What are your hours?
Our hours are Monday-Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Do I need to license my dog or cat?
Yes. Click here for more information and an application form.

I’m just moving in and need to contact utility companies to put the service in my name. Who should I call?
Click here for a list of all utility companies that service Chanhassen.

Does the city provide garbage collection?
No. Residents contract with garbage haulers privately, but must select a company that is licensed to work in Chanhassen. Click here for a list.

Where do I get recycling bins?
Your garbage hauler provides recycling bins.

Where can I take my lawn clippings and brush?
The Carver County Environmental Center at 116 Peavey Road, Chaska will accept them (952-361-1800). They will also take other household hazardous waste. Click on the link for a complete list of the items they accept as well as their fees. Brush Collection Days are no longer sponsored by the City; however, watch for coupons to offset fees at the Environmental Center in upcoming issues of the Chanhassen Connection.

Where is the Post Office and how can I contact them?
The Post Office is located at 7700 Laredo Drive (just east of City Hall) and their phone number is 1-800-ASK-USPS.

What is the phone number for the SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce?
Their phone number is 952-448-5000 and they are located in Chaska at 564 Bavaria Lane, Suite 100. Their web site is: www.swmetrochamber.com.

How can I get a map of Chanhassen?
Click here for various maps that are available in pdf format on this website. Information about purchasing a map is also available at this location.

Where can I find information about my property?
Property information can be found on Carver County's web site which provides links to Land Title Information, Property Tax Information, Homestead Information and Parcel/Plat Map search.

Top of Page

How long does it take to get a building permit?
The average turn around time is 10 working days.

Do you have a list of contractors from which you can recommend a builder, plumber, etc?
No, the city does not recommend contractors.

When you say my deck footings must be 18 inches in diameter, does that mean all the way from the surface down 42 inches in depth?
No, only the bottom 12 inches of the footing must be the required size. You may reduce the diameter to the surface. The sides must be uniform and smooth. Click here for more information.

Do I need to be home for a deck inspection?
No, all we need is the approved plan, the approved survey, and the Inspection Record card to be displayed by the deck to allow the requested inspection to take place and be recorded on the Inspection Record.

Where and when do I need smoke detectors in new homes, existing homes and additions?
Smoke detectors are required for the entire house when remodeling or finishing a basement. Smoke detectors must be in each bedroom, in hallways leading to bedrooms, and on every level of the home. Smoke detectors must be hard wired with battery backup in the newly constructed areas. In existing homes, existing bedrooms may be retrofitted with smoke detectors using battery power only.

Do I need a permit for a shed?
Yes, permits may be applied for at the building inspections desk in city hall, or click here for an application form. Click here for more information about the placement of sheds (or any other accessory structure) on your property.

Do I need 4-mil poly on both sides of my basement walls?
Not necessarily, however, a vapor barrier (typically 4-mil poly) is required on the warm side of insulated walls.

I am having problems with my house i.e. siding rippling, roof leaking, foundation cracking, etc. I want the city to come out and complete an inspection and tell me what is wrong.
The City of Chanhassen does not provide homeowners this type of inspection service. The city performs inspections on active permits. Independent inspectors can be hired to do these types of troubleshooting inspections. Independent Inspectors may be found in the telephone book.

I have a complaint about my builder not correcting things in my house. What should I do?
Builders usually have a policy and time line for corrections on new homes. Always make the requests to the builder in writing. Contact the Department of Commerce at 651-296-6319 if you feel your contractor has not performed per your contract.

Do I need a permit for a fence?
Yes. Fence permits can be applied for at the building inspections desk in city hall or click here for an application form. Click here for more information about installing a fence.

Does your department handle electrical inspections?
No, Electrical inspections are performed by the State Electrical Inspector. Contact Brian Luce at 952-233-8988, Monday- Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. only.

I want to put a retaining wall up. Do I need a permit and are there restrictions as to where I can put the retaining wall?
A permit is required for a retaining wall if the wall is over 4 feet tall. The retaining wall may not encroach in the drainage of the property. Contact the City of Chanhassen Engineering Department at 952-227-1160 regarding drainage issues. Retaining walls less than 4 feet tall require a zoning permit to ensure zoning compliance. Click HERE to view a pdf brochure for more information. Click HERE to view and print a zoning permit application. An encroachment agreement may be required if located within a drainage and utility easement.

Do I need a permit to install a patio or replace my front sidewalk?
A zoning permit is required prior to the installation of a patio or sidewalk. The zoning permit is at little cost to the homeowner and ensures the addition complies with all zoning requirements, including but not limited to hard surface coverage limitations, required setbacks, etc. Click HERE to view a pdf brochure for more information. Click HERE to view and print a zoning permit application.

Top of Page

Are city meetings broadcast on a cable channel?
Yes. City Council and Planning Commission meetings are broadcast live on Channel 8 on our cable system. City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month (meetings that fall on holidays are changed to the following Tuesday evening) at 7:00 p.m. Rebroadcasts of the Council meetings may also be seen on Tuesdays at 9 a.m., Fridays at 7 p.m., and Saturdays at 1 p.m.

Planning Commission meetings are held the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7:00 p.m. Rebroadcasts of Planning Commission meetings may be seen on Mondays at 9 a.m., Thursdays at 1 p.m., and Saturdays at 9 a.m.

Is broadband Internet service available in Chanhassen?
Broadband service is currently available to most residents of Chanhassen through the cable TV provider, Mediacom, or through a DSL phone line connection from Qwest or CenturyLink. Service areas for these vendors may vary. To contact Mediacom, call 1-800-332-0245. To contact Qwest, call 1-877-490-6342. To contact CenturyLink, call 1-866-706-4719. Various satellite dish vendors may also offer Internet access.

Top of Page

Do I need a permit for a recreational fire?
No permit is required for a recreational fire.

Do I notify anyone if I’m having a recreational fire?
No; however, it is in your best interests to notify your neighbors that you’re having a fire. Sometimes the Fire Department receives calls from neighbors unaware of the recreational fire.

What do I do if my smoke detector beeps?
First check to see that everyone can get out of the house. Then check for a fire. If there is no sign of fire, check the battery. If your smoke detector is hard-wired, look at cleaning and/or replacing your smoke detector.

How often should I check my smoke detector?
Check it monthly and replace batteries every time you change your clock for daylight savings time.

What do I do if the alarm sounds on my smoke detector?
Get everyone out of the house, check for a fire, and/or call 911.

What type of Carbon Monoxide detector should I install?
Buy one with a digital read-out.

What do I do if my carbon monoxide detector sounds?
Check the digital read-out on the monitor, record the reading, and call 911. If your detector does not have a digital read-out, call 911.

How do I contact the Fire Department when it is not an emergency?
The non-emergency phone number is 952-227-1200.

Top of Page

Will someone at City Hall answer my questions about trees or shrubs?
Yes, contact Jill Sinclair, Environmental Resource Specialist, at 952-227-1133.

Do I need a permit to cut down a tree?
No, but you may want to contact Jill Sinclair, Environmental Resource Specialist, at 952-227-1133 to make sure it is not located within a tree preservation or conservation easement.

How do I get my landscape escrow released?
Call or email Jill Sinclair, Environmental Resource Specialist at 952-227-1133 to set up an inspection. If all landscaping is completed, the escrow will be released after the inspection.

What is the green stuff in my pond?
Click here for information about Green Pond Scum.

Top of Page

Payment is due at registration. Checks, cash, and Visa/Mastercard are accepted.
You may also register over the phone (using your credit card) by calling 952-227-1122 or 952-227-1400 -OR- click HERE to register online.

How do I reserve a picnic shelter/site for a group event?
Call or email Jerry Ruegemer, Recreation Superintendent at 952-227-1121 to reserve picnic sites at Lake Ann Park and Lake Susan Park. Picnic information may also be accessed on our website by clicking here. Picnics sites are available May through September.

What is the Recreation Center’s phone number and where is it located?
The Chanhassen Recreation Center is located on the east side of Bluff Creek Elementary School at the corner of Highway 5 and Galpin Boulevard. The address is 2310 Coulter Boulevard and the phone number is 952-227-1400.

Where is the Chanhassen Skate Park?
The skate park is located just east of City Hall at 7700 Market Boulevard. From Highway 5, turn north on Market Boulevard and you’ll easily see the skate park at the intersection of Market Boulevard and Chan View. Click here to find out more about the skate park.

What equipment is available at the Skate Park and what are the hours?
Equipment at the City's facility includes a wedge, quarter pipe, hotbox with grind rail, Huges Box, 24 ft. kinked grind rail and spine. The maximum height of all equipment is three feet. Current hours of operation are 6:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. Click here for more information on the skate park, including rules.

How can I report a park maintenance suggestion or complaint?
These incidents may be reported to Dale Gregory, Park Superintendent by either email or by calling 952-227-1300.

Are pets allowed in parks and on trails?
Pets are not allowed in city parks, but leashed pets are welcome on city trails.

Does Chanhassen have a pooper scooper law?
Yes. Owners are required to carry bags or equipment to clean up after their pets.

What are the hours of operation for Chanhassen parks?
Chanhassen’s parks are open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Does the City have portable volleyball kits available for rent?
Yes. Kits include poles, net, border rope, and a ball and are available in the Park & Recreation Department. To reserve a kit, contact Jerry Ruegemer, Recreation Superintendent by either email or by calling 952-227-1121. Rental fees are $15 for weekdays and $20 for weekends. A $100 deposit is required, which is given back when the kit is returned.

Where can I find out about community events sponsored by the City?
Through the generous donations from our business community, the city is able to sponsor many community events, including a February Festival, Easter Candy Hunt, Fourth of July Celebration, Dave Huffman 5K Memorial Race, Halloween Party, and the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Click here for more information about these events.

Where can I find information about current recreation programs being offered?
The city publishes the Chanhassen Connection in February, April, August, and November. This publication has a complete listing of all current programs being offered. Click here for more information about recreation programs for all ages.

Are there any volunteer opportunities available in the Park & Recreation Department?
Yes! We can always use help at the city sponsored community events. We know everyone is busy, but even a few hours make a difference. Contact Jerry Ruegemer, Recreation Superintendent at jruegemer@ci.chanhassen.mn.us or by calling 952-227-1121.

Top of Page

Can I subdivide my property?
The answer to this question is dependent upon several elements, including zoning of the property; size of the parcel; availability of roads, sewer, and water; etc. Contact the Planning Department for information at 952-227-1130.

How is a setback measured?
A setback is generally measured from the structure to the property line. However, since property lines are typically not visible, it is best to contact the Planning Department at 952-227-1130 for more information.

Do I need a permit to install a patio or replace my front sidewalk?
A zoning permit is required prior to the installation of a patio or sidewalk. The zoning permit is at little cost to the homeowner and ensures the addition complies with all zoning requirements, including but not limited to hard surface coverage limitations, required setbacks, etc. Click HERE to view a pdf brochure for more information. Click HERE to view and print a zoning permit application.

Top of Page

Top of Page

How do I dispose of tree branches?
Tree branches, brush and leaves can be disposed of by contacting your garbage hauler, or by bringing them to the Carver County Environmental Center for a fee. Coupons for the Carver County Environmental Center can be found in copies of the City's quarterly newsletter, the Chanhassen Connection, which is mailed to all City residents.

What are the City’s Winter Parking Rules?
From November 1 to April 1, a “no parking” restriction on all city streets is in effect between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. During the daytime hours, do not park on city streets when 2 inches or more of snow has fallen until the street is plowed curb to curb. Violators may be tagged and/or towed.

What if a snowplow hits my mailbox?
If mailboxes are damaged by direct contact with snow removal equipment, the city will repair or replace it with a standard mailbox as soon as possible. Mailboxes should be 42 inches above street level and not extend beyond the back of the curb. Call 952-227-1300 to report a damaged mailbox.

What if my sod or landscaping is damaged by a snowplow?
If sod on city right-of-way (boulevard) adjoining your property is damaged by our plowing equipment, call 952-227-1300 to report it. Damage to boulevards from plows will be repaired in the spring with black dirt and grass seed. The city is not responsible for damage to landscaping and sprinkler heads located in the city-owned right-of-way. The street right-of-way (boulevards) are important areas needed for snow storage during the plowing operations; therefore, it is recommended that residents remove and relocate objects (i.e. fences, landscaping, large rocks) that could hamper or be damaged by the snow removal operation.

What is the small metal disk in my yard or driveway?
This is the water shut-off valve to your home. Seasonal settling can cause the valve (sometimes referred to as a curb box) to stick up above the surrounding ground and become a problem for lawn mowing or driving if it is in your driveway. Please contact the Utility Department at 952-227-1300 to have it adjusted. Do not try to push or pound the valve down yourself as this may result in a leak that could cause costly damage.

Why do I have rusty water and what should I do?
Rusty water is the result of iron separating from the water as it sits in the pipes and accumulates to various degrees within the lines. Any disruption of the water system (watermain breaks, turning hydrants on, heavy sprinkling) can cause these accumulations to be churned up and mix with the water creating discoloration ranging from yellow to brown. When this happens, do not run your water unless absolutely necessary. In most cases, the rusty water is temporary and the discoloration will settle out. If you have rusty water in your water heater or softener and need to run water through your system, let the water run until it clears up and the fresh water has disbursed throughout your system. Before doing this, we recommend calling the City Water Department at 952-227-1300 to see if the water has been cleared in your area.

Why does my water smell like rotten eggs and how do I get rid of it?
Smelly water, or rotten egg odor, is hydrogen sulfide gas that is present in the water. It is not usually harmful at the low concentration that occurs in a household water system. The City maintains a chlorine residual throughout the system that eliminates this smell, but if water sits in any place too long (dead-end lines, unoccupied houses, new developments with only a few homes), the chlorine dissipates and results in the smell. Water heaters with a magnesium anode rode are another common cause of this odor, especially in houses where little water is used.

To eliminate smelly water caused by your water heater, turn your hot water heater up to high for several hours (150-160 degrees). This should kill the sulfur bacteria. Then flush your system, especially your water heater. Also, the magnesium rod can be replaced with an aluminum one, or removed completely. If you live on a dead-end line or in an area with just a few homes, we recommend calling the City Water Department at 952-227-1300 so that the lines can be flushed to assure that there is chlorine present to kill the hydrogen sulfide odor.

Is anything added to the City’s water system?
The City adds chlorine (.2 and .4 parts per million or ppm) and fluoride (1.0 and 1.2 ppm) to the system. Chlorine and fluoride are tested daily and 12 samples/month are sent to the Health Department for bacteria testing.

Does the City have lawn sprinkling restrictions?
From May 1 to September 30, use of the city water supply system for lawn and garden sprinkling, irrigation, car washing or other non-potable uses is limited to an odd-even schedule corresponding to property address, i.e. if your property address ends in an even number (0, 2, 4, 6 or 8), then you may sprinkle on even days of the month (2nd, 4th, 6th, etc.). If your property address ends in an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7 or 9), you may sprinkle on odd days of the month (1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.).

I plan to install new sod or seed and need to water it daily. Can I get a permit?
Permits for daily watering of new sod (14 days) and seed (21 days) can be obtained from the Engineering Department at no cost. If it is determined that a shortage of the water supply threatens the City, the City may, by resolution, limit the use, times and hours during which water may be used from the City’s water supply system. Click HERE to view and print the permit application.

I’m installing a new water softener and need to know how hard the water is.
The total hardness of the water is about 23 grains.

Top of Page

How can I receive a copy of a report or access other law enforcement records?
Contact the Sheriff's Office Records Division at 952-361-1212.

How do I remain anonymous when reporting an incident?
When reporting an incident to law enforcement you may elect to remain anonymous by stating so to the dispatcher answering your call. Keep in mind that law enforcement authority is more restricted when responding to anonymous calls. For example, if you were to remain anonymous while reporting a possible drunk driver, an officer would not be able to stop the vehicle unless the officer witnesses driving behavior allowing a stop. If you were to give your name and identifying information, an officer could stop the vehicle based on what you witnessed.

How do I obtain a permit to purchase a handgun?
Contact the Carver County Sheriff's Department at 952-361-1212.

How do I license my cat or dog, or obtain a kennel permit?
Licenses and kennel permits can be applied for at city hall or click here for more information and to download the application forms. A private kennel permit is required whenever more than two(2) dogs, or a combination of more than four (4) cats and/or dogs, are housed at a private residence.

Is there always a law enforcement officer at city hall?
No. Deputies assigned to Chanhassen use offices and parking areas provided for them at city hall. However, often there is not a deputy at city hall, even if squad cars are parked in the lot. Driving to city hall to contact a deputy is not recommended. Instead, use 911, or call the Sheriff's Communications at 952-361-1231. A deputy can return your call, arrange to meet you, or drive to your location in Chanhassen.

• Ages under 12 years:
  9 p.m. - 5 a.m. Sunday-Thursday
  10 p.m. - 5 a.m. Friday & Saturday

• Ages 12- 14 years:
  10 p.m. - 5 a.m. Sunday-Thursday
  11 p.m. - 5 a.m. Friday & Saturday

• Ages 15 - 17 years:
  11 p.m. - 5 a.m. Sunday - Thursday
  12:01 a.m. - 5 a.m. Friday & Saturday

Top of Page

At what age may I participate in Senior Center activities?
Age 55 years.

Do I need to be a resident of Chanhassen to attend the Senior Center?
No. All residents from surrounding communities are welcomed.

Is there a membership fee?
No.

Where can I find information regarding the Senior Center?
You will find information in several locations. Click here for more information on the web. Additionally, look for the weekly Senior News in the Chanhassen Villager newspaper, and the Senior Center section of the Chanhassen Connection that is mailed to all residents quarterly. Also, the Senior Center mails out a newsletter (every other month) that lists current information and activities. To be placed on the mailing list, call the Senior Center at 952-227-1125.

Where can I find transportation for social and medical appointments?
Carver County Transit (C.A.R.T.) provides busing to metro area shopping, adult daycare service, senior dining transportation, and medical appointment transportation. Contact them at 952-496-8341. Additionally, Southwest Transit provides transportation to local shopping and attractions. They may be reached at 952-949-2287.

Top of Page

How can I pay my utility bill?
The City of Chanhassen offers a few options to pay your quarterly utility bill:

• Payment is accepted by check or cash, in person or by mail
• Auto-withdrawal from your checking or savings account (ACH). By signing up for the city's ACH program, the amount of your bill will automatically be deducted from your checking or savings account on the due date each quarter. Click HERE to download the form.
• Credit Card payments are accepted online. At this time payment by credit card is not available by phone or stopping into city hall. To pay by credit card, click HERE to sign up. This option is available to our residents effective April 17, 2008

Water is charged by actual consumption per home for each billing cycle. Since January 2008, a four-tier billing system has been implemented:

• Fixed rate of $5.00 for any household connected to city water
• 1,000-5,000 gallons of water is $1.00 per 1,000 gallons
• 5,001-25,000 gallons is $2.00 per 1,000 gallons
• 25,001-50,000 gallons is $2.49 per 1,000 gallons
• Over 50,001 gallons is $2.89 per 1,000 gallons
• Sewer is charged based on actual water consumption or the first quarterly bill's water use, whichever is less.
• The first 5,000 gallons is a minimum charge of $19.45
• Over 5,001 gallons is $3.78 per 1,000 gallons
• Water Test is for mandated water quality testing procedures throughout the city implemented by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The city charges $8 per year for every water connection to cover our costs of the increased testing. This testing includes sending random samples to the state every week to be tested for bacteria, and once a year for lead and copper.
• Storm Water is to help pay for the maintenance, monitoring and improvements for the lakes, creeks and wetlands found in Chanhassen. This is a flat rate each quarter of $8.77 for each residential property in Chanhassen. The storm water fees for commercial/industrial rate are based on lot size and hard-surface coverage, which generates runoff.

What services am I being billed for?

• Water, if connected to city water
• Sanitary Sewer, if connected to city sewer
• Storm Water Management, all parcels within the city receive this charge
• Water Test, if connected to city water

• The date the change of possession is taking place
• The address or account number of the property
• Your forwarding address for a final bill to be mailed
The name of the new owners, if available

How does a new resident set up water service in their name?
Call the Utility Billing Department at 952-227-1144. We will make sure the resident moving out has called to cancel their service and take new service information.

Click HERE for information on how to read your utility bill.

Why is my bill higher than usual?
There are a number of reasons water usage increases:

• Is this a billing period that may include outside summer watering?
• Do you have faucets that are dripping or leaking?
• Does the toilet fail to shut off after flushing? Is your water softener malfunctioning?

How is my water and sewer rate calculated?
Click HERE for information on how rates are calculated.

How do I pay my bill?
The City of Chanhassen offers the following ptions to pay your quarterly utility bill:

• Payment is accepted by check or cash, in person or by mail
• Auto-withdrawal from your checking or savings account. By signing up for the city's ACH program, the amount of your bill will automatically be deducted from your checking or savings account on the due date each quarter. Authorization forms are available on the city's website or at City Hall
• Credit Card payments are accepted online. At this time payment by credit card is not available by phone or stopping into city hall. To pay by credit card, please select the link for Online Bill Pay. This option is available to our residents effective April 17, 2008

Top of Page