. In lieu of a safety fence, the pool sides shall extend to a minimum height of 5 feet above grade.

9. Does your department handle electrical inspections?

No, electrical inspections are performed by the state electrical inspector. Contact Brian Luce at 952-233-8988, Monday-Friday, 7 - 8:30 a.m. only.