FAQs • Chaska, MN • CivicEngage

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

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Inspections Department

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 952-448-9395 to verify if work being done requires 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 need to be uniform and smooth. The post needs to 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 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.

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.