Applying for a Building Permit

Building Permit Application & Waiver V2024 02

Most building projects require permits. 

Beginning February 1, 2024, the Olmsted County Planning Department will be administering the building permit process for projects taking place within the City of Chatfield. To apply for a building permit with our office, you can email/mail/drop off your application and plans:

Email (preferred) – planningweb@olmstedcounty.gov

Mail – Building Inspections 2122 Campus Dr SE, Suite 100, Rochester, MN 55904

Online – The following website can be used for online applications, payments, permit tracking, inspections and more:

Olmsted County Accela Citizen Access: https://aca-prod.accela.com/OLMSTED

In Person – You can bring your application and submittal materials to our office at 2122 Campus Drive, Suite 100, in Rochester. Applications will still be accepted in person at Chatfield City Hall as well: 21 2nd St SE Chatfield, MN 55923.

Work Commencing BEFORE a Permit has been Issue

If work has started for which a permit is required and you have not obtained a permit first, a special investigation shall be made before a permit may be issued for the work. An investigation fee established by the municipality may be collected whether or not a permit is issued and it is in addition to the required permit fees, but it may not exceed the permit fee. See MN Statute 1300.0160 FEES Subp. 8

What items need Building Permits?

• New Construction
• Detached Garages
• Basement Finishes or Alterations
• Decks and platforms more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and attached to a structure with frost footings.
• Fences - over 7 feet in height
• Accessory Buildings exceeding 200 square feet. Zoning permit required if under 200 square feet.  
• Retaining Walls - over 4 feet in height from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall. If under 4 feet and supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, III A liquids. 
• Additions
• Swimming Pools exceeding 48 inches in depth and over 100 square feet in surface area.
• Almost all plumbing, mechanical and electrical work
• Solar Panels
• Roofing and siding

Permits shall not be required for the following:

• Swings and other playground equipment
• Painting, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and other similar finish work.
• Concrete work not part of the items listed above.

  MN Rules 1300.0120 subd. 4 - exemptions from permit requirements of the code do not authorize work to be done in any manner in violation of the code of any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.

Where can I get a Building Permit Application?

To find out where to obtain a building permit for a property, click here and enter the property address or PID.
 
The Olmsted County Planning Department administers all the building permit processes for permits within the city limits for the City of Chatfield. Applications are available at www.co.olmsted.mn.us

To apply for a building permit with their office, you can email/mail/drop off your application and plans:

In Person – You can bring your application and submittal materials to our office at 2122 Campus Drive, Suite 100, in Rochester. Please note that you can also drop off your permit applications and plans at the Chatfield City Hall.

Email – planningweb@co.olmsted.mn.us

Mail – Building Inspections 2122 Campus Dr SE, Suite 100, Rochester, MN 55904

Online – The following website can be used for online applications, payments, permit tracking, inspections and more:

         Olmsted County Accela Citizen Access: https://aca-prod.accela.com/OLMSTED

What do I need to know to build a shed?

If the shed is under 200 square feet a building permit is not required.  Storage buildings 200 square feet or less must still comply with all applicable zoning regulations (see Fence & Small Building ZONING CERTIFICATE information).  Direct any questions regarding zoning setback requirements and storage shed placement to Zoning Administration be e-mail or by calling 507.206.2138

 If the shed is over 200 square feet a building permit is required.  You will have to follow the process above to pull a permit through Olmsted County Planning Department.

How do I locate the utilities on my lot?

Call Gopher State One Call before you dig!

Phone - 1-800-252-1666

Website - http://gopherstateonecall.org/manage-my-ticket/submit-a-ticket/

 Where can I learn more about the Building Code?

The Olmsted County Planning Department will have all building code regulation information. You contact them by calling 507-328-7100 or emailing planningweb@co.olmsted.mn.us.

Does the Building Inspector do Electrical Inspections?

No, all electrical permits and inspections must be arranged through the Minnesota State electrical inspector.

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