Building Permit Projects

Building permits are required for work done in the City of Waseca and within a two-mile radius of the city limits of Waseca.  If you live within a two-mile radius of the City of Waseca, in addition to the building permit you will need to obtain a zoning permit from the County.  Their office is located in the East Annex directly across from the Courthouse.  Their phone number is 835-0650.

24-hour notice is required for inspections.

How much does a building permit cost?
Building permit fees are based on the value of the work to be performed.  If you have an idea of the value of your project, City Hall staff can estimate the cost of the permit.  The actual fee will be set by the building inspector.

What are the benefits of getting a building permit?
Increased Value – Your home or business is an investment.  If your construction project does not comply with the codes adopted by your community, the value of your investment could be reduced.  Property insures may not cover work done without permits and inspections.  If you decide to sell a home or building that has had modifications without a permit, you may be required to tear down the addition, leave it unoccupied or do costly repairs.

Projects – A property owner who can show that code requirements were strictly and consistently met.

Ensures Safety – Your permit also allows the code official to protect the public by reducing the potential hazards of unsafe construction and ensuring public health, safety and welfare.  By following code guidelines,  your completed project will meet minimum standards of safety and will be less likely to cause injury to you, your family, your friends or future owners.

These are some of the general procedures and regulations regarding building in the City of Waseca.  This is not a complete listing of the regulations and should not be relied upon for all building questions.  Complete information can be found in the City of Waseca’s Zoning Ordinances and the State Building Code.

New Home Construction

• Two sets of plans for the home
• A site plan showing where the home will sit on the lot
• The legal description and parcel number for the property
• Contractor information
• Cost of the project

New home construction permits take approximately one week to review and approve.

Decks/Porches

• Two sets of plans for the deck/porch
• A site plan of where the deck/porch will be placed
• Size of the deck/porch
• Legal description and parcel number
• Contractor information
• Cost of the project

Deck/porch permits take between 2-5 days to process

Window(s)

• A permit is required if you are changing out window(s) same size for same size
• If the size of the window(s) is changed or an egress window(s) is added in a basement, a permit is required
• Address of property
• Cost of project
• Contractor information

This permit can be obtained the same day it is applied for

Siding

• A building permit is required for replacing siding
• Address of property
• Cost of the project
• Contractor information

This permit can be obtained the same day it is applied for

Roofs

• Address of the property
• Cost of the project
• Contractor information

This permit can be obtained the same day it is applied for

Fences

• Permit required only if fence is over six (6) feet high
• Fencing in front of house must be four (4) feet or less
• Ensure there are no utility easements running through the property
• Check property lines

Permit, if needed, can be obtained the same day it is applied for

Sheds

• If you are interested in adding an accessory structure to your property, contact City Hall at 835-9700 to discuss the matter further.  There is quite a bit of information to provide you with, depending on what your property is zoned.

Excavation Permits

• An excavation permit is required whenever digging in the road right of way.
• The cost is a flat fee of $42.00 for the first 100 feet and an additional $11.00 for each additional 100 feet
• City Ordinance requires that disturbed right of way must be restored within two (2) weeks of excavation
• Street Restoration Standards are available from the Waseca Engineering Department

Plumbing/Mechanical

• Plumbing and Mechanical permits are required for new installations and remodeling.
• Plumbing and Mechanical permits are flat fee permits for residential projects.
• The cost is $70.00 for new Plumbing and Mechanical and $35.00 for plumbing for remodels.
• There is no permit fee for furnace, water softener or water heater replacements but the work does need to be inspected.
• Commercial Plumbing and Mechanical projects are calculated by cost of the project.

Pools

• Contact the City of Waseca at 835-9700 with questions regarding pools.
• Gallons of water, fencing, safety and zoning issues need to be addressed.

Site plan information
Must include lot size, size of what is being built and distance to all property lines.

Call before you dig
1-800-252-1166

Call two full business days before you dig