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1. What is the phone number for Wayzata Schools?

The phone number for the Administration Department is 952-745-5000. The Administration staff can then direct you to which ever school you need.

2. Can I pay my property taxes or traffic fines at City Hall?

Property taxes and traffic fines cannot be paid at City Hall. You can visit any Hennepin County Service Center or downtown at the Government Center to make these payments.
Hennepin County Service Center

3. What is the phone number for the Wayzata Library or the Wayzata Post Office?

The phone number for the Library is 612-543-6150. Call for hours.

The new phone number for the Post Office is 800-275-8777. You will then get a menu asking what you are calling about. If you want the Wayzata Post Office you must ask a customer service operator to connect you to the post office.

4. Why didn't my garbage or recycling get picked up?

Visit our Missed Garbage Pickup page for more information on possible reasons your pickup was missed. Missed Garbage Pickup Page

5. How do I get to City Hall?

Wayzata City Hall is located at 600 Rice Street E (cross streets are Broadway Avenue and Rice Street) City offices are located at the opposite end of the Wayzata Library and next to Wayzata Motor Vehicles. View our City Hall map for more information. City Hall Map

6. Can I renew my drivers license at City Hall?

No, however your drivers license can be renewed at either a Hennepin County Service Center or at the Drivers Examining station in Plymouth. Call 952-476-3042 for more information. Hennepin County Service Center

7. Can I speak to someone in the Parks and Recreation Department?

The City of Wayzata does not have a Parks and Recreation Department. Questions on programs may be answered by the City of Plymouth by calling 952-509-5200.

8. How do I reserve one of your parks?

Klapprich Field, Wayzata West Middle School’s softball field (after 4pm and during the summer), and the Bell Courts’ tennis courts may be reserved. Contact the City of Wayzata’s Parks Department at 952-404-5366 to make your reservation request. Alcohol is not permitted in any City park or facilities unless otherwise noted. View Parks Facilities

9. May I have a calendar of events?

Please view the city's event calendar. City Event Calendar

10. Where can I find the Chamber of Commerce Calendar of Events?

For coverage of events hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, please visit their website. Chamber of Commerce Website

11. How do I get garbage stickers?

Garbage stickers may be purchased at City Hall for $3 each during regular business hours or by return mail (mail in your payment and we will send out your sticker(s).)

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1. What makes the Blue Bag Organics liners different than other bags?

Each Blue Bag Organics liner is made from a proprietary blend of bioplastics composed of corn syrup and polymers. These are renewable ingredients, unlike the petroleum used to make typical plastic bags that don’t biodegrade. Later, microbes found in soil devour the Blue Bag Organics bags and convert them to compost.

2. Will these bags tear, rip or fall apart easily? Can they withstand extreme temperatures?

The proprietary resin makes Blue Bag Organics bags durable and shelf-stable. They can withstand sunlight and rain. But when they are buried at an industrial composting facility, especially under warm compost soil, Blue Bag Organics bags disintegrate in about 45 days.

3. Under the new program, how do I dispose of my household’s food waste?

On trash day, hand tie the Blue Bag Organics can liner containing your household’s food waste and place it inside your regular refuse cart. Randy’s will separate from other trash at their facility. Then your organics are off to a composting facility.

4. What happens to my organics waste? Where does it go?

When Blue Bag Organics bags are buried at an industrial composting facility, the bags and their contents disintegrate in less than 2 months, turning into nutrient-rich compost that is bagged and sold at your local garden center.

5. What is compostable? What’s not?

Food waste and food-soiled paper are called organic waste because they are compostable. For a detailed list of what can and cannot be composted, visit the Blue Bag Organics website. Blue Bag Organics Website

6. Will the organics smell?

Organics will smell the same as your household trash. Remember, it is the same waste you have now, just separated into containers.

To minimize odors, remember to put in food-soiled paper products or line your container with a paper bag to absorb liquid from food waste, line your container with a compostable plastic bag to contain liquid, empty your container frequently and rinse it out occasionally.

7. Is organics recycling better than using the garbage disposal?

Yes, recycling organic waste into compost is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than using a garbage disposal.

It takes energy and resources to process out solids including food waste at wastewater treatment plants. Food waste can also overload your septic system and cause problems.

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1. How big is the Wayzata Fire Department?

The Wayzata Fire Department is composed of 30 personnel. The department utilizes all personnel in a variety of situations and capacities.

All personnel are professional firefighters who strive to provide the citizens of Wayzata the best services available. The department operates 1 strategically located station that houses 3 engine companies, 1 ladder company, 1 heavy rescue, 1 tanker, 2 boats and 2 utility vehicles.

2. Is assistance from the fire department going to cost me?

The job functions of fire department personnel and services are a tax-funded service and there are no direct fees to the homeowner for a call for assistance from us.

3. Why can't I park in the fire lane? Obviously, if the building is on fire, I'll go move my car.

The fire lane is for fire / police / EMS only. There could be a medical emergency or a police matter that would require the use of the fire lane. If you park in the fire lane, it prevents the aforementioned personnel from doing their job to the best of their ability.

4. Can the Fire Department fill fire extinguishers?

No. We cannot endorse a company or individual, but we can suggest you look in the metropolitan phone book yellow pages under Fire Extinguishers or Fire Protection Equipment and Supplies for assistance. Also, your local department or hardware store usually carries these items.

5. What size fire extinguisher do I need for my home or business?

The minimum size fire extinguisher for a business or multifamily residence is 2A -10BC for every 6,000 square feet of area, and not to exceed 75 feet of travel distance to access the extinguisher. Single-family residences should consider the area they wish to protect and be guided by the vendor’s recommendation.

6. I need to get rid of some old gasoline, paint, and other hazardous waste products. Does the Fire Department take these items?

No. For disposal of household chemicals such as paint, used oil, gas, pesticides and cleaners, please contact the Hennepin County Recycling Center and Transfer Station. They are located at 8100 Jefferson Highway in Brooklyn Park and can be reached by calling 612-348-6500 or 612-348-6509.

The South Hennepin Recycling and Problem Waste Drop-Off Center is located at 1400 West 96th Street in Bloomington and can be reached by calling 612-348-6500 or 612-348-6509.

For detailed information on what is accepted and operational days and hours, please visit their website. Hennepin County Recycling Center Website

7. Why does the Fire Department respond with the North Memorial Ambulance to motor vehicle accidents?

In most cases, the Fire Department is dispatched in addition to the ambulance to vehicle accidents. The Fire Department's First Responders and EMTs are able to provide lifesaving treatment if they arrive first.

All EMTs and first responders are trained in CPR, communications, equipment, first aid, vital signs, patient information, patient movement and other emergency procedures. The department trains in vehicle extrication with cutters, spreaders and the "Jaws of Life" to remove victims of vehicle accidents.

The Fire Department also provides traffic control when needed at accident scenes and responds with trucks carrying water in case the scene becomes unsafe from fire.

8. Why do fire trucks respond to emergency medical calls?

Firefighters are trained as EMTs and first responders. Our primary mission is to provide supplementary support to the Ambulance personnel and Police. With our personnel in town we can often arrive prior to the ambulance and begin life saving techniques such as CPR and/or use defibrillators.

9. When an emergency vehicle is approaching while I'm driving, should I always pull over to the right and stop?

State law, and common sense, dictates that vehicles yield to emergency vehicles that are operating their emergency lights and siren. Emergency vehicle drivers are taught to pass on the left whenever possible when responding in an emergency mode. When safe, slow down, pull over to the right, and stop. However, there are circumstances where that may not be possible (if your car is already stopped, and you don't have anywhere to pull over). Simply stay put until the emergency vehicles goes around you.

If you are blocking the route of the emergency vehicle, and you are able to pull ahead and over into a clear area, use your turn signal to indicate your intentions, and proceed at a safe speed. Never slam on the brakes and stop in the middle of the road when you see apparatus approaching. Make no sudden moves. If an emergency vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction, you should pull over and stop. You have no idea if they are proceeding down the road, or are turning into a driveway or intersection right in front of you.

You are not required to slow down or pull over for emergency vehicles that are responding in the opposite direction on a divided freeway or highway. Do not tailgate, "draft", or follow a responding apparatus closely. Not only is this illegal, you run the risk of collision as vehicles pull back out into traffic after the emergency vehicle goes by.

10. I have noticed a "flood light" blinking at an intersection when fire trucks are approaching, what is this?

This is a signal that an emergency vehicle is approaching and has activated a traffic control system (Opticom) which systematically and safely changes the traffic signal to provide a green light for approaching emergency vehicles. The system is usually set so that the signal is received well in advance of the emergency vehicle's arrival. It does systematically cycle through and just doesn't change opposing traffic's signal without warning. This allows the intersection to clear and helps improve the responses to emergencies through intersections.

11. Why do so many fire apparatus respond to simple incidents?

Fire Department units are dispatched according to information received by the 911 operator. The Wayzata Fire Department thinks over-cautiously when they respond to citizens in need of help. In other words, the firefighters are prepared to deal with the worst that could happen. Discovering that we need more units once we arrive is often too late.

We have learned from experience that it’s better to have too much help than not enough.

A structure fire requires a number of people to do all the assigned tasks. Firefighting teams are assigned certain responsibilities such as fire extinguishment, search and rescue, ventilation, salvage, safety, accountability and rapid intervention teams when firefighters become trapped or injured.

12. Why do firefighters break windows and cut holes in a roof during a fire? It seems that they are causing more damage.

Fire in a building creates a tremendous amount of heat and smoke. In many instances, firefighters must remove this heat and smoke before they can get close enough to extinguish the fire. Heat and smoke rise, so cutting a hole in the roof and breaking out windows in strategic locations allows the smoke to vent upwards, allowing cool air to enter the structure from below. This is called "ventilation".

Venthilation improves visibility and lowers heat conditions for the firefighters inside, allowing them to quickly and safely extinguish the fire. Remember, heat and smoke cause damage too, so ventilation can actually reduce overall damage to a building and contents.

Furthermore, dangerous superheated gasses need to be ventilated to allow firefighters to safely and quickly rescue trapped occupants. The heated gasses can spread throughout the inside of the house and by breaking the window, this prevents a great deal more damage than it appears to cause.

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1. When do I need a grading permit?

If you are doing any earth movement greater than 10 cubic yards (1 truckload of soil) or any quantity of grading that will alter the existing drainage patterns, you will probably need a grading permit.

2. Why do I need a grading permit?

The city regulates filling and excavation work through a permitting process to protect the interest of both the property owner and the community. Grading and filling operations can cause a number of problems related to drainage, erosion and protection of the wetlands, easements and utilities. The biggest concern is related to drainage and how it may affect neighboring properties. We suggest talking to your neighbors regarding your grade / fill project before starting it.

3. I want to have a truckload of black dirt delivered to add to my flower beds, do I need a grading permit?

Probably not. If you have any concerns that your landscaping work may be altering existing drainage patterns, please call the Wayzata Engineering Department at 952-404-5316. We would rather visit you before there is a problem.

4. Someone can give me a few loads of dirt to level off my yard--do I need a grading permit?

Yes. In fact, you will probably need a grading plan, though it may not have to be very detailed. Often the Engineering Department can provide a contour map of your property and discuss the work with you to verify that there will not be any impacts to you or adjacent properties. You may be required to post a refundable cash escrow to ensure establishment of vegetation in the disturbed areas.

5. My neighbor and I want about 500 cubic yards of fill placed on both our properties, do we need a grading permit?

Yes, both of you will probably be required to submit a grading plan prepared by a qualified person. This plan must be reviewed and approved by the Engineering Department. You will be required to submit a written agreement between you and your neighbor. An erosion control plan and cash escrow for surety may also be required. Engineering Department Page

6. How long does it take to get a grading permit?

Simple permits can often be issued within a day or 2. More complex permits may require a week or more to review. Note: Sites that disturb over 1 acre of land also require permits from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).

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1. When does the Klapprich Park ice rink open?

When it comes to outdoor ice rinks, only 1 person can predict when the rink will be ready for skaters: Mother Nature.

To start making ice, Public Work needs a mixture of at least 1 week of really cold weather and frozen ground. After the crews pump 800,000 gallons of water into the rink, it can take 10 to 14 days with below-freezing temperatures for a substantial base layer of ice to form. The base helps guard against warm snaps and is strong enough to withstand equipment during the final stage of creating a smooth finish on the rink.

If rinks don’t have complete coverage, they can be unsafe for skaters and the Public Works equipment may break through the ice. And while weather conditions were normal last year, 5 of the last 6 years were warmer than average, leading to late openings and early closings.

Public Works likes to open the rink 1 week before Christmas and maintain the rink through mid-February.

2. What are the hours for the rink and warming house?

The warming house and skating rink will be open with an attendant on duty, weather-permitting, weekdays from 3 to 10 p.m., as well as 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends and days when Wayzata public schools are not in session.

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1. What is the Lake Effect Project?

Lake Effect is a transformative plan for Wayzata’s lakefront that reconnects residents to Wayzata’s greatest asset, Lake Minnetonka. The project includes six elements:

• The redesign of Lake Street from Broadway Avenue to Barry Avenue to make it more pedestrian friendly with added space for sidewalk shopping and dining, landscaping and a two-way bike lane on the south side of the street.
• The transformation of the City’s municipal parking lot at Lake Street and Broadway Avenue into a Plaza Park. This will provide flexible space for multiple uses, increase green space and provide more inviting places to enjoy beautiful lake vistas.
• Upgraded railroad crossings at Barry Avenue and at Broadway Avenue. To make the lake more accessible requires improving crossings at the railroad tracks for ease and safety.
• The Depot Park area will be upgraded to make the entire area more accessible for people with disabilities, add more green space and inviting places for enjoying lake views and new public restrooms.
• An Eco Park including a restored shoreline marsh that beautifies and improves the water quality of this area. With sufficient funds, the Section Foreman house will be refurbished with a community room honoring the history of the site and an interactive learning center for programming by the Lake Minnetonka Science Collaborative and others.
• Connecting the park spaces would be a meandering Boardwalk from the Eco Park west to the Depot Park. This will provide direct access to the lake and will include ecological restoration of the shoreline to a more natural state and helps preserve lake quality and beauty for generations to come.

2. When will construction begin?

The first phase, the renovation of Lake Street and the Plaza Park, will begin construction in the fall of 2019.

3. How is the project being funded?

It is a partnership between the City of Wayzata and the Lake Effect Conservancy. The public dollars from the City and other organizations such as Three Rivers Parks are funding the redesign of Lake Street and the Plaza Park – everything north of the railroad tracks (Phase One). In addition, the City did receive a grant from the state specifically for the upgrade of the railroad crossings – this portion will also be included in Phase One. The Boardwalk, the Eco Park and the Depot Park (everything south of the railroad tracks) will be funded with private dollars raised by the Lake Effect Conservancy. It is approximately $5 million dollars of public funding and $10 million dollars of private funding.  

4. Who is designing the project?

Civitas, an award winning landscape and urban design firm based out of Denver, Colorado is designing all aspects of the project with much input and engagement with the City of Wayzata, community members and stakeholders. The design for this project has already received an award by the American Society of Landscape Architects

5. What is the area encompassed by this project?

This entire initiative will include almost 3,000 linear feet of lakeshore and over 15 acres of park land. It starts at the Depot and extends east to the Section Foreman House.

6. Does this project include the Wayzata Beach?

No. Originally when the project was being developed a design for the beach area was considered, but the City Council decided to just focus on the current project area – from the Depot to the Section Foreman House.

7. Where will the additional docks be that are part of this project?

As a part of this project, the existing “interim docks” will be replaced by permanent wooden docks – approximately in the same location, both at the Depot and the Broadway Railroad Crossings.

8. How will the Lake Effect Project be incorporated into Wayzata’s current parks and trails system?

As an expansion and enhancement to Wayzata’s existing parks and trails system, the Lake Effect Project is being developed with input from the Wayzata Parks and Trails Board. It is being incorporated into the City’s Parks and Trails Master Plan.

9. Will there be a bike path incorporated into the project?

With the redesign of Lake Street from Barry Avenue to Broadway Avenue there will be a separate, two-way bike path added to the southside of the street separating bicyclists from pedestrian and vehicle traffic. The bike lane will allow bikers of all ages to safely travel through and around downtown Wayzata and then west to the beach and directly across Ferndale to the regional Dakota Rail Trail.

10. How will the area be maintained and funded after it is built?

The total cost for the project includes maintenance and operation expenses for the first ten years of the project.

11. How will this initiative benefit the environment?

Through this project, the lakeshore will be restored to a more natural state and holding ponds will be created to improve water runoff management. The result will be a direct improvement to the lake water quality and ecology, as well as intentional restoration and preservation of Wayzata’s shoreline.

12. What is the Lake Minnetonka Science Collaborative?

This collaborative is a group of non-profits and agencies that came together around their shared interest in serving youth, the local community, engagement with Lake Minnetonka and learning. From that meeting came a vision of engaging youth in experiential, lake focused learning on Wayzata’s lakefront. The collaborative includes the YMCA, Wayzata Community Sailing Center, Science Museum of Minnesota, Wayzata School District, University of Minnesota, MN Department of Natural Resources, Three Rivers Park District, Interfaith Outreach, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, Lake Minnetonka Association and the Wayzata Lake Effect Conservancy. Together they launched the pilot STEM Lake Exploration Camp in the summer of 2018, as an example of the potential for great interactive STEM learning on Wayzata’s lakefront and site of the future Eco Park.

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1. When do I need a grading permit?

If you are doing any earth movement greater than 10 cubic yards (1 truckload of soil) or any quantity of grading that will alter the existing drainage patterns, you will probably need a grading permit.

2. Why do I need a grading permit?

The city regulates filling and excavation work through a permitting process to protect the interest of both the property owner and the community. Grading and filling operations can cause a number of problems related to drainage, erosion and protection of the wetlands, easements and utilities.

The biggest concern is related to drainage and how it may affect neighboring properties. We suggest talking to your neighbors regarding your grade/fill project before starting it.

3. I want to have a truckload of black dirt delivered to add to my flower beds. Do I need a grading permit?

Probably not. If you have any concerns that your landscaping work may be altering existing drainage patterns, please call the Wayzata Engineering Department at 952-404-5300. We would rather visit you before there is a problem.

4. Someone can give me a few loads of dirt to level off my yard--do I need a grading permit?

Yes. In fact, you will probably need a grading plan, though it may not have to be very detailed. Often the Engineering Department can provide a contour map of your property and discuss the work with you to verify that there will not be any impacts to you or adjacent properties. You may be required to post a refundable cash escrow to ensure establishment of vegetation in the disturbed areas.

5. My neighbor and I want about 500 cubic yards of fill placed on both our properties. Do we need a grading permit?

Yes, both of you will probably be required to submit a grading plan prepared by a qualified person. This plan must be reviewed and approved by the Engineering Department. You will be required to submit a written agreement between you and your neighbor. An erosion control plan and cash escrow for surety may also be required.

6. How long does it take to get a grading permit?

Simple permits can often be issued within a day or two. More complex permits may require a week or more to review. Sites that disturb over 1 acre of land also require permits from the MPCA.

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1. What is a Rental Dwelling License?

The rental dwelling license is a document required by the City of Wayzata for all rental dwellings, single through multifamily. The license verifies that the property is registered for occupancy and has met the minimum requirements set forth by the City for rental units. The major requirement for licensing is that the property is inspected for health and safety concerns and that all corrections are completed.

2. How do I renew my rental license?

The City will mail a Rental Dwelling License Renewal Application to the property owner or responsible party at least 60 days prior to the expiration date of the license. The application form and supporting documents must be completed and returned to the City along with payment of the appropriate license fee 60 days prior to the expiration date of the license (April 1 of each year).

Once the completed application form and license fee have been received, the City will contact the property owner or responsible party to arrange for an inspection of the property. You may also contact the inspections department to schedule an inspection to ensure a convenient time. For renewals, an inspection must be made 30 days prior to the expiration date of the current license.

3. What happens after the application and fee have been submitted?

The City will contact the property owner or designated agent to arrange for an inspection of the property. Once the inspection has been made and no violations have been found, the City will issue the Rental Dwelling License. If violations have been found, typically 20 to 30 days is given to correct the violation depending on the severity.

Violations that are considered a life safety issue are given 48 hours. An extension of time may be given on a case by case basis if the City’s compliance officer is notified in writing for the request 15 days prior to the re-inspection date. At that time, the City will issue a provisional license allowing for the correction of deficiencies. Upon completion, the City shall re-inspect the property. Once all violations have been properly corrected, the City will issue the Rental Dwelling License.

4. How can I prepare for an inspection?

Prior to inspection, landlords should review the Rental License Preinspection Checklist. Rental License Preinspection Checklist (PDF)

5. What has changed in the rental dwelling ordinance?

Visit our Residential Dwelling Ordinance Changes page for more specific change information. Residential Dwelling Ordinance Changes Page

6. When is a license required?

A rental dwelling license must be obtained prior to operating (charging rent or other form of compensation) any rental dwelling having 1 or more living units including apartment buildings. A Rental Dwelling License is valid from the effective date of the license and expires on April 1 of each year.

7. How much does it cost?

View the Residential Dwelling License Fee table for more information. Residential Dwelling License Fee Table (PDF)

8. What is the definition of a rental dwelling?

A rental dwelling means any dwelling with 1 or more living units, including apartments. A single family home can be considered a rental unit if any room or portion thereof contains living facilities, including the provisions for sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation for more than 1 family. It does not include hotels, motels, hospitals, and homes for the aged.

9. What is a rental complex?

A common owner of one or more buildings contained within a single development project is considered a rental complex.

10. How do I apply for a rental license?

Rental Dwelling License Application forms are available at City Hall or they can also be downloaded. Residential Dwelling License Application (PDF)

11. What does the inspector look for?

The inspector is looking for hazards to health and safety, as well as conditions that would cause deterioration of the property. Generally speaking, items that violate today’s building code, but were acceptable under the code for the year the building was constructed, would not be cited unless the item poses a hazard.

12. Are the licenses transferable?

Residential Dwelling Licenses are not transferable.

13. Where can I get more information?

Please contact the Building Inspection Department by calling 952-404-5313 or you can also visit our Building Inspection page. Building Inspection Department Page