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.
The owner of the premises must meet all of the following conditions:
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.
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.
LEC 9.08.010 et seq., is adopted to:
The application for a permit for commercial lumbering or harvesting of forest products shall contain:
The application for a permit for the removal of trees from any forested area shall contain:
Reforestation of rural land shall be in accordance with the plan approved by the extension forestry service of the University of Minnesota.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
All streets hereafter constructed within the city shall meet the specifications set forth in LEC title 103.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The permit fees shall be set in the city's fee schedule by ordinance by the city council.
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.
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.
The parking restrictions applicable to driveways are stated in the zoning code codified in LEC title 105.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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:
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:
Service or utility service means and includes, but is not limited to:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Upon sworn complaint to district court that any one of the following facts exist:
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.
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.
The owner of a dangerous dog shall obtain a certificate of registration from the county.
The keeping of animals, except for domesticated pets, inside of the dwelling unit shall be prohibited.
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.
| 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 |
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.
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.
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.
| 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 |
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:
Each person keeping chickens within the city shall comply with the following:
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.
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.
These standards of practice apply only to lots smaller than five acres.
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:
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.
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.
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."
The following are declared to be nuisances affecting peace and safety:
The following are declared to be public nuisances affecting health, comfort, or repose.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Except as hereinafter provided, all public parks shall be closed from one-half hour after sunset until sunrise the following day.
No person shall bring into any park within the city any glass beverage container.
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.
(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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
The owner of the premises must meet all of the following conditions:
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.
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.
LEC 9.08.010 et seq., is adopted to:
The application for a permit for commercial lumbering or harvesting of forest products shall contain:
The application for a permit for the removal of trees from any forested area shall contain:
Reforestation of rural land shall be in accordance with the plan approved by the extension forestry service of the University of Minnesota.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
All streets hereafter constructed within the city shall meet the specifications set forth in LEC title 103.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The permit fees shall be set in the city's fee schedule by ordinance by the city council.
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.
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.
The parking restrictions applicable to driveways are stated in the zoning code codified in LEC title 105.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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:
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:
Service or utility service means and includes, but is not limited to:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Upon sworn complaint to district court that any one of the following facts exist:
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.
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.
The owner of a dangerous dog shall obtain a certificate of registration from the county.
The keeping of animals, except for domesticated pets, inside of the dwelling unit shall be prohibited.
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.
| 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 |
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.
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.
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.
| 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 |
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:
Each person keeping chickens within the city shall comply with the following:
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.
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.
These standards of practice apply only to lots smaller than five acres.
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:
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.
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.
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."
The following are declared to be nuisances affecting peace and safety:
The following are declared to be public nuisances affecting health, comfort, or repose.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Except as hereinafter provided, all public parks shall be closed from one-half hour after sunset until sunrise the following day.
No person shall bring into any park within the city any glass beverage container.
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.
(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.
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.
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:
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.