Frequently Asked Questions
New Residents:
Q: How can I find which utilities I need to contact?
Q: How do I learn about the school system?
Q: Where do I go to file to homestead my property?
Q: How do I register to vote and find my polling location?
Q: Where can I change or renew my driver’s license?
Q: Are there local cable television channels?
Q: Are there other ways to keep informed about Coon Rapids?
Q: Is there a library in Coon Rapids?
Q: Is there a dog park nearby?
Q: Are there any community celebrations or events?
Q: How do I find out about employment opportunities?
Licenses & Permits:
Q: What type of licenses does Coon Rapids issue?
Q: Do I need a permit for home improvements?
Q: Do I need a license to operate rental housing?
Fire:
Q: Can I have a fire in my backyard?
Q: Where can I have my fire extinguisher recharged?
Q: Is there help available for child car seat installation?
Q: Can I schedule a tour of one of the Fire Stations?
Q: Where are the fire stations located?
Youth FAQ:
Q: How do I learn about youth sports or programming?
Q: Is there a curfew in Coon Rapids?
Q: Are there skateboard parks?
Q: Is there a place of teens to gather?
Residential FAQ:
Q: How many vehicles are allowed at a residence?
Q: Is parking allowed on grass?
Q: Where can garage or rummage sale signs be placed?
Q: Are there parking restrictions?
Q: Are there watering restrictions?
Q: What should I do if I have a vacant house on my block?
Q: What are the mowing requirements in Coon Rapids?
Q: Can I rake my leaves and grass into the street?
Q: There is a dog (or cat) running loose in my neighborhood. What should I do?
Recreation FAQ:
Q: Is there a golf course in Coon Rapids?
Q: Is there indoor ice available in Coon Rapids?
Q: How do I sign up for adult softball?
Garbage Service/Recycling FAQ:
Q: When is the County compost site open?
Q: Is there a landfill for garbage?
Q: Where can I recycle appliances?
Maintenance FAQ's:
Q: Who do I call about the condition of my street?
Q: Where can I dispose of tree branches, grass clippings, or leaves?
Q: My street light is out. Where do I report it?
Local Government FAQs:
Q: What type of government is Coon Rapids?
Q: Where is the City Center located?
Q: When does the City Council meet?
Seniors FAQ:
Q: Where is Coon Rapids Senior Services located?
Q: What kinds of activities are available?
Q: Are there any special services provided?
Q: Do you have to be a member to participate?
Q: How old do you have to be to participate?
Q: Are reservations required for the dining program?
Q: Do you have to be a Coon Rapids resident to participate?
Q: Does Senior Services provide transportation?
Q: How much does it cost to subscribe to the ‘Voice of Experience’ newsletter?
Q: Is there help available for yard work and housekeeping services?
Housing Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I file a complaint about neighborhood nuisances?
Q: How do I obtain a Rental License?
Q: How do I report a Vacant Property?
Q: How do I apply for a Home Improvement Loan?
Q: How do I apply for Rent Assistance?
Q: When do I need a Building Permit?
Q: How do I get water turned back on at a property?
Q: How can I get help paying my utility bills?
Utility Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who do I call in the event of a sewer line backup?
Q: My water meter is in need of repair. Who do I call?
Q: Does Coon Rapids have summer watering restrictions?
Q: When and why are the fire hydrants flushed?
Q: I have no water, what do I do?
Q: I have low water pressure, what do I do?
Q: I’m doing yard work and want to know where the utilities are located.
Answers to New Residents FAQ:
A: 1) Contact the City for sewer and water information at 763-767-6438. Coon Rapids utilizes radio read meters and bills are mailed to homeowners quarterly. City utility bills can be paid with check by mail or in person, or by automatic withdrawal.
2) Natural gas for all of Coon Rapids is provided by CenterPoint Energy ( 612-372-4664).
3) Xcel Energy (1-800-895-4999) provides electricity to the area south of Burlington Northern tracks and Thompson Heights 3rd and 4th Addition. Connexus Energy (763-323-2600) services electricity needs north of the BN tracks. There are a few homes in the western city limits serviced by the City of Anoka.
4) Homeowners arrange for their own garbage service. There are four licensed garbage haulers: Ace Solid Waste (763-427-3110); Walter’s Recycling (763-780-8464); Waste Management (763-784-8349); Allied Waste (763-784-2104). LePage and Sons (763-757-7100).
Haulers are required to provide a recycling container.
5) Comcast (651-222-3333) provides cable service.
A: All of Coon Rapids is located within Anoka-Hennepin School District #11 (763-506-1000), 11299 Hanson Boulevard, Coon Rapids.
Anoka Ramsey Community College (763-433-1100) Offers two-year liberal arts degrees that can transfer to four-year institutions; one- and two-year career programs; a wide variety of continuing education courses, and customized training for businesses.
A: You may do this at Coon Rapids City Center, 11155 Robinson Drive, or at the Anoka County Government Center, 2014 Third Avenue, Anoka.
A: Voter registration cards are available at City Hall, with a new resident packet, or at the Anoka County Government Center. To learn where you vote, call 763-767-6457 or look it up on the Secretary of State’s Precinct Finder.
A: There is an Anoka County License Center at 455 99th Avenue NW, #100, (763-785-5999) located off Woodcrest Drive at 99th Avenue, near Showplace Theatre.
A: CTN (763-767-6525) is the City’s Community Television Network. CTN operates channels 15, 16 and 19.
A: The Coon Rapids Herald, published by ECM Publishers, is the City’s official paper. It is published once a week and delivered on Fridays. To subscribe, call 763-421-4444.
A: In addition to cable TV and the Herald, an E-News option is available to sign up to receive electronic updates on a variety of topics.
A: Anoka County operates the library system and has one branch library in Coon Rapids at 11440 Crooked Lake Boulevard (763-576-5972).
A: Trackside Park, 10425 Hummingbird Street is a designated dog park. Hours are 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Waste bags and benches are provided. There is no water source.
A: The Arts Commission presents a free live concert each Thursday evening from early June into August at the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park. In February the Snowflake Association presents Snowflake Days which includes a dance, adult and youth medallion hunt, Miss Coon Rapids Scholarship Pageant, Junior Royalty Pageant, senior programs, children’s carnival, and much more. The Coon Rapids Firefighters and civic organizations present a 4th of July celebration at Sand Creek Park with a carnival, Bingo, parade, and fireworks.
A: Call the Job Hotline at 763-767-6597, or sign up with E-News to be notified of any openings. View the Employment web page.
Answers to License & Permits FAQ:
A: Licenses include peddlers and transient merchants, on-sale and off-sale liquor establishments, rental housing, tree trimmers, garbage haulers, pawnbrokers, tobacco sales, dogs and cats, carnivals, and massage therapists. Call the City Clerk at 763-767-6457 for more information. All food licensing is handled by Anoka County Environmental Services.
A: Permits are required for all new construction, most remodeling and additions, fences, pools, decks, etc. Call the Inspections Division at 763-767-6476 for further information.
A: Yes. An inspection, training, and license are required. Requirements and the application for licensing Rental Housing are available on this web site, or call 763-767-6575.
Answers to Fire FAQ:
A: Recreational fires are allowed with several conditions. Fires can only be three feet in diameter, are allowed from 8:00 a.m. to midnight for no longer than six hours, and must be 25 feet from any structure. Only clean wood or charcoal may be burned. Burning of trash, leaves or brush is not allowed. Fires must be constantly attended by someone 18 or older, and extinguishing equipment must be readily available. Call 763-767-6429 for more information.
A: The Andover Fire Department (763-755-9825) or the Anoka Fire Department (763-576-2861).
A: Call the Police Department (763-767-6488 or 763-767-6553) for free assistance (residents only). Non-residents $25.
A: Yes. Call 763-767-6429 to schedule a tour.
A: There are three stations: #1, 1460 Egret Boulevard; #2, 1199 121st Avenue NW; and #3, 2831 113th Avenue NW. There are open houses at each station in early October to celebrate Fire Prevention Week.
Answers to Youth FAQ
A: Baseball, football, hockey, soccer, lacrosse, wrestling and softball are offered through private non-profit organizations. Visit the Recreation web page to learn how to contact each of these groups. Anoka-Hennepin Community Education (763-506-1260) also offers youth activities.
A: Coon Rapids adopted the same curfew regulations as Anoka County.
Age |
Day of the Week |
Curfew Times |
Under age 12 |
Sunday through Thursday |
9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. |
12 to 14 years |
Sunday through Thursday |
10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. |
15 to 17 years |
Sunday through Thursday |
11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. |
A: There are skateboard parks at Sand Creek Park, 1008 Northdale Boulevard, Riverwind Park, 11747 Crocus Street, and Cook Ice Arena, 11091 Mississippi Boulevard.
A: The Element Teen Center is located in Riverwind Community Center, 2701 Northdale Boulevard. It is open to youth ages 11 to 18, is fully staffed, and provides special events and activities including skate park, video games, board games, pool tables, and snacks. Call 763-755-7790 or 763-506-4912 or email for hours.
Answers to Residential FAQ's:
A: One per licensed driver, plus two more. All vehicles parked outside must have current tabs, be in operable condition and be parked on an improved surface such as asphalt, concrete or pavers.
A: City Code 12-306 states parking is prohibited on front and side yards except on improved surfaces. Parking in the rear yard is acceptable if the vehicle has current registration and is operable.
A: Signs are not permitted on trees, street signs, or light and utility poles. One ground sign per lot is permitted, not larger than six square feet in area. No sign may be located within the public right-of-way. All ground signs must be set back at least one foot from a public sidewalk or 18 feet from the curb is there is no sidewalk.
A: Outside storage of anything that is not for outside use (i.e. lawn furniture, grills, etc) is prohibited.
A: Coon Rapids has a winter parking ban in effect November 1st through April 1st. Vehicles cannot be parked on a public street between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. between those dates. Parking is also prohibited on public streets anytime there is an accumulation of three or more inches of snow or until the street has been plowed from curb to curb.
A: An odd-even sprinkling ban is in effect from June 1st through August 31st. This means houses with an odd number address water on odd numbered days, and even numbered addressed water on even numbered days. If necessary during periods of drought, additional restrictions may be imposed to ensure sufficient water supply for firefighting and every day necessities.
A: The City monitors vacant properties and turns off the water service at these homes to help protect them from freezing pipes, flooding, and property damage. Call 763-767-6517 to report any property you suspect is vacant.
A: Grass and weeds cannot be taller than eight inches. This includes front, side and backyards as well as any grass on the other side of any fencing you may have on your property. The City monitors growth May 1st through October 1st. Call 763-951-7200 to report long grass.
A: It is illegal to deposit leaves, grass, sand, or similar materials, or snow into the street.
A: Coon Rapids has a leash law, and dogs and cats are required to be on a leash and be licensed or registered. Call 911 to report the loose animal. A Community Service Officer will be dispatched.
Answers to Recreation FAQ:
A: The City operates Bunker Hills Golf Course located at Main Street and Foley Boulevard. There are three 9-hole championship courses and an executive nine hole course.
A: Coon Rapids owns and operates Coon Rapids Ice Center at 11000 Crooked Lake Boulevard, 951-7222. The City also owns a sheet of ice at Schwan’s Super Rink in Blaine (763-785-3687).
A: Coon Rapids offers men’s, women’s, and co-rec adult softball leagues. Visit the Recreation page of the web site for more information.
A: Anoka County operates Bunker Hills Regional Park which is located in Coon Rapids and Andover. It offers archery, camping, horseback riding, bicycling, and Bunker Beach Water Park (763-757-3920) Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park is a 610 acre park located along the Mississippi River. It offers hiking, biking, fishing, picnicking, a boat launch, and a walkway over the river (763-757-4700).
Answers to Garbage Service/Recycling FAQ:
A: April 1st through November 30th, weather permitting. Fees may apply. Call 763-767-7964.
A: There is a transfer station in Blaine. Call 763-784-4772 for hours, location and fees.
A: The Coon Rapids Recycling Center, 1831 111th Avenue NW, accepts appliances the first Saturday of each month, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Fees apply. Check the recycling page for more information.
A: The Recycling Center accepts newspapers, glass and plastic bottles, metal cans, scrap metal, waste oil and filters, car batteries, corrugated cardboard, plastic bags, fluorescent lights, packing Styrofoam pieces (no peanuts), plastics #1, 2, 4, 5 and 6, pop and beer cases, and telephone books. Hours are Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Answers to Maintenance FAQ:
A: The Public Works Department, Streets Division, is responsible for snow plowing, and street patching and sweeping. To report a problem, call 763-767-6462.
A: The Bunker Hills compost site is located at 13285 Hanson Boulevard. It is open April 1 to November 30, weather permitting. Call 763-767-7964 for hours and fees.
A: The Public Works Department works with our independent lighting contractor. Report outages to 763-767-6462 and a work order is generated.
Answers to Local Government FAQ:
A: Coon Rapids is a Charter city with a Council-Manager form of government. The Council consists of a Mayor and Councilmember at Large, both elected by the entire city. The City is divided into five wards, with a Councilmember representing each.
A: The City Center is at 11155 Robinson Drive. It is off Hanson Boulevard and Highway 10 on Robinson Drive at 111th Avenue. The City Center includes the Civic Center, City Hall, and Police Department. The phone number is 763-755-2880; fax number is 763-767-6491. You may also email general questions.
A: Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Police Department offices are open 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
A: The City Council’s regular meetings are the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Council meetings are broadcast live and replayed on local cable channel 16.
Answers to Seniors FAQ:
A: Most activities take place at the Coon Rapids Civic Center, 11155 Robinson Drive (763-767-6473).
A: There are day trips to local theatres, casinos and restaurants. Regular weekly activities include 500, bridge, Bingo, quilting, woodcarving, exercise, writing club, and crafts. VOA provides daily lunch for a fee.
A: Blood pressure checks are offered every Wednesday morning. Free tax assistance is provided. Defensive driving classes for those over 55 are offered for a fee. Sign up for the ‘Voice of Experience’ newsletter to learn more.
A: No. All activities are open to all seniors. Membership in the Super Senior Club is optional and provides additional opportunities for entertainment, service, and social activities.
A: Senior programming is for those 55 years and older. Senior dining requires diners to be 60 years of age to obtain a meal for a reduced rate. Diners under 60 must pay a higher rate.
A: A two-day advance reservation will guarantee a meal. Call 763-767-6473 to make a reservation.
A: No. All area seniors are welcome. However, only Coon Rapids residents may take advantage of the transportation program.
A: Transportation is available to Coon Rapids residents for rides to and from the Senior Center. A nominal fee applies.
A: It’s free. Call 763-767-6473 to get on the mailing or e-mail distribution list.
A: Chores and More helps people over 60 or adults with a disability with minor home repairs, seasonal chores, and housekeeping services. Chores are done at a reasonable rate with a subsidy for persons of need. Call 763-767-6521 for information.
Answers to Housing FAQ:
A: For grass taller than 8”, you may call the Weed Hotline at 763-951-7200 or send an e-mail. Make sure to have the specific address of the property and include it in your message. For all other complaints, you may call the Code Enforcement Hotline at 763-767-6470 or send an e-mail.
A: Fill out the Rental License application and submit it to City Hall along with the appropriate fees. You may download the application materials (link at right), come to City Hall for an application packet, or have one mailed to you by calling 763-767-6575.
Once your application and fees are received, you will be contacted by a Housing Inspector to schedule an inspection of the rental property.
A: Call the Neighborhood Reinvestment Division at 763-767-6517 or send an e-mail with the specific address of the vacant property. An inspector will then go out to confirm the status of the property and respond to any immediate issues that the property requires (i.e. getting the water shut off).
A: Contact either the Center for Energy and Environment, or the Housing Resource Center to ask what home improvement funds you are eligible for. Remember, do not begin your projects until you have received approval for your funding.
A: For eligibility requirements and other information about rent assistance, please call Housing Assistance at 763-767-6468.
A: Building permits are needed for most home improvement projects – windows, siding, roofing, electrical work, plumbing, sheetrock, demolition, framing, additions, garages, driveways, steps, decks, etc. If you are not sure if a building permit is needed, please call our Building Inspections Department at 763-767-6476. Please note that licensed contractors may be required for certain projects.
A: Fill out the Water Restoration application. Submit it along with the $75 fee to City Hall or fax it to 763-767-6573. Once your information has been submitted, call Building Inspections at 763-767-6476 to schedule the required inspection. Refer to the links at right for more information.
A: You should first contact your Utility Company about arranging a payment plan that is more comfortable for your budget. You can also ask them if they have energy assistance programs available. A second step would be to contact one of several other agencies about their energy assistance programs for paying your utility bills and restoring your gas and/or electric service if it has been disconnected.
Answers to Utility FAQ:
A: The Utilities division has someone on call 24 hours a day for any water or sewer emergency. If you are experiencing a sewer backup in your home, call us first. You may be able to avoid an unnecessary service call and charge from a drain company if the problem is in the main line.
During regular business hours (7:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.) call Public Works at 763-767-6462. At any other time call 911 and Utilities Division personnel will be dispatched to your home to analyze the problem.
A: Water meters are maintained by the City. Plumbing valves, fittings and the service line to the watermain are the responsibility of the property owner. Keep the area around your water meter clear and accessible for ease of maintenance and reading.
If you have a leaky water meter or it is not working properly, please call Utility Billing at 763-767-6438 to schedule an appointment.
Curb stops, which isolate a service line from the main line in the street should be located and "at grade" for emergency shut offs. Per City Code, use of electric welders for thawing of frozen water lines is prohibited.
A: An odd-even sprinkling ban is in effect from June 1 through August 31. This means houses with an odd number address water on odd numbered days and even numbered addresses water on even numbered days. If necessary during periods of drought, additional restrictions may be imposed to ensure sufficient water supply for firefighting and every day necessities.
A: Hydrants are flushed beginning in the spring to help remove iron and manganese sediment and to ensure each hydrant is operating properly.
A: Check to see if the water valves are open at the water meter (turn them counter-clockwise). If you have done this and there still is no water, call Public Works at 763-767-6462.
A: First, make sure both valves before and after the water meter are completely open. Next, check the outside faucet. If the water pressure is good, then the problem is in the house. If you are unable to determine the cause, call Public Works at 763-767-6462.
A: It's the Law! Don’t dig until you call Gopher State One Call at 651-454-0002 to mark all underground installations on your property. A 48-hour notice is required before doing any work.