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1. When do I need a right of way or utility permit?

For installation of above-ground utilities or underground utility construction in the right of way (ROW) you must complete a Right of Way permit application, also known as a Utility Permit. 

Right of Way Permit

2. Do I need a permit for work I'm doing near a lake?

If you are doing work on the shoreline or a lot that is adjacent to a lake, check with the Rice Creek Watershed District and the Department of Natural Resources to make sure that you have all necessary permits.

3. Can I fax or email in a permit?

Yes. You can print off the appropriate permit application and fax it with all necessary information (i.e. Licensing, plans, approvals, etc.) to 651-634-5137, or email to City Hall. DO NOT INCLUDE CREDIT CARD INFORMATION. We do not take credit card payments by fax or over the phone. Credit card payments are accepted in person or online only.

4. What documentation do I need to do work in Arden Hills?

If you are a contractor, you will need to provide either your state license or city license, along with proof of insurance. Homeowners doing their own work will need to complete an affidavit verifying their home ownership status.

5. When do I need to submit a plan or drawing?

A building plan is required any time you are altering or adding to the existing conditions or when constructing new. The plan is required to help ensure compliance with the current code for any new work.

6. Do I need a permit if I’m just replacing cabinets in my kitchen?

If you are just replacing cabinets and not moving walls, removing wall finishes, or replacing windows, then no permit is required. 

7. What is required for siding and roofing inspections?

ROOFING
INSPECTION

Photos of ice/water can be posted on site with an inspection card or emailed to the inspector. Contact the Building Inspector at 651-792-7818 for a final inspection when work is completed.

SIDING
INSPECTION

Photos of house wrap can be posted on site with inspection card or emailed to the inspector.  Contact the Building Inspector at 651-792-7818 for a final inspection when work is completed. 

8. Do I need a permit to put in a lawn sprinkler system?

A plumbing permit is required by a licensed plumber to install the backflow prevention device. No permit is required for the actual sprinkler system.

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1. How do I report on-street parking violations?

For on-street parking violations or violations that occur during non-business hours, please call the Ramsey County Sheriff non-emergency line at 651-767-0640. If possible, please contact the Ramsey County Sheriff while the violation is occurring so that the violation can be witnessed.

2. How do I report a domestic animal complaint?

The City contracts with Ramsey County Sheriff's Department to handle all domestic animal complaints. Residents who are concerned about an issue related to domesticated animals should call the sheriff's non-emergency number of 651-767-0640. The Sheriff's Department will dispatch someone for the situation if it involves domesticated animals (dogs & cats) only.

3. Where can I park my recreational vehicle?

The city has adopted regulations related to the parking of recreational vehicles, boats and trailers.

Recreational Vehicle Parking Handout

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1. Why does the fire department need a new station location at this time?

Planning for a new station has been in the works for several years, due to increased demand for services. The fire department responded to 2,875 calls in 2015 and 3,820 calls in 2019, which reflects a 25% increase. The department estimates it will surpass 6,000 calls annually (16-17 calls daily) by 2026 (6% per year plus 500+ from pending development). As calls for service increase and the need for 24/7 staffing increases, the department has to plan site locations that best serve the communities. The long term plan calls for continued operation of Station 2, located at 4676 Hodgson Road, North Oaks, with continued 24/7 staffing; continued operation of Station 3 - 5545 Lexington Avenue, Shoreview, with the addition of 24/7staffing; and replacing Station 4 at 3615 Victoria Street, Shoreview, with the new proposed location at the Anderson Center off of Pine Tree Drive, which would be better located and staffed 24/7.

The new fire station would be designed to meet the fire department’s needs for the next 50 years.

The proposed new location is needed due to development expansions in all three cities. Projects include: Edison Apartment & Townhomes and Loden II (Shoreview); Marriott SpringHill Suites Hotel and Summit Senior Living (Arden Hills); and North Oaks Housing Projects. Regardless of the TCAAP development, there is quite a bit of development and projections that call for increased levels of service calls in all three cities.

2. How did the fire department evolve from a total volunteer fire department to 24/7 duty crews?

In 1943 the department started as a Volunteer Fire Department and over time it evolved to a Paid‐On‐Call department which provided a relief association pension to those who served for 10 years or more. Firefighters were paid a nominal amount of money for the calls and training they attended.

In 2002 a full‐time Fire Chief was hired to run the department. Additional full‐time staff were added over the years including a full‐time Office Manager, Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal and Deputy Chief/Emergency Manager.

With an increase in calls and training requirements, the department
initiated a station staffing program (Duty Crew) that puts firefighters
physically in the stations 24/7 and allows firefighters to respond immediately
from a station rather than being called in from home to respond to calls.

3. Why is the Lake Johanna Fire Department considering a site near Bethel University’s Anderson Center?

The Fire Department Board of Directors commissioned a needs assessment, which also reviewed response time models from the three current station locations. It was determined that a new station location should be located between Lexington Avenue and Snelling Avenue along County Road E., ideally in a commercial area rather than a residential neighborhood. The property needed to be 3-4 acres in size to accommodate 24/7 staffing and the necessary trucks and equipment.

In looking at that corridor, the only property that fit those requirements was the university property. The fire department approached Bethel to see if they would be open to selling some of their property. The identified location at Bethel is also attractive because it allows the trucks to go north to a major, controlled intersection, rather than south through residential neighborhoods. Trucks can control the intersection before they get to the intersection, rather than having to navigate a busy side street. Additionally, the location is south of the railroad tracks, so the trucks don’t need to wait for trains to pass.

Finally, other sites would have required multiple property acquisitions to get to the size needed, as well as demolition costs.

4. When will the fire station be built?

Currently, the fire department is only purchasing the land adjacent to the Anderson Center. Following the acquisition, the fire department would need to consult with its board of directors on when to begin construction on a new station.  While a start date has not yet been decided, there are no plans to begin construction in the near future.

5. The proposed location is on Pine Tree Drive. Is this road wide enough to accommodate a fire station?

Yes, Pine Tree Drive is plenty wide and will work well for a fire station.  As the fire department evaluated this location for a potential site, both the fire department and their architect reviewed Pine Tree Drive and whether or not it would be suitable for both egress and ingress movements of their equipment. They determined it would be a viable location; furthermore, Pine Tree Drive is a less busy street, which makes operating their equipment safer for both the fire department and other motorists.

6. Fire Station 4 at 3615 Victoria is less than 2 miles from the proposed Pine Tree location. Should the location be further south and west and let the Victoria station take care of the middle area?

If the fire station were to move further south and west, it would not be able to serve southern Shoreview (or portions of Arden Hills) with timely response times.  The further south and west you go you will not find land that meets the criteria outlined in the needs assessment, and most of the land is already developed residential neighborhoods.

7. How will residents near the Anderson Center be impacted?

The plan would be to minimize any neighborhood impact as much as possible by having the trucks go north through the commercial area on County Road E, rather than south through neighborhoods. Being able to head out on a call through a controlled intersection is safer for fire crews, as well as residents, and allows for shorter overall response times. For a majority of fire calls the trucks would head north to County Road E.

8. What would happen to the trails on the Anderson Center property?

It is anticipated that the trails located on the north section of the Anderson Center property where the proposed subdivision is located will be impacted when the sites develop.  Existing trails may be relocated and reviewed during the development review process.

9. What impact will this have on the Crepeau Nature Preserve?

The fire department is seeking property to the north of the Anderson Center, while the Crepeau Nature Preserve is located to the south of the Anderson Center and will not be impacted by this proposal.

10. Why is Fire Station 4 being shuttered?

The below information was taken directly from the fire department’s needs study and highlights why Station 4 is being shuttered:

Station 4 Deficiencies 

The station is typical of the era it was designed in. It was not planned for full time staff and sleeping. Trucks were smaller and there was less emphasis on training, health/wellness and reporting. Expansion is not possible anymore as the entire site has been utilized. The garage space has no support spaces and no additional space for apparatus and storage. There is no separation between apparatus bays and living spaces. All staff support areas are minimal as they are too small, including the bathrooms. A decontamination space does not exist. There are no training spaces. Parking is lacking and cannot be expanded. There is no staging area for trailers or equipment, so they would be in the circulation path. Access has become more difficult with the increased traffic loads on the intersection. There is tight space for required trash, recycling and no outdoor space for firefighters. The adjacent railroad is noisy and the trains stop traffic, which is a public safety concern during a call.

11. Information to date states that the new fire station will serve southern Arden Hills and Shoreview. Will the proposed new station also serve northern Arden Hills and Shoreview?

The short answer is yes, the station will serve all of Arden Hills and all of Shoreview. It will also serve North Oaks, when needed. All of the fire stations serve all locations in each of the three cities, due to the department’s coordinated response process. The closest unit to any situation is the one that responds. When a call comes in, crews respond based on call type and availability of closer crews.

12. Why was Fire Station 1 on New Brighton Blvd decommissioned? Could that station be used for the new proposed station location?

Fire Station 1, located in Southern Arden Hills on New Brighton Blvd, was decommissioned in 2017. The building itself is outdated for use as a fire station. It would require multiple upgrades to operate with the current 24/7 staffing model. It is also is in a poor geographic location in the far southwest corner of Arden Hills, making it difficult to provide fire protection to the rest of Arden Hills and the two other cities served by the Lake Johanna Fire Department—North Oaks and Shoreview. Additionally, the building is in the middle of a residential neighborhood, which would be highly impacted if the station were still in use. For these reasons, a plan was developed many years ago to close that station.

13. Was the Pot O’ Gold site considered?

The Pot O’ Gold site was part of the initial review process; however, the site configuration was not ideal for the fire station and the 2.19 acre site did not meet the three to four acres needed. There also were concerns about the potential traffic from both the Bowling alley/Bar and McDonalds.

14. How does the Lake Johanna Fire Department Board make decisions?

The board is made up of representatives from the cities of Shoreview, Arden Hills, North Oaks and members of the Lake Johanna Fire Department.  The City of Arden Hills represents one vote on the board, and decisions are made by a majority vote of the board.

The three cities rely on the fire department’s expertise to make recommendations on how they can best serve the three cities.  The recommendation for a new station was not generated solely by the fire department. It was made following a needs assessment that was conducted by an independent entity.  The decision by the board to move forward with searching for a piece of suitable land was made by the entire board, not just the City of Arden Hills.

15. How will the station be paid for?

The three cities fund the fire department’s operations and would be responsible for funding a future fire station.  While the mechanics of the funding still need to be addressed, generally each city pays its proportional share for both the fire department’s operating and capital costs. Currently, Arden Hills pays 24 percent of the fire department’s budget and North Oaks and Shoreview pay 18 percent and 58 percent, respectively.

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1. How do I sign up for Parks and Recreation Programs?

You can visit our Parks & Recreation Guide page to view our current guide and/or register online.

2. How can I rent a park picnic shelter, pavilion, or field?

Visit the Facility Rental page for information and rental forms. To check on park pavilion and shelter availability, access the Park Pavilion & Shelter Availability Calendar. 

3. How can I rent facilities at Tony Schmidt Regional Park?

Tony Schmidt Regional Park is located in Arden Hills but is a Ramsey County Park. For rental information, please visit the Ramsey County Tony Schmidt Regional Park webpage.

Ramsey County Parks & Trails

4. What are park hours and regulations?

Parks are typically open 30 minutes before sunrise and for 30 minutes after sunset. Visit the City's Park webpages for information on park rules.

Park Information

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1. Who do I call if I have a sewer or water service problem?

During business hours contact City Hall at 651-792-7800. After hours contact Ramsey County Sheriff at 651-767-0640. If your problem needs immediate attention, please do not leave a message on the City Hall voice mail as it will not be answered until the next business day.

2. How do I report a pothole or problem with a street?

For potholes, fill out a street, pothole, or sidewalk repair request  form or contact Public Works at 651-792-7800 or 651-792-7846.

3. Where should I install my mailbox along the street?

The United States Post Office provides guidelines for mailbox installation.

mailbox regulations

4. How do I find out where utilities are buried in my yard?

Before you do any digging, you are required to call Gopher State One Call at 811. They will come out and mark where buried utilities are and there is no cost to you for this service. See Gopher State One Call Handout (PDF)

Gopher State One Call Website

5. Where can I find information about my property?

Ramsey County has information about property values, lines and taxes. 

Map Ramsey

6. When do I need a right of way or utility permit?

For installation of above-ground utilities or underground utility construction in the right of way (ROW) you must complete a Right of Way permit application, also known as a Utility Permit. 

Right of Way Permit

7. Do I need a permit for work I'm doing near a lake?

If you are doing work on the shoreline or a lot that is adjacent to a lake, check with the Rice Creek Watershed District and the Department of Natural Resources to make sure that you have all necessary permits.

Rice Creek Watershed District Website

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1. Can I recycle clothes and linens?

Yes, please visit Ramsey County’s Donation and Reuse web page. 

2. Do I need to sign up for recycling pick-up?

If you live in a single-family residential unit, duplex, or townhome you do not need to sign up. You just need to place your recycling cart at the curb by 6:45 am on your service day. * Properties south of I-694 have pick-up on Tuesdays. * Properties north of I-694 have pick-up on Wednesdays. The city contracts with Republic Services. To establish an account and services, visit Republic Services Customer Support or call (952) 941-5174. 

3. How do I get a recycling cart?

If you have not been issued a recycling cart, please contact Republic Services to request a recycling cart for your home.

4. Can I get doorstep recycling pickup?

Residents can contact Republic Services to arrange special pickup instructions if they are disabled or unable to get their recyclables to the curb. Reach them by phone at (952) 941-5174.

5. My recycling was missed! Who do I call?

You must have your recycling at the curb on your recycling day no later than 6:45 a.m. If your recycling was accidentally missed, please contact Republic Services online or by calling (952) 941-5174.

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1. Who is required to register?

All rented single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, and four-plexes are required to register with the City unless the owner lives in the same unit with the tenant. Owner-occupied properties are not required to register. If the property owner occupies one unit of a duplex, triplex, or four-plex, the other units must be registered.

Rental housing structures with more than four units are currently not required to register.

2. What is the rental registration application deadline?

Rental registrations must be renewed by December 31 of each year. For new rental properties, applications must be submitted 14 days prior to the property being renter-occupied.

3. What information is required to register?

The property owner is required to provide their name, address, phone number, birth date, and driver's license/identification number. If the property is owned by a business (i.e., LLC, corporation, partnership), the business must appoint an agent and provide the same information listed above. An agent must be an actual person instead of a company name.

If the property owner lives outside of the seven-county metropolitan area, the owner is required to appoint an agent that resides within the metropolitan area.

Please review the application for full information requirements. Rental Registration Application

4. Will there be inspections prior to issuing a registration?

This registration program does not include an inspection component at this time. This program is meant to locate rental units to help with education, maintain contact information, and track rental trends. However, the City may consider a rental inspection program in the future if it is needed.

5. What is the registration fee and penalty fee?

There will be an annual $45 registration fee per rented dwelling unit. The registration fee covers the cost for implementing, maintaining, and enforcing the program. The fee for late registration or for failing to register a property is $90.

6. What happens if I receive a letter from the city but my home is not being rented?

You might receive a letter requesting you to register even if you are not renting your property. A property may be listed as a possible rental property by the city because it is classified as non-homestead by Ramsey County or if the owner name does not match the homestead name. Since these conditions are not perfect indicators of a rental property, some properties may receive a letter even if the property is not being rented. If you receive a letter but are not renting your property, you will not need to register and there is no fee. However you will need to complete the rental registration exemption form and send it to the city.

Rental Registration Exemption Form

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1. How is the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) being funded?

The U.S. Department of
Treasury, as authorized under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic
Security (CARES) Act, established a $150 billion relief fund to aid states,
local, and tribal governments with populations over 500,000 people in their
efforts to respond to the nationwide public health emergency caused by the
coronavirus pandemic and COVID-19 outbreak. Funding has been allocated from
Treasury to the State of Minnesota, and, in turn, the City of Arden Hills as
pass-through funds. Based on eligibility, small businesses physically located
within the City of Arden Hills are eligible to apply for funding.

2. What is the eligibility criteria for the Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program?

In order to apply,
businesses must meet the following criteria:

• Must have a physical location within Arden Hills.
• Must be in good standing with the City of Arden Hills and Minnesota
  Secretary of State.
• If required by either the state, county, or city, must be
  licensed and in good standing.
• Must be current on property taxes as of March 1, 2020.
• Must have between 3 and 45 employees, including the owner, as of
  March 2020.
• Business directly impacted by COVID-19.
• Must disclose all federal, state, or local grant or loan
  applications for which applicant has applied which has been received or remain
  pending at the time of application.
• Must certify in good faith that the uncertainty of current
  conditions makes the grant request necessary to support ongoing operations.
• Business directly impacted by Minnesota Governor‘s Emergency
  Executive Orders 20-04 and 20-08.
• Business
  shall be registered with the City’s Business Registration program.

3. What types of business are NOT eligible to participate in the program?

Ineligible businesses include:

• Businesses
  that do not have a physical address within the City.
• Businesses
  that derive income from passive investments without operational ties to
  operating businesses within the City; real estate transactions; property
  rentals or property management. 
• Businesses
  that primarily focus in on speculative activities based on fluctuations in
  price rather than the normal course of trade.
• Businesses
  that primarily generate income from gambling activities.
• Businesses
  that engage in activities prohibited by law.
• Businesses
  that have no current or historical financial statements.
• Businesses
  that earn revenue from pyramid schemes, lending services and/or day
  trading/short term investments.
• Businesses
  that previously received emergency funds from the city during the current round
  of funding.

4. My small business employs three or more individuals on a part-time or seasonal basis. Are we eligible to apply?

Businesses must have had
at least three employees prior to March 2020 in order to be eligible for the
City of Arden Hills Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program. For the
purpose of this grant program, the business must have less than 45 employees.

5. My small business does not have a physical location in the City of Arden Hills, but the majority of the clients/customers Arden Hills residents. Can we apply?

Businesses must have a
physical location in the City of Arden Hills. The City of Arden Hills will use
legal documents to verify addresses of businesses that apply for this grant.

6. My small business only operates on a seasonal basis, not year-round. Are we eligible to apply?

Yes. Businesses must have
had at least three (3) employees as of March 2020 in order to be eligible for
the City of Arden Hills small business emergency assistance grant program.

7. How many employees must I employ to be eligible to apply?

Businesses that employ between
3 and 45 employees are eligible to apply.

8. I own multiple business locations and my IRS 941 will show more than 45 employees. Can I apply for this grant?

You are eligible to apply
for this grant if the location(s) of your businesses located within the City of
Arden Hills employ between 3 and 45 employees.

9. Are there limits on how the grant can be used?

Arden Hills’s small
business emergency assistance grant program provides funding to assist small
businesses facing financial hardship and/or business interruption due to the
COVID-19 pandemic with financial assistance for necessary expenditures.
Eligible expenses include:  

• Commercial lease or mortgage payments
  (not mortgage prepayments or property taxes) for business properties.
• Accounts payable (AP) if the AP is a
  COVID-19 related expense incurred since March 1, 2020.
• Payroll, unless the business received
  Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds or pandemic unemployment insurance (UI)
  to cover the same period payroll expenses.
• Reopening costs or safety improvement
  costs expended since March 1, 2020 (i.e. outdoor seating, plexiglass, cleaning
  products, re-staffing costs, etc.).
• Costs associated with screening employees for COVID-19 upon business reopening.

10. Can I apply for more than the $5,000 award ceiling?

Grants will not exceed $5,000
to cover eligible expenses incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic after March 1,
2020.  If a second round of funding is
approved, a business may be eligible to receive more than the $5,000 cap.

11. What types of expenses are ineligible for this grant program?

Ineligible expenses include the
following

• Lobbying
  for any purpose.
• Certain
  taxes and fees including those that are considered revenue for federal, state,
  or local governments.
• Replacement
  of lost revenue.
• Line of credit to purchase supplies/equipment.

12. Will this grant be considered taxable income?

Yes.
Please see IRS
guidance. The
City of Arden Hills will be responsible for issuing a 1099 for tax reporting
purposes.

13. How will awardees be selected to receive funding?

Applications will reviewed
on a first-come, first considered/awarded basis. Awards will be made to
applicants that submit a complete application and meet the minimum program
criteria. Please note that not all applicants will be funded.

The City of Arden Hills
intends to review and approve awards for several weeks after the application
period closes.

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1. Do I need to sign up for recycling pick-up?

If you live in a single-family residential unit, duplex, or townhome you do not need to sign up. You just need to place your recycling cart at the curb by 6:45 am on your service day. *Properties south of I-694 have pick-up on Tuesdays. * Properties north of I-694 have pick-up on Wednesdays. The city contracts with Republic Services. To establish an account and services, visit Republic Services Customer Support or call (952) 941-5174. 

2. How do I dispose of electronics, batteries, or other unusual items?

Ramsey County has a Recycling and Disposal Guide that allows users to search for the item they need to dispose of and find answers to their questions right away. Start there!

3. How do I get a recycling cart?

If you have not been issued a recycling cart, please contact Republic Services to request a recycling cart for your home.

4. Who do I call if I have a sewer or water service problem?

During business hours contact City Hall at 651-792-7800. After hours contact Ramsey County Sheriff at 651-767-0640. If your problem needs immediate attention, please do not leave a message on the City Hall voice mail as it will not be answered until the next business day.

5. How do I find out where utilities are buried in my yard?

Before you do any digging, you are required to call Gopher State One Call at 811. They will come out and mark where buried utilities are and there is no cost to you for this service. See Gopher State One Call Handout (PDF)

Gopher State One Call Website