Code Enforcement responds to concerns from citizens that affect the quality of life within the city such as zoning, overgrown lots or yards, inoperative vehicles, maintenance of structures, illegal signs and other public nuisances. Inspections are also performed throughout the city to ensure properties are in compliance with City Code.Examples of some common City Codes that are enforced are listed below:

Junk Vehicles:

City Code, Section 38-62, Subd. A, which states:

" It is unlawful for any person to park any unlicensed, unregistered or inoperable motor vehicle or any vehicle which is not considered road worthy or street legal on any public or private property, unless housed within a lawfully erected building. However, the person residing on the premises may store his partially dismantled automobile during actual repair for a period not to exceed two weeks."

Accumulation of trash and household material in yards:

City Code, Section 38.62c,  46.3a, and 46.3e which states:

"It is unlawful for any person to store materials such as lumber, merchandise, machinery, miscellaneous parts, disabled household appliances, recyclables or salvage goods on private property, except as may be normal to the legal use of the property in question, unless housed within a lawfully erected building. However, building materials stored during actual building operations or salvage materials during actual remodeling, wrecking or demolition operations shall not be a violation of this section."

"Garbage shall be kept in an approved container which is durable, rust-resistant, watertight and easily cleanable with tightfitting covers and adequate handles to facilitate collection."

"Refuse shall not be allowed to accumulate on any property so as to constitute a nuisance because of appearance, odor, sanitation or so as to create a fire hazard."

Long Grass & Weeds:

City Code, Section 50-4c

Duty of property owners to cut grass and weeds and maintain trees and shrubs. Every owner of property abutting on any street shall cause the grass and weeds to be cut from the line of such property nearest to such street to the center of such street. If the grass or weeds in such place attain a height in excess of nine inches, it shall be prima facie evidence of a failure to comply with this subdivision. Every owner of property abutting on any street shall, subject to subsection (b) of this section requiring a permit therefor, trim, cut, remove and otherwise maintain all trees and shrubs in unhazardous and healthy condition, from the line of such property nearest to such street to the center thereof.

If you have any questions or would like to report a violation please contact our office at 377-4340.