Show All Answers

1. The surface of my lake or pond appears green. What is it?

It could be algae, or more likely, it's duckweed. Check out this duckweed fact sheet to find out.

2. Are motor boats allowed on lakes, ponds, and streams?

City code Chapter 24, Article 7, Division 2, Section 24-257 states, "...no person shall, on any lake, pond or stream within the city use any mechanically propelled boat or other watercraft, unless being used for emergency rescue or the maintenance of the lake, pond or stream."

3. Does my dock need a permit?

The City does not issue permits for docks.

The DNR does not require a permit to install, construct, or reconstruct a dock on shoreline property you own if you comply with this DNR guidance.

4. Can swimming pool water be pumped into the street and/or the storm sewer?

Dechlorinated swimming pool water discharge is allowed in the street and storm sewer. Salt water pools must be discharged to the sanitary sewer system and discharge is not allowed in the street or storm sewer system. City Code Chapter 23, Article II, Division 4, Sec. 23-95.

5. What is done to control mosquitoes?

The Metropolitan Mosquito Control District performs mosquito control for the metro area. Find more information at www.mmcd.org. 

6. I have new sod or recently seeded my lawn. Can I water it daily?

The City has watering restrictions in place to promote water conservation.

Permits are available at no-cost to allow proper watering of new sod or seeded areas. Daily watering of new sod and seed is recommended for the first 14 days to establish root growth. After two weeks, normal watering should be sufficient for establishing a new lawn. The planting of new sod or seed during very dry times of the year is discouraged. Contact the Public Works Department to inquire about a permit 952-826-0300.

7. Do residential lakeshore property owners pay higher taxes than non-lakeshore property owners?

Assessors study and analyze the real estate market when estimating market value. If the real estate market indicates that buyers pay a premium for lakeshore property, this would be reflected in the assessor's market value. Contact the Assessing Department for more information.

8. Who owns the lake bed?

Check out this link to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Water Law Basics and ’Pardon Me Myth! - Who Owns the Lake Bed?’

Minnesota has riparian water rights. People can be anywhere on the water as long as they gained access to the water legally. Even if the land under the water is privately owned, the water above it is available to anyone owning shoreland. Where the public is a riparian landowner, such as a public road or at a public access, the public has riparian rights. 

9. Who manages the flow of Minnehaha Creek?

Minnehaha Creek Watershed District operates the Gray's Bay Dam to manage the flow of Minnehaha Creek. Review their plan as well as historical and real-time data at minnehahacreek.org. 

10. Do I need a permit to install a fountain?

A permit from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is required to operate an aeration system on public waters in Minnesota. Learn more and apply for a permit.