Fergus Falls, MN
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Code Enforcement
Taking care of our properties helps keep our neighborhoods strong. Whether you are a homeowner, tenant or landlord, having pride in the community and pride in your home is the foundation of a great city.
Every year the City receives or observes nuisance violations. Our process allows owners about a week to resolve the violation on their own. If the violation has not been resolved, an administrative offense with fines will be issued to complete the work and the property will be charged a fee.
Here are some of the most common violations we see:Sidewalks and driveways
Snow and ice must be removed from sidewalks within 24 hours of the snow ending. Please do not blow or shovel your snow onto the roadways. Remove your emptied garbage and recycling containers from the street within 24 hours of the pickup.Parking on city streets
There is a 24 hour parking limit on residential streets. If your vehicle has not moved in 24 hours, you will be ticketed or towed. Please try not to park vehicles on the street during snow events.
No parking is allowed in the downtown business district from 1 am-5 am.
When does the city plow the streets?
City crews are dispatched to remove snow when there is an accumulation of 3 inches or more.
During a snow emergency, crews will work on cleaning the roads to the hospital and schools as their first priority. After the main artery streets are cleared, the city will then begin to clear residential streets, followed by alleyways. The further your home is from these routes, the longer it may take to get to your neighborhood. We appreciate your patience!
What happens if a property owner doesn't comply?
If the city has to hire a contractor to clear your sidewalk, you will be billed for the work. It typically takes the contractor more than 1 trip to shovel/blow/sweep, treat ice and return to clear ice. THE 1 HOUR MINIMUM IS CHARGED FOR EACH TRIP.
Typically, charges for cleaning a sidewalk will be over $200. These are the rates that we are charged by the contractor: (all are a 1 hour minimum)
$60/hr. for shoveling and/or ice scraping
$75/hr. for a walk behind snow blower
$90/hr. for a tractor w/ blower and/or broom
–5° salt $.25/lb, -18° salt $.50/lb.
*In addition, there is a $200 administrative fee included on all invoices. Any additional violations the contractor is sent to, will generate an additional $100 charge. A third or subsequent violation may be charged as a misdemeanor. (Pursuant to city code: § 151.001, 35.57, 154.199, 35.56, SEC. 8.02)
The City of Fergus Falls asks that residents please keep on top of lawn care, and if you are going to be on vacation or your mower is "on the fritz," consider reaching out to a neighbor, asking a friend for assistance, or hiring a mowing contractor. Fergus Falls Mowing Club is a local organize that offers onetime service when people need help from time to time. They can be found at https://www.ffmowingclub.com/
Whose job is it?
The City of Fergus Falls is responsible for maintaining parks and recreation areas, along with other City-owned properties and a number of roadway corridors.
Individual property owners are responsible for mowing their properties, including the adjacent boulevards.
What’s the rule?
The City Code 95.01 requires that all areas not covered by a building or impervious surface must maintain grass to height of six inches in length and noxious weeds must be cut down or sprayed.
How do I make a report?
If you notice a property in Fergus Falls that has tall grass or noxious weeds, please make a report or call the Code Enforcement at 218.332.5434. Your name will not be released to the property owner.
What happens next?
Once a report has been verified, the property owner has a specified number of days to bring the property into compliance depending on how out of compliance a property is. If the property is not in compliance by the specified date, the City hires a contractor to mow, and the property owner bears the cost of the service plus an administrative penalty ($100). Further violations at the same property within 12 month period are charged an escalating fee of ($100) for an administrative penalty at the time the complaint is verified and no compliance period is given before the City hires a contractor to mow. Unpaid mowing charges are assessed to the property. A third or subsequent violation resulting in abatement in a twelve month calendar year shall be considered a misdemeanor.
Natural Lawn Plantings
Looking to incorporate natural plantings on your property that exceed six inches in height?
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City Code 95.25 requires that hay lands and native vegetations obtain a permit
Learn more about natural lawn plantings by checking out the City’s Natural Resources page, it includes a the Natural Landscaping Plan application required for obtaining a landscape permit as well helpful resources.
Boulevard Plantings
Would you like to incorporate natural plantings in the boulevard?
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City Code allows plantings in the boulevard, however they must meet City Standards prior to placing in the boulevard. The boulevard is the public right-of-way lying between the property line and sidewalk, and between the sidewalk and the roadway, or where no sidewalk exists between the property line and the roadway.
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Check out the Natural Landscaping Plan application and City Code 95.25 and City Code 153.05 .
Parking and Storage
All stored vehicles must be owned by a person who resides at the property. All vehicles (including passenger and recreational vehicles) parked in the front yard must be located on an approved driveway or paved or graveled extension of the driveway. Parking on grass, dirt or landscaping is not allowed in the front yard. Vehicles that are not licensed or are inoperable must be stored inside a building. Vehicles parked on the street must be moved every 24 hours. Vehicles that impede snowplowing or street cleaning operations are subject to towing.
Inoperable Vehicles
Junk or inoperable vehicles may not be stored outside. This includes vehicles that are placed on jacks, have flat tires, won’t start, do not have a current license registration or are otherwise not in a condition to legally operate on public streets. Commercial vehicles may not be parked on residential properties except for reasonable periods of delivery or service. Vehicles cannot be parked on grass, dirt or landscaping in the front yard.
Trailers and Campers
An unoccupied trailer must be in a building or in the rear yard of your residence. City Code allows a maximum of two utility trailers, which includes boat, snowmobile or enclosed trailers.
Recreational Vehicles
Recreational vehicles such as motorized golf carts and All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) usage is limited to certain areas of the city with a valid driver’s license and city permit. It is unlawful to store recreational equipment, all terrain vehicles and other related vehicles and equipment out of season and when not in use, unless properly trailered.
Temporary Structures
Temporary structures such as carports and lean-to structures are not allowed if they are made out of products such as canvas or tarps. They do not meet the wind and snow loads per Minnesota State Building Code. Before constructing any accessory structures, please make sure to verify zoning and building regulations.
Lost Pets
If you have lost your pet, please call the Humane Society at 218-739-3494 to see if the animal has been brought in. If your pet has been properly licensed and found by the city, we can often contact you before you even realize your pet is missing.Pet Licensing
Pet licenses are required for all dogs and cats over the age of six months. Proof of rabies vaccination is required. Licenses are good for 2 years and may be purchased at City Hall during normal business hours. Licenses cost $10 if the animal is spayed or neutered and $20 if they are not. Senior citizens are not charged for pet licenses.Leash Law
The City of Fergus Falls has a leash ordinance that requires all dogs be under the control of their owner. Unlicensed animals running at large are declared a public nuisance.Animal Waste
Pet owners are required to clean up after their pets. Pet waste can be disposed of in garbage containers.Barking Dogs
Dog owners shall not allow their dogs to unreasonably disturb the peace and quiet of any person in the vicinity. A dog that barks, bays, cries or howls continuously for a period of five minutes with less than one minute of interruption is considered a barking dog. If you hear a dog barking excessively, please call 218-332-5862 during normal city business hours or 218-998-8555 after hours.Number of Allowed Pets
City Code 6.26 C (1) reads it is unlawful for any person or a combination of any persons who live at a residence, to own, harbor or keep more than three dogs or three cats or more than a combination of four dogs and cats on any dwelling unit."Wild" Animals
Non-domestic "wild animals" are not permitted. Domestic farm animals including cattle, hogs (pot-bellied pigs), horses, sheep and goats are only permitted in R-A zones.Can I Hunt in City Limits?
Projectiles are banned within city limits. It is unlawful to shoot any type of projectile including guns, BB guns and bows and arrows.Trapping Animals
Do you have a critter that needs to be removed? The City of Fergus Falls has an Animal Control Officer is available from 8 am-3 pm Monday-Friday to help with trapping and disposing of unwanted animals. Animals the city will help trap include: dogs, cats, skunks, woodchucks and raccoons. If you want the city to trap unwanted animals for you, please contact 218-332-5862 to set up an appointment for a trap to be set on your property.
If you have your own traps and need assistance with disposal, the city will assist if time and resources allow. Please have private traps in a location that is easily accessible to aid in removal.
Tips for trapping:
Remove attractive nuisances such as bird feedersKeep grubs in your yard under control
Place the traps in an area that can be easily accessible to be covered if need be
Caring for Animals in the Hot and Cold Weather
We live in Minnesota. The weather changes (often!). As the weather turns please ensure your pets are properly being cared for. All animals should receive kind treatment, proper housing from the elements, sufficient food and water for their comfort.
Tall Weeds and Grass
Keep your lawns maintained so grass does not exceed six inches in height. Noxious weeds must be controlled or removed.
Natural Landscape Permit
A Natural Landscape Permit is required to cultivate native vegetation in your yard. Those applying for the permit must provide a site plan for the property, a listing of species that will be used, erosion control measures and a sign must be installed indicating a native planting is being established.
Natural Landscape Permits are valid for five years for a one or two family lot and $150 for all other lots.
Please contact Len Taylor at 218-332-5418 if you are interested in obtaining a Natural Landscape Permit.
Outside Storage, Junk and Debris
Junk, old furniture, garbage, appliances, auto parts, machinery and equipment may not be stored outside or placed on the boulevard marked for sale or as “free”. These items cannot be stored in a vehicle or trailer or simply covered by a tarp. They must be stored inside a building or properly disposed of.
Property Lines
The right of way or public boulevard is the yard area approximately 12-18 feet from the curb. The size of a property lot may vary.
Placing items in the right of way or public boulevard is restricted to ensure safe and efficient vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Large plantings, basketball hoops, decorative structures, fences and other obstructions are not allowed in the area. Sidewalks may not be blocked. Vehicles located in the front yard must be located on an approved driveway or parking pad.
Fences
Fences are allowed in R-A zones when used for agricultural purposes. In residential zones fences are permitted, with the exception of dangerous materials such as barbed wire or electric fences. In business or industrial zones, fences are allowed in storage or display areas and barbed wire may be used at the top of a security fence if the fence is six feet or higher.
All fences allowed in any type of zone shall be constructed of wood, metal, bricks, masonry, plastic, or other materials designed for permanent outdoor fencing. Wood fences must be constructed of cedar, redwood or other decay resistant wood. Chain link fencing of less than 11 gauge is prohibited. Fences must not be constructed from razor wire, plywood or materials originally intended for other purposes.
If you plan to construct a fence, please call the Building Department to ensure you are in compliance.
House Numbers
Every house, industrial, commercial or other building should have a proper house or building numbers that are not less than 3 1/2 inches in height and should be in contrasting color to the structure. The numbers must be visible from the street.
Swimming Pools
Private swimming pools are permitted in R-1 areas if they are completely enclosed by a fence at least 5 feet in height.
When It Is Time To Drain Your Pool:
- Please avoid discharging pool and hot tub water to any surface water (discharging to a storm sewer)
- Pools and hot tubs may be discharged to a soil surface
- Discontinue chlorination 3 days before discharge
- Discharge should be controlled to prevent a nuisance condition (flooding a neighbors basement)
- You may discharge pool/hot tub water into your homes’ sewer system. If you are going to dump your hot tub into the sewer please call to inform the city at 332-5435 when you will be discharging.
Storage of Wood
City Code 6.80 states wood that is not stored or kept in an enclosed building must not be stored in a front yard. Wood shall be stored in neat and secure stacks and must not create a hazard. No lot shall contain more than 12 cords of wood. A cord of wood is 4 ft. x 4 ft. x 8 ft.
No elm wood can be stored unless it is completely debarked.
Leaves and Brush
Leaves should be brought to the landfill for disposal. Leaves kept in piles attract rodents and the city encourages leaves to be disposed of at the landfill. There is no cost for city residents to dispose of leaves or brush at the city landfill.
If there are branches and/or leaves down as the result of a storm, the city requests property owners to help remove debris from city sidewalks. In the event of wide spread wind damage the city may send out crews to help with the disposal of trees and brush.
Holiday Safety Reminders
· Use flameless candles (battery operated) for holiday decorations.
· Keep all vents -- furnace, water heater, dryer, oven, fireplace, and sewer -- clear of snow, ice and debris.
· Make sure all of your interior EXIT paths are clear and unobstructed.
· Keep all doors and windows that can be used for an escape clear of snow, and ice.
· Never leave food cooking on the stove top unattended. (Install a device like stovetop firestop (https://stovetopfirestop.com/) or AutoOut (https://www.auto-out.com/shop)
· Set a timer (oven, microwave, or even on your phone) as a reminder when using the oven in any manner.
· Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from heat sources; do not use your oven to heat your home.
· Be sure to have working smoke detectors in each bedroom, outside each bedroom area, outside the kitchen, and at least one on every level.
· Have carbon monoxide alarms within 10 feet of every room used for sleeping.
Did You Know?
We love celebrating holidays, but they can be dangerous....
· Two of every five home decoration fires are started by candles.
· Fires due to cooking, candle usage, and decorations all increase during the holiday season.
· The three leading causes of fires in Minnesota are all holiday staples: cooking, heating, and open flames.
· Nearly half of holiday decoration fires happen because decorations are placed too close to a heat source.
· Most home fires occur in the winter, and peak in January.