Building Inspection & Permits

SAFEbuilt (formerly MNSPECT, LLC) serves as the Building Official for the City of Winsted.

The Building Inspector is responsible for building plan review and building inspections within the City of Winsted.  The plan review and inspection functions include commercial and residential construction plan reviews, inspection of structures while under construction and the tracking and permitting of the construction process.  Questions regarding building permits can be directed to SAFEbuilt at (952) 442-7520 or visit their website at www.safebuilt.com.

Building permits are required for a variety of projects, including the installation of furnace and air-conditioning units, re-roofing, re-siding, window replacement, sheds, garages, additions, and new construction.  

Reminders regarding building permits:

  • There is a penalty for starting construction prior to the issuance of a Building Permit.
  • Residential permits may take up to 10 business days to process once all the necessary documentation has been submitted to the City.
  • Contact the Building Inspection Department 24 hours in advance to schedule inspections and have the property address and building permit number available.

 IF YOU NEED TO SCHEDULE AN INSPECTION ON AN EXISTING PERMIT, CALL (952) 442-7520 or 866-977-4111.

 

If it has been determined that you will need to apply for a building permit, the following information is required to complete the application process:

Building Permit Application Form along with two sets of certified land surveys or site plans showing all easements, locations of structure and two sets of building plans and specifications. One set of plans will be returned when the building permit is issued.

The following information is needed to complete the application form itself: 

  • SETBACKS: Each zoning district has minimum setback requirements. Because setbacks vary by address, you should contact City Hall to determine the setbacks for your property.  
  • LOT & BUILDING SIZE: The lot size and building are to be placed on the site plan or survey along with the locations on a scaled plot plan or certificate of survey. 
  • ELEVATIONS: For new construction, lot elevations may be required on your survey or site plan. 


Building Plans: Two sets of completed plans and working drawings of all proposed construction to include: 

Site Plan or Certificate of Survey, including:  

  • Setback distances from property lines, side yards, rear yard
  • Easements for drainage and utilities 
  • Proposed location of dwelling, driveway and all existing buildings or any other lot characteristics 
  • Impervious surface calculations (hard surface coverage)