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1. What do I need a building permit for?

A building permit is required for all new:

• Additions
• Alterations
• Construction
• Most Replacements
• Remodeling

For any questions, call Inspections at 507-457-8231 to verify.

2. What kind of work does not need a building permit?

The following work does not require a building permit:

• Decks and platforms not over 30 inches above grade unless attached to a permanent structure.
• Finish work including:
  • Cabinets
  • Counter Tops
  • Floor Coverings
  • Painting
  • Papering
  • Tiling
• Moveable cases, counters and partitions not over 5 to 9 feet in height
• Playground equipment
• Prefabricated swimming pools above ground not exceeding 5,000 gallons and not more than 24 inches deep
• Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height
• Storage sheds less than 200 square feet
• Window awnings

3. What do I need to know about putting up a fence?

1. Permits are not required in most cases (please call Planning/Zoning at 507-457-8250 to verify). If fences are over 7 feet or more, a variance may be required.
2. Determine your property lines by contacting a surveyor.
3. You may put your fence up to, but not on the property line. On street sides, it must be at least one foot back from the sidewalk.
4. Fences may be up to 6 feet high in the rear (non street side) and up to 4 feet high  in the front or street sides of lot. In business and industrial zoning districts, fences may be up to 8 feet in the rear yard.
5. For corner lots, please call the Inspections Division at 507-457-8231 as the height regulations and setbacks differ. In any R-district on any corner lot, no fence shall be erected or maintained within 8 feet of the corner (the point of intersection of the right-of way lines), which interferes with traffic visibility across the corner.
6. Placing the “nice” side toward the neighboring lot is a courtesy to neighbors, however, there is no code to require this practice.

4. Where are my property lines?

Property lines can best be determined by calling a surveyor. Many surveyors are listed in the Winona Telephone Directory. The City of Winona does not mark property lines.

5. Who do I contact about sidewalks?

Questions about sidewalks are handled through the Engineering Department, 507-457-8269.

6. Who do I contact about electrical permits?

Questions about electrical permits or inspections can be obtained by contacting the State Electrical Inspector, Shannon Merchlewitz:  507-730-2349 . It’s best to call between 7 am to 8:30 am, Monday through Friday.

7. Who do I contact about fire sprinklers?

Questions about fire sprinklers are handled through the City of Winona Fire Department. They can be reached at 507-457-8266.