Frequently Asked Questions

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 952-448-9395 to verify if work being done requires a permit.

Permits that do not require a plan review can be applied for on our SmartGov portal. 

Permits that require a plan review should be submitted via email to inspections@chaskamn.gov. The email should include PDF versions of the completed application, corresponding drawings and any other supplemental information needed for the project. 

Yes, but the City of Chaska strongly recommends that if the homeowner is having a contractor do the work, the contractor should take out the permit. The contractor is licensed and is responsible for any code problems associated with the project. The property owner would need to complete a Property Owner Waiver Form (PDF).

The permit review timeline is dependent on several factors, including the number of permits under review at any given time and the completeness of those permit applications. To ensure your submission is complete, review the information, checklists and fee schedules on the city’s permit page.

No. Beginning work without a permit is a violation of both city code and state law. The city may fine a property owner or contractor who begins work without first obtaining a permit.

The Metropolitan Council imposes a fee on its local government customers called the sewer availability charge, or SAC. The Met Council charges SAC whenever:

• A residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional property connects to the regional wastewater (sewer) system for the first time.
• When a business grows or changes and creates more potential demand on the wastewater system.

The City of Chaska then passes on the SAC fee to the business or property owner.

Commercial Permits:

If you start a new business, change location, or change the use of your space in a way that creates more potential demand on the wastewater system, you will be required to submit for a sewer availability charge (SAC) determination and possibly pay SAC.

Residential Permits:

For residential properties, a one-time SAC fee is charged when the property connects to the regional wastewater (sewer) system for the first time.

For more information on the Metropolitan Council's SAC program, you can find details on their website.

Permit fee schedules available here.

When the shed is over 200-square-feet in size, a permit is required. Submit a building permit application, the construction plan, and a site plan via email to inspections@chaskamn.gov.

Permit history from 2022 through today is available on our SmartGov Portal. If you select "parcel search", you will be able to search by address or owner name. 

Permit history older than 2022 is available by request. You can fill out a data request form to request that information. 

Yes, a fence permit is required. Submit a fence permit application, site plan, and a description of the fence via email to inspections@chaskamn.gov. 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.

A safety fence shall be installed around all underground swimming pools. A safety fence shall be installed around all above-ground swimming pools when the above-ground swimming pool is accessory to a single-family dwelling. A safety fence is required if the pool is both greater than 24 inches in depth and more than 5,000 gallons in capacity. A safety fence at least four (4) but no more than six (6) feet in height shall be constructed to completely enclose an inground swimming pool. A safety fence of at least four (4) but no more than six (6) feet height shall be constructed to completely enclose an above ground swimming pool or the sides of the pool above grade shall be a minimum of four (4) feet in height.

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.

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 need to be uniform and smooth. The post needs to bear on the center of the footing.

Accessory structure zoning requirements can be found in our City of Chaska Zoning Code.