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1. What are Orono City Hall Office Hours?

Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

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1. Where can I find the Zoning Ordinance?

The Zoning Ordinance can be found in Chapter 78 of the city code.  The zoning map is necessary to determine your zoning district.  

2. How do I know if I need a permit for my project?

Permitting page

3. What is the Planning Commission discussing this month?

The Planning Commission meets monthly and holds public hearings on applications received the previous month. The agendas are posted the Friday before the meeting, and video of the meeting can be viewed during the meeting, or a couple of days after. Once posted, you will find that information here. 

4. When is my land use application due?

Applications are generally due the the third Wednesday of the Month, and if complete, will be reviewed by the Planning Commission the third Monday of the next month.  The official Application Deadlines may be found here. 

5. How do I know if I need a variance?

In many cases, the zoning ordinance prescribes standards which must be met, or processes to be followed in order to proceed with a project or use. The Zoning Ordinance can be found on the City’s website, or you can verify with City staff. If standards cannot be met, a variance is required.

6. How long will it take to get an answer for my land use application?

Most Land Use applications include a public hearing process which involves public meetings before the Planning Commission and City Council. This process typically takes 6-7 weeks from completed application. The Planning Commission is appointed by the City Council and makes recommendations to the City Council; the City Council makes the final decision.

7. My variance was approved. May I start building?

An approved variance merely allows city staff to issue a permit based on the varied standards.  You must still apply for the appropriate permits.  Staff will review your permit application carefully to ensure that the permitted project matches the variance project.  

8. My link to CitizenServe is broken.

CitizenServe continuously improves their service, occasionally resulting in a new URL.  If your bookmarked link does not work, simply access the site through the city website and the Permits and License applications button.  

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1. How long will it take for my permit to be approved?

We work very hard to be accurate and thorough with your permit to avoid issues down the road. Our plan reviews timelines vary depending on the complexity of the project, completeness of the application, and the time of year. The busiest times are March through May and August through October. The two biggest causes of long review times are incomplete submittals and changing plans. Please take the time to prepare complete, final plans for review by our team.

2. My link to Citizenserve is broken.

CitizenServe continuously improves their service, occasionally resulting in a new URL.  If your bookmarked link does not work, simply access the site through the city website and the Permits and License applications button.

3. How can I check my permit progress online?

Log in to the portal. Click “view my requests” and select the appropriate permit. From there you can see if there are comments or if there are documents to print.

4. What are common permit submittal mistakes or causes for delays?

Incomplete submittals: missing building plans or site plan, plans not drawn to scale, unclear plans, etc. Changing plans from Land Use Approved Plans.

5. How do I find out what permits have been pulled at a specific address?

You can find many items using the Search tool in the online portal. Click on Search, chose the file type, and enter the address of the property you are seeking information on.

6. I am thinking of building and/or remodeling, which builders do you recommend?

City Staff may not recommend any contractor over another.  The best recommendations often come from your friends and neighbors.  

7. I have a septic system on my property, who do I contact with questions?

The City can tell you who installed the system and pumping information.   The City does not maintain a list of contractors nor may we provide any recommendations.  The State of Minnesota has a Subsurface Sewage Treatment System Licensed Business and Certified Individual Search tool to assist with what type of specialty area is needed, i.e. installer, maintainer, etc.  

8. Do I need a Site Plan or Survey for my proposed project?

A Certified Site Plan or Survey is required for all new principal buildings, building additions to principal buildings and grading and/or filling project requiring a permit.  A Certified Site Plan shall be drawn to scale and prepared by a person registered by the Minnesota Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture and Interior Design. 

9. I need a wetland delineation, who should I contact?

The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) publishes a list of wetland delineators.  

10. Do I really need a permit?

A permit is necessary to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, or demolish any building or structure, or any part or portion, including but not limited to the general construction, plumbing, on-site sewage treatment system, wood stoves and fireplaces, ventilating, heating or air conditioning systems.  If no building permit is necessary, a separate zoning permit application for hardcover and/or land alteration shall be submitted prior to conducting any land alteration or hardcover installations on a property, including grading, patios and retaining walls.  Full text may be found in Section 86-66 in the city code.  

11. Why don’t I get emails about my permit project?

You need to have an account in Citizenserve and be included as a contact for your project. If your contractor or a representative applied for the permit on your behalf, make sure they add your contact to the permit so you can receive emails and all comments regarding this project.

12. Is financial assistance available in demolishing my home?

Hennepin County offers financial assistance for certain demolition projects that diverge refuse from landfills.  Learn more about the grants including eligibility and requirements at www.hennepin.us/deconstruction.

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1. What are City Hall Business Hours?

OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

2. Can I apply for city jobs online?

Yes, applications can be submitted online through our Jobs portal.

3. Where can I find information about upcoming and past elections?

The city maintains campaign finance reports along with requirements for such. We also provide resources for registering to vote and information about voting locations. Please visit our Elections page for more information.

4. Where can I sign up for volunteer opportunities?

Orono has several options for those wishing to give back to the community through volunteering. Learn more about our current volunteer opportunities.

5. Who can I contact for a nuisance dog in my neighborhood?

Find resources for dog ordinances, dead animals, and other nuisance wildlife.

6. Where can I get contact information for various city departments?

View our Staff Directory for a listing of all departments and contacts.

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1. Why do we have speed limits?

Speed limits create a traffic flow where most cars are moving at or around the same speed, limiting the risk of accidents and crashes. This video from the Minnesota Department of Transportation provides more information.

2. What are my responsibilities in regard to the right of way?

Residents and businesses are required to maintain the right of way area by keeping it mowed and clear of debris. Property owners are also discouraged from doing any landscaping or planting in the right of way. If plantings - with the exception of grass - are damaged during utility work, they may not be replaced. For more information, contact Public Works.

3. What is a right of way?

A right of way is the publicly owned area in a development or neighborhood that extends beyond the back of the curb into the residential or business yard. A common misconception is that the homeowner’s or business owner’s property line goes right up to the curb. It does not. The public owns a certain amount of the land behind the curb (right of way).

The size of the right of way is not always the same for every property. The right of way is important for the installation and maintenance of streets and private and public utilities, including:

• electrical
• phone
• sewer
• storm sewer lines
• water

The right of way area behind the curb is also used for snow storage when the city plows streets. The city administers the use of this area through a permitting process.

4. What is an easement?

An easement is the area of land that lies adjacent to the private property line. An easement allows public and private utilities to do work on approximately 10 feet either side of the property line without seeking permission from the property owner. The only difference between an easement and the right of way is the easement is private rather than public property.

Typically, easements are either included as part of the original plat of the property or have been established through negotiation with a property owner. The easement stays in effect until the easement is no longer needed and is vacated. If the property is bought and sold, the easement remains in effect.

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1. How do I report a street light that is out?

Most street lights are the responsibility of the electric utility company. Orono is served by two electric utility companies – Xcel Energy and Wright-Hennepin Electric. Click on the link to your power company to report a street light out

• Wright-Hennepin Electric
• Xcel Energy

The decorative street lights in Navarre are the responsibility of the city. To report an outage, contact the Public Works Department.

2. How do I report a street maintenance problem?

• For private roads, contact your Homeowner's Association.
• For city streets, report problems to Orono Public Works at 952-249-4686.
• For county roads, report to Hennepin County Transportation Department by calling 612-596-0299 or email the Hennepin County Transportation Department.
• For state highways, report to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

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1. How long will these new streets last?

With proper preventative maintenance – periodic seal coating and mill and overlay – the new streets are expected to last 40 to 50 years

2. Are projects assessed; what is the cost; and how can I pay for the assessment?

No. Currently, city street projects are funded either through Municipal State Aid Funds or by the General Tax levy.  The city does not have an assessment policy for streets. For more information, contact the Streets Department.

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1. Who is responsible for plowing my street?

• For private roads, contact your Homeowner's Association.
• For city streets, report problems to the Orono Public Works Street Division by calling 952-249-4600.
• For county roads, report to the Hennepin County Transportation Department by calling 612-596-0299 or email Hennepin County.
• For state highways, report to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

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1. How do I get utilities put into my name if I am new to the area?

Call our Utility Billing Department at 952-249-4604.

2. What is the water hardness in grains per gallon?

• Navarre: 8 grains per gallon
• North water system: 23 grains per gallon

3. Why are there so many water rates?

The State of Minnesota passed a law which obligates cities to adopt a water rate structure that encourages water conservation. This structure is called a tiered system. The more water you use, the higher the rate. For more information, contact Public Works.