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Chisago County Environmental Services handles the permit requests for a number of townships and cities and right now is the normal peak time period for construction activity that the department oversees.  The department director acknowledges building permit applications and septic scheduling responses “have been affected” by the ongoing county strike;  but “...we have not stopped inspecting, reviewing and issuing building construction and septic system permits at any point.”

Kurt Schneider added that Environmental Services is operating at a,  “...substantially reduced staffing level and appreciates the community’s and contractors’ patience and understanding as we navigate daily work, overtime and other staffing assistance.”

The government center professionals in Teamsters Local 320 have been on strike for about a month.

The county has a relatively new building permit application on-line (www.chisagocountymn.org) which has been working well.  Schneider said, however,  if anybody is having a difficult time just come to the courthouse offices in Center City and staff can walk you through the process. If you call with questions or need assistance leave a detailed voice message (651-213-8374)

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