Zoneomics Logo
search icon

Lake Elmo City Zoning Code

TITLE 9

GENERAL REGULATIONS

CHAPTER 9.40 FRANCHISE FEES


.  Purpose.  The Lake Elmo City Council has determined that it is in the best interest of the City to impose a franchise fee on those public utility companies that provide electric services within the City. 

 

(a)     Pursuant to City Ordinance 2025-03, a Franchise Agreement between the City of Lake Elmo and Northern States Power Company, a Minnesota corporation, its successors and assigns, the City has the right to impose a franchise fee on Northern States Power Company, a Minnesota corporation, its successors and assigns, in an amount set forth in the fee schedule attached hereto as Schedule A.

 

Subd. 2.  Franchise Fee Statement.  A franchise fee is hereby imposed on Northern

States Power Company, a Minnesota Corporation, its successors and assigns, under its electric franchise in accordance with the schedule attached here to and made a part of this Ordinance, commencing with the NSPM June, 2025 billing month.


08-253

2026-01

2023-18

08-242

9.04.010 Purpose

  1. For the health, welfare, safety, and optimum land development, it is necessary to regulate the removal of sand, gravel, rock, soil, and other natural deposits in the city.
  2. Other purposes include the following:
    1. To provide for the economical availability of sand, gravel, rock, soil, and other materials vital to the continued growth of the city;
    2. To establish reasonable and uniform limitations, safeguards, and controls in the city, for the future production of sand, gravel, rock, soil, and other natural resources;
    3. To control noise, dust, hazards, effect on adjacent property, and other factors related to the active mining and/or excavating operation;
    4. To provide for control of the extent of excavation compatible with the surroundings; and for the restoration of the mining area after termination of the removal operation to make the site compatible with the surroundings and the comprehensive plan for development of the city; and
    5. To control pollution by erosion or sedimentation.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021

9.04.020 Conditional Use Permit

  1. Conditional use permit required. It shall be unlawful for any person, partnership, company, or corporation to engage in mining within the city or for an owner to permit a person to mine on the owner's property, without first having obtained a conditional use permit for mining from the council.
  2. Application and review of conditional use permit. The applicant shall submit an application together with the required fees to the planning commission. Property owners within 500 feet shall be notified by certified mail ten days prior to the date the planning commission considers the request. The planning commission shall consider the request at its next regularly scheduled meeting, but not earlier than ten days from the date of submission. The petitioner or petitioner's representative shall appear before the planning commission in order to answer questions concerning the proposed mining. The planning commission shall make its recommendation to the council within 60 days after the submission of the application. The council must take action on the application within 60 days of receiving the recommendation of the planning commission. If it grants the mining permit, the council may impose conditions it considers necessary to protect the health, safety, morals, or general welfare of the city and to ensure the use is in harmony with the general purpose of the intent of this section and the comprehensive plan. No application for a mining permit shall be resubmitted within six months from the date of denial.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
Amended by Ord. 2026-01 on 2/17/2026

9.04.030 Termination Of Permit

  1. Violations. The council may terminate a mining permit for violation of this chapter or a condition of the permit, or for violation of other applicable laws.
  2. Notice to terminate. To terminate a permit, the council shall give notice of the violation or other cause for the termination along with an order that the condition be remedied. If the condition has not been repaired within two weeks, the council shall hold a hearing to determine whether the permit should be terminated.
  3. Cease operation upon termination. No mining shall take place after the permit is terminated pursuant to this section.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021

9.04.040 Application

  1. Filing. The application for the permit required in LEC 9.04.020 shall be filed with the administrator for presentation to the council. A fee as set forth from time to time by resolution of the council shall accompany each application. Application for renewal permit must be made 45 days prior to the termination of the previous permit. The application shall be made in the names of the operator of the mine and the owner of the land to be mined.
  2. Contents. The application shall contain:
    1. The name and address of the operator and owner of the land;
    2. The correct legal description of the property where the mining shall occur;
    3. Names of neighboring landowners within 500 feet;
    4. A map of the property where the mining is to occur that clearly indicates the property lines and the limits of the proposed excavation. Topographic data, including contours at vertical intervals of not more than five feet except where the horizontal contour interval is 100 feet or more, a two-foot vertical interval shall be shown on this map. Watercourses, marshes, wooded areas, rock outcrops, power transmission poles and lines, and other significant features shall also be shown. 1929 sea level datum shall be used for all topographic mapping where feasible;
    5. The purpose of the removal, storage, or excavation;
    6. The estimated time required to complete the removal, storage, or excavation;
    7. The plan of operation, including soil processing (any operation other than direct mining and removal), nature of the processing and equipment, location of the plant, source of water, disposal of water, and reuse of water;
    8. The plans for drainage, water and wind erosion control, sedimentation and dust control. These plans shall be in conformity with the recommendations of the county soil and water conservation district office;
    9. A map or plat of the proposed pit or excavation showing the confines or limits of the excavation together with the proposed finished elevations based on 1929 sea level datum. Where the finished elevations prohibit natural drainage, certified soil borings shall be included through the proposed excavation;
    10. A comprehensive plan showing that suitable provision will be made for the restoration of the excavated area so that it will not become a health or safety hazard or a nuisance. The plan must include anticipated final elevations, slope, and a plan for the return of sub-soil and topsoil. Where the council deems it necessary, the plan shall include adjoining related areas where excavations have previously been made and remain under the control of the owner of the land on which the excavating is to be done or under the control of the person other than the owner to whom the permit is to be issued; and
    11. The travel routes to and from the site.
  3. Operation and land rehabilitation. The applicant shall abide by one of the two following operating and land rehabilitation practices:
    1. Excavations resulting in the accumulation of substantial water areas after rehabilitation must meet the following requirements:
      1. The water depth must not be less than three feet.
      2. All banks shall be sloped to the water line at a slope which shall not be steeper than four feet horizontal to one foot vertical.
      3. All banks shall be sodded or surfaced with soil of a quality at least equal to the topsoil of land areas immediately surrounding and to a depth of at least three inches.
      4. The topsoil as required by subsection (c)(1)c of this section shall be planted with trees, shrubs, legumes or grasses upon the parts of the area where re-vegetation is possible.
      5. Slopes on boundary areas shall not be steeper than four feet horizontal to one foot vertical.
    2. Excavations not resulting in water areas after rehabilitation, but which must be graded or backfilled, shall meet the following requirements:
      1. The grading or backfilling shall be made with non-noxious, non-flammable, non-combustible solids.
      2. The graded or backfilled area shall not collect or permit stagnant water to remain in the graded or backfilled area.
      3. The peaks and depressions of the area shall be reduced to a gently rolling topography in substantial conformity to the land area immediately surrounding and which will minimize erosion due to rainfall.
      4. The graded or backfilled area shall be sodded or surfaced with soil of a quality at least equal to the topsoil of land areas immediately surrounding, and to a depth of at least three inches.
      5. The topsoil as required by subsection (c)(2)d of this section shall be planted with trees, shrubs, legumes, or grasses upon the parts of the area where re-vegetation is possible.
      6. New slopes on boundary areas shall not be steeper than four feet horizontal to one foot vertical.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
Amended by Ord. 2026-01 on 2/17/2026

9.04.050 Operating Conditions

The owner of the premises must meet all of the following conditions:

  1. Fence. The applicant must properly fence any pit or excavation.
  2. Slope of excavation. The applicant must slope the banks, and otherwise properly guard and keep any pit or excavation in a condition not to be dangerous because of sliding or caving banks.
  3. Setbacks. The applicant must refrain from mining below grade closer than 30 feet to the boundary of any zone where the operations are not permitted, or closer than 50 feet to the boundary of an adjoining property line, unless the written consent of the owner in fee of the property is first secured in writing and filed with the administrator. The applicant must refrain from excavating below road grade closer than 50 feet to the right-of-way line and any existing or platted street, road, or highway, except that excavating may be conducted within the limits in order to reduce the elevation of the right-of-way line or existing or platted street, road, or highway in conformity to the existing or proposed street grades. The applicant must refrain from excavating below any maximum depth designated by the council.
  4. Inspection fee. An annual inspection fee shall be paid to the city. The minimum annual inspection fee shall be set forth from time to time by resolution of the council. The annual inspection fee shall be based on the actual reasonable costs which are incurred by the city in providing periodic inspections and administering the provision of the annual permit. The council shall estimate these charges at the time the annual permit is issued and the applicant shall make a cash deposit with the city equal to the estimate at the time the annual permit is issued. Any surplus at the expiration of the annual permit shall be refunded to the applicant or, if the costs exceed the estimate, the applicant shall pay the additional costs.
  5. Survey. The applicant must furnish a survey by a certified registered surveyor showing the boundaries of the property.
  6. Bond. The applicant must post a bond in the amount as set forth from time to time by resolution of the council. The bond must be conditioned to pay the city the cost and expense of repairing any highways, streets, or other public ways and the restoration of other sites within the city made necessary by the special burden resulting from hauling and transporting on the roadways by the applicant in the removal of rock, sand, dirt, gravel, clay, or other material. The bond must be conditioned further to comply with all the requirements of this section and the particular permit (including provisions relating to completion of operations and restoration of the site). Additionally, the bond must save the city free and harmless from any and all suits or claims for damage resulting from the negligent excavation, removal, or storage of rock, sand, dirt, gravel, clay, or other material within the city boundary.
  7. Insurance. The applicant must carry bodily injury and property damage, public liability insurance in the amount of $100,000.00 for any one person and $300,000.00 for any occurrence including blasting insurance, naming the city as an additional insured.
  8. Noise. The applicant must maintain and operate all equipment in a manner as to eliminate objectionable noises and vibrations and comply with state and county noise standards.
  9. Hours of operation. The applicant must conduct operations only between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. However, no trucking or mining shall be allowed on Sundays or holidays.
  10. Dust and dirt. The applicant must construct, maintain, and operate all equipment in a manner as to minimize dust conditions. All operations shall meet the standards of the state pollution control agency.
  11. Appearance. The applicant must maintain buildings and plants in a safe condition in accordance with acceptable industrial practice. Weeds shall be controlled.
  12. Removal of structures. The applicant must, within a period of three months after the termination of a sand and gravel operation, or within three months after abandonment of the operation for a period of six months (or within three months after expiration of a sand and gravel permit), dismantle or remove buildings, structures, and plants incidental to the operations. However, the buildings, structures, and plants need not be dismantled and removed so long as they are legally being used for the production of processing of sand and gravel or for some other purpose permitted in the zone in which they are located.
  13. Lighting. The applicant shall set forth the planned lighting of the area and any other equipment or structures that will be installed or built.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021

9.12.010 Abandoned Motor Vehicles

  1. Impoundment and sale. The county sheriff's department shall take into custody and impound any abandoned motor vehicle as defined by M.S.A. § 168B.011, subd. 2, as it may be amended from time to time. It shall give notice of the taking as provided by law and, if the owner or any lienholder does not reclaim the vehicle within the period provided by law, it shall provide for the sale of the vehicle to the highest bidder at public auction or sale following two weeks' published notice.
  2. Summary action in certain cases. When an abandoned motor vehicle is more than seven model years of age, is lacking vital component parts, and does not display a license plate currently valid in the state or any other state or foreign country, it shall immediately be eligible for sale under subsection (a) of this section and shall not be subject to the notification, reclamation, or title provisions of M.S.A. §§ 168B.01 to 168.101, as they may be amended from time to time.
  3. Disposition of proceeds. The proceeds of the sale of an abandoned motor vehicle shall be placed in the general fund of the city. If the former owner or entitled lienholder makes application and furnishes satisfactory proof of ownership or lien interest within 90 days of the sale, the former owner shall be paid the proceeds of the sale of the vehicle less the cost of towing, preserving, and storing the vehicle and all administrative, notice, and publication costs incurred in its handling.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021

9.12.020 Other Abandoned Property

  1. Procedure. All other property lawfully coming into the possession of the city shall be disposed of as provided in this section.
  2. Storage. The department of the city acquiring possession of the property shall arrange for its storage. If city facilities for storage are unavailable or inadequate, the department may arrange for storage at privately-owned facilities.
  3. Claim by owner. The owner may claim the property be exhibiting satisfactory proof of ownership and paying the city any storage or maintenance costs incurred by it. A receipt for the property shall be obtained upon release to the owner.
  4. Sale. If the property remains unclaimed in the possession of the city for 60 days, the property shall be sold to the highest bidder at a public auction conducted by the county sheriff's department after two weeks' published notice setting forth the time and place of the sale and the property to be sold.
  5. Disposition of proceeds. The proceeds of the sale shall be placed in the general fund of the city. If the former owner makes application and furnishes satisfactory proof of ownership within six months of the sale, the former owner shall be paid the proceeds of the sale of the property less the costs of storage and the proportionate part of the cost of published notice and other costs of the sale.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021

9.36.010 Purpose

The city has an interest in safeguarding the right of the residents to enjoy, in their home and dwelling, a feeling of well-being, tranquility, and privacy. The city council finds that targeted residential picketing in front of or about a residential dwelling causes emotional distress to the dwelling occupants or obstructs and interferes with the free use of public rights-of-way. The city council further finds that, without resorting to targeted residential picketing, ample opportunities exist for those otherwise engaged in targeted residential picketing to exercise constitutionally-protected freedom of speech and expression.

HISTORY
Amended by Ord. 08-242 on 2/2/2021
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021

9.36.020 Definitions

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Targeted residential picketing means standing, marching, patrolling, or other similar activities by one or more persons focused on, in front of or about a particular residential dwelling without the consent of the dwelling’s occupants.

HISTORY
Amended by Ord. 08-242 on 2/2/2021
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021

9.36.030 Targeted Residential Picketing Prohibited

No person shall engage in targeted residential picketing within the city.

HISTORY
Amended by Ord. 08-242 on 2/2/2021
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.08.010 Intent

LEC 9.08.010 et seq., is adopted to:

  1. Regulate commercial lumbering or harvesting of forest products to provide for future production of lumber and forest products;
  2. Regulate the alteration of forested areas and spatial patterns to prevent the development of strong wind currents and to maximize the temperature moderation effects of evapotranspiration; and
  3. Regulate the alteration of forested areas and spatial patterns to maintain the aesthetic appearance and monetary value of the forested land.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.08.020 Permit
  1. Permit required. It shall be unlawful for any person, partnership, company, corporation, or association to engage in commercial lumbering or harvesting of forest products or to remove any trees on any forested area within the city without first obtaining a permit from the council.
  2. Application and review. The applicant shall submit an application together with the required fees to the planning commission. Property owners within 500 feet shall be notified by certified mail ten days prior to the date the planning commission considers the request. The planning commission shall consider the request at its next regularly scheduled meeting, but not earlier than ten days from the date of submission. The petitioner or petitioner's representative shall appear before the planning commission in order to answer questions concerning the proposed permit. The planning commission shall make its recommendation to the council within 60 days after the submission of the application. The council must take action on the application within 60 days of receiving the recommendation of the planning commission. If it grants the permit, the council may impose conditions it considers necessary to protect the health, safety, morals, or general welfare of the city and to ensure the use is in harmony with the general purpose of the intent of LEC 9.08.010 et seq. and the comprehensive plan. No application for a permit shall be re-submitted within six months from the date of the denial.
  3. Exclusions. This section shall not apply to any parcel of land two acres in size or less, nor does it apply to the removal of diseased trees.
  4. Permit duration. The permit shall be valid for one year unless terminated by the council for failure to comply with the provision of LEC 9.08.010 et seq.
  5. Fee. The fee for the permit shall be the fee for certain occupations as set by resolution of the council.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
Amended by Ord. 2026-01 on 2/17/2026
9.08.030 Application--Commercial Lumbering Or Harvesting

The application for a permit for commercial lumbering or harvesting of forest products shall contain:

  1. The name and address of the operator and owner of the land;
  2. The legal description of the land involved;
  3. Names of neighboring landowners within 500 feet;
  4. The plan of operation, approved by the forestry extension service of the University of Minnesota;
  5. The plan of reforestation, approved by the forestry extension service of the University of Minnesota; and
  6. A bond sufficient to cover the costs of reforestation required by LEC 9.08.010 et seq.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
Amended by Ord. 2026-01 on 2/17/2026
9.08.040 Application--Removal Of Trees From Any Forested Area

The application for a permit for the removal of trees from any forested area shall contain:

  1. The name and address of the operator and owner of the land;
  2. The legal description of the land involved;
  3. Names of neighboring landowners within 500 feet; and
  4. The plan of reforestation.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
Amended by Ord. 2026-01 on 2/17/2026
9.08.050 Reforestation, Rural Land

Reforestation of rural land shall be in accordance with the plan approved by the extension forestry service of the University of Minnesota.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.08.060 Reforestation Of Land, Subdivided
  1. A subdivision planting plan shall be submitted.
  2. The plan shall be in accordance with the provisions in LEC title 103.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.08.070 Declaration Of Policy

The council determines that the health of the elm and oak trees within the municipal limits is threatened by fatal diseases known as Dutch elm and oak wilt diseases, and other trees may be threatened by other epidemic diseases of shade trees. It further determines that the loss of elm, oak, and other trees growing upon public and private property would substantially depreciate the value of property within the city and impair the safety, good order, general welfare, and conveniences of the public. It is declared to be the intention of the council to control and prevent the spread of those diseases and LEC 9.08.070 et seq., is enacted for that purpose.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.08.080 Forester Position Created

The powers and duties of the city forester as set forth in this subchapter are conferred upon the persons or employees whom the council shall deem appropriate.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.08.090 Duties Of Forester
  1. It is the duty of the forester to coordinate, under the direction and control of the council, all activities of the municipality relating to the control and prevention of Dutch elm, oak wilt, or similar plant pests or plant diseases.
  2. The forester shall recommend to the council the details of a program for the control of Dutch elm disease, oak wilt, or similar plant pests or plant diseases, and perform the duties incident to the program adopted by the council.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.08.100 Nuisance Declared
  1. Nuisance defined. The following are public nuisances wherever they may be found within the city:
    1. Any living or standing elm tree or part of the elm tree infected to any degree with Dutch elm disease fungus Ceretocystis Uhni (Buisman) Moreau, or which harbors any of the elm bark beetles, Scolytus Multistriatus (Eichh.), or Hylugopinus Rufites (Marsh);
    2. Any dead elm tree or part of the tree, including branches, stumps, firewood, or other elm material from which the bark has not been removed and burned or sprayed with an effective elm bark beetle insecticide;
    3. Any living or standing oak tree or part of an oak tree infected to any degree with the oak wilt fungus, Endoconidiothora Faga-ceaarum; and/or
    4. Any dead oak tree or part which, in the opinion of the forester, constitutes a hazard, including, but not limited to, logs, branches, stumps, roots, firewood, or other oak material, which has not been stripped of its bark and burned or sprayed with an effective fungicide.
  2. Abatement. It is unlawful for any person to permit any public nuisance as defined in subsection (a) of this section to remain on any premises owned or controlled by that person within the city. The nuisance may be abated in the manner prescribed by LEC 9.08.120 et seq.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.08.110 Inspection And Investigation
  1. Inspection. As often as practicable, the forester shall inspect all public and private premises within the city which might harbor any plant pest as defined in M.S.A. § 18.46, subd. 13, as it may be amended from time to time, to determine whether any condition described in LEC 9.08.100 exists. The forester shall investigate all reported incidents of infestation by Dutch elm fungus, elm bark beetles, oak wilt fungus, or any other epidemic disease of shade trees.
  2. Entry on private premises. The forester or forester's duly authorized agents may enter upon private premises at any reasonable time for the purpose of carrying out any of the duties assigned the forester under LEC 9.08.070 et seq.
  3. Diagnosis. The forester shall, upon finding conditions indicating Dutch elm infestation or oak wilt, immediately send appropriate specimens or samples to the commissioner of agriculture for analysis, or take the other steps for diagnosis as may be recommended by the commissioner. Except as provided in LEC 9.08.130, no action to remove infected trees or wood shall be taken until positive diagnosis of the disease has been made.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.08.120 Abatement Of Dutch Elm Disease And Oak Wilt Nuisances

In abating the nuisances defined in LEC 9.08.100, the forester shall cause the infected tree or wood to be sprayed, removed, burned, or otherwise effectively treated so as to destroy and prevent as fully as possible the spread of epidemic diseases, including Dutch elm disease or oak wilt disease. The forester shall also take steps that are necessary to prevent root graft transmission of the diseases. The abatement procedures shall be carried out in accordance with current technical and expert opinions and plans as may be designated by the commissioner of agriculture.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.08.130 Action By Forester
  1. Whenever the forester finds with reasonable certainty that the infestation defined in LEC 9.08.100 exists in any tree or wood in any public or private place in the city, the forester shall in writing notify the owner of the existence of a nuisance, which notice shall state that the owner has 60 days to abate the nuisance and avoid city action. A copy of the notice shall be transmitted to the city clerk for the information of the council. If within the 60-day period the property owner has not abated the nuisance, the forester shall report all the facts surrounding the unabated nuisance to the council.
    1. Abatement. Upon receipt of the forester's report required by this section, the council shall, by resolution, order the nuisance abated. Before action is taken on the resolution, the council shall publish notice of its intention to meet to consider taking action to abate the nuisance. This notice shall be mailed to affected property owners and published once no less than one week prior to the meeting. The notice shall state the time and place of the meeting, the streets affected, action proposed, the estimated cost of the abatement, and the proposed basis of assessment, if any, of costs. At the hearing or adjournment of the hearing, the council shall hear property owners with reference to the scope and desirability of the proposed project. The council shall then adopt a resolution confirming the original resolution with modifications as it considers desirable and provide for the doing of the work by day labor or by contract.
    2. Records. The forester shall keep a record of the costs of abatements done under LEC 9.08.070 et seq. and shall report monthly to the administrator all work done for which assessments are to be made stating and certifying the description of the land, lots, parcels involved, and the amount chargeable to each.
    3. Assessment. On or before September 1 of each year, the administrator shall list the total unpaid charges for each abatement against each separate lot or parcel to which they are attributable under this section. The council may then spread the charges or any portion of the charges against the property involved as a special assessment under M.S.A. § 429.101, as it may be amended from time to time, and other pertinent statutes for certification to the county auditor and collection the following year along with current taxes.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.08.140 Spraying Elm Or Oak Trees
  1. Treatment of nearby trees. Whenever the forester determines that any elm or oak tree or elm or oak wood within the city is infected with Dutch elm fungus or oak wilt fungus, the forester may spray all nearby high value elm or oak trees with an effective elm bark beetle destroying concentrate or other appropriate substance suitable for destroying or controlling Dutch elm disease fungus or oak wilt fungus. Spraying activities authorized by this section shall be conducted in accordance with technical and expert opinions and plans for the commissioner of agriculture and under the supervision of the commissioner and commissioner's agents whenever possible.
  2. Notice. The notice provisions hereof apply to spraying operations conducted under this section.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.08.150 Transporting Elm Wood Prohibited

It is unlawful for any person to transport within the city any bark-bearing elm wood without having obtained a permit from the forester. The forester shall grant the permits only when the purposes of LEC 9.08.070 et seq. will be served.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.08.160 Interference Prohibited

It is unlawful for any person to prevent, delay, or interfere with the forester or forester's agents while they are engaged in the performance of duties imposed by LEC 9.08.070 et seq.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.16.010 Application

All streets hereafter constructed within the city shall meet the specifications set forth in LEC title 103.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.16.020 Permit Required For Work On Public Property

No person, other than the city or its employees, shall do any work of any kind whatsoever in any public right-of-way or any other public property within the city, without first having obtained a permit for the work from the properly designated city employee, after the application for the work has been approved by the city engineer. The term "work," includes, but is not limited to, any improvement, construction, or alteration of sidewalks, curb or gutter, driveways, tree planting, boulevards, and drainage facilities.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.16.030 Purpose

The purpose of LEC 9.16.030 et seq., is to control the location of driveways and curb cuts in order that traffic hazards be reduced, adequate street drainage be maintained, and that ingress and egress from properties shall not constitute a hazard or impair the health, safety, or general welfare of the residents of the city.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.16.040 Permit Requirements

No driveway shall be constructed in any location where motor vehicles will be provided with access to any public right-of-way without first obtaining a permit for construction. Prior to the issuance of the permit, the provisions of this subchapter shall be complied with.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.16.050 Application

Applications for permits shall be made in writing upon printed forms furnished by the city. Each application for a permit shall have thereon the correct legal description of the property and a drawing of the land showing the location of the proposed driveway with respect to the boundary lines of the property. The written application shall describe the project along with a site plan that indicates that the requirements of this subchapter are met.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.16.060 Permit Fees

The permit fees shall be set in the city's fee schedule by ordinance by the city council.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.16.070 Permit Revocation

The permit issued may be revoked by the city at any time after its issuance for failure to comply with the conditions of the permit or the directions of the city relative to the work covered by the permit.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.16.080 General Requirements
  1. Licensed contractor. All work done within the right-of-way of the street shall be done by a city licensed contractor as specified in LEC 11.24.
  2. Site plan. Prior to the construction of a driveway, a scaled plan must be submitted which indicates the location and specifications for driveways and curb cuts, the widths and dimensions at the street, property line and building structure, the slope of the driveway, and the location of the curb box as applicable in accordance with LEC 9.16.030 et seq. The site plan submitted shall be approved prior to the issuance of a permit for a driveway.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.16.090 Driveway Standards

The following regulations shall apply to all driveways and curb cuts. All driveway work shall be constructed in accordance with the approved site plan. No deviations or changes shall be made in the field without first obtaining permission from the city.

  1. Driveway width. All driveways shall conform to the following requirements:
    1. Residential districts.
      1. Minimum width. All driveways shall have a minimum width of 12 feet.
      2. Maximum width. All driveways shall have a maximum width of 26 feet within the public right-of-way. In the absence of platted right-of-way, the setback at which point the driveway width is measured shall be established by the prescriptive easement as determined by the city engineer. Increased driveway width in the public right-of-way up to commercial standard (34 feet) will be considered for active farms or agricultural properties.
      3. Curb cut. A curb cut must not exceed the width of the driveway approach at the property line by more than ten feet.
    2. Commercial and mixed-use districts.
      1. Minimum width. All driveways shall have a minimum width of 20 feet.
      2. Maximum width. All driveways shall have a maximum width of 34 feet at the point it intersects the right-of-way line.
      3. Curb cut. A curb cut must not exceed the width of the driveway approach at the property line by more than ten feet.
  2. Vertical clearance. There must be 14 feet of vertical clearance above all driveways.
  3. Number of curb cuts. In residential districts, each property shall be limited to one curb cut per dwelling unit. Up to two curb cuts may be allowed when neither access is onto a collector or arterial street when the lot exceeds 150 feet in width, when there is a minimum of 40 feet of spacing between driveway curb radii, and when the total width of both driveways does not exceed 26 feet.
    1. Additional curb cuts. Regardless of the road classification, properties having access to a road that is not under the jurisdiction of the City may obtain additional curb cuts by receiving permission from the overseeing entity of that roadway. The total accumulation of the driveway width is further determined by that entity and is not limited to 26 feet.
    2. Distance between driveways. The minimum distance between curbs of driveways at the right-of-way line shall be ten feet in any residential district. Lots that have been developed with zero lot line setbacks may be exempt from this provision. In all other districts, the minimum distance shall be 20 feet.
    3. Distance from intersection. No driveway or curb cut shall be less than 20 feet from any right-of-way line of any street intersection, except that in high density residential, commercial and mixed-use zoning districts, the minimum distance shall be 50 feet.
    4. Driveway angle. All driveways shall connect to the public street at 90-degree angles, or must be approved by the city engineer. Exceptions must demonstrate an inability to meet the 90-degree angle due to extenuating circumstances.
    5. Driveway grade. Driveways exceeding a grade of ten percent must be approved by the city engineer. Exceptions must demonstrate an inability to meet the ten percent maximum grade due to extenuating circumstances.
    6. Driveway materials.
      1. Urban districts. All driveways shall be constructed of hot mix bituminous asphalt, concrete or a durable material approved by the city engineer.
      2. Rural districts. Driveways may be constructed of crushed rock or equivalent crushed material, provided that the portion of the driveway within the road right-of-way shall be constructed of hot mix bituminous asphalt, concrete or a durable material approved by the city engineer when the driveway is accessing an improved street.
    7. Curb box, residential districts. Curb boxes located within driveway shall be protected with an Al Ford Lid or approved equal.
    8. Control of traffic.
      1. Where other alternatives exist, commercial sites should not be accessed from local residential streets.
      2. Traffic shall be controlled to ensure that the location of driveways shall not constitute a hazard nor be injurious to adjacent residential uses.
    9. Access to major streets (thoroughfares). On properties having frontage on both thoroughfares and minor roads, access shall be provided via the minor road unless otherwise approved by the city engineer. Access may be restricted on any nonresidential local road. The number and types of access drives onto major streets may be controlled and limited in the interests of public safety and efficient traffic flow.
    10. Collector or arterial streets and state and county highway requirements. Driveways constructed to access any nonresidential (collector or arterial) street or street designated as a state or county highway shall meet all additional specifications of the appropriate jurisdiction. Access drives onto collector or arterial streets or state and county roads shall require a review by the road authority and the city engineer. The state, county and city engineer shall determine the appropriate location, size and design of such access drives and may limit the number of access drives in the interest of public safety and efficient traffic flow.
    11. Distance from driveways to side lot line. A driveway must be at least five feet from any side lot line.
    12. Emergency vehicle access. Driveways to principal structures that traverse wooded, steep or open field areas shall be constructed and maintained to a width and base material depth sufficient to support access by emergency vehicles.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.16.100 Parking Areas

The parking restrictions applicable to driveways are stated in the zoning code codified in LEC title 105.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.16.110 Maintenance Responsibility
  1. Keeping property in safe condition. The owner and the occupant of any property adjacent to a boulevard within the city shall use due diligence to keep the boulevard in a safe condition. The owner or occupant shall not allow any noxious weeds, rubbish, dead trees or branches, or other debris to remain on the boulevard longer than 12 hours after its deposit on the property. The owner or occupant shall abate or prevent the nuisance on the property.
  2. Requiring compliance to specific sections of this Code. The owners and the occupant of any property adjacent to a boulevard within the city shall use due diligence to abate or prevent the nuisances described in LEC 9.28.030 and LEC 105.04.080 et seq. Failure to control these nuisances shall constitute a violation of this Code.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.16.120 Sidewalk Snow Removal
  1. Removal of snow and ice from sidewalks. The owner or occupant of any property within the city's corporate limits that fronts upon any public street that has an abutting sidewalk must remove any snow or ice from the sidewalk within 48 hours following the termination of any snow or ice formation. The owner or occupant of the property abutting the sidewalk must keep the abutting sidewalk reasonably clear and free of any snow or ice.
  2. Nuisance. Failure by the owner or occupant of the property abutting the sidewalk to comply with this section shall constitute a nuisance and the nuisance may be abated by the city in accordance with LEC 9.28.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.20.010 Findings And Purpose
  1. To provide for the health, safety, and well-being of its citizens, and to ensure the structural integrity of its streets and the appropriate use of the rights-of-way, the city strives to keep its rights-of-way in a state of good repair and free from unnecessary encumbrances. Although the general population bears the financial burden for the upkeep of the rights-of-way, a primary cause for the early and excessive deterioration of its rights-of-way is frequent excavation.
  2. Right-of-way obstruction is a source of frustration for merchants, business owners, and the general population which must avoid these obstructions or change travel or shopping plans because of them and has a detrimental effect on commerce. Persons whose equipment is within the right-of-way are the primary cause of these frequent obstructions.
  3. The city holds the rights-of-way within its geographical boundaries as an asset in trust for its citizens. The city and other public entities have invested millions of dollars in public funds to build and maintain the rights-of-way. The city also recognizes that some persons, by placing their equipment in the right-of-way and charging the citizens of the city for goods and services delivered thereby, are using this property held for the public good. Although the services are often necessary or convenient for the citizens, the persons receive revenue and/or profit through their use of public property.
  4. The state legislature has recognized that it is in the public's interest that the use and regulation of rights-of-way be carried on in a fair, efficient, competitively neutral, and substantially uniform manner while recognizing the regulation must reflect distinct engineering, construction, operation, maintenance, and public and worker safety requirements and standards applicable to various users of rights-of-way. Further, the legislature has determined that, because increasing numbers of persons may seek usage of rights-of-way, municipalities such as the city must be and have been authorized to regulate use of rights-of-way. Consistent with this mandate, the city has endeavored to model its right-of-way regulations consistent with those of models enacted or under consideration by municipalities throughout the state. Further, the city has endeavored to create competitively neutral rights-of-way standards and regulations of general applicability.
  5. In response to the foregoing facts, the city hereby enacts this chapter relating to right-of-way management. This chapter imposes reasonable regulations on the placement and maintenance of facilities currently within its rights-of-way or to be placed therein at some future time. It is intended to complement the regulatory roles of state and federal agencies. Under this chapter, persons disturbing and obstructing the rights-of-way will bear a fair share of the financial responsibility for the integrity of the city's rights-of-way. Finally, this chapter provides for recovery of out-of-pocket and projected costs from persons using the public rights-of-way.
  6. By enactment of this chapter, the city council hereby exercises its lawful police power and common law authority, and all statutory authority which is available to it, including, but not limited to, the powers conferred on it under M.S.A. §§ 237.16, 237.162 237.163, 237.79, 237.81, and 238.086 (the Act), as amended from time to time, while preserving all power and authority to further require franchises from rights-of-way users under M.S.A. §§ 216B.36, 222.37, 300.03, and 412.11, as amended from time to time, Minn. R. ch. 7819 and Minn. R. ch. 7560 where possible, and other provisions of law. To the extent any provision of this chapter cannot be interpreted consistently with the Minnesota Rules, that interpretation most consistent with the Act and other regulatory and police powers of the city to adopt and enforce general ordinances necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public shall prevail.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.20.020 Election To Manage The Public Rights-Of-Way

Pursuant to the authority granted to the city under state and federal statutory, administrative, and common law, the city hereby elects, pursuant to M.S.A. § 237.163, subd. 2b, to manage rights-of-way within its jurisdiction.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.20.030 Definitions

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Abandoned facility means a facility no longer in service or physically disconnected from a portion of the operating facility, or from any other facility, that is in use or still carries service. A facility is not abandoned unless declared so by the right-of-way user.

Administrator. The City Administrator of the City of Lake Elmo, or the administrator's designee.

Applicant. Any person requesting permission to excavate or obstruct a right-of-way.

City. The city of Lake Elmo, Minnesota. For purposes of LEC 9.20 means its elected officials, officers, employees, and agents.

Collocate or collocation means to install, mount, maintain, modify, operate, or replace a small wireless facility on, under, within, or adjacent to an existing wireless support structure or utility pole that is owned privately, or by the city or other governmental unit. See M.S.A. § 237.162, subd. 10.

Construction performance bond means any of the following forms of security provided at permittee's option:

  1. Individual project bond;
  2. Cash deposit;
  3. Security of a form listed or approved under M.S.A. § 15.73, subd. 3;
  4. Letter of credit, in a form acceptable to the city;
  5. Self-insurance, in a form acceptable to the city;
  6. A blanket bond for projects within the city, or other form of construction bond, for a time specified and in a form acceptable to the city.

Degradation means the accelerated depreciation of the right-of-way caused by excavation in or disturbance of the right-of-way, resulting in the need to reconstruct the right-of-way earlier than would be required if the excavation did not occur.

Degradation cost means money paid to the city to cover the cost associated with a decrease in the useful life of a public right-of-way caused by excavation; the cost to achieve a level of restoration, subject to Minn. R. part 7819.1100, as determined by the city at the time the permit is issued, not to exceed the maximum restoration shown in plates one to 13, set forth in Minn. R. parts 7819.9900 to 7819.9950.

Degradation fee means the estimated fee established at the time of permitting by the city to recover costs associated with the decrease in the useful life of the right-of-way caused by the excavation, and which equals the degradation cost.

Delay penalty means the penalty imposed as a result of unreasonable delays in right-of-way excavation, obstruction, patching, or restoration as established by permit.

Department means the department of public works of the city.

Department inspector means any person authorized by the administrator to carry out inspections related to the provisions of this chapter.

Emergency means a condition that:

  1. Poses a danger to life or health, or of a significant loss of property; or
  2. Requires immediate repair or replacement of facilities in order to restore service to a customer.

Equipment means any tangible asset used to install, repair, or maintain facilities in any right-of-way; but shall not include boulevard plantings or gardens planted or maintained in the right-of-way between a person's property and the street curb.

Excavate means to dig into or in any way remove or physically disturb or penetrate any part of a right-of-way, except horticultural practices of penetrating the boulevard area to a depth of less than 12 inches.

Excavation permit means the permit which, pursuant to this chapter, must be obtained before a person may excavate in a right-of-way. An excavation permit allows the holder to excavate that part of the right-of-way described in the permit.

Excavation permit fee means money paid to the city by an applicant to cover the costs as provided in the city fee schedule.

Facility or facilities means any tangible asset in the right-of-way required to provide utility service.

Five-year project plan shows projects adopted by the city for construction within the next five years.

High density corridor means a designated portion of the public right-of-way within which telecommunications right-of-way users having multiple and competing facilities may be required to build and install facilities in a common conduit system or other common structure.

In, when used in conjunction with "right-of-way," means over, above, in, within, on, or under a right-of-way.

Local representative means a local person or persons, or designee of the person or persons, authorized by a registrant to accept service and to make decisions for that registrant regarding all matters within the scope of this chapter.

Management cost means the actual cost incurred by the city for public rights-of-way management, including, but not limited to, costs associated with registering applicants; issuing, processing, and verifying right-of-way or small wireless facility permit applications; inspecting job sites and restoration projects; maintaining, supporting, protecting, or moving user equipment during public right-of-way work; determining the adequacy of right-of-way restoration; restoring work inadequately performed after providing notice and the opportunity to correct the work; and revoking right-of-way or small wireless facility permits and performing all other tasks required by this chapter, including other costs the city may incur in managing the provisions of this chapter. The term "management cost" does not include payment by a telecommunications right-of-way user for the use of the right-of-way, unreasonable fees of a third-party contractor used by the city including fees tied to or based on customer counts, access lines, or revenues generated by the right-of-way or for the city, the fees and costs of litigation relating to the interpretation of M.S.A. § 237.162 or 237.163, as they may be amended from time to time, or any ordinance enacted under those sections, or the city's fees and costs related to appeals taken pursuant to LEC 9.20.340.

Obstruct means to place any tangible object in a right-of-way so as to hinder free and open passage over that or any part of the right-of-way.

Obstruction permit means the permit which, pursuant to this chapter, must be obtained before a person may obstruct a right-of-way, allowing the holder to hinder free and open passage over the specified portion of that right-of-way by placing equipment described therein on the right-of-way for the duration specified therein.

Obstruction permit fee means money paid to the city by a permittee to cover the costs as provided in LEC 9.20.170.

Patch or patching.

  1. The term "patch" or "patching" means a method of pavement replacement that is temporary in nature.
  2. A patch consists of:
    1. The compaction of the sub-base and aggregate base; and
    2. The replacement, in kind, of the existing pavement for a minimum of two feet beyond the edges of the excavation in all directions.
  3. A patch is considered full restoration only when the pavement is included in the city's five-year project plan.

Pavement means any type of improved surface that is within the public right-of-way and that is paved or otherwise constructed with bituminous, concrete, aggregate, or gravel.

Performance security means a performance bond, a restoration bond, a letter of credit, or cash deposit posted to ensure the availability of sufficient funds to assure that right-of-way excavation and obstruction work is completed in both a timely and quality manner.

Permit has the meaning given to the term "right-of-way permit" in M.S.A. § 237.162.

Permittee means any person to whom a permit to excavate or obstruct a right-of-way has been granted by the city under this chapter.

Person means an individual or entity subject to the laws and rules of the state, however organized, whether public or private, whether domestic or foreign, whether for profit or non-profit, and whether natural, corporate, or political.

Probation means the status of a person that has not complied with the conditions of this chapter.

Probationary period means one year from the date that a person has been notified in writing that they have been put on probation.

Registrant means any person who:

  1. Has or seeks to have its equipment or facilities located in any right-of-way; or
  2. In any way occupies or uses, or seeks to occupy or use, the right-of-way or place its facilities or equipment in the right-of-way.

Repair means the temporary construction work necessary to make the right-of-way usable for travel.

Restoration cost means an amount of money paid to the city by a permittee to achieve the level of restoration according to plates 1 to 13 of the state public utilities commission rules.

Restore or restoration means the process by which an excavated right-of-way and surrounding area, including pavement and foundation, is returned to the same condition and life expectancy that existed before excavation.

Right-of-way or public right-of-way means the surface and space on, above and below a public roadway, highway, street, cartway, bicycle lane, or public sidewalk in which the city has an interest, including other dedicated rights-of-way for travel purposes and utility easements of the city. A right-of-way does not include the airwaves above a right-of-way with regard to cellular or other nonwire telecommunications or broadcast service.

Right-of-way permit means either the excavation permit or the obstruction permit, or both, depending on the context, required by this chapter.

Right-of-way user means:

  1. A telecommunications right-of-way user as defined by M.S.A. § 237.162, subd. 4; or
  2. A person owning or controlling a facility in the right-of-way that is used or intended to be used for providing utility service, and who has a right under law, franchise, or ordinance to use the public right-of-way.

Service or utility service means and includes, but is not limited to:

  1. Those services provided by a public utility as defined in M.S.A. § 216B.02, subds. 4 and 6, as it may be amended from time to time;
  2. Services of a telecommunications right-of-way user, including transporting of voice or data information;
  3. Services of a cable communications system as defined in M.S.A. ch. 238;
  4. Natural gas or electric energy or telecommunications services provided by the city;
  5. Services provided by a cooperative electric association organized under M.S.A. ch. 308A;
  6. A telecommunication right-of-way user;
  7. Water, and sewer, including service laterals, steam, cooling, or heating services.

Service lateral means an underground facility that is used to transmit, distribute, or furnish gas, electricity, communications, or water from a common source to an end-use customer. A service lateral is also an underground facility that is used in the removal of wastewater from a customer's premises.

Small wireless facility means a wireless facility that meets both of the following qualifications:

  1. Each antenna is located inside an enclosure of no more than six cubic feet in volume or could fit within such an enclosure; and
  2. All other wireless equipment associated with the small wireless facility, provided such equipment is, in aggregate, no more than 28 cubic feet in volume, not including electric meters, concealment elements, telecommunications demarcation boxes, battery backup power systems, grounding equipment, power transfer switches, cutoff switches, cable, conduit, vertical cable runs for the connection of power and other services, and any equipment concealed from public view within or behind an existing structure or concealment.

Supplementary application means an application made to excavate or obstruct more of the right-of-way than allowed in, or to extend, a permit that had already been issued.

Telecommunication rights-of-way user means a person owning or controlling a facility in the public right-of-way, or seeking to own or control a facility in the public right-of-way, that is used or is intended to be used for providing wireless service, or transporting telecommunication or other voice or data information. For the purposes of this chapter, a cable communication system defined and regulated under M.S.A. ch. 238, as it may be amended from time to time, and telecommunication activities related to providing natural gas or electric energy services, a public utility as defined in M.S.A. § 216B.02, a municipality, a municipal gas or power agency organized under M.S.A. chs. 453 and 453A, or a cooperative electric association organized under M.S.A. ch. 308A, are not telecommunications right-of-way users for the purpose of this chapter except to the extent such entity is offering wireless service.

Unusable equipment means equipment in the right-of-way which has remained unused for one year and for which the registrant is unable to provide proof that it has either a plan to begin using it within the next 12 months or a potential purchaser or user of the equipment.

Utility pole means a pole that is used in whole or in part to facilitate telecommunications or electric service.

Wireless facility means equipment at a fixed location that enables the provision of wireless services between user equipment and a wireless service network, including equipment associated with wireless service, a radio transceiver, antenna, coaxial or fiber-optic cable, regular and backup power supplies, and a small wireless facility, but not including wireless support structures, wireline backhaul facilities, or cables between utility poles or wireless support structures, or not otherwise immediately adjacent to and directly associated with a specific antenna.

Wireless service means any service using licensed or unlicensed wireless spectrum, including the use of wi-fi, whether at a fixed location or by means of a mobile device, that is provided using wireless facilities. The term "wireless service" does not include services regulated under title VI of the Communications Act of 1934, 47 USC 151 et seq., as amended, including cable service.

Wireless support structure means a new or existing structure in a right-of-way designed to support or capable of supporting small wireless facilities, as reasonably determined by the city.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.20.040 Administration

The administrator is the principal city official responsible for the administration of the right-of-way permits, and the regulations related thereto. The administrator may delegate any or all of the duties hereunder.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.20.050 Franchise; Franchise Supremacy

The city may, in addition, to the requirements of this chapter, require that any person, which has or seeks to have equipment located in any right-of-way, obtain a franchise for the full extent permitted by law, now or hereinafter enacted. The terms of any franchise which is in direct conflict with any provision of this chapter, whether granted prior or subsequent to enactment of this chapter, shall control and supersede the conflicting terms of this chapter; provided, however, that requirements relating to insurance, bonds, penalties, security funds, letters of credit, indemnification, or any other security in favor of the city may be cumulative in the sole determination of the city or unless otherwise negotiated by the city and the franchise grantee. All other terms of this chapter shall be fully applicable to all persons, whether franchised or not.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.20.060 Reservation Of Regulatory And Police Powers

A permittee's or registrant's rights are subject to the regulatory and police powers of the city to adopt and enforce general ordinances necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.20.070 Severability; Revocable Permits

If a regulatory body or a court of competent jurisdiction should determine by a final, non-appealable order that any permit, right, or registration issued under this chapter or any portions of this chapter is illegal or unenforceable, then the permit, right, or registration granted or deemed to exist hereunder shall be considered as a revocable permit with a mutual right in either party to terminate without cause upon giving 60-days' written notice to the other. The requirements and conditions of the revocable permit shall be the same requirements and conditions as set forth in the permit, right, or registration, respectively, except for conditions relating to the term of the permit and the right of termination. If a permit, right, or registration shall be considered a revocable permit as provided herein, the permittee must acknowledge the authority of the city council to issue the revocable permit and the power to revoke it. Nothing in this chapter precludes the city from requiring a franchise agreement with the applicant, as allowed by law, in addition to requirements set forth herein.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.20.080 Registration And Right-Of-Way Occupancy
  1. Registration. Each person who occupies, uses, or seeks to occupy or use the right-of-way or any equipment or facilities in or on the right-of-way, including persons with installation and maintenance responsibilities by lease, sublease, or assignment, must register with the city. Registration will consist of providing application information.
  2. Registration prior to work. No person may construct, install, repair, remove, relocate, or perform any other work on or use any facilities or any part thereof in any right-of-way without first being registered with the city.
  3. Exceptions. Nothing herein shall be construed to repeal or amend the provisions of a city ordinance permitting persons to plant or maintain boulevard plantings or gardens in the area of the right-of-way between their property and the street curb. Except as hereinafter provided, persons planting or maintaining boulevard plantings or gardens shall not be deemed to use or occupy the right-of-way, and shall not be required to obtain any permits or satisfy any other requirements for planting or maintaining the boulevard plantings or gardens under this chapter. However, excavations deeper than 12 inches are subject to the permit requirements of LEC 9.20.110. Nothing herein relieves a person from complying with the provisions of M.S.A. ch. 216D, as it may be amended from time to time, the "Gopher One Call" Law."
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.20.090 Registration Information
  1. Information required. The information provided to the city at the time of registration shall include, but not be limited to:
    1. Each registrant's name, Gopher One Call registration certificate number, address and email address, if applicable, and telephone and facsimile numbers;
    2. The name, address and email address, if applicable, and telephone and facsimile numbers of a local representative. The local representative or designee shall be available at all times. Current information regarding how to contact the local representative in an emergency shall be provided at the time of registration;
    3. A certificate of insurance shall be on a form approved by the city:
      1. Verifying that an insurance policy has been issued to the registrant by an insurance company licensed to do business in the state, or that registrant is covered by self-insurance which the administrator determines to provide the city with protections equivalent to that of a state licensed insurance company, legally independent from the registrant;
      2. Verifying that the registrant is insured against claims for personal injury, including death, as well as claims for property damage arising out of the use and occupancy of the right-of-way by the registrant, its officers, agents, employees, and permittees, and placement and use of facilities and equipment in the right-of-way by the registrant, its officers, agents, employees, and permittees, and that registrant's insurance coverage includes, but is not limited to, protection against liability arising from completed operations, damage of underground facilities, and collapse of property;
      3. Naming the city as an additional insured as to whom the coverages required herein are in force and applicable and for whom defense will be provided as to all the coverages;
      4. Requiring that the city be notified 30 days in advance of cancellation of the policy or material modification of a coverage term; and
      5. Indicating comprehensive liability coverage, automobile liability coverage, workers' compensation and umbrella coverage established by the city in amounts sufficient to protect the city and carry out the purposes and policies of this chapter;
    4. The city may require a copy of the actual insurance policies;
    5. If the person is a corporation, a copy of the certificate required to be filed under M.S.A. § 300.06 as recorded and certified to by the Secretary of State;
    6. A copy of the person's certificate of authority from the state public utilities commission or other authorization or approval from the applicable state or federal agency to lawfully operate, where the person is lawfully required to have such authorization or approval from said commission or other state or federal agency; and
    7. The other information as the city may require.
  2. Notice of changes. The registrant shall keep all of the information listed above current at all times by providing to the city information as to changes within 15 days following the date on which the registrant has knowledge of any change.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.20.100 Reporting Obligations
  1. Operations. Each registrant shall, at the time of registration and by December 1 of each year, file a construction and major maintenance plan for underground facilities with the city.
    1. The plan shall be submitted by using a format designated by the city and shall contain the information determined by the city to be necessary to facilitate the coordination and reduction in the frequency of excavations and obstructions of rights-of-way.
    2. The plan shall include, but not be limited to, the following information:
      1. The locations and the estimated beginning and ending dates of all projects to be commenced during the next calendar year (a next-year project); and
      2. To the extent known, the tentative locations and estimated beginning and ending dates for all projects contemplated for the five years following the next calendar year (a five-year project).
    3. The term "project" in this chapter shall include both next-year projects and five-year projects.
    4. By January 1 of each year, the city will have available for inspection in the administrator's office a composite list of all projects of which the city has been informed in the annual plans. All registrants are responsible for keeping themselves informed of the current status of this list.
    5. Thereafter, by February 1, each registrant may change any project in its list of next-year projects, and must notify the city and all other registrants of all the changes in the list. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a registrant may at any time join in a next-year project of another registrant listed by the other registrant.
  2. Additional next-year projects. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the city will not deny an application for a right-of-way permit for failure to include a project in a plan submitted to the city if the registrant has used commercially reasonable efforts to anticipate and plan for the project.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.20.110 Right-Of-Way Permit
  1. Right-of-way permit required. Except as otherwise provided in the city's regulations, no person may obstruct or excavate any right-of-way, or install or place facilities in the right-of-way, without first having obtained the appropriate right-of-way permit from the city and posting of the appropriate construction performance bond with the city.
    1. Excavation permit. An excavation permit is required by a registrant to excavate that part of the right-of-way described in the permit and to hinder free and open passage over the specified portion of the right-of-way by placing equipment described therein, to the extent and for the durations specified therein.
    2. Obstruction permit. An obstruction permit is required by registrant to hinder free and open passage over the specified portion of the right-of-way by placing equipment described therein on the right-of-way, to the extent and for the durations specified therein. An obstruction permit is not required if a person already possesses a valid excavation permit for the same project.
    3. Small wireless facility permit. A small wireless facility permit is required by a registrant to erect or install a wireless support structure, to collocate a small wireless facility, or to otherwise install a small wireless facility in the specified portion of the right-of-way, to the extent specified therein, provided that such permit shall remain in effect for the length of time the facility is in use, unless lawfully revoked.
  2. Right-of-way permit extensions. No person may excavate or obstruct the right-of-way beyond the date or dates specified in the permit unless the person makes a supplementary application for another right-of-way permit before the expiration of the initial permit, and a new right-of-way permit, or right-of-way permit extension, is granted.
  3. Delay penalty. In accordance with Minn. R. part 7819.1000, subpt. 3, and notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the city shall establish and impose a delay penalty for unreasonable delays in right-of-way excavation, obstruction, patching, or restoration. The delay penalty shall be established from time to time by city council resolution.
  4. Right-of-way permit display. Right-of-way permits issued under this chapter shall be conspicuously displayed at all times at the indicated work site and shall be available for inspection by the city.
  5. Construction performance bond. The construction performance bond shall be in an amount determined in the city's sole discretion, sufficient to serve as security for the full and complete performance of permittee's obligation under this chapter, including any costs, expenses, damages, or loss the city pays or incurs because of any failure to comply with this chapter or any other applicable law, regulation, or standard. During the period of construction, repair, or restoration of rights-of-way or facilities within the rights-of-way, the construction performance bond shall be in an amount sufficient to cover 125 percent of the estimated cost of the work, as documented by the person proposing to perform the work, or in a lesser amount as may be determined by the city, taking into account the amount of facilities in the right-of-way, the location and method of installation of the facilities, the conflict or interference of the facilities with the equipment facilities of other persons, and the purposes and policies of this chapter. Sixty days after completion of the work, the construction performance bond may be reduced in the sole determination of the city.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.20.120 Application For A Right-Of-Way Permit
  1. Applications for a right-of-way permit is made to the city through the administrator.
  2. Right-of-way permit applications shall contain and will be considered complete only upon compliance with the requirements of the following provisions:
    1. Registration with the city pursuant to this chapter;
    2. Submissions of a completed permit application form, including all required attachments, and scaled drawings showing the location and area of the proposed project and the location of all existing and proposed facilities;
    3. Payment of all money due to the city for:
      1. Permit fees, estimated restoration costs, and other management costs;
      2. Prior obstructions or excavations;
      3. Any undisputed loss, damage, or expense suffered by the city because of applicant's prior excavations or obstructions of the rights-of-way or any emergency actions taken by the city; and/or
      4. Franchise fees or other charges, if applicable;
    4. Payment of disputed amounts due the city by posting security or depositing in a city-approved escrow account an amount equal to at least 125 percent of the amount owing;
    5. When an excavation permit is requested for the purposes of installing additional facilities, and the posting of a construction performance bond for the additional facilities is insufficient, the posting of an additional or larger construction performance bond for the additional facilities may be required; and
    6. A stormwater management plan and/or an erosion and sediment control plan if applicable as specified in LEC 105.04.830.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.20.130 Issuance Of Permit; Conditions
  1. Permit issuance. If the administrator determines that the applicant has satisfied the requirements of this chapter, the city shall issue a permit.
  2. Conditions. The city may impose reasonable conditions upon the issuance of the permit and the performance of the applicant thereunder to protect the public health, safety, and welfare to ensure the structural integrity of the right-of-way, to protect the property and safety of other users of the right-of-way, and to minimize the disruption and inconvenience to the traveling public. In addition, a permittee shall comply with all requirements of local, state and federal laws, including, but not limited to, M.S.A. ch. 216D (Gopher One Call Excavation Notice System) and Minn. R. ch. 7560.
    1. Small wireless facility conditions. In addition, the erection or installation of a wireless support structure, the collocation of a small wireless facility, or other installation of a small wireless facility in the right-of-way, shall be subject to the following conditions:
      1. A small wireless facility shall only be collocated on the particular wireless support structure, under those attachment specifications, and at the height indicated in the applicable permit application.
      2. No new wireless support structure installed within the right-of-way shall exceed 50 feet in height without the city's written authorization, provided that the city may impose a lower height limit in the applicable permit to protect the public health, safety, and welfare or to protect the right-of-way and its current use, and further, provided that a registrant may replace an existing wireless support structure exceeding 50 feet in height with a structure of the same height subject to such conditions or requirements as may be imposed in the applicable permit.
      3. No wireless facility may extend more than ten feet above its wireless support structure.
      4. Where an applicant proposes to install a new wireless support structure in the right-of-way, the city may impose separation requirements between such structure and any existing wireless support structure or other facilities in and around the right-of-way.
      5. Where an applicant proposes collocation on a decorative wireless support structure, sign or other structure not intended to support small wireless facilities, the city may impose reasonable requirements to accommodate the particular design, appearance or intended purpose of such structure.
      6. Where an applicant proposes to replace a wireless support structure, the city may impose reasonable restocking, replacement, or relocation requirements on the replacement of such structure.
    2. Small wireless facility agreement. A small wireless facility shall only be collocated on a small wireless support structure owned or controlled by the city, or any other city asset in the right-of-way, after the applicant has executed a standard small wireless facility collocation agreement with the city. The standard collocation agreement may require payment of the following:
      1. Up to $150.00 per year for rent to collocate on the city structure;
      2. $25.00 per year for maintenance associated with the collocation;
      3. A monthly fee for electrical service as follows:
        1. $73.00 per radio node less than or equal to 100 maximum watts;
        2. $182.00 per radio node over 100 maximum watts; or
        3. The actual costs of electricity, if the actual cost exceed the foregoing.

The standard collocation agreement shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, the required small wireless facility permit; provided, however, that the applicant shall not be additionally required to obtain a license or franchise in order to collocate. Issuance of a small wireless facility permit does not supersede, alter or affect any then-existing agreement between the city and applicant.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.20.140 Action On Small Wireless Facility Permit Applications
  1. Deadline for action. The city shall approve or deny a small wireless facility permit application within 90 days after filing of such application. The small wireless facility permit, and any associated building permit application, shall be deemed approved if the city fails to approve or deny the application within the review periods established in this section.
  2. Consolidated applications.
    1. An applicant may file a consolidated small wireless facility permit application addressing the proposed collocation of up to 15 small wireless facilities, or a greater number if agreed to by the city, provided that all small wireless facilities in the application:
      1. Are located within a two-mile radius;
      2. Consist of substantially similar equipment; and
      3. Are to be placed on similar types of wireless support structures.
    2. In rendering a decision on a consolidated permit application. the city may approve some small wireless facilities and deny others, but may not use denial of one or more permits as a basis to deny all small wireless facilities in the application.
  3. Tolling of deadline. The 90-day deadline for action on a small wireless facility permit application may be tolled if:
    1. The city receives applications from one or more applicants seeking approval of permits for more than 30 small wireless facilities within a seven-day period. In such case, the city may extend the deadline for all such applications by 30 days by informing the affected applicants in writing of such extension.
    2. The applicant fails to submit all required documents or information and the city provides written notice of incompleteness to the applicant within 30 days of receipt of the application. Upon submission of additional documents or information, the city shall have ten days to notify the applicant in writing of any still-missing information.
    3. The city and a small wireless facility applicant agree in writing to toll the review period.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.20.150 Right-Of-Way Permit Fees
  1. Excavation permit fee. The excavation permit fee shall be established by the city in an amount sufficient to recover the following costs:
    1. The city management costs; and
    2. Degradation cost, if applicable.
  2. Obstruction permit fee. The obstruction permit fee shall be established by the city and shall be in an amount sufficient to recover the city management costs.
  3. Small wireless facility permit fee. The city shall impose a small wireless facility permit fee in an amount sufficient to recover:
    1. Management costs; and
    2. City engineering, make-ready, and construction costs associated with collocation of small wireless facilities.
  4. Payment of permit fees. No excavation permit or obstruction permit shall be issued without payment of excavation or obstruction permit fees. The city may allow applicant to pay the fees within 30 days of billing.
  5. Non-refundable. Permit fees that were paid for a permit that the city has revoked for a breach as stated in LEC 9.20.250 are not refundable.
  6. Application to franchises. Unless otherwise agreed to in a franchise, management costs may be charged separately from and in addition to the franchise fees imposed on a right-of-way user in the franchise.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.20.160 Right-Of-Way Patching And Restoration
  1. Timing.
    1. The work to be done under the excavation permit, and the patching and/or restoration of the right-of-way as required herein, must be completed within the dates specified in the permit, increased by as many days as work could not be done because of extraordinary circumstances beyond the control of the permittee or when work was prohibited as unseasonal or unreasonable under LEC 9.20.190.
    2. In addition to repairing its own work, the permittee must restore the general area of the work, and the surrounding areas, including the paving and its foundations, to the same condition that existed before the commencement of the work and must inspect the area of the work and use reasonable care to maintain the same condition for 36 months thereafter.
  2. Patch and restoration. The permittee shall patch its own work. The city may choose either to have the permittee restore the right-of-way or the city shall restore the right-of-way itself.
    1. City restoration. If the city restores the right-of-way, permittee shall pay the costs thereof within 30 days of billing. If, during the 36 months following the restoration, the pavement settles due to permittee's improper backfilling, the permittee shall pay to the city, within 30 days of billing, the cost of repairing the pavement.
    2. Permittee restoration. If the permittee restores the right-of-way, it shall at the time of application for an excavation permit, post a construction performance bond in accordance with the provisions of Minn. R. part 7819.3000 in an amount determined by the administrator to be sufficient to cover the cost of restoring the right-of-way to its pre-excavation condition and reasonable, directly related costs that the city estimates will be incurred if the right-of-way user fails to perform under the bond. Litigation costs and attorney fees are not direct costs to be included in calculating the amount of the bond. If, 24 months after completion of the restoration of the right-of-way, the city determines that the right-of-way has been properly restored, the construction performance bond shall be released.
  3. Standards. The permittee shall perform excavation, backfilling, patching, and restoration according to the standards and with the materials specified by the city and shall comply with Minn. R. part 7819.1100. The city shall have the authority to prescribe the manner and extent of the restoration, and may do so in written procedures of general application or on a case-by-case basis. The city, in exercising this authority, shall be guided by the following standards and considerations:
    1. The number, size, depth, and duration of the excavations, disruptions, or damage to the right-of-way;
    2. The traffic volume carried by the right-of-way;
    3. The character of the neighborhood surrounding the right-of-way;
    4. The pre-excavation condition of the right-of-way;
    5. The remaining life-expectancy of the right-of-way affected by the excavation;
    6. Whether the relative cost of the method of restoration to the permittee is in reasonable balance with the prevention of an accelerated depreciation of the right-of-way that would otherwise result from the excavation, disturbance, or damage to the right-of-way; and
    7. The likelihood that the particular method or restoration would be effective in slowing the depreciation of the right-of-way that would otherwise take place.
  4. Guarantees. By choosing to restore the right-of-way itself, the permittee guarantees its work and shall maintain it for 36 months following its completion. During this 36-month period, it shall, upon notification from the city, correct all restoration work to the extent necessary, using the method required by the city. The work shall be completed within five calendar days of the receipt of the notice from the city, not including days during which work cannot be done because of the circumstances constituting force majeure or days when work is prohibited as unseasonal or unreasonable under LEC 9.20.190.
  5. Failure to restore. If the permittee fails to restore the right-of-way in the manner and to the condition required by the city, or fails to satisfactorily and timely complete all restoration required by the city, the city, at its option, may do the work. In that event the permittee shall pay to the city, within 30 days of billing, the cost of restoring the right-of-way. If permittee fails to pay as required, the city may exercise its rights under the construction performance bond.
  6. Degradation fee in lieu of restoration. In lieu of right-of-way restoration, a right-of-way user may elect to pay a degradation fee. However, the right-of-way user shall remain responsible for patching and the degradation fee shall not include the costs to accomplish these responsibilities.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.20.170 Joint Applications
  1. Joint application. Registrants may jointly apply for permits to excavate or obstruct the right-of-way at the same time and place.
  2. With city projects. Registrants who join in a scheduled obstruction or excavation performed by the city, whether or not it is a joint application by two or more registrants or a single application, are not required to pay the obstruction and degradation portions of the permit fee, but a permit would still be required.
  3. Shared fees. Registrants who apply for permits for the same obstruction or excavation, which the city does not perform, may share in the payment of the obstruction or excavation permit fee. In order to obtain a joint permit registrants must agree among themselves as to the portion each will pay and indicate the same on their applications.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.20.180 Supplementary Applications
  1. Limitation on area. A right-of-way permit is valid only for the area of the right-of-way specified in the permit. No permittee may do any work outside the area specified in the permit, except as provided herein. Any permittee which determines that an area greater than that specified in the permit must be obstructed or excavated must before working in that greater area make application for a permit extension and pay any additional fees required thereby, and be granted a new permit or permit extension.
  2. Limitation on dates. A right-of-way permit is valid only for the dates specified in the permit. No permittee may begin its work before the permit start date or, except as provided herein, continue working after the end date. If a permittee does not finish the work by the permit end date, it must apply for a new permit for the additional time it needs, and receive the new permit or an extension of the old permit before working after the end date of the previous permit. This supplementary application must be done before the permit end date.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.20.190 Other Obligations
  1. Compliance with other laws. Obtaining a right-of-way permit does not relieve the permittee of its duty to obtain all other necessary permits, licenses, and authority and to pay all fees required by the city or other applicable county, state, or federal rules, laws, or regulations. A permittee shall comply with all requirements of local, state, and federal laws, including M.S.A. ch. 216D, as it may be amended from time to time (Gopher One Call Excavation Notice System), and Minn. R. ch. 7560. A permittee shall perform all work in conformance with all applicable codes and established rules and regulations, and is responsible for all work done in the right-of-way pursuant to its permit, regardless of who does the work.
  2. Prohibited work. Except in an emergency, and with the approval of the city, no right-of-way obstruction or excavation may be done when seasonally prohibited or when conditions are unreasonable for the work.
  3. Interference with right-of-way.
    1. A permittee shall not so obstruct a right-of-way that the natural free and clear passage of water through the gutters or other waterways shall be interfered with.
    2. Private vehicles of those doing work in the right-of-way may not be parked within or next to a permit area, unless parked in conformance with city parking regulations.
    3. The loading or unloading of trucks next to a permit area is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the permit.
  4. Trenchless excavation. As a condition of all applicable permits, permittees employing trenchless excavation methods, including, but not limited to, horizontal directional drilling, shall follow all requirements set forth in M.S.A. ch. 216D and Minn. R. ch. 7560 and shall require potholing or open cutting over existing underground utilities before excavating, as determined by the administrator.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.20.200 Denial Or Revocation Of Permit
  1. Reasons for denial. The city may deny a permit for failure to meet the requirements and conditions of this chapter, or if the city determines that the denial is necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public, or if necessary to protect the right-of-way and its current use.
  2. Procedural requirements. The denial or revocation of a permit must be made in writing and must document the basis for denial. The city must notify the applicant or right-of-way user in writing within three business days of the decision to deny or revoke a permit. If an application is denied, the right-of-way user may address the reasons for denial identified by the city and resubmit its application. If the application is resubmitted within 30 days of receipt of the notice of denial, no additional application fee shall be imposed. The city must approve or deny the resubmitted application within 30 days after resubmission.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.20.210 Installation Requirements

The excavation, backfilling, patching, and restoration, and all other work performed in the right-of-way, shall be done in conformance with Minn. R. parts 7819.1100 and 7819.5000 and other applicable local requirements, insofar as they are not inconsistent with M.S.A. §§ 237.162 and 237.163. Installation of service laterals shall be performed in accordance with Minn. R. ch. 7560 and this chapter. Service lateral installation is further subject to those requirements and conditions set forth by the city in the applicable permits or agreements referenced in LEC 9.20.260(b).

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.20.220 Inspection
  1. Notice of completion. When the work under any permit hereunder is completed, the permittee shall furnish a completion certificate in accordance with Minn. R. part 7819.1300.
  2. Site inspection. Permittee shall make the work site available to the city and to all others as authorized by law for inspection at all reasonable times during the execution of and upon completion of the work.
  3. Authority of administrator.
    1. At the time of inspection, the administrator may order the immediate cessation of any work which poses a serious threat to the life, health, safety, or well-being of the public.
    2. The administrator may issue an order to the permittee for any work which does not conform to the terms of the permit or other applicable standards, conditions or codes. The order shall state that failure to correct the violation will be cause for revocation of the permit. Within ten days after issuance of the order, the permittee shall present proof to the administrator that the violation has been corrected. If the proof has not been presented within the required time, the administrator may revoke the permit pursuant to LEC 9.20.250.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.20.230 Work Done Without A Permit
  1. Emergency situations.
    1. Each registrant shall immediately notify the administrator of any event regarding its facilities which it considers to be an emergency. The registrant may proceed to take whatever actions are necessary to respond to the emergency. Excavators' notification to Gopher State One Call regarding an emergency situation does not fulfill this requirement. Within two business days after the occurrence of the emergency, the registrant shall apply for the necessary permits, pay the fees associated therewith, and fulfill the rest of the requirements necessary to bring itself into compliance with this chapter for the actions it took in response to the emergency.
      1. If the city becomes aware of an emergency regarding a registrant's facilities, the city will attempt to contact the local representative of each registrant affected, or potentially affected, by the emergency.
      2. In any event, the city may take whatever action it deems necessary to respond to the emergency, the cost of which shall be borne by the registrant whose facilities occasioned the emergency.
  2. Non-emergency situations. Except in an emergency, any person who, without first having obtained the necessary permit, obstructs or excavates a right-of-way must subsequently obtain a permit and, as a penalty, pay double the normal fee for the permit, pay double all the other fees required by this Code, deposit with the city the fees necessary to correct any damage to the right-of-way and comply with all of the requirements of this chapter.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.20.240 Supplementary Notification

If the obstruction or excavation of the right-of-way begins later or ends sooner than the date given on the permit, permittee shall notify the city of the accurate information as soon as this information is known.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.20.250 Revocation Of Right-Of-Way Permits
  1. Substantial breach. The city reserves its right, as provided herein, to revoke any right-of-way permit, without a fee refund, if there is a substantial breach of the terms and conditions of any statute, ordinance, rule, or regulation, or any material condition of the permit. A substantial breach by permittee shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following:
    1. The violation of any material provision of the right-of-way permit;
    2. An evasion or attempt to evade any material provision of the right-of-way permit, or the perpetration or attempt to perpetrate any fraud or deceit upon the city or its citizens;
    3. Any material misrepresentation of fact in the application for a right-of-way permit;
    4. The failure to maintain the required bonds and/or insurance;
    5. The failure to complete the work in a timely manner, unless a permit extension is obtained or unless the failure to complete the work is due to reasons beyond the permittee's control; or
    6. The failure to correct, in a timely manner, work that does not conform to a condition indicated on an order issued pursuant to LEC 9.20.220.
  2. Written notice of breach. If the city determines that the permittee has committed a substantial breach of a term or condition of any statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, or any condition of the permit, the city shall make a written demand upon the permittee to remedy the violation. The demand shall state that continued violations may be cause for revocation of the permit. Further, a substantial breach, as stated above, will allow the city, at its discretion, to place additional or revised conditions on the permit to mitigate and remedy the breach.
  3. Response to notice of breach.
    1. Within 24 hours of receiving notification of the breach, permittee shall provide the city with a plan, acceptable to the city, that will cure the breach.
    2. Permittee's failure to so contact the city, or the permittee's failure to timely submit an acceptable plan, or permittee's failure to reasonably implement the approved plan, shall be cause for immediate revocation of the permit.
    3. Further, permittee's failure to so contact the city, or permittee's failure to submit an acceptable plan, or permittee's failure to reasonably implement the approved plan, shall automatically place the permittee on probation for one full year.
  4. Cause for probation. From time to time, the city may establish a list of conditions of the permit, which if breached will automatically place the permittee on probation for one full year, such as, but not limited to, working out of the allotted time period or working on right-of-way grossly outside of the permit authorization.
  5. Automatic revocation. If a permittee, while on probation, commits a breach as outlined above, permittee's permit will automatically be revoked and permittee will not be allowed further permits for one full year, except for emergency repairs.
  6. Reimbursement of city costs. If a permit is revoked, the permittee shall also reimburse the city for the city's reasonable costs, including restoration costs and the costs of collection and reasonable attorney's fees incurred in connection with the revocation.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.20.260 Mapping Data
  1. Information required. Each year, registrant and permittee shall provide mapping information required by the city in accordance with Minn. R. parts 7819.4000 and 7819.4100. Within 90 days following completion of any work pursuant to a permit, the permittee shall provide the administrator with accurate maps and drawings certifying the as-built location of all equipment installed, owned and maintained by the permittee. Such maps and drawings shall include the horizontal and vertical location of all facilities and equipment and shall be provided consistent with the city's electronic mapping system, when practical or as a condition imposed by the administrator. Failure to provide maps and drawings pursuant to this subsection shall be grounds for revoking the permit holder's registration.
  2. Service laterals. All permits issued for the installation or repair of service laterals, other than minor repairs as defined in Minn. R. part 7560.0150, subpt. 2, shall require the permittee's use of appropriate means of establishing the horizontal locations of installed service laterals and the service lateral vertical locations in those cases where the administrator reasonably requires it. Permittees or their subcontractors shall submit to the administrator evidence satisfactory to the administrator of the installed service lateral locations. Compliance with this subsection and with applicable Gopher State One Call law and Minnesota Rules governing service laterals installed after December 31, 2005 shall be a condition of any city approval necessary for:
    1. Payments to contractors working on a public improvement project including those under M.S.A. ch. 429.
    2. City approval under development agreements or other subdivision or site plan approval under M.S.A. ch. 462.
    The administrator shall reasonably determine the appropriate method of providing such information to the city. Failure to provide prompt and accurate information on the service laterals installed may result in the revocation of the permit issued for the work or future permits to the offending permittee or its subcontractors.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.20.270 Location Of Facilities

Placement, location, and relocation of facilities must comply with the Act, with other applicable law, and with Minn. R. parts 7819.3100, 7819.5000 and 7819.5100, to the extent the rules do not limit authority otherwise available to cities.

  1. Undergrounding. Unless otherwise permitted by an existing franchise, or other agreement, or unless existing above-ground facilities are repaired or replaced, new construction and the installation of new facilities and replacement of old facilities shall be done underground or contained within buildings or other structures in conformity with applicable codes.
  2. Corridors.
    1. The city may assign specific corridors within the right-of-way, or any particular segment thereof as may be necessary, for each type of facility that is or, pursuant to current technology, the city expects will someday be located within the right-of-way. All excavation, obstruction, or other permits issued by the city involving the installation or replacement of facilities shall designate the proper corridor for the facilities at issue.
    2. Any registrant whose facility is in the right-of-way in a position at variance with the corridors established by the city shall, no later than at the time of the next reconstruction or excavation of the area where the facility is located, move that facility to its assigned position within the right-of-way, unless this requirement is waived by the city for good cause shown, upon consideration of such factors as the remaining economic life of the facility, public safety, customer service needs, and hardship to the registrant.
  3. Nuisance.
    1. One year after the passage of this chapter, any facility found in a right-of-way that has not been registered shall be deemed to be a nuisance.
    2. The city may exercise any remedies or rights it has at law or in equity, including, but not limited to, abating the nuisance or taking possession of the facility and restoring the right-of-way to a useable condition.
  4. Limitation of space. To protect health, safety, and welfare, or when necessary to protect the right-of-way and its current use, the city shall have the power to prohibit or limit the placement of new or additional facilities within the right-of-way. In making the decisions, the city shall strive to the extent possible to accommodate all existing and potential users of the right-of-way, but shall be guided primarily by considerations of the public interest, the public's needs for the particular utility service, the condition of the right-of-way, the time of year with respect to essential utilities, the protection of existing facilities in the right-of-way, and future city plans for public improvements and development projects which have been determined to be in the public interest.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.20.280 Relocation Of Facilities
    1. A right-of-way user must promptly and at its own expense, with due regard for seasonal working conditions, permanently remove and relocate its facilities in the right-of-way whenever it is necessary to prevent interference, and not merely for convenience of the city, and shall restore the right-of-way to the same condition it was in prior to the removal or relocation.
    2. The city may make the request to a right-of-way user to remove and relocate its facilities when in connection with:
      1. A present or future city use of the right-of-way for a public project;
      2. When the public health and safety require it; or
      3. The safety and convenience of travel over the right-of-way.
  1. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a right-of-way user shall not be required to remove or relocate its facilities from any right-of-way which has been vacated in favor of a non-governmental entity unless and until the reasonable costs thereof are first paid to the right-of-way user.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.20.290 Pre-Excavation Facility And Facilities Location

In addition to complying with the requirements of M.S.A. ch. 216D (One Call Excavation Notice System), as it may be amended from time to time, before the start date of any right-of-way excavation, each registrant who has facilities or equipment in the area to be excavated shall mark the horizontal and approximate vertical placement of all the equipment and facilities. Any registrant whose equipment or facilities are less than 20 inches below a concrete or asphalt surface shall notify and work closely with the excavation contractor to establish the exact location of its equipment and facilities and the best procedure for excavation.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.20.300 Damage To Other Facilities
  1. When the city does work in the right-of-way and finds it necessary to maintain, support, or move a registrant's facilities to protect it, the city shall notify the local representative as early as is reasonably possible. The costs associated therewith will be billed to that registrant and must be paid within 30 days from the date of billing.
    1. Each registrant shall be responsible for the cost of repairing any facilities in the right-of-way which it or its facilities damages.
    2. Each registrant shall be responsible for the cost of repairing any damage to the facilities of another registrant caused during the city's response to an emergency occasioned by that registrant's facilities.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.20.310 Right-Of-Way Vacation
  1. Reservation of right. If the city vacates a right-of-way which contains the facilities of a registrant, and if the vacation does not require the relocation of a registrant or permittee's facilities, the city shall, except when it would not be in the public interest, reserve to and for itself and all right-of-way users having facilities in the vacated right-of-way, the right to install, maintain, and operate facilities in the vacated right-of-way and to enter upon the right-of-way at any time for the purpose of reconstructing, inspecting, maintaining, or repairing the same.
  2. Relocation of facilities. If the vacation requires the relocation of registrant or permittee facilities, payment of the relocation costs must be determined as follows:
    1. If the vacation proceedings are initiated by the right-of-way user, the right-of-way user must pay the relocation costs;
    2. If the vacation proceedings are initiated by the city for a public project, the right-of-way user must pay the relocation costs unless otherwise agreed to by the city and the right-of-way user; or
    3. If the vacation proceedings are initiated for the purposes of benefiting a person or persons other than the right-of-way user, the benefited person or persons must pay the relocation costs.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.20.320 Indemnification And Liability
  1. By registering with the city, or by accepting a permit under this chapter, a registrant or permittee agrees to defend and indemnify the city in accordance with the provisions of Minn. R. ch. 7819.
  2. Defense.
    1. If a suit is brought against the city under circumstances where the registrant or permittee is required to indemnify, the registrant or permittee, at its sole cost and expense, shall defend the city in the suit if written notice of the suit is properly given to the registrant or permittee within a period in which the registrant or permittee is not prejudiced by the lack or delay of notice.
    2. If the registrant or permittee is required to indemnify and defend, it shall thereafter have control of the litigation, but the registrant or permittee may not settle the litigation without the consent of the city. Consent will not be unreasonably withheld.
    3. This part is not as to third-parties, a waiver of any defense, immunity, or damage limitation otherwise available to the city.
    4. In defending an action on behalf of the city, the registrant or permittee is entitled to assert in an action every defense, immunity, or damage limitation that the city could assert in its own behalf.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.20.330 Abandoned And Unusable Equipment
  1. Discontinued operations. A registrant who has determined to discontinue all or a portion of its operations in the city must either:
    1. Provide information satisfactory to the city that the registrant's obligations for its facilities in the right-of-way under this chapter have been lawfully assumed by another registrant; or
    2. Submit to the city a proposal and instruments for transferring ownership of its facilities to the city. If a registrant proceeds under this clause, the city may, at its option:
      1. Purchase the equipment;
      2. Require the registrant, at its own expense, to remove it; or
      3. Require the registrant to post a bond in an amount sufficient to reimburse the city for reasonably anticipated costs to be incurred in removing the equipment.
  2. Removal. Any registrant who has abandoned facilities in any right-of-way shall remove it from that right-of-way if required in conjunction with other right-of-way repair, excavation, or construction, unless this requirement is waived by the city.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.20.340 Appeals
  1. A right-of-way user that:
    1. Has been denied registration;
    2. Has been denied a permit;
    3. Has had a permit revoked;
    4. Believes that the fees imposed are not in conformity with M.S.A. § 237.163, subd. 6; or
    5. Disputes a determination of the administrator regarding LEC 9.20.250(b);
    may have denial, revocation, or fee imposition reviewed, upon written request, by the city council.
  2. The city council shall act on a timely written request at its next regularly scheduled meeting, provided the right-of-way user has submitted its appeal with sufficient time to include the appeal as a regular agenda item. A decision by the city council affirming the denial, revocation, or fee imposition will be in writing and supported by written findings establishing the reasonableness of the decision.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.20.350 Reservation Of Regulatory And Police Powers

A permittee's rights are subject to the regulatory and policy powers of the city to adopt and enforce general ordinances as necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.20.360 Reservation Of Regulatory And Police Powers

If any portion of this chapter is for any reason held invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct, and independent provision and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions thereof. Nothing in this chapter precludes the city from requiring a franchise agreement with the applicant, as allowed by law, in addition to requirements set forth herein.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.010 Purpose And Intent

The purpose of this chapter is to promote health, safety and general welfare of animals and the people around them by requiring animals be cared for in such a manner that they will not become a public nuisance, requiring animals be properly fed, sheltered and cared for, requiring the removal of animal defecation from public property and to ensure licensing of dogs and rabies vaccination of all dogs and cats within the city.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.020 State Animal Cruelty Provisions Code Adopted

All of the relevant provisions of M.S.A. ch. 243 (Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), as amended, are hereby incorporated by reference into this chapter with the same force and effect as if fully set forth in this chapter.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.030 Construction And Application

This chapter shall not be interpreted as covering any law regulating the trapping of animals, the use of live animals in dog trials or in training of hunting dogs, or the slaughter of animals by persons acting under state and federal law, or taking of animals through hunting or fishing as permitted by law.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.040 Definitions

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Adult dog means a dog over four months of age.

Animal means any live vertebrate or invertebrate creature, either domestic or wild, except a human being.

Animal control officer means any person designated by the city to enforce state statutes, adopted by reference, and local ordinances as they pertain to animal control.

Animal, dangerous, means any animal that is declared to be dangerous by the animal control officer after a temperament test has been conducted on the animal or as defined by LEC 1.08.

Animal shelter, public, means a facility operated by a humane society, or a governmental agency or its authorized agents for the purpose of impounding or caring for animals.

Animal, wild or exotic, means apes, coyotes, foxes, wolves, bears, cougars, lynx, bobcats, wild boars, cheetahs, jaguars, lions, tigers, leopards, panthers, ocelots, monkeys, elephants or other similar animals as determined by the humane officer.

At-large means to be off the premises of the owner and not under the control of some person, either by leash or otherwise, but a dog or cat within an automobile of its owner or in an automobile of any other person with the consent of the dog's or cat's owner, shall be deemed to be upon the owner's premises.

Cat means a domesticated animal of the feline type (Felis domesticus), except for a feral cat.

Cat, altered, means a cat which has been certified in writing by a veterinarian as being nonreproductive.

Cat, feral, means a cat without owner identification of any kind whose usual and consistent temperament is extreme fear and resistance to contact with people. A feral cat is unsocialized to people.

Circus means a commercial variety show featuring animal acts for public entertainment.

Commercial animal establishment means any pet shop, grooming shop or boarding kennel and shall exclude any city pound, humane society, animal shelter or veterinary facility.

Cruel means causing unnecessary and excessive pain or suffering or unjustifiable pain, injury or death to an animal.

Dog means a domesticated animal of the canine type (Canis familiaris); young animals (puppies) of this type are considered dogs. The term "dog" shall not include any animal which is in whole or in part of the canis lupus or wolf species.

Dog, altered, means a dog which has been certified in writing by a veterinarian as being nonreproductive.

Dog, service, means any dog individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including, but not limited to, minimal protection work, rescue work, pulling a wheelchair or fetching dropped items.

Foster parent, animal, means a person who provides temporary care for kittens, puppies, cats and dogs in their homes for six months or less at a time.

Grooming shop means a commercial establishment where animals are bathed, clipped or otherwise groomed.

Kennel means a facility where dogs, cats or other animals are kept for 24 hours or more for boarding, training or similar purposes for compensation. The term "kennel" does not include animal shelters or a facility owned or operated by a veterinarian where animals are boarded only in conjunction with the provision of veterinary care.

Owner. Any individual, partnership or corporation that has the right of property in an animal or who keeps, harbors, cares for or acts as its custodian or who knowingly permits an animal to remain on or about or return to his property/premises for five or more consecutive days is presumed to be harboring or keeping the animal within the meaning of this chapter.

Permanent animal exhibition means any spectacle, display, act or event, other than circuses, in which animals perform or are displayed, with the exception of education programs presented by persons or organizations with proper state and federal education permits, as required, and which are perpetual in nature and in a stationary location.

Person means and includes all natural persons and any firm, sole proprietorship, limited liability corporation (LLC), partnership, corporation, trust and any association of persons, government agency or political subdivision.

Pet means an animal kept for pleasure rather than utility, which may/may not be susceptible to rabies.

Pet shop means any person, sole proprietorship, limited liability corporation (LLC), partnership or corporation, whether operated separately or in connection with another business enterprise, except for a kennel, that buys, gives away, sells or takes on consignment any species of animal.

Temperament testing means evaluating an individual dog's temperament through a series of tests that measure traits including stability, confidence, shyness, friendliness, aggressiveness, protectiveness, prey instincts, play drive, and self-defense instincts, and the ability to distinguish between threatening and nonthreatening situations.

Transient animal exhibition means any spectacle, display, act or event, other than circuses, in which animals perform or are displayed, with the exception of education programs presented by persons or organizations with proper state and federal education permits, as required, and which are traveling shows of a temporary duration.

Veterinarian means as defined in Minn. R. 9100.0100.

Veterinary hospital or clinic means any establishment maintained and operated by a licensed veterinarian for surgery, diagnosis and treatment of disease and injuries in animals.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.050 Care Of Domesticated Animals

All domesticated animals shall be cared for, maintained and handled in a humane and sanitary manner and in such a way as to prevent noises such as barking, fighting or howling or other disturbance of the peace and quiet of the neighborhood. No domestic animal shall be abandoned or turned loose by its owner. No animal shall be inhumanely confined in a manner which causes or is likely to cause pain, suffering, injury or death. No person who owns, harbors, or keeps any animal shall fail to provide proper medical attention to such animal when and if such animal becomes sick or injured.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.060 Number Of Dogs And Cats Limited
  1. Nuisance. The keeping of a large number of dogs or cats poses health, safety and public welfare risks and is deemed a public nuisance.
  2. Cats. Unless the property owner has an authorized kennel, no individual or family unit living together, firm or corporation shall keep more than three cats over the age of four months on any parcel not zoned RT, A, or RR.
  3. Dogs. Unless the property owner has an authorized kennel, no individual or family unit living together, firm or corporation shall keep more than three dogs over the age of four months on any parcel not zoned RT, A, or RR.
  4. Cats and dogs. Unless the property owner has an authorized kennel, no individual or family unit living together, firm or corporation shall keep more than a combination of three cats and dogs over the age of four months on any parcel not zoned RT, A, or RR.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.070 Rabies Shots Required

At the time of application for registration, the applicant shall present to the city a written statement from a licensed veterinarian or other satisfactory evidence that a rabies shot has been administered, within the previous 24 months, to the dog or dogs being registered.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.080 Prohibition Of Kennels; Private Kennels
  1. No commercial kennels may be established in the city unless a special use permit has been issued for the kennel as provided by the city ordinances regulating land use.
  2. An individual or family unit living together, firm, or corporation may keep a private kennel consisting of a combination of no more than six domestic pets over the age of four months on any parcel five acres or greater in size and located in zoning districts RT, A, or RR.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.090 Prohibition Of Dogs And Cats Running At-Large

It shall be unlawful for any person who owns, harbors or keeps a dog or cat to allow the dog or cat to run at-large in the city.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.100 Unreasonable Disturbance Prohibited
  1. The keeping or harboring of any animal or fowl which by frequent or habitual howling, yelping, barking, crowing or making of other noises shall greatly annoy or disturb a neighborhood or any considerable number of persons within the city which tends to cause or create a disturbance is prohibited and is a public nuisance. An animal is considered to be in violation of this section when written complaints from two or more adults living in separate residences within audible distance of the noisy animal are filed with the law enforcement or the city within a four-week period. No prosecution shall be commenced, except upon the request of the law enforcement or city, following a written petition signed by two or more adult persons residing at different residences. Failure to correct the disturbance within 24 hours of written notification from law enforcement or other designee of the city shall constitute a violation of this section and will subject the owner or occupant of the premises to the penalties set forth in LEC 1.04.230. Each day that such nuisance exists constitutes a separate offense.
  2. The term "unreasonable disturbance" shall include, but is not limited to, the creation of any noise by any animal which can be heard by any person, including a law enforcement officer or animal control officer, from a location outside of the building or premises where the animal is being kept and which animal noise occurs repeatedly over at least a 15-minute period of time with a five minute or less lapse of time between each animal noise during the 15-minute period.
  3. Exemptions. The provisions of this section shall not apply to animal veterinary hospitals or clinics operated for the treatment of animals or to permitted kennels.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.110 Dogs Or Cats Which Are Public Nuisances

Every, unsecured female dog or cat in heat, and every dog or cat that runs at-large or causes disturbance, or noise, in violation of the provisions of this chapter is declared a public nuisance.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.120 Interference With Enforcement

It shall be unlawful for any unauthorized person to take or attempt to take from any officer any animal taken up by the officer in compliance with this chapter or in any manner to interfere with or hinder the officer in the discharge of official duties under this chapter.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.130 Investigation

Any agent of the council may enter the premises where any animal is kept in a reportedly cruel or inhumane manner, after obtaining required warrant or legal consent, and demand to examine the animal and to take possession of the animal when, in the agent's opinion, it requires humane treatment.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.140 Quarantine
  1. Whenever any person owning, possessing, or harboring any dog within the corporate limits of the city shall learn that the dog has bitten any human being, the person shall immediately impound the dog in a place of confinement where it cannot escape or have access to any human being or other animal. The person shall also immediately notify either the animal control officer or agency, who shall ascertain the identity of the dog and the person owning, possessing, or harboring it. The officer or agency shall immediately direct the person to impound the dog as required. Any dog so impounded shall be kept continuously confined for a period of ten days from the day the dog bit a human being. The person owning, possessing, or harboring the dog shall also notify the state department of health infectious disease epidemiology, prevention and control division.
  2. Upon learning that a dog has bitten a human being, the city shall immediately notify the animal control officer and inform the animal control officer of the place where the dog is impounded. If the animal is current on its rabies vaccination with proof provided by a rabies certificate, then the animal is safe to be quarantined in the owner's home. If no proof of a current rabies vaccine is able to be provided the animal must be impounded at the current impound facility. When an animal is impounded at home, the animal should be required to be inspected by a licensed veterinarian at the beginning of the rabies quarantine and at the end of the rabies quarantine. The animal control officer will inspect the animal as needed during the ten-day quarantine only when the animal is kept in the home of the owner. For this purpose, the animal control officer shall have access to the premises where the dog is kept at all reasonable hours and may take possession of the dog and confine it in a suitable place at the expense of the owner. In the circumstance that the animal is impounded at the impound facility it is the duty of the licensed veterinarian on staff to inspect the animal during the rabies quarantine.
  3. The owner or person in possession or harboring the dog shall immediately notify the animal control officer of any evidence of sickness or disease in the dog during its period of confinement. In the case that an animal dies during this period when the animal is kept in the owner's home, the animal is to be brought to the impound facility where it will then be transported to the University of Minnesota for diagnostic testing. If the animal dies while being impounded at the impound facility, then the impound facility will be responsible for diagnostic rabies testing.
  4. In the case that the owner of the animal that has bitten does not have a current rabies vaccine and it is impounded at the impound facility, and if the owner decides not to reclaim the animal from the impound facility, the impound facility can then humanely euthanize the animal and send it for diagnostic testing without holding the animal for a ten-day quarantine.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.150 Muzzling Proclamation

Whenever the prevalence of hydrophobia renders action necessary to protect the public health and safety, the mayor shall issue a proclamation ordering every person owning or keeping a dog to confine it securely on the owner's or keeper's premises unless it is muzzled so that it cannot bite. Any unmuzzled dog running at-large during the time fixed in the proclamation shall be killed by law enforcement without notice to the owner.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.160 Required Removal Of Animal Excreta

The owner or person having immediate care, custody or control of any animal shall promptly remove and dispose of, in a sanitary manner, any excreta left or deposited by the animal upon any public or private property. Failure to do so shall be a violation of this section and will subject the owner or occupant of the premises to the penalties set forth in LEC 1.04.230. Each day that such act exists shall constitute a separate offense.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.170 Animals On Owner's Property

The accumulation of dog feces or wastes upon private property in the city is declared to be a public nuisance. The owner or occupant of property upon which there exists any accumulation of dog feces or waste shall remove all such waste from his premises and dispose of the wastes in a safe and sanitary manner within 24 hours of written notification from law enforcement or the city to remove the wastes. Failure to do so shall be a violation of this section and will subject the owner or occupant of the premises to the penalties set forth in LEC 1.04.230. Each day that such act exists shall constitute a separate offense.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.180 Animal Control Officer

The council may appoint a person, persons, or firm as the council may deem necessary and advisable as animal control officer for the city. The animal control officer shall be charged with the duty of enforcement of this chapter and shall be vested with all the authority conferred by this chapter, including the power to issue a summons requesting a violator to appear in court. The council may provide for compensation for the animal control officer as it may deem reasonable. The animal control officer shall file a monthly report with the council relating to the operation of the animal control officer as it applies to the city.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.190 Animal Control Agency

The city may contract with or enter into an agreement with such person, persons, organization or corporation to provide for the operation of an animal shelter, impoundment of stray animals, confinement of certain animals, disposition of impounded animals, and for assisting in the administration of rabies vaccinations programs.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.200 Impounding Of Dogs Or Cats

The animal control officer may take up and impound any dogs which are in violation of any provisions of this chapter. To enforce this chapter, the animal control officer is empowered and instructed to go upon any premises to seize for impounding any dog or cat that may lawfully be seized and impounded when such officer is in immediate pursuit of such animals where the officer has reasonable cause to believe there is a dog or cat which has been at-large during the same day, or an unsecured female dog or cat in heat, except upon the premises of the owner of the dog or cat if the owner is present and forbids the same; in that case, or for entry into premises, the officer must obtain required warrant or legal consent to do so. Animals will not be impounded with any facility that sells, trades, or deals animals for licensed educational or scientific institution purposes.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.210 Impoundment Charges
  1. Redemption. Any dog or cat may be redeemed from the impound facility by the owner within five days after impoundment by payment of a fee as set forth from time to time by resolution of the council for each day the dog or cat is confined in the pound, as well as the cost of boarding, feeding, and required vet charges. The city may recover, from the owner, impoundment fees charged to it by the impound facility.
  2. Additional impoundment charge. An additional fee, set forth from time to time by resolution of the council, shall be charged for any dog or cat that has been impounded more than once each year.
  3. Disposition of unclaimed animals. If the owner does not pay fee expenses and reclaim the animal within five days of being notified of the impoundment, the animal will be put up for adoption without further notification, at the owner's expense. If the animal is adopted, the expenses and fees may be paid by the new owner through adoption fees.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.220 Disposition Of Unclaimed Dogs Or Cats

Any dog or cat which is not claimed as provided for in LEC 9.24.210 or sold through a standard adoption process, shall be painlessly put to death and the body properly disposed of by the pound keeper.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.230 Proceedings For Destruction Of Certain Dogs

Upon sworn complaint to district court that any one of the following facts exist:

  1. That any dog at any time has attacked or bitten a person outside the owner's or custodian's premises;
  2. That any dog is vicious or shows vicious habits, or molests pedestrians;
  3. That any dog is a public nuisance as defined in M.S.A. § 561.01, as it may be amended from time to time; and/or
  4. That any dog violates its quarantine contrary to the provisions of the chapter.

The district court shall issue a summons directed to the owner or person having possession of the dog commanding the owner or person in possession to appear before the court and show cause why the dog should not be disposed of as authorized in this Code. The summons shall be returnable not less than two nor more than six days from the date of delivery and shall be served at least two days before the time to appear mentioned in the summons. If, at the hearing, the district court finds that the facts stated in the complaint are true, the judge may order either the owner or custodian to keep the dog confined to a designated place, the owner or custodian to remove the dog from the city, or humanely euthanized by certified veterinary staff. If the owner or custodian disobeys the order, the owner or custodian shall, upon the filing of a complaint and after a hearing and conviction before a district court, be liable to the punishment provided for violation of this chapter. Any animal control officer may, upon disobedience of the order, impound and order the humane euthanasia of any dog described in the order of the district court. The provisions of this section are in addition to and supplemental to other provisions of this Code. Costs of the proceeding specified by this section shall be assessed against the owner or custodian of the dog.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.240 Prohibition Of Unsecured Female Dogs Or Cats In Heat
  1. It shall be unlawful for any person to own, harbor, keep, or have in their possession or on their premises any unsecured female dog or cat in heat.
  2. Any unsecured female dog or cat in heat shall be deemed to be any female dog or cat which is not confined in a building or secured in a manner that the dog or cat cannot come into contact with another animal except for planned breeding.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.250 Liability

The city and/or its animal control agents shall not be liable to any person for the death, destruction, damage, injury or disease caused to any animal that has been impounded pursuant to this chapter.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.260 Dangerous Dogs--Reporting And Notification
  1. Incident report. The animal control officer shall complete an incident report on any incident listed in the definition for the term "dangerous dog" in LEC 1.08.
  2. Notice declaring a dangerous dog. The animal control officer shall provide the animal owner with a notice to declare a dog dangerous for any incident listed in the definition for the term "dangerous dog" in LEC 1.08. The animal control officer shall provide written notice to the city clerk/administrator that a notice to declare a dog dangerous has been issued to an animal owner.
    1. Every reasonable attempt should be made by the animal control officer to deliver the notice declaring a dangerous dog to the animal owner in person.
    2. If the notice to declare a dog dangerous cannot be delivered to the animal owner, the animal control officer shall provide the notice to the city clerk/administrator for mailing. The notice declaring a dog dangerous shall be mailed to the animal owner by certified mail.
    3. Dogs may not be declared dangerous if the threat, injury, or damage was sustained by a person:
      1. Who was committing, at the time, a willful trespass or other tort upon the premises occupied by the owner of the dog;
      2. Who was provoking, tormenting, abusing, or assaulting the dog or who can be shown to have repeatedly, in the past, provoked, tormented, abused, or assaulted the dog; or
      3. Who was committing or attempting to commit a crime.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.270 Dangerous Dogs--Registration Required

The owner of a dangerous dog shall obtain a certificate of registration from the county.

  1. The county will issue a certificate of registration to the owner of a dangerous dog if the owner presents sufficient evidence that:
    1. A proper enclosure exists for the dangerous dog and a posting on the premises with a clearly visible warning sign, including a warning symbol to inform children, that there is a dangerous dog on the property;
    2. A surety bond issued by a surety company authorized to conduct business in the state in a form acceptable to the city in the sum of at least $300,000.00, payable to any person injured by the dangerous dog, or a policy of liability insurance issued by an insurance company authorized to conduct business in the state in the amount of at least $300,000.00, insuring the owner for any personal injuries inflicted by the dangerous dog;
    3. An annual fee as provided in the city fee schedule has been paid by the owner to obtain a certificate of registration for a dangerous dog under this section;
    4. The owner has microchip identification implanted in the dangerous dog for identification, and the name of the microchip manufacturer and identification number of the microchip has been provided to the county and the city. If the microchip is not implanted by the owner, it may be implanted by the city with the costs borne by the dog's owner.
  2. Law enforcement exception. The provisions of this section do not apply to dangerous dogs used by law enforcement officials for police work.
  3. Tag. A dangerous dog registered under this section must have a standardized, easily identifiable tag identifying the dog as dangerous and containing the uniform dangerous dog symbol, affixed to the dog's collar at all times.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.280 Dangerous Dogs--Requirements
  1. Annual renewal. The owner of a dangerous dog must renew the registration of the dog annually until the dog is deceased and pay the annual registration fee. If the dog is removed from the city, it must be registered as a dangerous dog in its new jurisdiction.
  2. Transfer of ownership. The owner of a dangerous dog who transfers ownership of the dangerous dog must notify the new owner that the city has identified the dog as a dangerous dog. The new owner must also notify the city in writing of the transfer in ownership and provide the city with the new owner's name, address, and telephone number.
  3. Death of the dog. An owner of a dangerous dog must notify the city in writing of the death of the dog or its transfer to a new location where the dog will reside within 30 days of the death or transfer, and must, if requested by the city, execute an affidavit under oath setting forth either the circumstances of the dog's death and disposition or the complete name, address, and telephone number of the person to whom the dog has been transferred or the address where the dog has been relocated.
  4. Muzzling. The owner of a dangerous dog shall keep the dangerous dog, while on the owner's property, in a proper enclosure. If the dog is outside the proper enclosure, the dog must be muzzled and restrained by a substantial chain or leash and under the physical restraint of a responsible person. The muzzle must be made in a manner that will prevent the dog from biting any person or animal but that will not cause injury to the dog or interfere with its vision or respiration.
  5. Sterilization. The owner of the dangerous dog must sterilize the dog at the owner's expense. If the owner does not have the animal sterilized within 30 days, the animal control officer shall seize the dog and have it sterilized at the owner's expense.
  6. Property rental. A person who owns a dangerous dog and who rents property from another where the dog will reside must disclose to the property owner prior to entering into the lease agreement and at the time of any lease renewal that the person owns a dangerous dog that will reside at the property.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.290 Potentially Dangerous Dogs--Reporting And Notification
  1. Incident report. The animal control officer shall complete an incident report on any incident listed in the definition for the term "potentially dangerous dog" in LEC 1.08.
  2. Notice declaring a potentially dangerous dog.
    1. The animal control officer shall provide the animal owner with a notice to declare a dog potentially dangerous for any incident listed in the definition for the term "potentially dangerous dog" in LEC 1.08.
    2. The animal control officer shall provide written notice to the city clerk/administrator that a notice to declare a dog potentially dangerous has been issued to an animal owner.
      1. Every reasonable attempt should be made by the animal control officer to deliver the notice to declare a potentially dangerous dog to the animal owner in person.
      2. If the notice cannot be delivered to the animal owner, the animal control officer shall provide the notice to the city clerk/administrator for mailing. The notice to declare a potentially dangerous dog shall be mailed to the animal owner by certified mail.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.300 Potentially Dangerous Dogs--Restrictions
  1. Registration required. The owner of a potentially dangerous dog shall obtain a certificate of registration from the county. The county will issue a certificate of registration if the owner presents sufficient evidence that:
    1. A proper enclosure exists for the potentially dangerous dog.
    2. There is posting on the premises with a clearly visible warning sign, including a warning symbol to inform children, that there is a potentially dangerous dog on the property.
  2. Muzzle. If the dog is outside the proper enclosure, the dog must be muzzled and restrained by a substantial chain or leash and under the physical restraint of a responsible person. The muzzle must be made in a manner that will prevent the dog from biting any person or animal but that will not cause injury to the dog or interfere with its vision or respiration.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.310 Confiscation
  1. Seizure.
    1. The animal control officer shall immediately seize any dangerous dog if:
      1. After 14 days after the owner has notice that the dog is dangerous, the dog is not validly registered under LEC 9.24.270;
      2. After 14 days after the owner has notice that the dog is dangerous, the owner does not secure the proper liability insurance or surety coverage as required by LEC 9.24.270(a)(2);
      3. The dog is not maintained in the proper enclosure; or
      4. The dog is outside the proper enclosure and not under physical restraint of a responsible person as required under LEC 9.24.280.
    2. If an owner of a dog is convicted of a crime for which the dog was originally seized, the court may order that the dog be confiscated and destroyed in a proper and humane manner, and that the owner pay the costs incurred in confiscating, confining, and destroying the dog.
  2. Reclaimed. A dangerous dog seized under subsection (a) of this section may be reclaimed by the owner of the dog upon payment of impounding and boarding fees, and presenting proof to the animal control officer and the city that the requirements of LEC 9.24.270 and LEC 9.24.280, as they may be amended from time to time, will be met. A dog not reclaimed under this section within seven days may be disposed of as provided in LEC 9.24.230, and the owner is liable to the city for costs incurred in confining and disposing of the dog.
  3. Subsequent offenses; seizure.
    1. If a person has been convicted of a misdemeanor for violating a provision of LEC 9.24.270 and LEC 9.24.280, and the person is charged with a subsequent violation relating to the same dog, the dog must be seized by the animal control officer.
    2. If the owner is convicted of a crime for which the dog was seized, the court shall order that the dog be destroyed in a proper and humane manner and the owner pay the cost of confining and destroying the animal.
    3. If the owner is not convicted of the crime for which the dog was seized, the owner may reclaim the dog upon payment to the city of a fee for the care and boarding of the dog.
    4. If the dog is not reclaimed by the owner within seven days after the owner has been notified that the dog may be reclaimed, the dog may be disposed of as provided under this section, and the owner is liable to the city for the costs incurred in confining, impounding, and disposing of the dog.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.320 Exceptions
  1. This subchapter does not apply to animals which are temporarily brought into the city for the purpose of participating in any circus or show; nor does it apply to any public zoo, or persons keeping animals for a public zoo as volunteers, docents or otherwise; nor to any bona fide research institution, or veterinary hospital, provided protective devices adequate to prevent such animal from escaping or injuring the public are provided.
  2. In the case of regulated animals, those exemptions listed in M.S.A. § 346.155, subd. 7 shall apply.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.330 Requirements
  1. No person shall ride, drive, lead, or otherwise allow any horse or pony to directly travel over and in contact with any street or public road in the city which is hard surfaced or which has been ready for hard surfacing to the extent that the base for the hard surface has been applied, except that horses, ponies, and horse drawn vehicles shall be allowed on unpaved shoulders of the street or public road.
  2. No horse, pony, mule or other beast of burden shall be allowed on any public street, alley, sidewalk or other public right-of-way or upon public property unless the animal is properly attired to prevent animal waste from being deposited upon such public property or the owner of the animal shall be otherwise responsible for cleanup of all animal waste deposited upon public property by the animal.
  3. The restrictions of this section do not apply to animals that are part of a parade or other legally sanctioned event held in the city; however, all animals participating in such events are still subject to waste and cleanup requirements.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.340 Keeping Of Animals

The keeping of animals, except for domesticated pets, inside of the dwelling unit shall be prohibited.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.350 Other Animals

No person who owns or who has custody of any horse, mule, sheep, goat, swine, fowl, poultry, cattle, monkey, domesticated snake, cat, or any other animal shall permit the same to run at-large in the city. Any animal or fowl found running at-large shall be impounded by the animal control officer who will then proceed, pursuant to LEC 9.24.290 through LEC 9.24.320.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.360 Dangerous Animals Prohibited
  1. No person shall harbor, maintain, or control any dangerous animal within the city.
  2. A dangerous animal is one which is capable of inflicting severe bodily harm to humans, and shall include, but not be limited to, the following species:
    1. Class Mammalia.
      1. African buffalo (Syncerus caffer);
      2. Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibious);
      3. Wolves, dingoes, jackals, all species except foxes (Family Canidae);
      4. Hyenas, all species except aardwolves (Proteles cristatus)(Family Hyaenidae);
      5. Wolverine (Gulo gulo);
      6. Honey badger or ratel (Mellivora campensis);
      7. Old World badger (Meles metes);
      8. Bears (Family Ursidae);
      9. Lions, jaguars, leopards, tigers (Genus Panthera);
      10. Clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa);
      11. Cheetah (Acinonyxjubatus);
      12. Cougar or mountain lion (Felis concolor);
      13. Elephants (Family Elephantidae);
      14. Rhinoceroses (Family Rhinocerotidae);
      15. Gibbons, siamangs (Family Hylobatidae);
      16. Orangutans, chimpanzees, gorillas (Family Pongidae);
      17. Baboons, drills, mandrills (Genus Papio);
      18. Macaques (Genus Macaca); and
      19. Gelada baboon (Theropithecus gelada).
    2. Class Repitilia.
      1. Gavials (Family Gavialidae);
      2. Crocodiles (Family Crocodylidae);
      3. Alligators, caimans (Family Alligatoridae);
      4. Cobras, coral snakes (Family Elapidae);
      5. Sea snakes (Family Hydrophidae);
      6. Adders, vipers (Family Viperidae);
      7. Pit vipers (Family Crotalidae); and
      8. All venomous rear-fanged species (Family Colubridae).
    3. Species of constricting snakes over eight feet in length.
      1. Boa constrictor (Boa constrictor), all subspecies;
      2. Anaconda (Eunectes murinus);
      3. Indian python (Python molurus);
      4. Reticulate python (Python reticulatus); and
      5. Rock python (Python sebae).
    4. Other.
      1. Gila monsters and beaded lizards (Family Helodermatidae); and
      2. Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis).
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.370 Exceptions
  1. This subchapter does not apply to animals which are temporarily brought into the city for the purpose of participating in any circus or show; nor does it apply to any public zoo, or persons keeping animals for a public zoo as volunteers, docents or otherwise; nor to any bona fide research institution, or veterinary hospital, provided protective devices adequate to prevent such animal from escaping or injuring the public are provided.
  2. In the case of regulated animals, those exemptions listed in M.S.A. § 346.155, subd. 7 shall apply.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.380 Livestock
  1. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to promote and preserve the natural resources within the city by regulating the keeping of livestock. Erosion as a result of overgrazing and leeching of manure into groundwater has adverse and potentially irreversible impacts on water quality and environmentally sensitive lands.
  2. Prohibition of manure deposition without safeguards. No manure or livestock waste shall be deposited, stored, kept, or allowed to remain upon any site without reasonable safeguards adequate to prevent the escape or movement of the manure or wastes or a solution of the manure or wastes from the site which may result in pollution of any public waters or any health hazard.
  3. Pollution control agency standard minimum requirement. All regulations imposed by the state pollution control agency relating to keeping of livestock shall be adhered to and the regulations shall be considered the minimum safeguard necessary to prevent pollution of public water or creation of a health hazard.
  4. Inadequate safeguards. In case the zoning administrator shall find that any manure is stored or kept on any lot or storage site without a safeguard, or that any existing safeguard is inadequate, the zoning administrator may order the owner or other responsible person to immediately remove the manure from the storage site and refrain from further storage or keeping of any manure at the site unless and until an adequate safeguard is provided.
  5. Hazards and nuisances. On parcels of less than 40 acres which are not part of a larger crop-producing commercial agricultural farm, the keeping of horses, cattle, or other grazing animals on a site with less than two acres of existing grazable land per animal is, by this section, declared to be a nuisance. No domestic farm animals, or livestock, other than chickens or bees, shall be allowed on any parcel of less than five acres. No commercial kennels shall be placed on any site of less than ten acres.
  6. Grazable acres. Grazable acreage shall be defined as open, non-treed acreage exclusive of the homesite and yard that is currently providing enough pasture or other agricultural crops capable of supporting summer grazing at a density of one animal unit per two acres. Grazable acreage shall not include non-jurisdictional wetlands or slopes over 12 percent. There is a presumption that 0.5 acres of site are dedicated to the homesite and yard, or considered ungrazable. This presumption is subject to rebuttal if a different calculation can be established by owner and city.
  7. Number of permitted animals. The number of permitted animals shall be determined by the following table:

    Type of Animal
    Animal Units
    One slaughter steer, heifer, or mature dairy cow
    1.4
    One horse, mule, donkey
    1.0
    One hog/swine
    0.5
    One sheep or goat, llama, or alpaca
    0.2
    One turkey or goose
    0.1
    One duck or other fowl
    0.04
    One chicken, five acres or more
    0.02
    1. For all other animals, the number of animal units shall be defined as the average weight of the animal divided by 1,000 pounds.
    2. The number of animal units allowed per parcel is cumulative. The animal density per parcel shall not exceed one animal unit equivalency per two grazable acres.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.390 Definitions

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this subchapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Brooding means the period of chicken growth when supplemental heat must be provided, due to the bird's inability to generate enough body heat.

Chicken means a domesticated bird that serves as a source of eggs or meat (Gallus gallus domesticus).

Coop means the structure for the keeping or housing of chickens permitted by this subchapter.

Exercise yard means a larger fenced area that provides space for exercise and foraging for the birds when supervised.

Hen means a female chicken.

Officer means any person designated by the city as an enforcement officer.

Rooster means a male chicken.

Run means a fully-enclosed and covered area attached to a coop where the chickens can roam unsupervised.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.400 Purpose

It is recognized that the ability to cultivate one's own food is a sustainable activity that can also be a rewarding pastime. Therefore, it is the purpose and intent of this subchapter to permit the keeping and maintenance of hens for egg and meat sources in a clean and sanitary manner that is not a nuisance to or detrimental to the public health, safety, and welfare of the community.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.410 Investigation And Enforcement

Officers designated by the city shall have authority in the investigation and enforcement of this subchapter, and no person shall interfere with, hinder or molest any such officer in the exercise of such powers. The city shall make investigations as is necessary and may grant, deny, or refuse to renew any application for permit, or terminate an existing permit under this subchapter.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.420 Keeping Of Chickens
  1. Chickens on less than five acres. The following table describes the number of chickens allowed on plots of land under five acres:

    Lot Size (Acres)
    Chickens Allowed
    0.00--0.49
    0
    0.50--0.99
    6
    1.00--1.49
    8
    1.50--1.99
    10
    2.00--2.49
    12
    2.50--2.99
    14
    3.00--3.49
    16
    3.50--3.99
    18
    4.00--4.49
    20
    4.50--4.99
    30
  2. Chickens on five acres or more. Chickens maintained on parcels of five acres or more are allotted 0.02 animal units per 2 grazable acres. A permit is not required for keeping chickens on a parcel size of five acres or more. For reference, see animal unit equivalency chart in LEC 9.24.380.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.430 Permit Required; Term, Consent; Fee
  1. No person shall own, keep, harbor, or have custody of any live chicken on a lot less than five acres without first obtaining a permit from the City Clerk.
  2. Permits are valid for up to two years beginning on the date of issuance and ending on December 31 of the second year.
  3. The fee for a permit may be imposed, set, established and fixed by the city council, by ordinance, from time to time.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.440 Application

Any person desiring a permit required under the provisions of this subchapter shall make written application to the city clerk upon a form prescribed by and containing such information as required by the city. Among other things, the application shall contain the following information:

  1. A description of the real property upon which it is desired to keep the chickens.
  2. The number of chickens to be maintained on the premises.
  3. A site plan of the property showing the location and size of the proposed chicken coop and run, setbacks from the chicken coop to property lines and surrounding buildings (including houses and buildings on adjacent lots), and the location, type, and height of fencing proposed to contain the chickens in a run or exercise area. Portable coops and cages are allowed, but portable locations must be included with the site plan.
  4. Statements that the applicant will at all times keep the chickens in accordance with all of the conditions prescribed by the officer, or modification thereof, and that failure to obey such conditions will constitute a violation of the provisions of this subchapter and grounds for cancellation of the permit.
  5. Such other and further information as may be required by the officer.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.450 Permit Conditions

Each person keeping chickens within the city shall comply with the following:

  1. No person may keep a rooster or crowing hen.
  2. No person may allow chickens to range freely without fencing or without a mobile pen.
  3. No person may keep chickens inside the house or attached garage.
  4. Chickens must be provided a secure and well ventilated roofed structure (chicken coop).
  5. The roofed structure and required fencing for the chickens may only be located in a rear yard and must meet setback and building separations as established in city zoning and building codes, except that the roofed structure and fencing must maintain a 20-foot separation from dwellings on adjacent properties, as well as adhere to the minimum setback requirements for accessory structures.
  6. The roofed structure shall be fully enclosed, wind proof, and have sufficient windows for natural light.
  7. Chickens, coops, and/or runs shall not be kept in such a manner as to constitute a nuisance.
  8. The chicken coop and run shall be kept in good repair as to be in compliance with the property maintenance regulations elsewhere in this Code.
  9. All chicken coops must have a minimum size of four square feet per bird and must be at least four feet in height.
  10. Fenced in chicken runs must have a minimum of ten square feet per bird and must be at least four feet in height.
  11. All butchering waste shall be disposed of in a sanitary manner.
  12. Dead chickens must be disposed of according to the state board of animal health rules which require chicken carcasses to be disposed of as soon as possible after death, usually within 48 to 72 hours. Legal forms of chicken carcass disposal include burial, off-site incineration or rendering, or composting.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.460 Violations
  1. Any person violating any of the sections of this subchapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be penalized in accordance with LEC 1.04.230.
  2. If any person is found guilty by a court for violation of this subchapter, their permit to own, keep, harbor, or have custody of chickens shall be deemed automatically revoked and no new permit may be issued for a period of one year.
  3. Any person violating any conditions of this permit shall reimburse the city for all costs borne by the city to enforce the conditions of the permit, including, but not limited to, the pickup and impounding of chickens.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.470 Issuance, Revocation
  1. If granted, the permit shall be issued by the city and shall state the conditions, if any, imposed upon the permittee for the keeping of chickens under this permit. The permit shall specify the restrictions, limitations, conditions and prohibitions which the city deems reasonably necessary to protect any person or neighboring use from unsanitary conditions, unreasonable noise or odors, or annoyance, or to protect the public health and safety. Such permit may be modified from time to time or revoked by the city for failure to conform to such restrictions, limitations, or prohibitions. Such modification or revocation shall be effective after ten days following the mailing of written notice thereof by certified mail to the person or persons keeping or maintaining such chickens.
  2. The city may revoke any permit issued under this subchapter if the person holding the permit refuses or fails to comply with this subchapter, with any regulations promulgated by the city council pursuant to this subchapter, or with any state or local law governing cruelty to animals or the keeping of animals. Any person whose permit is revoked shall, within ten days thereafter, humanely dispose of all chickens being owned, kept or harbored by such person, and no part of the permit fee shall be refunded.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.480 Definitions

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this subchapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Apiary means the assembly of one or more colonies of bees at a single location.

Beekeeper means a person who owns or has charge of one or more colonies of bees.

Beekeeping equipment means anything used in the operation of an apiary, such as hive bodies, supers, frames, top and bottom boards and extractors.

Colony means an aggregate of bees consisting principally of workers, but having, when perfect, one queen and at times drones, brood, combs, and honey.

Hive means the receptacle inhabited by a colony that is manufactured for that purpose.

Honey bee means all life stages of the common domestic honey bee, apis mellifera (African subspecies and Africanized hybrids are not allowed).

Lot means a contiguous parcel of land under common ownership.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.490 Purpose

The purpose of this subchapter is to establish certain requirements for beekeeping within the city, to avoid issues that might otherwise be associated with beekeeping in populated areas.

  1. Compliance with this subchapter shall not be a defense to a proceeding alleging that a given colony constitutes a nuisance, but such compliance may be offered as evidence of the beekeeper's efforts to abate any previous nuisance.
  2. Compliance with this section shall not be a defense to a proceeding alleging that a given colony violates applicable ordinances regarding public health, but such compliance may be offered as evidence of the beekeeper's compliance with acceptable standards of practice among hobby beekeepers in the state.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.500 Standards Of Practice

These standards of practice apply only to lots smaller than five acres.

  1. Honey bee colonies shall be kept in hives with removable frames, which must be kept in sound and usable conditions.
  2. Each beekeeper must ensure that a convenient source of water is available within ten feet of each colony at all times that the colonies remain active outside the hive.
  3. Each beekeeper must ensure that no wax, comb or other material that might encourage robbing by other bees are left upon the grounds of the apiary lot. Such materials, once removed from the site, shall be handled and stored in sealed containers, or placed within a building or other vermin-proof container.
  4. Each beekeeper shall maintain his beekeeping equipment in good condition, including keeping the hives painted if they have been painted but are peeling or flaking, and securing unused equipment from weather, potential theft or vandalism and occupancy by swarms.
  5. Honey bee colonies may only be kept on lots three-quarters of an acre or larger.
  6. Each beekeeper is allowed to make in person sales of honey from the beekeeper's residence as long as the following standards are met:
    1. The beekeeper must live on the apiary lot;
    2. All honey sold in person on the residential premises must be produced by the beekeeper's hives that are located on the subject residential premises;
    3. No products may be sold in person at the residence except honey and honey-related products produced from hives on the premises;
    4. No outside storage or display of products or merchandise;
    5. No traffic that is greater than the residential level of the neighborhood;
    6. No separate business entrance;
    7. All signage must comply with city sign regulations;
    8. Not more than 15 percent of the total gross floor area of the residence or 200 square feet, whichever is less, is devoted to making, storing, and selling honey;
    9. No activity or equipment may be used that creates noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odor, or electric or television interference is permitted if it is detectable by adjacent neighbors; and
    10. No nonresident employees are permitted.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.510 Colony Density
  1. No person is permitted to keep more than the following numbers of colonies on any lot within the city, based upon the size of the apiary lot:
    1. Lots three-quarters of one acre or larger but smaller than 2 1/2 acres: Four colonies;
    2. 2 1/2-acre lot or larger but smaller than five acres: Six colonies;
    3. Five acres or larger: No restriction.
  2. Colonies must be set back 25 feet from the property line of an adjacent occupied residential lot.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.520 Permit Required
  1. No beekeeping may occur on properties of less than five acres unless the city issues a permit to the beekeeper on that specific property. The permit will be valid for two growing seasons.
  2. A beekeeping permit will only be issued if:
    1. The permit application documents the satisfaction of all applicable items found in LEC 9.24.480 through LEC 9.24.530; and
    2. Notices have been mailed to all homes within 150 feet of the applicant's property lines.
      1. If there are objections received within ten days of mailing the notices, then the permit application must be considered by the city council.
      2. If there are no objections received within ten days of mailing the notices, then the permit application will be processed by city staff. It will not be referred to the city council for consideration.
  3. Permits are non-transferable and do not run with the land.
  4. A permit constitutes a limited license granted to the beekeeper by the city and in no way creates a vested zoning right.
  5. By signing the permit, the beekeeper acknowledges that he shall defend and indemnify the city against any and all claims arising out of keeping the bees on the premises.
  6. Beekeeping permit fees shall be as established by the city council.
  7. All standards of practice and colony density standards must be met in order to issue a permit.
  8. If the standards of practice are not maintained subsequent to issuance of a beekeeping permit, the permit may be revoked by the city.
  9. Beekeeping training is required for the beekeeper prior to issuance of an initial beekeeping permit by the city. Documentation for such training may be provided in the following ways:
    1. Either provide a certificate of completion from a honeybee keeping course from the University of Minnesota or from Century College;
    2. Request consideration for having completed a comparable course from another institution or instructor;
    3. Request consideration for substituting equivalent experience for the honeybee keeping course; or
    4. Provide a letter from a current beekeeping instructor at the University of Minnesota, Century College, or other educational institution offering similar beekeeping courses that states that the permit applicant has gained through other means a substantially similar knowledge base to one that could be gained through appropriate beekeeping courses at the University of Minnesota or Century College.
  10. Any beekeeper wishing to make in person sales of honey from their home according to the standards of practice section must so indicate on the annual permit.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.530 Application

Any person desiring a permit required under the provisions of this subchapter shall make written application to the city clerk upon a form prescribed by and containing such information as required by the city. Among other things, the application shall contain the following information:

  1. A description of the real property upon which it is desired to keep the bees.
  2. A site plan of the property showing the location and size of the proposed apiary, the number of hives, setbacks from apiary to property lines and surrounding buildings (including houses and buildings on adjacent lots), and the location, type, and height of any related flyways.
  3. Statements that the applicant will at all times keep the bees in accordance with all of the conditions prescribed by the officer, or modification thereof, and that failure to obey such conditions will constitute a violation of the provisions of this subchapter and grounds for cancellation of the permit.
  4. Such other and further information as may be required by the officer.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.24.540 Penalty

Any person who shall violate the provisions of LEC 9.24.480 through LEC 9.24.530 shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be penalized in accordance with LEC 1.04.230.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.28.010 Generally

No person, firm, corporation, or association shall cause, suffer, or permit any nuisance as defined in LEC 9.28.010 et seq., to exist or to be maintained upon property situated in the whole or in part within the city limits.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.28.020 Public Nuisances Affecting Morals And Decency

The following are declared public nuisances affecting public morals and decency: The looking into or peeping through doors, windows, or openings of private homes by methods of stealth and without proper authority and by surreptitious method, or what is commonly known as "window peeping."

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.28.030 Public Nuisances Affecting Peace And Safety

The following are declared to be nuisances affecting peace and safety:

  1. Altering drainage. Placing entrance culverts, or doing any act which may alter or affect the drainage of public streets or other public property or the surface or grade of public streets or sidewalks, without proper permit.
  2. Attractive dangers. All dangerous, unguarded machinery, equipment, or other property in any public place, or so situated or operated on private property as to attract the public.
  3. Dangerous objects. The placing or throwing on any street, alley, road, highway, sidewalk, or other public or private property of any glass, tacks, nails, bottles, or other nuisances which may injure any person or animal or may cause damage to any pneumatic tire when passing over the same.
  4. Environmental nuisances. No odors, vibration, noise, smoke, air pollution, liquid or solid wastes, heat, glare, dust, or other sensory irritations or health hazards caused, suffered, or permitted in excess of the minimum standards as set in LEC 9.28.010 et seq. The minimum standards shall be as follows:
    1. Odors. Any land use or other activity shall be conducted so as to prevent the emission of odorous or solid matter of the quality and quantity as to be reasonably objectionable at any point beyond the lot line of the site on which the use or activity is located.
    2. Vibration. The following vibrations are prohibited:
      1. Any vibration discernible (beyond the property line) to the human sense of feeling for three minutes or more duration in any one hour; and
      2. Any vibration resulting in any combination of amplitudes and frequencies beyond the safe range of the most current standards of the United States Bureau of Mines on any structure.
    3. Toxic or noxious matter. Any land use or other activity shall be conducted so as to control the emission of smoke or particulate matter to the degree that it is not detrimental to nor shall it endanger the public health, safety, comfort, or general welfare of the public.
    4. Noise. Any noise caused, suffered, or permitted in violation of the provisions of LEC 9.28.010 et seq.
    5. Lighting and glare. Any lighting, lighting fixtures, or glare caused, suffered, or permitted in violation of LEC 9.28.010 et seq.
    6. Minimum standards. Unless otherwise stated in this Code, the minimum standards of the pollution control agency as to noise, air, and water pollution and glare, shall be the minimum standards for the purpose of LEC 9.28.010 et seq.
  5. Explosives. All explosives, inflammable liquids, and other dangerous substances or materials stored or accumulated in any manner or in any amount other than that provided by law.
  6. Failure to maintain improvements. In all zoning districts it is hereby declared necessary that all structures, landscaping, and fences be reasonably maintained so as to avoid health or safety hazards and prevent a degradation in the value of adjacent property. Failure to so maintain the improvements is declared to be a nuisance.
  7. Fire hazards. Any building or structure which, by reason of age, dilapidated condition, defective chimneys or stove pipes, defective electric wiring, defective gas connections, defective heating apparatus, or other defect, is susceptible to fire, and which thus endangers life or limb or other buildings or property within the city; and any accumulations of brush, tree trimming, fallen leaves, parts of dead trees, timber, or other materials or substances on either vacant or improved property, which accumulations are susceptible to fire or capable of spreading fire to adjacent property.
  8. Fires. The setting of fire prohibited under the provisions of this Code.
  9. Fireworks. All use or display of fireworks except as provided by law.
  10. Hazardous buildings. Any building which, because of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, physical damage, unsanitary condition, or abandonment, constitutes a fire hazard or a hazard to public safety or health of the residents of the city.
  11. Junk.
    1. The accumulation, storing, or keeping of old machinery, wrecked or inoperable vehicles or household appliances, and unlicensed vehicles and other junk or debris.
    2. For the purposes of LEC 9.28.010 et seq., any personal property stored in violation of the provision of LEC 105.04.010 et seq. regulating exterior storage, shall be deemed junk.
  12. Littering. Causing or permitting refuse, rubbish, or garbage to accumulate or disposing of waste in violation of the provisions of LEC 9.28.050.
  13. Low limbs. All limbs of trees which are less than eight feet above the surface of any public sidewalk or street. (See LEC 1.08).
  14. Low wires. All wires which are strung less than 15 feet above the surface of any public street or alley.
  15. Maintenance of boulevard. Any boulevard which is not maintained as required by LEC 9.16.110.
  16. Material from air. Throwing, dropping, or releasing printed matter, paper, or any other material or objects over the city from an airplane, balloon, or other aircraft, or in a manner as to cause the material to fall or land in the city.
  17. Obstruction and excavation. Obstructions and excavations affecting the ordinary use of the public streets, alleys, sidewalks, or public grounds except under the conditions as are provided by this Code. Any other excavation left unprotected or uncovered indefinitely or allowed to exist in the manner as to attract people.
  18. Obstruction of streets. Any use of property abutting on a public street or sidewalk, or use of a public street or sidewalk which causes large crowds of people to gather obstructing traffic and the free use of public streets or sidewalks.
  19. Obstruction of view of traffic. All trees, hedges, billboards, or other obstructions which prevent persons from having a clear view of traffic approaching an intersection from cross streets in sufficient time to bring a motor vehicle driven at a reasonable speed to a full stop before the intersection is reached.
  20. Other acts detrimental to peace and safety. All other conditions, acts, or things which in the determination of the council are likely to cause injury to the person or property of anyone.
  21. Repairing vehicles on streets. Making repairs to motor vehicles or tires in public streets or alleys, except in the case of emergency repairs when it will not unduly impede or interfere with traffic.
  22. Signs over streets. All hanging signs, awnings, and other similar structures over public streets or sidewalks, or so situated as to endanger public safety not constructed and maintained as provided by law, or without proper permit.
  23. Snow on streets and sidewalks. All snow and ice not removed from public sidewalks 48 hours following the termination of any snow or ice formation. Snow plowed or shoveled into a public street shall also be a nuisance.
  24. Unauthorized signs. Erecting, painting, or placing of unauthorized traffic signs or advertising signs in streets or sidewalks.
  25. Unused refrigerators and the like. Any unused refrigerator or other container, with doors which fasten automatically when closed of sufficient size to retain any person, and which is exposed and accessible to the public, without removing the doors, lids, hinges, or latches, or providing locks to prevent access by the public.
  26. Water from buildings. The allowing of rain, water, ice, or snow to fall from any building on any public street of sidewalk or to flow across any public sidewalk.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.28.040 Public Nuisances Affecting Health, Comfort, Or Repose

The following are declared to be public nuisances affecting health, comfort, or repose.

  1. Decayed food. All decayed or unwholesome food offered for sale to the public;
  2. Milk from untested cows. Milk which is produced by cows which have not been tested and found free of tuberculosis within the year previous to the offering of the milk for sale to the public;
  3. Diseased animals. All diseased animals running at-large;
  4. Carcasses. Carcasses of animals not buried or destroyed within 24 hours after death;
  5. Garbage cans. Privy vaults and garbage cans which are not fly-tight;
  6. Cesspool contents. Causing or suffering the effluent from any cesspool, septic tank, drainfield, or human sewage disposal system to discharge upon the surface of the ground, or dumping the contents of it at any place except as authorized by law;
  7. Accumulation of refuse and debris. An accumulation of refuse, rubbish, or garbage or debris of any nature or description;
  8. Pollution of wells or public water. Causing or suffering the pollution of any public well or cistern, stream or lake, canal or body of water by sewage, industrial waste, or other substances;
  9. Smoke and fumes. Dense smoke, noxious fumes, gas and soot, or cinders in unreasonable quantities;
  10. Medicine samples. The distribution of samples of medicines or drugs unless the samples are placed in the hands of an adult person by someone properly licensed; and
  11. Other acts detrimental to health. All other acts, omissions of acts, occupations, and uses of property which are determined by the council to be a menace to the health of the citizens or a considerable number of citizens.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.28.050 Dumping

It shall be unlawful for any person to cause or permit refuse, rubbish, or garbage to be thrown or scattered upon any street, alley, highway, vacant or occupied real estate; or to fail, neglect, or refuse to remove the same from the real estate.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.28.060 Storing

It shall be unlawful for any owner or occupant of any property in the city to cause or permit refuse, rubbish, or garbage to accumulate or be stored on the property, except in containers as provided by LEC 5.12 relating to solid waste disposal.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.28.070 Improper Ground Disposal

It shall be unlawful for any person to pump or empty the effluent from any sewage disposal system on to or allow the contents of it to flow on to the surface of any public or private ground, including that of the owners.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.28.080 Nuisance Disposal

It shall be unlawful to dispose of any liquid or solid wastes when the result of the disposal shall be a nuisance, a source of filth, a cause of obnoxious odors, or a cause of sickness.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.28.090 Peddling And Soliciting
  1. Entering private property. The practice of going in and upon private residences or residential properties in the city by solicitors, peddlers, hawkers, itinerant merchants, and transient vendors of merchandise, not having been requested or invited to do so by the owner or owners, occupant or occupants, of the private residences, for the purpose of soliciting orders for sale of goods, wares, and merchandise, or for the purpose of disposing of or peddling the same, is declared to be a nuisance, except as provided in LEC 9.28.010 et seq.
  2. Exceptions. The provisions of LEC 9.28.010 et seq. shall not apply to the sale or soliciting of orders for the same of milk, dairy products, vegetables, poultry, eggs and other farm and garden produce so far as the sale of the commodities named in LEC 9.28.010 et seq. is authorized by law.
  3. Charitable organizations exempted. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any charitable, religious, patriotic, or philanthropic organization, society, association, or corporation desiring to sell or distribute any items of literature or to sell or distribute any goods, wares, and merchandise, for which a fee is charged or solicited from the persons other than members of the organization upon the streets, in office or business buildings, by house to house canvass, or in public places, for a charitable, religious, patriotic, or philanthropic purpose.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.28.100 Nuisance Abatement Procedure
  1. Notice.
    1. Whenever the city determines that a public nuisance is being maintained or exists on a premises in the city, the building official or his designed representative, after consulting with the city administrator, may abate the nuisance after providing written notice to the affected record property owner.
    2. The notice shall be given to the affected record property owner by U.S. Mail or personal delivery. Refusal by the recipient to accept the notice shall not constitute a defense that the notice was not received. If the record owner is not able to be found, the city shall attach a copy of the notice or a door hanger with the same information to the main entrance door of the principal structure on the property. The notice shall state the following information:
      1. The date;
      2. The address or legal description of the property;
      3. A description of the nuisance and the section or sections of this Code which was/were violated;
      4. The steps to be taken in order to abate the nuisance;
      5. The date by which the nuisance must be abated (grass and weed violations must be abated within five calendar days from the date of the notice);
      6. That if the nuisance is not abated by the date stated, the city will abate the nuisance and the costs incurred by the city will be charged, and if left unpaid, will be certified to the county auditor for collection with property taxes or specially assessed;
      7. That the recipient has the right to request a hearing before the city council and the date the hearing request must be made by; and
      8. A description of the penalties that may apply if the condition is not corrected.
  2. Abatement. If the nuisance is not abated by the date stated in the notice and no hearing has been requested, the city may abate the nuisance. City staff must keep a record of the total cost of the abatement attributable to the property and report the information to the city administrator.
  3. Abatement charges. When the abatement has been completed and the cost determined, the city shall prepare a bill and mail it to the record owner and thereupon the amount shall be immediately due and payable. If the record owner fails to pay the bill, the total charges may be certified by the city to the county auditor for collection with property taxes as set forth in LEC 1.12.040(c) or specially assessed in accordance with M.S.A. §§ 429.101 and 429.061, whichever may be applicable.
  4. Emergency abatement. Nothing in this subchapter shall prevent the city, without notice or other process, from immediately abating any nuisance condition in an emergency situation which poses an imminent and serious hazard to the public health, safety, or welfare. To proceed with immediate abatement, the city official shall determine that a public nuisance exists or is being maintained on the premises and that delay in abatement will unreasonably endanger the public health, safety, or welfare. If at all possible, the city official shall attempt to notify the record owner of the nature of the nuisance and the abatement prior to the abatement. If notification prior to abatement is not possible, the city official shall notify the record owner as soon as practicable after abatement.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.32.010 Defacing Or Destroying Property Prohibited

No person shall deface, destroy, diminish, or impair the value of public or private property located within any public park in the city, including buildings, structures, or trees, shrubs, or vegetation located in the city or growing in the city.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.32.020 Parking And Driving Of Vehicles
  1. No person shall drive a motorized vehicle in a public park other than on public roads within the park.
  2. No person shall park a motorized vehicle in a public park in an area not specifically posted with signs permitting parking of motorized vehicles nor in an area posted with signs prohibiting the parking.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.32.030 Speed Of Vehicles

No person shall drive or operate a motorized vehicle at a speed in excess of 15 miles per hour in any park unless legally signed for a higher speed.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.32.040 Open Fire Prohibited

No person shall build a fire in any place in any park except in fireplaces or receptacles provided for the building of fires or in an area specifically posted with signs permitting the building of an open fire not in a fireplace or receptacle.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.32.050 Swimming Or Wading In Certain Areas Prohibited

No person shall wade or swim in an area in which signs have been posted prohibiting swimming or wading. In all areas where swimming and wading is permitted, the council shall have the authority by resolution to prohibit the use of equipment as they deem dangerous to persons engaged in swimming or wading, and to prohibit the activities or conduct as they deem dangerous or hazardous to those engaging in it or to other persons in a park. When a sign has been posted prohibiting the use of any equipment or engagement in any activities or conduct as may be specified in the posted sign, no person shall use the equipment or engage in the activities or conduct.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.32.060 Hours

Except as hereinafter provided, all public parks shall be closed from one-half hour after sunset until sunrise the following day.

  1. Park facilities with operational lighting for ice rinks, tennis courts and ball fields may remain open until 10:00 p.m. as posted in each park.
  2. A special permit may be issued by the city administrator or the administrator's designee for park usage outside of permitted hours of operation.
  3. Pickleball courts within all public parks may be used between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. No pickleball shall be played during the hours that pickleball courts are closed.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
Amended by Ord. 2025-14 on 10/7/2025
9.32.070 Glass Beverage Containers Prohibited

No person shall bring into any park within the city any glass beverage container.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.32.080 Liquor And 3.2 Percent Malt Liquor Prohibited

In accordance with LEC 9.28.010, liquor and 3.2 percent malt liquor is prohibited in all parks within the city unless a temporary intoxicating or non-intoxicating liquor license is approved by the city.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.32.085 Cannabis And Hemp Prohibited

(a) Definitions. (1) For purposes of this article, the terms “cannabis flower,” “cannabis products,” “lower-potency hemp edibles,” and “hemp-derived consumer products” shall have the definitions given to them in Minnesota Statutes, section 342.01, as it may be amended from time to time. (2) For purposes of this article, “public place” is defined as any indoor or outdoor area that is used or held out for use by the public whether owned or operated by public or private interests. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, section 152.0263, subd. 5, “public place” does not include the following: (i) a private residence, including the person's curtilage or yard; (ii) private property not generally accessible by the public; and (iii) the premises of an establishment or event licensed to permit on-site consumption of cannabis flower, cannabis products, lower-potency hemp edibles, or hemp-derived consumer products. (b) Use of cannabis and hemp prohibited in public places. No person shall use cannabis flower, cannabis products, lower-potency hemp edibles, or hemp-derived consumer products in a public place. (c) Penalty. A violation of this section shall be considered a petty misdemeanor notwithstanding any other penalty provision in the city code.


HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 2023-18 on 8/15/2023
9.32.090 Purpose

The purpose of LEC 9.32.090 et seq., is to establish the rules governing the use of the lake surfaces within the city. It is the intent of LEC 9.32.090 et seq. to promote the health, safety, welfare, and well-being of all, and to define the standards of behavior expected for all water users.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.32.100 Watercraft And Water Surface Use Regulations

The following regulations shall apply to the use of watercraft on lakes entirely within the city limits, to the use of a lake entirely within the city limits, and to the use of ice surfaces on lakes entirely within the city limits:

  1. Hours of operation. No person shall operate any motorboat at a speed greater than a slow, no-wake speed as defined by M.S.A. § 86B.005 in the following manner:
    1. Lake Elmo: Between sunset and 12:00 noon the following day, seven days a week.
    2. Olson Lake, Lake Demontreville and Lake Jane: Between sunset and sunrise, Monday through Friday; and between sunset and 9:00 a.m. on weekends and holidays.
  2. Operating regulations. No person shall operate any watercraft in violation of the provisions of this Code, or in violation of the provisions of M.S.A. ch. 86B or Minnesota Boat and Water Safety Rules (Minn. R. 6110.0100 to 6110.2300), which statutes and rules are hereby adopted and incorporated herein.
  3. Operation. All motorboats, operating in excess of a slow, no-wake speed shall operate in a counter clockwise direction on all city lakes seven days a week.
  4. Permanent slow, no-wake areas. The channels and narrows between Lake Olson and Lake Demontreville are hereby designated as permanent slow, no-wake areas and appropriate signs or buoys meeting the specifications found in Minn. R. 6110.1500 shall be posted.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.32.110 Prohibited Uses And Structures

Motorboat races are prohibited. Fishing tournaments, ski jumps, slalom courses, or other competition or exhibition events are allowed only as specifically authorized by state statutes and rules, and the county sheriff's department. The city clerk shall acknowledge by signature all lake activities authorized prior to any authorized event or installation of ski jumps or slalom courses.

HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021
9.32.120 Enforcement
  1. Local enforcement. Pursuant to M.S.A. §§ 86B.205 and 459.20, the city assigns by service agreement the enforcement of LEC 9.32.090 through LEC 9.32.120 to the county sheriff's office.
  2. Penalties. Penalties for noncompliance shall be governed by LEC 1.04.230 and prosecuted by the city attorney.
  3. Exemptions. Government agencies engaged in resource management, emergency services or enforcement activities are exempt from the provisions of this chapter when acting in the performance of their assigned duties.
HISTORY
Adopted by Ord. 08-253 on 11/3/2021