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Code Enforcement

Mission: to promote public awareness of City ordinances and actively address code violations.

What does this mean for residents and business owners?
You will undoubtedly notice inspectors in residential and commercial areas as they routinely inspect properties for ordinance violations and investigate complaints. If your property is in violation, an inspector will contact you.

Does this mean inspectors are handing out tickets/citations for every infraction?
Generally not, unless imminent danger or blatant violation warrants such action. Frequently, property owners are unaware they are violating a City Code. The inspector's initial communication is to provide ordinance information to the resident/business owner via personal contact and/or a letter. This action is then followed by a reinspection to ensure compliance.

What if the property owner fails to comply with an ordinance?
Property owners who do not comply after the initial contact receive a 2nd letter stating the property is in violation. Continued noncompliance results in a 3rd and final letter informing the property owner they will receive a citation if they do not comply with the code(s). Each letter informs the owner of the reinspection date, which is not less than five days from the date of the letter. It is important to note that a conviction of a code violation is a misdemeanor and can result in fines of up to $1000 and/or up to 90 days in jail.

What are some of the most common code violations?
· SIGNS >>> - real estate, garage sale, contractor signs placed on City right-of ways. (City staff collects hundreds of signs each year.)

· PARKING >>> - motor vehicles parked on the street from 3 - 6 a.m. when space is available in the driveway and parking on grass, aggregate, etc.

- VEHICLES FOR SALE - Vehicles "For Sale" or lease cannot be parked in commercial or industrial districts or on public streets. Storage of vehicles or inoperable vehicles is also prohibited in these locations.

· GARBAGE CANS >>> - containers placed at the curb on collection day and not stored inside a building or screened area on all other days.

· ABANDONED or JUNK VEHICLES - inoperable automobiles on private property for 90 days or more and have expired license tabs.

· PUBLIC NUISANCES - examples include accumulation of debris/junk/pet feces and obstruction of public sidewalks and/or streets by tree limbs, bushes, building materials, vehicles, etc.

· PROPERTY MAINTENANCE - buildings, structures and accessory structures not maintained in good repair.

How can you learn more about City codes?
There are several resources at your fingertips. The City of Apple Valley Ordinance Code and Summary of Frequently Requested Ordinances can be accessed on the City web site , or you may call (952) 953-2570 with questions. New residents to Apple Valley receive a packet of information which includes an Ordinance Summary. If you have not received this data, you may contact the Municipal Center at (952) 953-2500 and request a copy.

Content updated on: 15-Jul-2005

City of Apple Valley 7100 West 147th Street | Apple Valley, MN 55124 (952) 953-2500 | info@ci.apple-valley.mn.us Website questions and comments