City of Eden Prairie
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City Code and Policies FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of frequently asked questions related to the City Code, policies and ordinances.
Animal Control/Concerns
Yes, like most cities, Eden Prairie has a leash law (City Code chapter 9.07, subd. 6A).
All pets (not just dogs) are required to be on a leash, not to exceed 6 feet in length, when they are off their owner's property.
If your dog loves to run free, visit one of Eden Prairie’s dog parks.
Call the Eden Prairie Police Department at 952-949-6200 if your pet gets loose or runs away. Your pet will be entered into our "lost file" and every effort will be made to return it to you once it has been found. This information will be kept for 10 days, unless your pet is returned to you, or you request that it be kept longer. Unclaimed animals are brought to the Bloomington Animal Shelter, 9920 Logan Avenue. The shelter's number is 952-563-4942.
Wildlife is abundant in Eden Prairie and can cause problems for residents. Citizens are encouraged to report sick or injured animals to the Police Department. For complaints involving nuisance wildlife, contact a pest control agency. If you are interested in a live trap, contact the department's Animal Control Officers and they will assist you in determining if a live trap is necessary.
Eden Prairie has a barking dog ordinance. Dog owners shall not allow their dogs to unreasonably disturb the peace and quiet of any person in the vicinity. Specifically, dogs are not allowed to bark more than 30 times in a 10-minute time period.
If you hear a dog barking excessively please call 911 and a Community Service or Animal Control Officer will respond. Click here for more information about Animal Control.
- If someone has sustained a serious injury, call 911 for police and medical response. All dog and cat bites, even if minor in nature, must be reported to the Police Department. This includes bites that happen to you, or a member of your family, by your own pet. Once you call, a Community Service or Animal Control Officer will advise you of the appropriate actions needed. Click here for more information about Animal Control.
Fire Prevention
The State of Minnesota dictates fireworks regulations.
More information about legal vs. illegal fireworks is available on the State Fire Marshal website.
The Fire Department recommends replacing your Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector every five to seven years from the date of manufacture, which can usually be located on the back of your CO detector.
Replace the batteries in your CO detector every six months. If the alarm “chirps" to warn the batteries are low, replace the batteries immediately.
The Fire Department recommends that you replace your smoke detector every ten years.
Change the batteries in your smoke detector every six months. If an alarm “chirps" to warn the batteries are low, replace the batteries immediately.
Test your smoke detectors monthly by pushing the test button.
The size of the fire must be limited to 3 feet in diameter and must be at least 25 feet from any building or combustible structure, such as decks or fences. Only wood may be burned, with a minimum of 1 inch in diameter. No brush, yard waste or treated wood may be burned. No rubbish can be burned at any time.
Learn more about Eden Prairie's recreational fire regulations at edenprairie.org/RecreationalFires.
The City of Eden Prairie regulates the use of grills in multiple-family dwellings by ordinance. Whether you own or rent, if you live in a structure containing three or more dwelling units with at least two vertically stacked, the use of any fire or open flame is prohibited on any balcony above ground level, or on any ground level patio within 15 feet of the structure.
Learn more about barbecue grill safety.
If you have any further questions, please contact the Eden Prairie Fire Department at 952-949-8556.
Lawn Watering/Maintenance
30-day exemptions from the odd/even watering requirements are available for items such as new sod or landscaping.
Visit the Lawn Watering and Lawn Care page of the website for more information and an application.
You can also submit an inquiry to the Utilities Division for more information.
Information about Eden Prairie’s lawn watering restrictions can be found at edenprairie.org/LawnWatering.
For questions about the City’s watering restrictions, submit an inquiry to the Utilities Division.
It is prohibited to allow vegetation to grow to a height greater than 10 inches, or allow such vegetation to go to seed.
If you identify a property where the grass is over 10 inches high from June through September, contact the Parks Maintenance Division.
For more information, see City Code 9.71, subd 2.
Licenses and Permits
A permit obtained through the Police Department is required to discharge firearms within the City of Eden Prairie. Locations where discharging firearms is permitted are defined by City Ordinance 9.40.3.
Yes, the City of Eden Prairie requires all rental property to be licensed and inspected annually to protect the public health, safety and welfare of its citizens.
For more information on rental licensing, inspections or codes, visit the Rental Housing Information page or contact the Eden Prairie Fire Prevention Bureau at 952-949-8497.
City Code Chapter 5, Section 5.76 defines mobile food vendors operating within the City as follows:
Food Cart
A food and beverage service establishment that is a nonmotorized vehicle self-propelled by the operator.Mobile Food Unit
A food and beverage service establishment that is a vehicle mounted unit, either motorized or trailered.Seasonal Permanent Food Stand
A food and beverage service establishment which is a permanent food service stand or building, but which operates no more than 21 days annually.Seasonal Temporary Food Stand
A food and beverage service establishment that is a food stand which is disassembled and moved from location to location, but which operates for no more than 21 days annually at any one location.Special Event Food Stand
A food and beverage service establishment which is used in conjunction with special events, and which operates no more than three times annually for no more than ten total days at all locations within the City.Specific regulations address licensing, locations, hours, permissions and operational criteria are available in Chapter 5, Section 5.76 of the City Code.
How can I get a permit for a large gathering of people, parade, march or procession on public property?
A permit to gather more than 50 people can be applied for through the Police Department.
- Two days before you dig, contact Gopher State One Call at 651-454-0002.
To obtain a copy of an Eden Prairie fire or inspection report, submit a written request in the form of a letter to the below address. Please include as much information as possible in the request, such as the date, time, nature and location of the fire call or fire inspection.
Fire Department Admin
Eden Prairie Fire Department
14800 Scenic Heights Road
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
Most requests can be processed within 14 days. If information is needed by a specific date, it should be indicated in the request and every effort will be made to meet the request.Eden Prairie residents who wish to obtain a permit to purchase firearms must submit an application with the Police Department.
For more information, submit an inquiry to the Engineering Division or call 952-949-8330.
A Land Division and/or Combination may be used when two property owners wish to exchange small portions of property or a property owner wishes to split a portion of their property.
Administrative Land Division and/or Combination Application [PDF]
For more information, submit an inquiry to the Planning Division or call 952-949-8485.
Submit an inquiry to the Public Works Department for information about parking sign permit applications, or call 952-949-8407.
Yes, beekeeping is permissible in most residential neighborhoods in Eden Prairie, after approval from the City through an application/registration process. Applications are submitted to and approved by the Police Department.
Section 9.73 of the Eden Prairie City Code provides detailed information about registration and requirements for beekeeping in the City.
Contact the Police Department with questions about the application process and enforcement of the City ordinance.
Yes, keeping backyard chickens is permissible in most residential neighborhoods in Eden Prairie, after approval from the City through an application/registration process. Applications are submitted to and approved by the Police Department.
Once approved, general rules for keeping backyard chickens include:
- Maximum of 4 chickens
- No roosters
- Only in back yards
- Chicken-keeping structures must be a minimum of 10 feet from any property line and 50 feet from any neighboring home
Section 9.74 of the Eden Prairie City Code provides detailed information about registration and requirements for chicken-keeping in the City.Contact the Police Department with questions about the application process and enforcement of the City ordinance.
The sale of THC products in Eden Prairie is allowed as defined by City Ordinance No. 16-2022. A license to sell THC products is required and can be obtained by application through the Police Department.
Guide Specifications for Engineering Consultants and Contractors can be found on the Guide Specifications page of the website.
For more information, submit an inquiry to the Engineering Division or call 952-949-8407.
Submit the Landscape Watering Exemption Request form.
More information on lawn watering in Eden Prairie is available on the Lawn Watering and Lawn Care page of the website.
All dogs 6 months and older are required to be licensed with the City of Eden Prairie.
Dog licenses cost $20 and owners are required to show proof of rabies vaccination upon purchase. The licenses run on a calendar year and are issued for a two-year cycle. Licenses can be purchased online at edenprairie.org/DogLicense or in person at the City Center.
Click here for more information about Animal Control in Eden Prairie.
- Land alteration and engineering permits can be found on the Licenses and Permits page of the website.
Submit an inquiry to the Engineering Division for information about oversize/overweight vehicle permits or call 952-949-8407.
- Online building permits can be found on the Licenses and Permits page of the website.
Parking
Submit an inquiry to the Public Works Department for information about parking sign permit applications, or call 952-949-8407.
It is unlawful for any person to stop, park or leave standing any vehicle upon any street for a continuous period in excess of 24 hours.
For more information, see City Code Chapter 8.07, subd 1 [PDF].
When a snow emergency is declared, all vehicles must be removed from City streets to allow for efficient snow removal operations. For a typical snowstorm, plowing begins at 3 a.m.
Visit edenprairie.org/Snow for more information.
Parking or storing a recreational vehicle (RV) is permitted in the residential zoning district provided:
- Not more than two RVs may be stored outside.
- Recreational vehicles may not be more than 12 feet in height.
- If RVs are parked in front of the house, they must be parked on a hardsurfaced driveway of asphalt or cement and must be at least 15 feet from the curb.
- If RVs are parked in the rear or the side of a home they must be setback at least 10 feet from the side or rear lot line.
- RVs parked outside for more than 14 days must be owned by the property owner.
- RVs may not be used for living quarters or connected to water/sanitary sewer.
- RVs must be legally registered.
- No RV may be parked on any public street for more than 24 consecutive hours.
Your property may have private covenants or agreements which prohibit or limit the parking of RVs. This covenant or agreement would supersede the City regulations.
Private Property
- Eden Prairie City Code allows for up to four garage sales in a 12-month period for no more than four days each. One temporary sign of not more than 6 square feet is allowed at the site of the garage sale, and two temporary directional signs of not more than 6 square feet are allowed off site. Signs may not be placed in the street right-of-way. For more information, see City Code Chapter 11.03, subd 3.L and Chapter 11.70, subd 3.Y.
No permits are required for construction of fences. The maximum height for a fence is 7 feet. Fences may be located up to a property line. However if the fence is placed up to the lot line you may need to go on your neighbor’s property for installation, repairs or maintenance. The fence may be placed several feet away from your property line if you desire to have the area for maintenance purposes.
If a fence is placed on the corner of a lot that abuts an intersection or abuts a street – Public Right-of-Way – contact the Engineering Division at 952-949-8339 and request an appointment for a sight line distance review. The fence will need to be placed or setback to allow for safe views and not block pedestrian or vehicular views at an intersection.\
It is suggested to have a copy of the property survey prior to fence installation to indicate locations of lot lines. The curb line is not the property line. The City has no architectural control standards for fences. Private covenants and restrictions through a homeowner's association may prohibit fences or indicate some architectural controls. Should the City or a public service utility have to enter a drainage and utility easement, the City or service utility may not be responsible for replacement of the fence in all cases.
Contact Gopher State One Call at 651-454-0002 before you dig!
A home business may occur in the Rural, Single Family or Multiple zoning districts provided the following code regulations are maintained:
- A home business shall be conducted in a dwelling and shall be clearly incidental or secondary to the use of the structure as a dwelling.
- No home business shall be conducted in an accessory structure or outbuilding.
- No equipment or supplies associated with a home business shall be stored outside.
- There shall be no external alteration of the dwelling in which the home business is conducted.
- One sign of not more than 1 square foot is permitted which must be 10 feet from the property line. No off-site signs are permitted.
- The home business shall be carried on only by members of a family residing in the dwelling and not more than one non-resident of the dwelling.
- Not more than one truck of more than ¾-ton capacity associated with a home business and no semi-trailers may be stored on site.
Outdoor in-ground swimming pools are required to have a fence surrounding the pool of at least 4 feet in height and a maximum height of 7 feet. The fence must be located at least 4 feet from the pool’s edge. The bottom of the fence or wall around the pool shall be no higher than 4 inches above the surface of the ground.
Fence openings or points of entry to the pool area shall be equipped with self-closing and self-latching lockable gates. Temporary fences are required during construction if the pool is not yet secured in a fenced area.
Contact Gopher State One Call at 651-454-0002 before you dig!- Vegetation cutting, clearing or planting, including mowing removing trees or shrubs; the disposal of yard waste or other vegetation including compost piles; and the placement of any irrigation system, landscaping plants, retaining walls or fencing, etc. on City property. For more information, see City Code Chapter 9.04.
- In the residential R1 zoning districts all driveways must be cement or asphalt. The driveway must be at least 3 feet from a side lot line and shall not cross the extension of a property line to the curb line.
There is typically 10 to 12 feet from the back of the curb to your lot line. It is suggested a driveway not be placed in the drainage and utility easement of your property as utility lines including cable TV, electric, sewer, water and gas may be in the easement area.
No permit is required to install or replace a driveway unless a new curb cut is being created. Circular driveways with two street entrances are permitted provided there is no conflict at the street intersections. Crushed rock or stone is not a permitted driveway surface. Residential structures and accessory structures which include sheds, pools, outbuildings, play structures and gazebos, are subject to specific setbacks from a lot line based on the zoning district your property is located. All structure setbacks are taken from the property line. The setback from a front, rear or side yard may vary based on the zoning district in which your property in located.
To find out what your property is zoned and what the required setbacks are, contact the Planning Division during business hours at 952-949-8485.
Seasonal Concerns - Fall/Winter
- The City of Eden Prairie does not set hours for trick or treating on Halloween; however, families are encouraged to trick-or-treat before dusk when visibility is greater. If children are trick-or-treating after dark, they should be accompanied by an adult and reflective devices or flashlights should be used to ensure safety.
When a snow emergency is declared, all vehicles must be removed from City streets to allow for efficient snow removal operations. For a typical snowstorm, plowing begins at 3 a.m.
Visit edenprairie.org/Snow for more information.
- Used as an off-leash dog area during the spring, summer and fall the ski trails at Staring Lake serves as a beautiful place for cross country skiing in the winter. The trails are groomed by Eden Prairie High School after each significant snowfall and available weather permitting.
Please note: The trails are often used by the Eden Prairie High School Nordic Ski Team for both practices and ski meets.
Visit the Staring Lake Sledding Hill and Ski Trails page to find more information, including a map of trails.
The City of Eden Prairie's outdoor skating rinks open late December and close mid-February. Rinks are flooded and swept daily.
Visit the Skating Rinks page to find location information, hours and more.
The 700-foot Staring Lake Sledding Hill opens in December (start of school winter break) and remains open until mid-February, depending on weather.
Visit the Staring Lake Sledding Hill and Ski Trails page to find location information, hours and more.
The Park Maintenance Division is responsible for keeping sidewalks and trails free of snow.
Check out the Snow Removal page to learn more about the removal of snow on City streets.
For more information, submit an inquiry to the Parks Maintenance Division.
The City plows all streets in Eden Prairie, with the exception of state highways, county roads and private streets with neighborhood associations.
Visit the Snow Removal page for more information.
Seasonal Concerns - Spring/Summer
30-day exemptions from the odd/even watering requirements are available for items such as new sod or landscaping.
Visit the Lawn Watering and Lawn Care page of the website for more information and an application.
You can also submit an inquiry to the Utilities Division for more information.
Information about Eden Prairie’s lawn watering restrictions can be found at edenprairie.org/LawnWatering.
For questions about the City’s watering restrictions, submit an inquiry to the Utilities Division.
- Eden Prairie City Code allows for up to four garage sales in a 12-month period for no more than four days each. One temporary sign of not more than 6 square feet is allowed at the site of the garage sale, and two temporary directional signs of not more than 6 square feet are allowed off site. Signs may not be placed in the street right-of-way. For more information, see City Code Chapter 11.03, subd 3.L and Chapter 11.70, subd 3.Y.
It is prohibited to allow vegetation to grow to a height greater than 10 inches, or allow such vegetation to go to seed.
If you identify a property where the grass is over 10 inches high from June through September, contact the Parks Maintenance Division.
For more information, see City Code 9.71, subd 2.
The size of the fire must be limited to 3 feet in diameter and must be at least 25 feet from any building or combustible structure, such as decks or fences. Only wood may be burned, with a minimum of 1 inch in diameter. No brush, yard waste or treated wood may be burned. No rubbish can be burned at any time.
Learn more about Eden Prairie's recreational fire regulations at edenprairie.org/RecreationalFires.
The City of Eden Prairie regulates the use of grills in multiple-family dwellings by ordinance. Whether you own or rent, if you live in a structure containing three or more dwelling units with at least two vertically stacked, the use of any fire or open flame is prohibited on any balcony above ground level, or on any ground level patio within 15 feet of the structure.
Learn more about barbecue grill safety.
If you have any further questions, please contact the Eden Prairie Fire Department at 952-949-8556.
Submit the Landscape Watering Exemption Request form.
More information on lawn watering in Eden Prairie is available on the Lawn Watering and Lawn Care page of the website.
Contact your waste hauler to find out if curbside yard waste pickup is available. A complete list of waste haulers can be found at edenprairie.org/SolidWaste.
The City operates a seasonal Yard Waste Site at 9811 Flying Cloud Drive. Learn more at edenprairie.org/YardWaste.
Hennepin County does not accept yard waste at its drop-off facilities. However, a list of additional yard waste drop-off sites is available at hennepin.us/YardWaste.
- Before you plant any trees or shrubs on your property, locate any underground utilities by calling Gopher State One Call at 651-454-0002.
No plant material may be placed in a street right-of-way which is usually 10 to 15 feet from the back of the curb. Plant material may not interfere with traffic sight lines.
If trees or shrubs are placed in the drainage and utility easement they may be trimmed or removed by the City or public utility service.
Your lot may have a Conservation Easement. Please contact the City Forestry Technician at 952-949-8445 to determine if your property has a Conservation Easement. No plant material may be placed in or removed from a Conservation Easement area.
Plant trees or shrubs in locations where maintenance can occur within your property.
Signs
- One temporary garage sale sign of 6-square-feet may be place on the lot where the sale is occurring. Two off-site signs of 6-square-feet each may be placed on private property one day prior to the garage sale and removed one day after the garage sale. No sign shall be up for more than five days.
Signs may not be placed in public right-of-way. City crews may remove signs if placed in public right-of-way. It is suggested you request permission from the lot owner where a sign is to be placed. Signs may not be attached to utility poles, street sign posts, utility boxes or street light posts. Temporary Real Estate Sign Regulations
- Two off-site signs may be placed on private property from 10 p.m. on Friday to 6 a.m. on Monday.
- Signs may not be greater than 6 square feet. Maximum height for a sign is 6 feet.
- Each sign shall have the name and telephone number of the owner of the sign.
- A sign may not be placed more than 2 miles from the property being sold or leased.
Remember there is usually 10 feet from the back of the curb to a property line. - Signs placed in a public Right-of-Way may be removed by City crews.
Areas where sidewalks or trails exist, or close to street pole names/stop signs are public rights-of-way.
Snow Removal
The Park Maintenance Division is responsible for keeping sidewalks and trails free of snow.
Check out the Snow Removal page to learn more about the removal of snow on City streets.
For more information, submit an inquiry to the Parks Maintenance Division.
The City plows all streets in Eden Prairie, with the exception of state highways, county roads and private streets with neighborhood associations.
Visit the Snow Removal page for more information.
Storage
- Storage containers for single-family and multi-family dwellings, and commercial establishments must be stored at least 20 feet from the property line
- Storage containers stored in a front yard must be screened from the public street with an opaque fence or landscaping evergreens
- Containers stored to the side or behind a residence do not require screening – with the exception of homes located on a corner lot, which are considered to have two front yards
- Storage containers for solid waste, recyclable materials or yard waste may be set curbside 24 hours prior to the scheduled pickup, and the storage containers must be removed from curbside within 24 hours after the scheduled pickup
To report City Code violations, contact the City Zoning Administrator.
For more information, see City Code Chapter 9.01, subd 3.
It is unlawful to park or store any unlicensed, unregistered or inoperable motor vehicle, furniture, household furnishings or appliances, or parts or components thereof on any property, public or private, unless housed within a building.
To report City Code violations, contact the City Zoning Administrator.
For more information, see City Code Chapter 9.37.