Frequently Asked Questions

A permit is required when work is done in the public right-of-way or when there is an obstruction in the public right-of-way. The public right-of-way includes:

• Alleys
• Driveway aprons
• Other rights-of-way dedicated for public use
• Sidewalks
• Streets

For more information please refer to the permits page.

A permit is required for this type of work and can be obtained on the permits page.

Contact Gopher State One Call at 800-252-1166.

It is the responsibility of the property owner to determine where the property lines are located. Property iron stakes are placed at the corners of the lot usually at or below grade, and sometimes can be found using a metal detector. The City does not provide surveying services. A list of local land surveyors and drafters is available here. Approximate property lines and dimensions can be found on the Steele County GIS Map.

The City routinely inspects all the pavements within Owatonna before deciding what to do and when to do maintenance. The staff looks for common distresses such as loss of aggregates, cracks, and distortions to help determine what is going on beneath the pavement as well as the surface of the roadway. The distresses are recorded in a database that considers the road conditions, prior maintenance history, and other factors to help determine the most cost-effective treatment and appropriate time to apply the treatment. The City also reviews available funding and other projects in the area that might influence the selection of the roads.

If the project disturbance is equal to or greater than 5,000 square feet or involves the construction of a new single family residence, then a Grading / ESC Permit is required. You are also required to provide erosion and sediment control / stormwater pollution prevention BMPs during the land disturbing activities.