City Code Backup

Section 101

Adoption of Code

Establishes the Municipal Code as the official codification of city ordinances. Covers the code’s short title, repeal of prior ordinances 1–41, how future ordinances are incorporated, revision procedures, preservation of existing rights, separability, conflict resolution, penalties, variances, and public inspection requirements.

Section 102

Rules of Construction

Defines how the code’s language is to be interpreted. Covers plain-language reading of words and phrases, gender and number usage, tense, joint authority, computation of time, use of deputies and agents, filing and notification requirements, conjunctions, and the role of section catch lines.

Section 103

Definitions

Standard definitions that apply throughout the code unless a chapter specifies otherwise. Defines: City, City Council, County, Code, Person (including corporations and partnerships), Property, State, Street, and cross-references to Minnesota statutory definitions.

Section 201

City Water System

Governs the operation, connection, and use of the municipal water supply system, including service connections, meters, and user responsibilities.

Section 202

City Plumbing & Sewerage Systems

Rules for connection to and use of city sewer and plumbing infrastructure, including installation standards and property owner obligations.

Section 203

City Building Regulations

Building code standards for construction, alteration, and repair of structures within the city, including permit requirements and inspection procedures.

Section 204

Residential Numbering

Requirements for assigning and displaying street address numbers on residential and commercial properties.

Section 205

Contractor Licensing

Licensing requirements for contractors performing work within the city, including application procedures, fees, and conditions for license revocation.

Section 206

NSP Electrical Distribution System Maintenance

Franchise and maintenance provisions governing Northern States Power electrical distribution infrastructure within city limits.

Section 207

NSP Gas Distribution System Maintenance

Franchise and maintenance provisions governing Northern States Power natural gas distribution infrastructure within city limits.

Section 208A

Right-of-Way Management

Regulates the use and management of public rights-of-way, including permits for excavation, utility work, and restoration requirements. Supersedes Chapter 208.

Section 300

Land Use

General framework for land use planning and regulation within the city.

Section 301

Zoning Code: General Provisions

Foundational zoning rules including purpose, applicability, establishment of zoning districts, and the zoning map.

Section 302

Zoning Code: Requirements & Performance Standards

Dimensional standards, setbacks, lot coverage, height limits, and performance standards for each zoning district.

Section 303

Zoning Code: Administration

Roles and procedures for the Planning Commission and City Council in administering zoning, including applications, notices, and hearings.

Section 304

Zoning Code: Variances & Appeals

Process for requesting relief from zoning requirements, including variance criteria, application procedures, and the appeals process.

Section 305

Zoning Code: Interim Use Permits

Standards and procedures for temporary or time-limited uses that do not fully conform to zoning but may be permitted under specified conditions.

Section 306

Zoning Code: Conditional Use Permits

Criteria and procedures for uses that require city review and conditions before approval due to potential impacts on surrounding properties.

Section 307

Zoning Code: Zoning Permit

Requirements for obtaining a zoning permit prior to construction, grading, or changes in land use.

Section 308

Subdivision of Land

Rules governing the division of land into lots or parcels, including plat approval, design standards, and required dedications.

Section 310

Administrative Appeals

Procedures for appealing administrative decisions made under the zoning and land use chapters.

Section 402

Solid & Hazardous Waste Management

Rules for the storage, collection, and disposal of solid waste and hazardous materials, including container requirements and prohibited disposal methods. Supersedes Chapter 401.

Section 403

Tree Diseases

Requirements for identifying, treating, and removing diseased trees (including Dutch elm disease and oak wilt) to prevent spread on public and private property.

Section 404

Housing

Minimum standards for the maintenance and habitability of residential structures, including safety, sanitation, and structural integrity requirements.

Section 405

National Flood Insurance Program

Local regulations that implement FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program, including floodplain mapping, development restrictions, and elevation requirements.

Section 406

User Charge for Excessive Consumption of Law Enforcement Services

Authorizes fees to be charged to property owners whose properties repeatedly require excessive law enforcement response.

Section 407

Vacant Buildings

Registration, maintenance, and security requirements for vacant or abandoned structures within the city.

Section 408

Exclusion Zones & Prohibition of Certain Employee-Related Activities

Defines exclusion zones and restricts certain activities relating to employees or contractors operating within the city.

Section 409

Predatory Offender Residency Restrictions

Establishes distance requirements and residency restrictions for predatory offenders as defined under Minnesota law.

Section 502

Parking

Rules governing where and how vehicles may be parked on public streets and city property, including time limits, restricted zones, and overnight parking provisions.

Section 503

Weight Restrictions

Seasonal and permanent load limits for vehicles on city streets, including spring road restrictions to protect pavement.

Section 504

Snowmobiles & All-Terrain Vehicles

Regulations for the operation of snowmobiles and ATVs on public and private property within the city, including designated routes and safety requirements.

Section 601

Signs & Billboards

Standards for the size, placement, lighting, and permitting of signs and billboards on private and public property.

Section 602

Inflammable & Explosive Materials

Rules for the storage, handling, and use of flammable liquids, gases, and explosive materials within the city.

Section 603

Fire Hazards

Requirements for eliminating fire hazards on private property, including vegetation management and storage restrictions.

Section 604

Open Burning

Regulations on when and where open burning is permitted, prohibited materials, required permits, and fire safety conditions.

Section 605

Animals

Requirements for keeping domestic animals including dogs, cats, and livestock. Covers licensing, leash requirements, dangerous animals, and animal control procedures.

Section 606

Public Nuisances

Defines conditions on private or public property that constitute a public nuisance — including overgrown vegetation, accumulations of debris, and other hazards — and the process for abatement.

Section 607

Open Space, Park Areas & Facilities

Rules for the use of city parks, open space, and recreational facilities, including hours, permitted activities, and reservation procedures.

Section 608

Trapping Prohibited

Prohibits the setting of traps within city limits, with exceptions and conditions as specified.

Section 609

Firearms

Restrictions on discharging firearms within the city, including exceptions for lawful use and self-defense.

Section 610

Curfew for Minors

Establishes curfew hours for minors and defines responsibilities for parents and guardians.

Section 613

Unclaimed & Abandoned Property

Procedures for handling property left on public land or otherwise abandoned, including notice, storage, and disposition.

Section 614

Abandoned & Junked Motor Vehicles

Rules for the removal of abandoned, inoperable, or unlicensed vehicles from public streets and private property.

Section 615

Exterior Storage

Standards for the storage of materials, equipment, and personal property outside of enclosed structures on residential and commercial lots.

Section 616

Excessive Noise

Defines prohibited noise levels and sources, quiet hours, and enforcement procedures for noise complaints.

Section 617

Public Lake Tracts

Rules governing use and access to city-owned lake tracts, including permitted activities, docking, and seasonal regulations.

Section 618

Complaints

Process for filing complaints with the city regarding code violations or other concerns, and how complaints are investigated and resolved.

Section 619

Penalties & Enforcement

General enforcement provisions and penalty structure for violations of the municipal code, including fines, citations, and abatement authority.

Section 620

Feeding Deer

Prohibits or restricts the feeding of deer on private and public property within the city to protect public safety and natural habitats.

Section 621

Storage of Personal Property

Regulations on storing personal property in ways that affect neighboring properties, public spaces, or city aesthetics.

Section 622

Regulation of Solicitors

Licensing and conduct requirements for door-to-door solicitors and peddlers operating within the city.

Section 623

Animal Barriers

Standards for fencing and barriers required to contain domestic animals on residential property.

Section 701

Fees

Establishes the fee schedule for permits, licenses, applications, and other city services. See also the current City Fee Schedule page for the most up-to-date amounts.

Section 702

Street Names

Official list and designation of street names within the city, including procedures for renaming or adding new streets.

Section 801

Fund Balances

Policies governing the maintenance of adequate fund balances across city accounts to ensure financial stability and compliance with state requirements.

Section 802

Public Works Reserve Fund

Establishes and governs a reserve fund for public works capital needs and infrastructure maintenance. Supersedes Chapter 611.

Section 803

Capital Projects Fund

Governs the fund used to account for major capital improvement expenditures not financed through other funds. Supersedes Chapter 611A.

Section 804

Parks Special Revenue Fund

Establishes a dedicated fund for parks-related revenues and expenditures, including grants, donations, and park improvement projects.

Section 805

Public Improvements Financing & Assessment

Procedures for financing public improvement projects through special assessments on benefiting properties, including notice, hearings, and assessment rolls. Supersedes Chapter 612.

Section 806

Compensation

Mayor and City Council member compensation.

Section 901

Definitions

Defines key terms used in Birchwood Village’s cable franchise ordinance, including cable service, franchise fees, gross revenues, rights-of-way, and city authority.

Section 902

Cable Franchise

Grants a nonexclusive cable franchise, outlining city authority, franchise term and area, transfers, expiration rights, property removal, and service continuity.

Section 903

Operation in Streets and Rights of Way

Rules for cable facilities in streets and rights-of-way, including permits, noninterference, undergrounding, restoration, relocation, and maintenance.

Section 904

Removal or Abandonment of System

Defines when a cable system must be removed or abandoned, who pays for it, city options if removal fails, and system mapping standards.

Section 905

System Design and Capacity

Sets cable system standards for signal capacity, equal service, emergency alerts, backup power, upgrades, FCC compliance, and city testing rights.

Section 906

Programming and Services

Outlines cable programming categories, notice requirements, parental controls, line extensions, annexed areas, public building service, and return capability.

Section 907

Local PEG Programming

Sets requirements for local PEG channels, including HD access, channel control, navigation, monitoring, transport, interconnection, support, and funding.

Section 908

Regulatory Provisions

Covers city oversight of the cable franchise, including delegation of regulatory authority, rate regulation, customer notice, and rate discrimination rules.

Section 909

Bond

Requires a cable franchise performance bond, explaining coverage, city rights, possible bond reduction, draw procedures, damages, and bond return terms.

Section 910

Security Fund

Requires a cable franchise security fund, explaining the letter of credit, city withdrawal rights, damages, replenishment, and available remedies.

Section 911

Violation Procedure

Explains cable franchise violation procedures, including notice, cure periods, disputes, termination, enforcement rights, and legal compliance.

Section 912

Foreclosure and Receivership

Franchise rules for cable system foreclosure or receivership, including city notice, transfer review, cancellation rights, and trustee obligations.

Section 913

Reporting Requirements

Cable franchise reporting rules for fees, compliance tests, subscriber data, city-requested reports, confidentiality, and regulatory communications.

Section 914

Customer Service Policies

Customer service rules for cable franchise holders, covering complaints, billing, refunds, outages, service appointments, notices, privacy, and city oversight.

Section 915

Subscriber Practices

Sets subscriber practices for cable service, including disconnection timing, payment cure rights, reconnection, and refunds for missed or failed service.

Section 916

Compensation and Financial Provisions

Cable franchise fees, audits, financial records, indemnification, and insurance requirements, including payment timing, record access, and city protections

Section 917

Miscellaneous Provisions

Miscellaneous cable franchise terms, including acceptance, amendments, notices, force majeure, contractor duties, governing law, waivers, and competitive equity.