Building inspections (763) 479-1720

Hall rental info (952) 353-2547 or (612) 747-5373

Clerk office hours: Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Friday closed.

Meetings are the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7 p.m. at city hall.

City Hall Rental

The city hall is rented out for all occasions. Call Lyle Latzig (952) 353-2547 or Karen Paul (612) 747-5373 for available dates and pricing.

Building Permits

New Germany adopted the Minnesota state building code. Under the code, a building permit is required for any improvements (new, repair, remodel, or replacement). The value factors in labor whether done by a contractor or yourself.

Applications are available at city hall. Any questions regarding repairs or improvements to property may be directed to the city clerk or to the city building inspector.

Keep in mind that the city will automatically double the permit fee for any construction work that begins without a permit. This includes re-roofing, siding, decks, window replacement, air conditioning/heat replacement, fencing, and utility sheds.

If in doubt, call the city to see if you need a permit. Check with your contractor; they don’t always obtain a permit. House numbers should be easily visible from the street to make it easier to locate your home in an emergency situation. Numbers should be in contrast to the house color and made of reflective material.

Severe Weather

When the siren blows, it means there is severe weather in the area, and you should take shelter immediately. If the siren continues to blow, it means there is still danger. There is NOT a siren to signal all clear. Stay tuned to your radio to be sure it is safe to come out of your basement or storm shelter.

Snow Removal

The sidewalk in front of your property is your responsibility. Please keep it shoveled and clear of snow and ice. Sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours after the snow ceases to fall. Residents may not blow snow onto city streets.

Garbage Pick-up

Garbage pick-up is every Friday and garbage should be curbside by 7 a.m. The city contracts with Waste Management for garbage removal. Residents are allowed one 35-, 64-, or 96-gallon container per week. Containers are available by calling the city at (952) 353-2488. Garbage service is billed monthly along with your city utility bill. Garbage cans must be kept off of streets. Please keep them on your driveway.

Curbside Recycling Service

Waste Management provides curbside recycling service every first and third Friday. Recyclables must be placed in recycle cans and at curbside by 7 a.m.

Acceptable products are newsprint (non-shiny); glass, aluminum cans, tin cans (rinsed and labels removed); plastics, long-necked and with a one or two recycling symbols on the bottom of the bottle. Junk mail and bundled cardboard are also accepted. All items can be co-mingled in the recycle can with the yellow lid.

Recycling Locations

In addition to curbside recycling services, Carver County offers recycling on the first and third Saturday of the month at the New Germany city shed located on County Road 33 (State Ave. S.). Items must be separated for this location. New Germany also provides a clean-up day for city residents each spring and fall. A small disposal fee applies for some items.

Brush/Compost Site

The brush site is open from April-December for residents and is only for brush and tree limbs less than 4 inches in diameter. The compost site is open from April-December and is for leaves, lawn clippings, and garden waste. It is located at the city shed. Christmas trees are also recycled in January. The city bills for water and sewer usage on a monthly basis. Rates are based on a service charge, plus a charge per 1,000 gallons used. Meter reading cards are sent to residents prior to the time bills are sent. There is a $10 penalty for residents who fail to return their meter cards by the due date. Failure to pay a utility bill results in water being turned off. Water is turned on upon payment of the utility bill plus a $50 service charge. If you are moving, contact the city clerk at (952) 353-2488 with a final meter reading, forwarding address, moving date, and the new owner’s name.

Burning

Recreational fires are allowed if they meet with city guidelines. Please check with city hall before burning.

Dog and Cat Licenses

Dog and cat licenses are not required, but you must keep your animals in your command.

Parking Rules

No parking on city streets between the hours of 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. from November 1 to March 31 (no motor vehicle shall be parked on either side of any street or alleyway within city limits).

Snowfall: No parking on city streets following a snowfall of one inch or more. This is to allow snowplow operators to clear the roads. Sheriff’s dispatch will be called and violators will be ticketed and towed; no exceptions will be made.

Junk Vehicles and Blight Ordinance

The city enforces a blight ordinance. Residents are not allowed to store inoperable or unlicensed cars in their yards.

Residents must also keep the exterior of their homes in good condition, as well as keeping yards mowed and weeds cut down.

Ordinance No. 91 is to prevent, reduce, or eliminate blight, blighting factors, or causes of blight within the city of New Germany. This includes exterior property areas, vacant properties, exterior of structures, interior of structures, vacated structures, junk automobiles and junk equipment, noxious weeds and pests, and any and all sanitation conditions. Each spring, the city does a city-wide inspection, and sends letters to those who are not in compliance.

More Information

New residents are encouraged to stop by or contact city hall for any other information (952) 353-2488.

Utilities

Electricity

Xcel Energy, 421 Wabasha St., St. Paul, MN 55102. Customer service 800-481-4700; Emergency or lights out only: 800-641-4400; TDD/TYY 800-288-5533.

Gas

Center Point Energy, 2400 Riverfront Drive, Mankato, MN. Customer service 800-245-2377; Emergency only: (gas leaks) 800-722-9326; TTY/voice 888-321-4977

Telephone

Frontier Communications of Minnesota, Inc., Customer service 800-921-8102.

Cable Television

NU-Telecom 888-873-6853.