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Administration

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1. Are the conference rooms inside City Hall available for public use?

Waconia City Hall has meeting rooms available for community use. Rooms are available for rent any time of day; however city meetings will be given first priority in reserving space. Alcohol and smoking are not permitted on the premises. Each party is responsible for cleaning up afterward.

The Oak Conference room has seating for approximately 12-15 people. The rate is $20 / hour. The Maple Conference room can accommodate approximately 35-40 people. The rate is $20 / hour. The City Council Chambers has seating for approximately 60+ people. The rate is $30 / hour.

For questions, additional details or to book your rental please call City Hall at 952-442-2184 or email Lacy Shaw.

2. Where can I bring compost?

City of Waconia has designated compost days from spring through fall (subject to weather). Carver County Environmental Center in Chaska, MN also offers compost as well as other recycling services. They are open Wednesday – Saturday year around (closed Friday in December – March). For a complete list of services, hours, and directions visit the Carver County Environmental Center.

3. Do I need to register or license my pet?

The City of Waconia does not require pet licensing, however we do enforce the following in our ordinance: leash laws, feces pick-up, dogs at large, and noise ordinances.

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City Hall

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1. What is the non-emergency phone number for the Sheriff's Department?

In an emergency, always call 911. For non-emergency calls, contact Sheriff's Dispatch at 952-361-1231.

2. When are city facilities open for business?

City Hall, located at 201 South Vine Street, conducts business between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Friday, and is closed on legal holidays. You can reach City Hall by phone 952-442-2184.

Public Services, located at 310 10th Street East, conducts business between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and is closed on legal holidays. You can reach Public Services at 952-442-2615.

Safari Island, is located at 1600 Community Drive, operated by Waconia Parks and Recreation. Contact the facility at 952-442-0695.

3. Do I need to get a license for my pet? Where can I find impound information?

Access the resource on pet licensing, where you can find impound information as well. Pet License & Impound Information Page

4. What if my pet is impounded?

Owners claiming impounded pets will be charged impound fees. Learn more by visiting the pet licensing and impound information page. Pet License & Impound Information Page

5. What should I do about stray dogs?

Any resident having a problem with stray dogs should contact Caver County Sheriff’s Office, Community Service Officer, at 952-361-1231.

6. Are door to door solicitors regulated?

Solicitation Permits are required for any person, organization, or corporation desiring to sell wares door to door or solicit donations within the city limits. Read more at the online resource on solicitors. Solicitors / Peddlers / Transient Merchants

7. Does Waconia have a Food Shelf?

If you need help or would like to donate, the Waconia United Food Shelf is located at 11 Elm Street South, Waconia. Hours are Monday, Friday, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon; Tuesday and Thursday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.; and it is closed on Wednesdays. It can be contacted by phone at 952-442-3878. Waconia United Food Shelf

8. How do I set up new phone service and other utilities in Waconia?

Please contact each utility provider directly to establish service. See a list of providers. Phone Service and Utilites Resource

9. What are the Waconia Cemetery rules and regulations?

Find details pertaining to the Waconia cemetery in the following resource. Cemetery Rules & Regulations

10. Where do I go for a driver's license or tabs?

You can get your tabs, titles, and DNR licenses at the Waconia Deputy Registrar Office in Waconia at 222 Main Street West, which can be contacted by phone at 952-442-4038. For driver's license or passport questions, contact the Carver County License Center, located at 418 Pine Street, Chaska, Minnesota. Contact the License Center by phone at 952-361-1900. An additional location can be found at 7808 Kerber Pass, Chanhassen, Minnesota, or can be contacted by phone at 952-361-3900. You can also visit the state's website. 

State DVS Website

11. How long does it take to get a building permit?

Getting a building permit helps you to ensure that your project meets safety and building code standards. The city has checklists to let you know exactly what to supply with each application. For building permit information, call 952-442-2184. For building code information and inspections, call 763-479-1720.

New and Minor Construction permits may take up to 15 business days to process once all necessary documentation has been submitted to the city. Remember to call the Building Inspector at 763-479-1720 a minimum of 24 hours in advance to schedule inspections. Have your building permit number available when scheduling inspections.

You will be contacted by phone when your permit is ready to be picked up.

12. Who do I talk to about building inspection issues?

The city contracts for building inspections with Metro West Inspection Services, Inc. The Building Inspector enforces local and state codes for industrial, commercial and residential construction and improvements. Inspections for new construction, decks, fences, remodeling, plumbing, and mechanical work must be scheduled 24 hours in advance. All building code questions should be directed to Metro West Inspection Services, Inc. at 763-479-1720.

13. What are the city's requirements for sump pumps?

If you have a sump pump in your basement, please connect it properly to prevent sanitary sewer backups and unnecessary costs associated with the treatment of storm water in the sanitary sewer system. City code requires hooking up to a drain tile system where available. In all other areas, the sump pump must be hard plumbed and pump water outside to the lawn or street and not into your floor drain, laundry sink or shower stall. Sump pump discharge may not be directed onto a neighboring property. Periodic inspections are performed to ensure compliance with the sump pump ordinance. Illegal connections to the sanitary sewer system are subject to a $75 monthly fine until corrected.

14. How are water meters read?

The City of Waconia utilizes an automatic meter reading system whereby water meters are read monthly.

15. How are utility bills calculated?

For details on calculating utility bills, including information dealing with water / sewer charges, stormwater charges, street light utility charges, and state surcharges, access the resource on Calculating Utility Bills. Calculating Utility Bills

16. When is the City Compost Site open?

The Compost site at Waconia Public Services is generally open from April until November. Actual dates and times may vary so please check the city website for a more detailed schedule. There is a fee of $1 per bag, $10 per pick-up or trailer. Materials collected are grass, leaves, garden waste, and brush no larger than 3" in diameter and no longer than 4' in length. Check the city’s news page or Cable Channel 8 for specific dates or changes in the schedule due to weather conditions.

17. What are the regulations on weed removal?

Any weeds, whether noxious or not, growing on any privately owned lot or on any public boulevard abutting a private property, at a height greater than 6 inches are declared to be a nuisance. The owner or occupant of the property is responsible to cut and remove the weeds from the property.

If the owner or occupant fails to maintain the property, the city will send notification to remedy the nuisance within 5 days of receipt of the notice. If no action is taken by the owner or occupant, the city will take action to mow and/or remove the growth. Any costs incurred by the city will be billed to the property owner.

18. What should I do if I find an unusually high usage on my water bill?

Access the resource on the accuracy of the city's water meters. Water Bill Concerns

19. What are the parking regulations in the City of Waconia?

The City Council has designated certain areas where parking is limited or restricted during specified hours. For more information, see our resource on impound / parking restrictions. Impound / Parking Restrictions Page

20. What are the winter parking regulations?

Review parking information through the Public Safety Department's resource. Parking Details & Regulations

21. Are recreational fires allowed?

Many residents enjoy backyard campfires. Recreational fires are permitted within the corporate limits of the City of Waconia, but certain restrictions and requirements apply. Access the Fire Department's resource on recreation fires for more information. Recreational Fires Resource

22. Does the city have curfew laws?

Curfew hours in Waconia are consistent with Carver County regulations. Anyone under the age of 17 may not be on or present in any public street, park or other public place, or business establishment between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless with a parent or guardian. Other exceptions include travel to and from employment, emergency errands, and returning from school, religious or voluntary activities.

23. Are there restrictions on the use of skateboards, rollerblades, etc?

The operation of skateboards, roller skates and similar devices in the City of Waconia is regulated to certain areas. View the Public Safety Department's resource on the matter for additional details. Skateboards, Roller Skates, etc.

24. What are the regulations on snowmobile use?

City officials encourage all snowmobile operators to observe state and local regulations in order to ensure continued ability to snowmobile in the City of Waconia. Read more information at the following resource. Snowmobiles, boating, etc.

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Fire Department

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1. How do I contact the Fire Department when it is not an emergency?

The non-emergency phone number is 952-442-2316

2. How many calls does the Fire Department answer each year?

In 2020, the Fire Department had 601 calls. Calls have been slightly increasing over the past several years. The high call volume in 2019 was due a response change that has since been modified. 

Call Volume per Year

3. Is there a charge for false alarms?

There is a charge for false alarms after the 3rd false alarm in a 12-month period. The fees are in section 1100 of the city ordinances.

Section 1100 of the city ordinances

4. Can I get my home fire extinguisher recharged at the fire house?

Effective January 1, 2016 the Waconia Fire Department is no longer coordinating the servicing of Fire Extinguishers. Below is a list of local companies the Fire Department is aware of that services Fire Extinguishers. If your Fire Extinguisher is in need of servicing, please contact them directly. 

• Central Fire Protection 413 4th Ave NW, New Prague, MN 56071 Phone (952) 758-7261 www.fireextinguishersmn.com 
• Nardini Fire 405 County Road E W Saint Paul, Minnesota 55126 (651) 483-6631 Phone (651) 483-6631 Fax (651) 483-6945 www.nardinifire.com 
• Simplex Grinnell 5400 Nathan Lane, Suite 100 Plymouth, MN 55442 Phone (763) 367-5000 Fax (763) 367-5002 www.tycosimplexgrinnell.com 
• Summit Companies (Conway) 575 Minnehaha Ave. W. St. Paul, MN 55103 Phone (651) 251-1880 Fax 651-251-1879 www.summitcous.com

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Law Enforcement

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1. Where do I call to report a crime or other law enforcement concern?

If this is an emergency, call 911. For non-emergencies, call 952-361-1231 and your call will be answered by the Carver County Dispatch Center. The City contracts for police services with the County Sheriff's Office.

2. How can I receive a copy of a report or access other law enforcement records?

Contact the Sheriff's Office Records Division, (952) 361-1212. Sheriff's Office Records Division

3. Is there always a deputy at City Hall?

No, deputies are assigned to Waconia use the office area on the north side of City Hall. The Sheriff's Office use this office area as a substation and often there are deputies that do not serve Waconia using the office area. Driving to City Hall to contact a deputy is not recommended. Instead, call the Sheriff's non-emergency number at 952-361-1231. A deputy can return your call, arrange to meet you, or drive to your location. If it is an emergency, call 911.

4. Where can I drop off expired prescriptions / drugs?

The Carver County Sheriff’s have a drug take-back box located inside their Waconia Substation. It is located at the north end of the City Hall building. You can enter the side door and inside you will see a drop box that you can drop in prescription bottles.

5. Where can I find the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and what services does it provide?

The Waconia Department of Motor Vehicles is located at:
222 Main St. W.
Waconia, MN 55387
952-442-4038

Visit the Waconia DMV

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Utility Billing

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1. How often do I receive a utility bill?

The City of Waconia bills for all utility charges on a monthly basis. Bills are normally sent out via regular mail or email on the last day of the month being billed. The due date for the billing is on or about the 21st of the following month.

2. Why is my bill higher than usual?

The accuracy of the city’s water meters is +/-2% of 100%. If you should experience an unusually high usage on your monthly bill, it could indicate some type of leak in your plumbing. We recommend that you first compare the reading on your bill with the current reading on your meter. The reading on your meter should be slightly higher than the billing, depending on the amount of time that has passed since the reading and how much water you normally use.

Your water meter has a leak detector on its face. This is a black triangle in the middle of the meter which will stand still when there is no water going through the meter. To see if you may have a leak, turn off all the water in the house. If the leak detector is moving, there is a leak.

oftentimes, running toilets are identified as the problem. You cannot always hear or see a toilet that is running and may result in significant usage. You can check your toilets for leaks by putting food coloring into the tank. If there is a leak, the food coloring will show up in the bowl.

Another source of high usage is a water softener, which may be leaking or regenerating improperly. To check your water softener, take a water meter reading before you retire for the evening. Take another reading in the morning, before any water is used. Any difference in the readings should be the result of the water used to regenerate your softener. Repeat this procedure for a week or 2 to check the consistency of the usage. This will verify how often the softener is regenerating. It should not be regenerating every night. If you believe the amount of water used is too high, or that your softener is regenerating too frequently, check with your manufacturer or dealer for proper usage and instructions on how to correct the problem.

3. How can I check that my bill is accurate?

As a homeowner you are able to check your meter to calculate your usage at any time. The meter is generally located downstairs or in a utility room, where the water enters your home. On the top of the meter there is a dial that reads like a car odometer. The City of Waconia rounds down to the nearest 1,000 gallon for billing purposes. This number is listed on your bill under "current" as the current or most recent read we received from your meter.

4. How are water meters read and when are they read?

The City of Waconia utilizes an automatic meter reading system whereby water meters are read monthly. Meters are generally read on the 22nd of each month. If the 22nd falls on a weekend or holiday, meters will be read to account for a 30 day usage period.

5. I haven’t used any water, why am I still getting a bill?

All properties will receive a minimum service charge billing on a monthly basis. The city’s base rates are defined in the city’s fee schedule (Ordinance 1100). Ordinance 1100

6. I own an empty piece of land, why do I still receive a bill?

The bill you receive is for storm water management and street lighting throughout the community. These are charges that all properties within the city receive, regardless of the stage of development on the land.

7. How does a new resident sign up for utility billing?

Residents needing to enroll in water utilities can complete the online Move Form. Submitting the form at least 24 hours in advance will give us time to schedule a final meter read so we can bill as accurately as possible. Any questions can be directed to the Utility Billing Department at 952-442-3107, or by email. Move Form

8. How do I cancel my utility service if I am moving out of my residence?

Access the Utility Department's resource on canceling service for more information. Canceling Utility Service

9. How can I pay my bill?

There are several ways to pay your utility bill. Homeowner Utility Bill Pay Page

10. What are the regulations on watering my lawn?

The City of Waconia implements watering restrictions throughout the entire year! These restrictions include odd-even watering and time of day restrictions. Under the odd-even system, residents and businesses with addresses ending in an odd number may water on odd numbered calendar days. Those with even-numbered addresses may water on even numbered calendar days. Odd-even watering will assist in maintaining appropriate water reserve levels and puts less “peak” demand on the water supply system.

Time of day restriction is a water conservation method that limits watering to certain times of the day. Watering is not permitted between the hours of 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. This method limits water usage during dry periods and assists in maintaining appropriate water supply levels.

Odd-even restrictions and time of day restrictions apply to all city water customers and to new sod and landscaping. Timed sprinkler systems must be adjusted to comply with restrictions. Residents using lawn services should consider these restrictions when scheduling their service. Irrigation tickets will be issued to residents that do not comply with these restrictions.

In the event of drought or other water emergencies, more stringent restrictions may be imposed. If further restrictions are imposed or modified, they will be publicized on cable TV channel 8 and in the local newspaper. If in doubt, contact Public Works at 952-442-2615 or the Utility Billing Department at 952-442-3107.

11. What services am I being billed for and how are they calculated?

The City bills for water, sanitary sewer, storm water, and street light charges. For additional details see the following resource. Services the City Bills For

12. Who is responsible for paying the utility bill?

The property owner is responsible for making sure bills are mailed to the correct address and payments are made to the city. The property owner can ask the city to send a copy of the bill to a tenant or another party. Emailed copies of billing statements are provided for free, while mailed copies are charged an additional fee as established in the city’s fee schedule (Ordinance 1100). 1100 Permits, Licenses, and Fees (PDF)