Frequently Asked Questions

Yes.

The City of Owatonna Building Inspection Division requires plumbing permits for the installation of Residential and Commercial irrigation systems (lawn sprinklers). These systems will require a final inspection to verify the installation of back-flow prevention devices at the potable water connection, proper pitch of the connection piping for drainage and the location of the backflow preventer for potential of back pressure on the back-flow prevention device (PVB, (SVB) & (RPZ).

** A Plumbing Irrigation system permit fee of $50.00 will be required for all residential installations and $100.00 for all commercial installations. **

A homeowner can install the irrigation system (backflow device, in-ground piping, heads, etc). If not the homeowner, then a licensed plumber is required to install, at minimum, the backflow preventer and potable water connection. The homeowner or a licensed low voltage technology contractor is required to connect any electrical wiring, etc.  

The system must comply with the MN State Plumbing Code. MN plumbing code chapter 4715 section 2110 requires one of the following type backflow preventers on lawn, garden or greenhouse sprinkler systems:  

Pressure vacuum breaker assembly (PVB):

• Must be installed at least 12 inches above spill line; (highest head that the system serves)
• No possibility of back pressure permitted; and
• Continuous line pressure permitted. 

Spill-proof Vacuum breaker (SVB):

• must be installed at least 6 inches above the spill line; (highest head that the system serves)
• no possibility of back pressure permitted;
• continuous line pressure permitted; and
• field testable. 

Reduce pressure Zone back-flow preventer assembly (RPZ):

• Any degree of hazard permitted;
• Back pressure permitted; and
• Continuous line pressure permitted 

MN State law requires any newly installed system to have automatic rain sensor technology.

 Owatonna Public Utilities has a Cross Connection and Backflow Prevention Program that must be followed also. Identification of the backflow preventer, location and annual testing criteria are required to be documented and submitted as part of their program. Please contact the Owatonna Public Utilities for all forms, specifications and documents at 507-451-2480; (fax: 507-451-3695)

All Decks or landings require a permit.  Any deck over 30” and/or attached to the house requires a building permit.

If the deck is less than 30” above grade and not attached to the house a zoning permit is required from the Zoning Department for deck construction within the City of Owatonna.  This permit confirms that your setbacks are maintained.  

ALL decks that will be attached to an existing structure will require a building permit regardless of height.  

ALL “roofed” decks require a building permit to be issued regardless of height.

You do not need a building permit; However, you must use caution not to build in recorded easements.

A Zoning Permit is required for ALL fence installations within utility easements in the City of Owatonna.

Building permits are not required.  However, a call to Gopher State One Call (1-800-252-1166) should be made to get underground utility lines located prior to work commencing.

Building permits are NOT required for a slab of concrete to be used as a patio.

HOWEVER, a building permit is required for a patio if it is to have a roof constructed/erected over it. 

Swimming pools shall be defined as any permanent or portable pool, pond, lake or open tank not located within a completely enclosed building and containing or normally capable of containing water to a depth at any point greater than two feet.  Any pool meeting this definition will require the following permits:

Pools Under 5,000 gallons – Require a Zoning Permit only to ensure that setbacks are maintained.

Pools Over 5,000 gallons – Require a Building Permit 

ALL re-roofing requires a building permit.

Replacement of siding, fascia and/or soffits requires a building permit.

STORAGE SHEDS/GAZEBOS

Any storage shed or gazebo that is 200 square feet or less requires a Zoning Permit from the Zoning Department.  This permit confirms that your setbacks and square footage of accessory structures are maintained.  

Any detached storage structure over 200 square feet requires a building permit.

If you are replacing windows in a dwelling, you will first need to schedule a Pre-Permit Inspections.  Once that inspection has been completed, you will need to get a Building Permit.

If you plan to replace a window with a bay/bow window, this will require a Building Permit.

If you plan to replace windows and are changing the size of the opening, this requires a Building Permit.  

Building permits ARE NEEDED to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or demolish any building or structure except as exempted by the Building Department. Building permits must be obtained PRIOR to the commencement of work..  

Any construction alterations such as: Cabinets, Carpeting, Gutters, Painting, and Trim Work do not require a permit.