As the homeowner, can I do my own work?
Homeowners can do their own work. However, if a contractor is performing the work, they must be State licensed or supply the City with a certificate of insurance. No city license is required.
Building & Zoning Inspections
Apply for building permits, mechanical permits, roofing, siding, and plumbing permits online through the Chisago County Building Permit portal. The State of Minnesota issues electrical permits and performs electrical inspections. All building, mechanical, roofing, siding, plumbing, and septic inspections are performed by Chisago County. Zoning reviews are performed by Chisago city staff. There is computer located in the lobby of Chisago City Hall for the public to use to apply for building permits if needed.
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How do I apply for a permit or license, and what is needed?
A NEW Chisago County Online Permitting Portal is accessible 24 hours a day to streamline your permit applications and get your project started from anywhere and at any time.
Adding a new deck, remodel, reroof, or building a new house?
Chisago City has partnered with Chisago County and has a new way to apply for permits - right from your kitchen table.
The Online Permitting Portal will launch April 8, 2025. This online service center is the new point of entry for customers to submit building permits.
This Online Permitting Portal is part of a multi-year project to modernize software and systems at Chisago County to provide homeowners and contractors with a convenient, user-friendly online experience.
Customers can expect to see several benefits in the new online system, including streamlined online submittals, payments, reviews and inspection scheduling, and the ability to find project status information and communications faster and easier.
It’s all new, we ask for your patience. Permit Center customers may experience delays in service and response time over the next few weeks while County Staff and our City Staff partners transition current projects and procedures to the new system.
Access the new Online Permitting Portal to begin your permitting process.
Helpful Link
Chisago City Hall does have a public computer available for residents to use to apply for a building permit.
How often must I service my septic tank?
According to State Statutes, septic system maintenance must be done at least once every three years. Chisago City also requires a compliance inspection every three years and city policy requires a compliance inspection when applying for a building permit. A compliance inspection is also required prior to the sale of any property with an on-site septic system. Minimum requirements for septic system maintenance:
- assess whether the septic tank leaks below the outlet pipe (visual check through maintenance hole with probing);
- assess whether tank tops, riser joints, and riser connections leak (visual check for seepage);
- measure scum and sludge depths; and
- remove all tank contents (scum, sludge, and liquids) when necessary.
Periodic removal of solids in septic tanks will ensure long-term and cost-effective service. If proper maintenance is not done on a septic tank, floating scum or sludge can enter the soil treatment system (e.g. drainfield). This may cause a sewage backup into the home or sewage discharge into the yard. Repair of a failing soil treatment system can be costly.
What type of work requires a permit?
Building permits are required for new construction and most remodeling projects. Some of the most commonly obtained permits are for roofing, siding, sheds, decks, windows, patio doors, and pools. Zoning permits are required for driveways, small sheds and fences. Separate permits are also required for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work. The State of Minnesota issues the electrical permits and handles all electrical inspections.