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1. What are the water restrictions?

Lawn watering is prohibited May 1 through September 30 between 11 am and 6 pm. This applies to all residential, business, and commercial municipal services, private wells, ponds, and lakes. Water restrictions do not apply to hand watering and children's water toys that are attended, vehicle washing, or newly laid sod and trees planted during the calendar year. Additional water restrictions may be implemented if necessary. Water restrictions were implemented to enhance water conservation, environmental stewardship, and to comply with state regulations.

2. What are some of the most common code violations?

SIGNS - real estate, garage sale, and contractor signs placed on city right-of ways. (City staff collect hundreds of signs each year).

GARAGE SALES - garage sales are limited to three (3) consecutive days and not to exceed three (3) events per calendar year, per residence.

PARKING - motor vehicles parked on the street from 3 am to 6 am 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 not stored inside a building or screened area.

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.

3. How long or how often can I have a garage sale?

Garage sales are limited to three (3) consecutive days and not to exceed three (3) events per calendar year, per residence.

4. 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 $1,000 and/or up to 90 days in jail.

5. There’s vacant property in my neighborhood that has overgrown grass and weeds; is this a violation and who should be contacted?

Ordinance 94.36 states: All property owners within the city shall remove, cut, dispose, and prevent the growth of weeds, grasses, and rank vegetation or other uncontrolled plant growth on their property in excess of eight inches in height. A violation of this section shall constitute a public nuisance. This section shall not apply to natural areas defined as woods, pastures, parks, bogs, marshes, and agricultural areas.

Please report violation of this ordinance, or other concerns at vacant properties to the Code Enforcement Department at (952) 953-2570.

6. Can I park on the street while my driveway is being resurfaced?

You may park on the street overnight in front of your property while work is in progress; this would include the time required for the driveway to dry and set. There should be cones or streamers along the driveway to make it obvious to city personnel that there is work in progress.

Please be reminded that this is an exception to Ordinance 71.17 (A) Late Night Parking – It is unlawful for the owner or driver of a motor vehicle to stop, stand, or park a motor vehicle, for a period of longer than five minutes during the hours from 3:00 am to 6:00 am.

For violation of this ordinance, please contact the Apple Valley Police Department at (952) 953-2700.

7. Can my landscaping contractor put rocks, dirt, a dumpster, etc. on the street?

This is a violation of Public Nuisances Affecting Peace and Safety: 94.17 (F) Obstructions and excavations affecting the ordinary public use of streets, alleys, sidewalks, or public grounds and 94.17 (Q) The placing, throwing, or depositing on any street, sidewalk, or other public property, any dirt, rubbish or other material.

Certain ground movement activity requires obtaining a Natural Resource Management Permit (NRMP) with the city prior to any disturbance. Please contact the Natural Resources Erosion Control Inspector at (952) 953-2463 before beginning a project to determine whether a permit is required.