Show All Answers

1. What is the purpose of a Building Permit?

The purpose of a building permit is to provide minimum construction standards established by the Minnesota State Building Code. These minimum construction standards provide safeguards for life, health, property and welfare by regulating design, construction, materials, use and the type of occupancy of all buildings. A building permit must be obtained any time a building or structure is erected, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, converted, or demolished.

2. How long does it take to get a building permit?

The average turn around time is 10 working days.

3. Do you have a list of contractors from which you can recommend a builder, plumber, etc?

No, the city does not recommend contractors.

4. Do I need a permit for a shed?

Yes, permits may be applied for at the building inspections desk in city hall. Shed placement information

5. Do I need a permit for a fence?

Yes. Fence permits can be applied for at the building inspections desk in city hall. Fence installation information

6. Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?

A permit is required for a retaining wall if the wall is over 4 feet tall. The retaining wall may not encroach in the drainage of the property. Contact the City of Chanhassen Engineering Department at 952-227-1160 regarding drainage issues. Retaining walls less than 4 feet tall require a zoning permit to ensure zoning compliance. Zoning permit information

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

No, all we need is the approved plan, the approved survey, and the Inspection Record card to be displayed by the deck to allow the requested inspection to take place and be recorded on the Inspection Record.

8. Do I need a permit to install a patio or replace my front sidewalk?

A zoning permit is required prior to the installation of a patio or sidewalk. The zoning permit is at little cost to the homeowner and ensures the addition complies with all zoning requirements, including but not limited to hard surface coverage limitations, required setbacks, etc. Zoning permit information

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

No, only the bottom 12 inches of the footing must be the required size. You may reduce the diameter to the surface. The sides must be uniform and smooth. Deck information

10. Where and when do I need smoke detectors in new homes, existing homes and additions?

Smoke detectors are required for the entire house when remodeling or finishing a basement. Smoke detectors must be in each bedroom, in hallways leading to bedrooms, and on every level of the home. Smoke detectors must be hard wired with battery backup in the newly constructed areas. In existing homes, existing bedrooms may be retrofitted with smoke detectors using battery power only.

11. Do I need 4-mil poly on both sides of my basement walls?

Not necessarily, however, a vapor barrier (typically 4-mil poly) is required on the warm side of insulated walls

12. I am having problems with my house i.e. siding rippling, roof leaking, foundation cracking, etc. I want the city to come out and complete an inspection and tell me what is wrong.

The City of Chanhassen does not provide homeowners this type of inspection service. The city performs inspections on active permits. Independent inspectors can be hired to do these types of troubleshooting inspections. Independent Inspectors may be found in the telephone book.

13. I have a complaint about my builder not correcting things in my house. What should I do?

Builders usually have a policy and time line for corrections on new homes. Always make the requests to the builder in writing. Contact the Department of Commerce at 651-296-6319 if you feel your contractor has not performed per your contract.

14. 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, 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. only.