HEALTHY NEIGHBORHOOD CITY STANDARDS FOR RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS Code Enforcement & Public Health 5200-85 th Ave. N., Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 (763) 493-8070, Fax (763) 493-8171, TDD (763) 493-8392 Your help is needed to keep the City of Brooklyn Park a safe and healthy community where all those who live, work or visit can experience a sense of pride and well-being. If you live, own or lease, or are in control of property in Brooklyn Park, you are responsible for meeting residential community standards and neighborhood expectations. Following some common codes and community standards is the first step in being a good neighbor. Animal Pets must be under control at all times. When the animal is off your property, the animal must be on a leash unless attending Brookdale Dog Park, located at 7650 June Ave. Dogs must be licensed in order to use the dog park. While on your property, your animal must be restrained from leaving your property by use of physical means or being in the physical presence of a competent person having control over the animal. (City Ord. 92.03) No more than three animals (3) animals over six (6) months old are allowed at each property. Continuous or frequent barking or other animal noise is prohibited. To report an animal at-large, you must call 911 and request an officer. (City Ord. Ch. 92). City Parks Hours City Park facilities are open to the public from 6 a.m.-10 p.m. (City Ord Ch. 95.02 A 1) Curfew Children must be at home and under adult supervision at night. The following is a summary of the City of Brooklyn Park s curfew policy (City Ord. Ch 132, Hennepin Co. Ord. # 16) Under age 12 Sun- Thurs Home by 9 P.M Fri & Sat Home by 10 P.M Ages: 12, 13, 14 Sun- Thurs Home by 10 P.M. Fri & Sat Home by 11 P.M Ages: 15, 16, 17 Sun-Thurs Home by 11 P.M. Fri. & Sat. Home by 12 A.M. Fencing For information on setbacks, height, materials, finish and maintenance of fences, see the Fencing brochure. (City Ord. Ch.152.263) Firewood Storage Firewood must be properly stacked on a hard surface or be elevated three and a half (3 ½) inches off the ground. Unrestrained stacks may not exceed six (6) feet in height. Restrained stacks against buildings/structures may not exceed ten (10) feet in height. Firewood setbacks are generally five (5) feet from property lines. No more than two (2) cords (4x8 each) of wood are allowed per property. (City Ord. Ch. 152.262) Garage Sales Four 3-day garage sales permitted per year per property. For more info on temporary signs see our Temporary Signs brochure. (City Ord. Ch. 152.262 c) Page 1
Garbage/Recycling Management Garbage and recycling must be placed in durable, pest-proof containers with tight-fitting lids. Garbage cans and recycling bins must be stored out of public view (inside garage or behind an approved screen, except on the day of pick-up) (City Ord. Ch. 98.14) Graffiti Graffiti vandalism is a crime and should be reported to the Police Department for investigation. Graffiti should be removed immediately to prevent further occurrences. Home Occupations A permit is required to conduct a business from a home and all regulations must be followed. Outside storage of items relating to the occupation is not allowed. The sale of products produced off-site from the property is not allowed. One sign no larger than two (2) square feet and located twenty (20) feet back from the property line is allowed. One non-relative employee is allowed. Auto repair and food production/sales are not allowed as a home occupation or hobby. House Numbers Approved house address numbers must be attached to the house, a minimum of six (6) inches in height, and be plainly visible and legible from the street or road fronting the property. (City Ord. Ch. 106.02) Housing/Structure Maintenance The exterior siding, roof and foundation of all buildings and structures must be in good repair. Decks must be structurally sound and in good repair. The siding on all buildings/structures must be free from deterioration or chipping paint. (City Ord. Ch. 106) Lawn and Landscape Grass and weeds must be mowed and trimmed less than eight (8) inches in height. Storm-water ponds, ditches, and steep embankments are exempt from these regulations. Noxious weeds must be destroyed. Placements of trees, boulders, or other intrusions are not allowed in boulevards or public street right-of-away without city approval. (City Ord. Ch. 97) Adequate ground cover must be established on any bare dirt/ground. (City ord. Ch. 106) Lighting and Glare Light sources must be controlled and not be a nuisance to nearby properties as measured at the property line. Lighting must be arranged so it does not produce glare. (City Ord. Ch. 152.112) Open Burns / Recreational Fires Open burns are prohibited without first obtaining a permit from the Fire Department. The burning of trash, leaves, brush and similar items is not allowed. (City Ord. Ch. 1102.3) Recreational fires are allowed if all requirements are met. (City Ord. Ch. 1102.4) On-Street Parking Vehicles may not be parked on the street for more than 24 consecutive hours. From October 15 to April 15, vehicles may not be parked in the street from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m. Driveways, mailboxes and fire hydrants may not be blocked or obstructed. Other on-street parking regulations apply. In addition, vehicles may not be parked: On a sidewalk Within 20 feet of a mailbox o 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Sat Within 10 feet of a fire hydrant In front of a driveway Across the street from a driveway (City Ord. Ch. 72) Page 2
Neighborhood Disputes Community Mediation Program offers free services to assist residents with disputes. This service helps resolve issues in a positive manner before legal actions are necessary. Call 763-561-0033. Noise Restrictions Quiet time is between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. During this time, it is unlawful to produce any noise that may disturb the peace or quiet of your neighbors. Continuous sounds from equipment are also regulated. Nuisance noises include shouting, loud parties, loud cars, radios, fireworks, etc (City Ord. Ch. 134.18) Nuisances Accumulations of junk, refuse, garbage, litter, abandoned property or hazardous waste are prohibited. This includes yard waste and accumulations of dog feces. All garbage must be kept inside a tightly closed container at all times. (City Ord. Ch. 94) Residential Pools Pools or hot tubs over two (2) feet in depth must be fully enclosed with a four (4) feet high fence. The sides of the pool may be used as the required barrier. Snow Removal Snow must be removed from sidewalk within 48 hours of the snowfall stopping. Owners and occupants of a property are required to remove snow from sidewalk. Storage The following items may be stored outside: Properly licensed and operable (non-commercial) motor vehicles, recreational vehicles/equipment, construction or landscaping materials/equipment currently being used on the property, and properly stacked firewood. All other items must be stored within an enclosed building. (City Ord. Ch. 152.262 d) Vehicles and Equipment Vehicles and trailers parked outside must be properly licensed (tabs no more than three (3) months expired), registered to a resident of the house, and be in operable condition. Motorized vehicles must be located on a paved surface at all times. Non-motorized recreational vehicles and trailers located in the front yard must also be located on a paved surface. Commercial vehicles and equipment are not allowed outside. For more information see our Vehicles & Equipment brochure. (City Ord. Ch. 152.262) Setbacks Accessory buildings, recreational equipment, decks, pools, patios, etc. are not allowed in the front yard and must not be located within five (5) feet of the side and rear property lines. Driveways must not be located within five (5) feet of the side property line. Page 3
How to Report a Neighborhood Concern If an ordinance violation cannot be resolved through neighbor cooperation, the city may be contacted to assist in resolution. Depending on the issue, multiple departments may be involved. Complaints may be filed in person, on the website, by mail or telephone. Certain information is required in order to help us follow up on the issue. 1. Provide your name and contact information so we can contact you if necessary or for updates. (Your information is confidential and will not be released to anyone.) 2. Provide the specific location including the house number and street name. 3. Identify the specific complaint including a detailed description and location on the property. A city employee will address your concern, which may include a visit to the property. The city works with property owners and tenants to help them understand and meet city standards. If corrections are not made, various legal actions may be used. Do You Have Questions? The City wants to help make your projects successful and help make your experience in Brooklyn Park enjoyable. Please contact us if you have questions. Important Contact Information City business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m Monday- Friday. Code Enforcement & Public Health Division Residential & commercial property maintenance, nuisance and neighborhood issues (buildings/structures, vehicles, junk, storage, landscaping, etc.), health and life safety issues, home occupations, equipment noise, lighting, signs, general code administration and regulations 763-493-8070 Emergency: 911 Building Division Permits to install or replace siding, roofs, foundations, accessory buildings and decks; and rental housing inspections 763-488-6379 Fire Department Open burn permits, recreational fires, fire safety 763-493-8020 Emergency: 911 Operations & Maintenance Dept. Recycling information, special materials management, streets and park maintenance, and utilities 763-493-8007 Police Department Animal complaints, noisy parties, on-street parking violations, suspicious activities, or immediate health and safety concerns Emergency and Non-emergency: 911 Administration: 763-493-8222 Recreation & Parks Department Recreation programs, facilities rentals, and park usage 763-493-8333 Disposal Contacts Possible disposal contacts are listed below. Please refer to the yellow pages for more options, or consult the Materials Management Guide. Yard Waste Leaves, grass, brush 10" or less in diameter, sod, mulch, etc. may be dropped off at the Maple Grove Yard Waste drop-off site April 1 through Nov. 30, weather permitting. Please call 763-420-4886 for details. Page 4
Tree Debris Large brush, trees, logs, stumps; Christmas trees; etc may be disposed of at the following locations. Fees may be charged. SKB Environmental 763-767-7964 Elk River Landfill 763-441-2464 Junk Vehicles Certain programs offer tax credits for donated cars such as National Kidney Foundation at: 612-337-7300, and the American Lung Association at: 1-800-577- LUNG. Other auto-recycling businesses may remove vehicles for a fee. Appliances, Hazardous and Problem Waste Hennepin County Drop-off Facility will take these items and more. Fees may be charged. Please call 612-348-3777 for details. a license may be denied, suspended or revoked for residents participating in the following activities: Animal noise and public nuisance; Noisy parties Unlawful possession, delivery or purchase of controlled substances or illegal drugs Disorderly conduct Unlawful sale of alcohol Prostitution Weapons Assault Lack of protection or services for minors (City Ord. Ch. 117 & 152) A City employee will address your concern, which may include a visit to the property. The city works with property owners and tenants to help them understand and meet city standards. If corrections are not made, various legal actions may be used. Computers, Electronics, TVs, Stereos, Ipods Recycle- Hennepin County Drop-off Facility will take these for free (612) 348-3777. (Limit 5 each item type per household per 12 month period) Yard Waste Disposal arrangements can be made with your trash hauler, or leaves, grass, brush 10 or less in diameter, sod, mulch, etc. may be dropped off at the Maple Grove Yard Waste drop-off site April 1 through Nov. 30, weather permitting. Please call 763-420-4886 for details. This brochure is intended only as a general guide. Other codes and ordinances may apply. You can reference ordinances at the city website by visiting www.brooklynpark.org Rental Property All rental property must be licensed by the city. If the property owner resides at the home or if the property is registered with a Relative Homestead classification a license is not required. No more than four unrelated people may occupy a home. The property owner is ultimately responsible for meeting all applicable regulations and community standards. In addition to other enforcement actions, Page 5