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1. What is the most common ordinance violation in the city?

The most common ordinance violation is long grass. Per city code, grass cannot exceed eight (8) inches in height.

2. Where can I put garage sale signs?

Garage sale signs or political signs can be placed on any private property with permission from the owner. No signs can ever be on City property, posts, attached to trees, or in the right-of-way. All signs that violate the ordinance will be removed by the Code Enforcement Official. View this short video for a visual explanation.

3. Can I have chickens on my property?

A maximum of 12 chickens are allowed on parcels two and one-half to five acres on all residentially zoned properties in the city. Review Sec 30-803. - Animals, section (d), of the City Ordinances for further clarification and requirements.

4. What are the regulations on garbage and recycling bins?

Garbage and recycling bins are to be placed for pickup no earlier than 7:00 p.m. the night before pickup and must be removed no later than 7:00 p.m. the day of pickup. They must be stored out of sight from the street and neighboring properties.

5. Are dandelions considered a noxious weed?

No; Dandelions are not considered a noxious weed. The City of Elk River uses the University of Minnesota list of noxious weeds. If a noxious weed is identified on any property, a violation letter is sent with an order to permanently eradicate.

6. Can I blow leaves into the street?

It is a violation of City ordinance to intentionally dispose of any yard waste (leaves, grass clippings, etc) onto any street, road, or water resource.

7. My neighbor has a motorhome, car, and 2 trucks in their driveway. Is that permitted?

There is no limit to the number of vehicles, trailers, etc that can be in a driveway. All vehicles or trailers must be in operating condition and must have current registration.

8. My neighbor parks their construction trailer on the grass. Is that permitted?

Per ordinance, the trailer must be on an approved surface. Approved surfaces include: asphalt, concrete, class 5 gravel, crushed rock, or equivalent. Approved surfaces cannot be closer than 5 feet from the property line.

9. I don't like the color of my neighbor's house. Can you send them a violation letter?

The City of Elk River does not regulate the color someone chooses to paint their house. However, some neighborhoods have agreements for these types of items; the City does not enforce these agreements.

10. Do I have to shovel the sidewalk in front of my house?

The City does remove snow and ice from some sidewalks, but not all of them. If your sidewalk is one that is not maintained by the City, it is your responsibility to remove all snow and ice within 48 hours of a snow event. A snow removal map is available on the city website or at Elk River City Hall.