Show All Answers

1. What will happen to the vacant property near my home?

Most vacant land in the City is privately owned and, therefore, could be developed at some point. Please call 651-739-5150 to learn more about the property and how it is zoned.

2. What is a homeowner’s association?

A homeowner's association are homeowners that oversees the enforcement of private covenants and in some cases, maintain private streets and common areas, in certain developments. It is common for members to pay a monthly fee to their association. Contact your association to get a copy of the association documents and review them to learn about fees and your rights and responsibilities.

3. How are private covenants enforced?

Such covenants are private rules that cover all of the properties within a specific development and regulate such things as the size and type of allowed fences and exterior colors of homes. These private rules are enforced by associations and not by the City. You may find it very helpful to ask the association for a copy of the covenants beforehand to review.

4. Does the City provide a warranty for work done by builders and developers?

No the City does not. A warranty is a seller’s assurance to the buyer that the final product will be as promised and the City has no authority over private contracts or warranties. The City’s responsibility is to review plans and perform inspections to ensure compliance with City codes during the development and construction phase.

5. How can I learn more about easements on my property?

There are several types of easements: drainage, utility, etc. Although you own the property, easements give certain public and private entities the right to enter the property to perform repair and maintenance. All easements on your property should be shown on the lot survey or plat, or described within the title documents. To learn more, please call 651-739-5150.

6. How do I know if my street is public or private?

If the streets within a development are private, the individuals within the development own the streets, usually as part of the homeowner's association. Homeowner associations typically hire a private contractor for snow removal and to maintain the streets.

7. How can I be good steward to the pond or wetland by my home?

The water level in the pond may rise and fall, and its appearance may change from season to season. The area surrounding wetlands/ponds (generally 25 feet around the perimeter) is owned by the City or state. It is important to not maintain this area as an extension of your yard. The natural growth around wetland filters out harmful sediments from entering the water and creating algae. 

In most cases, Canadian geese are less apt to visit or nest in a wetland with its natural growth area intact. 

Do Not Dispose of Grass/Animal Feces in Water

Also, you are reminded to not dispose of grass clippings or animal feces in or near ponding areas or in streets/sewers. Grass clippings and other materials adversely affect the water quality of our wetlands and lakes. 

Flotation Devices

Flotation devices (boats, canoes, rafts, etc.) may only be used on Tanners Lake, located at I-94 and Geneva Avenue. In addition to addressing safety concerns, these guidelines protect our bodies of water and their abundant wildlife – including fish, turtles, birds, and mammals, that live and nest in and near the water. 

Contact Information

If you have questions, please call 651-730-2723.