Common Code Questions | City of Minnetonka, MN

Abandoned vehicles

Storage of junk and abandoned vehicles is an issue in Minnetonka neighborhoods. Sometimes, junk vehicles are a nuisance to some residents, while the owner may be unaware of the problem.

The following vehicles constitute nuisances and are in violation:

Abandoned Vehicle(s): Any motor vehicle that has remained more than 48 hours on public property and lacks vital component parts (motor, drive train, wheels, etc.). Storage inside an enclosed garage or building is allowed. Ordinance 845.025
Junk Vehicle(s): Any motor vehicle that is partially dismantled, used for sale of parts or as a source of repair or replacement parts for other vehicles and/or is kept for scrapping, dismantling or salvage. The vehicle may be stored in an enclosed garage or storage building. Ordinance 845.025

Questions? Contact the police department at 952-939-8500.

Construction hours

Curfew

Displaying addresses

In the interest of public safety, the City of Minnetonka requires all public and private properties to conspicuously display their address. With the high number of hidden homes, wooded lots and dense business districts in the city, displaying street addresses makes good common sense.

Each separate residential, commercial and industrial building in the city must display its street numbers on the building so they are visible from the street. If that is not possible, they must also be posted at the street entrance to the building. Ordinance 1110.015

Questions? Contact code compliance at 952-939-8200.

For sale items

The City of Minnetonka regulates the leaving or displaying of items for sale on public, vacant or private property, or public right-of-way (commonly referred to as the boulevard) which is approximately 10-15 feet back from the curb.

Nothing may be displayed or left for sale on public property or within the public right-of-way. Ordinance 845.010 (2)
Vehicles displayed in a front yard must be parked on paved or improved surfaces. Ordinance 845.020 (3)
Only vehicles owned by persons residing at a property may be displayed for sale on that property. Ordinance 845.010 (2)

Questions? Contact code compliance at 952-939-8200.

Garbage containers

Lawn sprinkling

In the interest of water conservation, lawn sprinkling is prohibited every day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 1 through Sept. 30. Residents may water outside these hours on odd/even-numbered days, depending on the last number of their address. Watering by hand-held hose or car washing is allowed at any time.

Private wells can be used any time, provided they are registered with Public Works (952-988-8400) and a visible yard sign is posted. Ordinance 1200.040

More information about lawn water restrictions.

Questions? Contact code compliance at 952-939-8200.

Long grass and yard waste

The city regulates certain aspects of lawn and landscape maintenance to promote a safe and attractive community.

Lawns and Landscaping

Turf grass and weeds must be maintained no higher than 8 inches. Wetlands, floodplains, drainage ponds and ditches, pastures and undisturbed natural areas are exempt from this requirement.
Wooded areas may be established, but mulch or other approved material must be used around trees to control the growth of grass and weeds. Grass and weeds must be maintained no higher than 8 inches until they are eliminated by the shade of the trees.
Meadow or prairie areas may be established through transplanting or seeding. The original lawn or other vegetation must first be removed. Non-noxious weeds may not cover more than 25 percent of the managed landscape area, except during the establishment period. Ordinance 845.030

Brush yard waste and lawn debris

Accumulations or piles of brush and/or other organic material is prohibited, except for properly maintained compost piles.
Depositing of, or failing to remove trash, rubbish or refuse from any property is prohibited.
Residents may bring branches up to 10” in diameter to the Minnetonka Brush Drop-off.
Leaves and grass may not be deposited or left in the public street or right-of-way, in wetlands, or on public property or on other people’s property.
Wood piles must be neatly stacked and secure to avoid collapse. Ordinance 845.010

Questions? Contact code compliance at 952-939-8200.

Noise ordinance

The City of Minnetonka prohibits loud, unnecessary or unusual noise; noise that annoys, disturbs or injures; and noise which endangers the comfort, health, peace and safety of others.

Violators of the ordinance may:

be given a warning;
be issued a citation and/or arrested;
be advised to end the party or gathering.

If a sound reproducing machine or a loud gathering is plainly audible at the property line between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., it is prima facie evidence of a violation of this ordinance.

Exceptions to the ordinance are as follows:

normal traffic noises
railroad noises
snow removal (if within 12 hours of a snowfall)
emergencies (utility repairs)

Ordinance 850.020

Questions? Contact code compliance at 952-939-8200.

Recreational fire permit

Recreational fires are permitted within the city provided they comply with the following regulations:

A permit must be obtained. Recreational fire permits may be obtained from the Minnetonka Fire Department.
The fire must be smaller than 3’ x 3’.
Clean firewood must be used.
Burning brush and leaves is prohibited.
Burning trash is prohibited (910.010).
A means to extinguish the fire must be provided (910.05).

Ordinance 910.020

Questions? Contact the fire department at 952-939-8598.

Signs

Minnetonka’s sign ordinance is one mechanism through which our community’s high aesthetic standards are established and enforced. The ordinance regulates the display of temporary and permanent signs in order to prevent and eliminate visual clutter from area roadways. Ordinance 300.30 (10)

The ordinance prohibits:

Signs attached to trees and utility poles
Signs within county or state right-of-way
Signs for off premises events, such as real estate open houses, garage sales or other events unless the signs meet the following standards:
- May only be displayed between 6 a.m. on a Thursday until 6 p.m. on the following Sunday.
- May be no larger than 3-square feet, and no higher than 6-feet above the ground.
- May not be within the right-of-way of state or county highways.
- Must be at least 5 feet from the edge of a city street and not block driver visibility.
- Are limited to one per parcel of property per topic, event or matter.
- Must receive permission from the underlying property owner.

An off-premises event is an activity, product or service not available on the premises on which the sign is located.

Questions? Contact code compliance at 952-939-8200.