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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 8, 2026 CC Workshop Agenda PacketCITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS City Council Workshop City Hall 2077 West Larpenteur Avenue AGENDA July 8, 2026 6:00 P.M. A. CALL TO ORDER: B. ROLL CALL: GUSTAFSON____ MAY___ MIELKE___ MOGEN ___ WASSENBERG___ STAFF PRESENT: LINEHAN___ C. POLICY ITEMS: 1. Noise Ordinance / Parking Violations Amendments (6:00 P.M.) 2. Pay-by-Mobile Parking Pass Distribution for Ineligible Properties (6:30 P.M.) D. ADJOURNMENT: DISCLAIMER: City Council Workshops are held monthly as an opportunity for Council Members to discuss policy topics in greater detail prior to a formal meeting where a public hearing may be held and/or action may be taken. Members of the public that would like to make a comment or ask questions about an item on the agenda for an upcoming workshop should send them to mail@falconheights.org prior to the meeting. Alternatively, time is regularly allotted for public comment during Regular City Council Meetings (typically 2nd and 4th Wednesdays) during the Community Forum. BLANK PAGE  REQUEST FOR ACTION City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota __________________________ Item Noise Ordinance / Parking Violations Amendments Description Noise Ordinance At the July 1, 2020 workshop, City Council discussed a noise ordinance, but it never moved forward. In general, it appeared the idea of a Noise Control Ordinance was supported, but it was not top priority at the time. It was felt it should be discussed at a later date. Many communities have stipulations around noise control, including Falcon Heights. However, our noise ordinance details are somewhat thin compared to other cities and do not cover items that staff receive complaints about. The most noted section of City Code dealing with noise pertains to refuse haulers and their approved hours in residential areas. Other existing regulations on noise in City Code are around dogs barking and home occupations. Staff receive three or four complaints about noise each year, usually surrounding construction projects. When complaints are received, staff will reach out to the owner or contractor and request that they do their work during the refuse hauler hours (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekdays and 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekends). While this request is usually honored, there is little enforcement if projects continue outside this window. In addition to construction hours, other communities regulate noise as it pertains to power tools, vehicles, loudspeakers and horns, and schools. The City has utilized the MPCA requirements as guidance for construction projects, but enforcing on these provisions is challenging. There is a section in the public nuisance area of City Code that specifies noise. When the City consulted with the City Attorney around this in 2020, it was felt that this section is too vague and nearly unenforceable and should be changed or deleted. Section 22-47 – Public place defined; nuisances (e) Unnecessary noise. No person, in any public or private place, shall make, or assist in making, by any manner or means, any loud, unpleasant or raucous Meeting Date July 8, 2026 Agenda Item C1 Attachment See below. Submitted By Jack Linehan, City Administrator noise disturbing to others, unless the same is reasonably necessary to the preservation of life, health, safety or property. The City Attorney at the time drafted an update to City Code to include stronger language pertaining to noise, which has been included in this packet. Parking Violations Amendments An issue recently occurred relating to a car alarm sounding in a residential neighborhood for multiple days, with limited ability for police officers to mitigate the issue. It led the City to explore how other municipalities regulate car alarms on public streets if an owner is unable to silence it in a timely manner. St. Paul, Minneapolis, Rochester and Duluth all have language in code that relate to a car alarm being a parking violation. Using this language, the city drafted an amendment to Chapter 46 – Traffic and Vehicles, Sec 46-26 that would add an alarm sounding for more than four hours as a violation. Budget Impact Attachment(s) - Minutes from July 1, 2020 City Council Workshop - DRAFT Chapter 22 – Environment, Noise Ordinance - DRAFT Chapter 46 – Traffic and Vehicles Action(s) Requested Staff request discussion and direction on possible additions or changes to the City Code as it relates to noise. Chapter 22 - ENVIRONMENT Article/Division/Section: ARTICLE I IN GENERAL 22-1 – 22-18 Reserved ARTICLE II BLIGHT 22-19 Causes of blight or blighting factors 22-20 Notification; deadline for removal 22-21 Abatement 22-22 – 22-45 Reserved ARTICLE III PUBLIC NUISANCES 22-46 Purpose 22-47 Public place defined; nuisances 22-48 Unnecessary noise 22-4822-49 Abatement 22-4922-50 – 22-54 Reserved ARTICLE IV REGULATION OF COAL TAR-BASED SEALER PRODUCTS 22-55 Purpose 22-56 Definitions 22-57 Prohibitions 22-58 Exemptions 22-59 Asphalt-based sealcoat products ARTICLE I - IN GENERAL Secs. 22-1 – 22-18 - Reserved ARTICLE II - BLIGHT1 Sec. 22-19 - Causes of blight or blighting factors It is hereby determined that the uses, structures and activities and causes of blight or blighting factors described herein, if allowed to exist, will tend to result in blighted and undesirable neighborhoods so as to be harmful to the public welfare, health and safety. No person shall maintain or permit to be maintained any of these causes of blight or blighting factors upon any property in the city owned, leased, rented or occupied by such person. (1) Inoperable vehicles. In any area zoned for residential purposes, the storage upon any property of inoperable vehicles is illegal. For the purpose of this section, the term "inoperable vehicle" shall include any motor vehicle, or part of a motor vehicle, not stored in a garage, which is either: a. Unusable or inoperable because of lack of, or defects in, component parts; b. Unusable or inoperable because of damage from collision, deterioration, or having been cannibalized; c. Beyond repair and not intended for future use as a motor vehicle; d. Being parked on any street or alley, for a period exceeding 48 consecutive hours; or e. Without valid and current license plates issued by the proper state agency attached. (2) Special permits. The city council in its discretion, upon receipt of an application showing hardship in special circumstances may, in the instance of an inoperable vehicle, issue a special permit with appropriate conditions attached permitting an individual to keep such vehicle for a period not to exceed 60 days. (3) Junk, trash, rubbish and refuse. In any area within the city, the storage or accumulation of junk, trash, rubbish or refuse of any kind, except refuse stored in such a manner as not to create a nuisance for a period not to exceed 14 days is illegal. The term "junk" shall include, but not be limited to, parts of machinery or motor vehicles; unused stoves or other appliances stored in the open; remnants of wood; decayed, weathered or broken construction materials no longer suitable or safe; approved building materials; common household items; metal or any other material or cast off material of any kind whether or not the same could be put to any reasonable use. (4) Noxious weeds, vegetation and substances. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection (4), no owner, agent, or occupant of any premises shall permit upon his or her premises any noxious weeds as defined in Minn. Stats. § 18.77, weeds or turf grass growing to a height greater than six inches or which have gone or are about to go to seed, fallen trees, dead trees, tree limbs or items which are a fire hazard or otherwise detrimental to the health or appearance of the neighborhood. Turf grass growing to a height greater than six inches is permitted only during the month of May for residential properties. (5) Structures. a. Unfit structure. In any area the existence of any structure or part of any structure that because of fire, wind or other natural disaster, or physical deterioration is no longer habitable as a dwelling, nor useful for any other purpose for which it may have been intended is illegal. b. Vacant structure. In any area zoned for residential purposes, the existence of any vacant dwelling, garage, or other outbuilding, unless such buildings are kept securely locked, windows kept glazed or neatly boarded up and otherwise protected to prevent entrance thereto by vandals is illegal. (6) Graffiti. No owner agent or occupant of any premises shall allow or leave on the premises any graffiti, which shall mean any writing, printing, marks, signs, symbols, figures, designs, inscriptions, or other drawings which are scratched, scrawled, painted, drawn, or otherwise placed on any surface of objects such as buildings, walls, fences, sidewalks, curbs, trees, rocks, or other permanent structures or objects on public or private property or the interior surfaces of those parts of a building accessible to the general public and which have the effect of defacing the property. An owner agent may request the city to remove the graffiti by providing a waiver to the city to allow for the removal of graffiti on the owner agent's property. The owner agent will be billed for the cost. (Code 1993, § 8-1.01; Ord. No. 0-98-07, 12-7-1998; Ord. No. 23-02, § 1, 4-26-2023) Sec. 22-20 - Notification; deadline for removal The owner and the occupant of any property upon which any of the causes of blight or blighting factors set forth in section 22-19 is found to exist shall be notified in writing by the clerk to remove or eliminate such causes of blight or blighting factors from such property by a specified time after service of the notice. The notice may be served personally, or by mailing to the last known address of the owner and if the premises are occupied, to the premises. Additional time may be granted by the enforcement officer where bona fide efforts to remove or eliminate such causes of blight or blighting factors are in progress. (Code 1993, § 8-1.02(A); Ord. No. 18-08, § 1, 9-26-2018) Sec. 22-21 - Abatement (a) In case of failure to remove any blight as defined in section 22-19 after notification and within the time prescribed, the administrator or clerk may order city employees or a contracted party to abate the blighted condition. The responsible person shall be billed for the costs. If the bill is unpaid, the cost shall be certified to the county auditor as a special assessment against the property for collection in the same manner as other special assessments. (b) In case of failure to remove any blight as defined in section 22-19(5)a and 22- 19(5)b, after notification and within the time prescribed, the council may direct the administrator or clerk to proceed as defined in Minn. Stats. §§ 463.15—463.261 regarding the repair and/or removal of hazardous and substandard buildings on property. (Code 1993, § 8-1.02(B); Ord. No. 0-98-07, 12-7-1998) Secs. 22-22 – 22-45 - Reserved ARTICLE III. - PUBLIC NUISANCES2 Sec. 22-46 - Purpose It is the purpose of this section to protect and promote the public health, safety and general welfare of the people of the city. This is in addition to all other statutes and regulations that might be applicable to the city. (Code 1993, § 8-2.01) Sec. 22-47 - Public place defined; nuisances (a) Public place defined. Whenever used in this article, "public place" shall include streets, alleys and sidewalks dedicated to public use, and shall also include such parts of buildings and other premises whether publicly or privately owned which are used by the general public or to which the general public is invited commercially for a fee, or otherwise, or in or on which the general public is permitted without specific invitation. (b) Creation of a nuisance. No person shall knowingly cause or create a nuisance in a public or private place, or permit any nuisance to be created or placed upon or to remain upon any premises owned or occupied by such person. A nuisance is any thing, act, occupation or use of property which: (1) Annoys, injures or endangers the safety, health, comfort or response of the public; (2) Offends public decency or the decency of any member of the public; (3) Interferes with, obstructs, or tends to obstruct or render dangerous for passage any public place; or (4) Renders the public insecure in life or in use of property. (c) A nuisance upon premises. No person shall knowingly cause, or create, or permit nuisances upon any premises as follows: (1) Snow and ice not removed from public sidewalks 24 hours after a storm has ended; (2) Trees, hedges or other obstructions that prevent persons from having a clear view of approaching traffic; (3) Limbs of trees which are less than eight feet above the surface of any public sidewalk, or 14 feet above the surface of any street; (4) Wires across public streets, alleys, lanes or sidewalks less than 15 feet above the surface of the ground; (5) Buildings, walls, and other structures which have been damaged by fire, decay or otherwise to an extent exceeding one-half their original value, and which endanger the safety of the public; (6) Explosives, bottled gas, inflammable liquids and other dangerous substances stored in any manner deemed dangerous by the fire marshal or fire chief; (7) Obstructions and excavations affecting the ordinary use of public streets, alleys, sidewalks or public grounds except as authorized by the council; (8) Any use of property abutting a public street or sidewalk or any use of a public street or sidewalk which causes large crowds of people to gather, obstructing traffic and the free use of the streets or sidewalks; (9) Hanging signs, awnings and other similar structures over the streets or sidewalks, which endangers public safety; (10) Allowing rainwater, ice or snow to fall from any building or structure upon any street or sidewalk, or wastewater to flow upon or across streets or other public property; (11) Unguarded machinery, in any public place, or so situated or operated on private property as to attract the public; (12) Obstructing free flow of water in a natural waterway or a public street drain, gutter or ditch; (13) Motor vehicle not in operating condition parked in public view for more than 48 hours; (14) Sweeping of grass clippings or leaves into the street or alley; (15) Shoveling or plowing of snow into streets and alleys; (16) Service and repair of vehicles in the street except for the changing of tires; (17) Service and repair of vehicles in driveways except for the changing of tires; (18) Noxious weeds and other rank growths of vegetation; or (19) Any other conditions or things that are liable to cause injury to persons or property. (d) Emissions and odors. No person shall cause or allow the emission of any foreign materials such as dust, gases, fumes, vapors, smoke and odors in quantities that, by reason of their objectionable properties, shall be considered a nuisance because they do one or more of the following: (1) Injure, or are sufficient to injure, the health or safety of the public. (2) Create an obnoxious odor in the atmosphere. (3) Cause damage to property or inconvenience to the general public. (4) Create a nuisance or hazard by obscuring vision. (5) Have a deleterious effect upon trees, plants or other forms of vegetation. (e) Unnecessary noise. No person, in any public or private place, shall make, or assist in making, by any manner or means, any loud, unpleasant or raucous noise disturbing to others, unless the same is reasonably necessary to the preservation of life, health, safety or property. (f)(e) Disruptive parties. (1) Participation. No person shall congregate because of participation in any party or gathering of people from which noise emanates of a sufficient volume so as to disturb the peace, quiet or repose of any other person. (2)Remaining to abate disturbance. No person shall visit or remain within any place wherein such a party or gathering is taking place except persons who are there for the sole purpose of abating the disturbance. (Code 1993, § 8-2.02) Sec. 22-48 – Unnecessary noise (a)Prohibited noises. The following are declared to be nuisances affecting public health, safety, peace, or welfare: (1)Any distinctly and loudly audible noise that unreasonably annoys, disturbs, injures, or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace, safety, or welfare of any person, or precludes their enjoyment of property, or affects their property’s value in such a manner as to be plainly audible at the boundary of the real property, building, structure, or residence from which the noise originates, or at a distance of 50 feet from the source of the noise. This general prohibition is not limited by any specific restrictions provided in this section. “Plainly audible” is defined as a sound that can be detected by a person using their unaided hearing faculties; (2)All obnoxious noises, motor vehicle or otherwise, in violation of Minn. R. Ch. 7030, as they may be amended from time to time, are hereby incorporated into this section by reference; (3)The use of any vehicle so out of repair or so loaded as to create loud and unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling, or other noise; (4)Any loud or excessive noise in the loading, unloading, or unpacking of any vehicle; and (5)The use or operation, or permitting the use or operation, of any radio receiving set, television set, musical instrument, music device, paging system, machine, or other devise for producing or reproduction of sound in a distinctly and loudly audible manner so as to disturb the peace, quiet, and comfort of any person nearby. (b)Hourly restriction of certain operations. (1)Domestic power equipment. No person shall operate a power lawn mower, power hedge clipper, chain saw, mulcher, garden tiller, edger, drill, or other similar domestic power equipment except between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. on any weekday or between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on any weekend or holiday. Snow removal equipment is excempt from this provision. (2)Refuse hauling. No person shall collect or remove garbage or refuse in any residential district, except between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. on any weekday or between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on any weekend or holiday. (3)Construction activities. No person shall engage in or permit construction activities involving the use of any kind of electric, diesel, or gas-powered machine or other power equipment, except between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. on any weekday or between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on any weekend or holiday. (4)Radios, music devices, paging systems, and the like. The operation of any devise referred to in subsection (a)(5) between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in a manner so as to be plainly audible at the property line of the structure or building in which it is located, or at a distance of 50 feet if the source is located outside a structure or building shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this section. (c) Noise impact statements. The Council may require any person applying for a change in zoning classification or a permit or license for any structure, operation, process, installation, alteration, or project that may be considered a potential noise source to submit a noise impact statement on a form prescribed by the Council. The Council shall evaluate each such statement and take its evaluation into account in approving or disapproving the license or permit applied for or the zoning changes requested. Sec. 22-498 - Abatement In case of failure to remove snow and ice from sidewalks as provided in subsection 22- 47(c)(1) after notification and within the time prescribed, the administrator or clerk may order city employees or a contracted party to abate the nuisance. The responsible person shall be billed for the costs. If the bill is unpaid, the cost shall be certified to the county auditor as a special assessment against the property for collection in accordance with Minn. Stats. § 429.101. (Ord. No. 10-05, § 1, 9-8-2010) Secs. 22-49 50 – 22-54 - Reserved ARTICLE IV. - REGULATION OF COAL TAR-BASED SEALER PRODUCTS3 Sec. 22-55 - Purpose The City of Falcon Heights understands that lakes, rivers, streams and other bodies of water are natural assets which enhance the environmental, recreational, cultural and economic resources and contribute to the general health and welfare of the community. The use of sealers on asphalt driveways is a common practice. However, scientific studies on the use of driveway sealers have demonstrated a relationship between stormwater runoff and certain health and environmental concerns. The 2013 Minnesota Legislature enacted a statewide prohibition on the use and sale of coal tar sealant products. This new statewide prohibition has been codified under Minn. Stats. § 116.202 and is effective on January 1, 2014. The purpose of this article is to prohibit violations of Minn. Stats. § 116.202 in the City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota, in order to protect, restore, and preserve the quality of its waters. (Ord. No. 14-04, § 1, 11-12-2014) Sec. 22-56 - Definitions Except as may otherwise be provided or clearly implied by context, all terms shall be given their commonly accepted definitions. For the purpose of this article, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning: Asphalt-based sealer means a petroleum-based sealer material that is commonly used on driveways, parking lots, and other surfaces and does contain PAHs. Coal tar means a byproduct of the process used to refine coal. Coal tar sealant product means a surface-applied sealing product containing coal tar, coal tar pitch, coal tar pitch volatiles, or any variation assigned the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) numbers 65996-93-2, 65996-89-6, or 8007-45-2. City means the City of Falcon Heights. MPCA means the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. PAHs or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons means a group of organic chemicals formed during the incomplete burning of coal, oil, gas, or other organic substances. Present in coal tar and believed harmful to humans, fish, and other aquatic life. (Ord. No. 14-04, § 1, 11-12-2014) Sec. 22-57 - Prohibitions (a) No person shall apply a coal tar sealant product on asphalt paved surfaces within the city. (b) No person shall sell a coal tar sealant product that is formulated or marketed for application on asphalt-paved surfaces within the city. (c) No person shall allow a coal tar sealant product to be applied upon property that is under that person's ownership or control. (d) No person shall contract with any commercial sealer product applicator, residential or commercial developer, or any other person for the application of any coal tar sealant product to any driveway, parking lot, or other surface within the city. (e) No commercial sealer product applicator, residential or commercial developer, or other similar individual or organization shall direct any employee, independent contractor, volunteer, or other person to apply any coal tar sealant product to any driveway, parking lot, or other surface within the city. (Ord. No. 14-04, § 1, 11-12-2014) Sec. 22-58 - Exemptions Upon the express written approval from the MPCA and in accordance with Minn. Stats. § 116.202, a person who conducts research on the environmental effects of coal tar sealant product or where the use of coal tar sealant product is necessary in the development of an alternative technology shall be exempt from the prohibitions provided in section 22-57. Any person that is granted approval by the MPCA must provide a copy of the written approval from the MPCA to the city 20 days before conducting the research. (Ord. No. 14-04, § 1, 11-12-2014) Sec. 22-59 - Asphalt-based sealcoat products The provisions of this article shall only apply to coal tar sealant products in the city and shall not affect the use of asphalt-based sealer products within the city. (Ord. No. 14-04, § 1, 11-12-2014) Footnotes: 1 State Law reference – Authority to define and abate nuisances, Minn. Stats. § 412.221, subd. 23. 2 State Law reference – Authority to define and abate nuisances, Minn. Stats. § 412.221, subd. 23; public nuisances prohibited, Minn. Stats. § 609.74 et seq. 3 Editor's note – Ord. No. 14-04, § 1, adopted Nov. 12, 2014, amended Art. IV in its entirety to read as set out herein. Former Art. IV, §§ 22-55 – 22-59, pertained to similar subject matter and derived from Ord. No. 12-02, § 1, adopted March 28, 2012. Chapter 46 - TRAFFIC AND VEHICLES1 Article/Division/Section: ARTICLE I IN GENERAL 46-1 State statutes adopted 46-2 Parking and driving of motor vehicles on private property 46-3 Prohibiting motorized vehicles on public walkways and pathways 46-4 Snowmobile regulations 46-5 Authority to set speed limits on City streets 46-6 – 46-25 Reserved ARTICLE II PARKING 46-26 Removal of motor vehicles 46-27 Parking; restrictions; uniform parking fine 46-28 Parking of motor vehicles during snow removal periods 46-29 Establishment of parking zones using electronic payment systems (e-meters) ARTICLE I - IN GENERAL Sec. 46-1 - State statutes adopted The following state statutes are adopted and incorporated as if set out at length in this Code and shall be enforced within the city: (1) Minn. Stats. ch. 169. (2) Minn. Stats. ch. 170. (3) Minn. Stats. ch. 171. (Code 1993, § 7-1.01) State Law reference – Adoption by reference, Minn. Stats. § 471.62. Sec. 46-2 - Parking and driving of motor vehicles on private property (a) Purpose. The city council has determined that the regulation of parking and driving motor vehicles on private property is necessary and desirable in order to assure adequate ingress and egress for fire trucks and other emergency vehicles to operate adequately in such areas and to otherwise provide for the government and good order in the city, the prevention of crime, the protection of private property, the benefit of residents, trade and commerce, and the promotion of health, safety, order, convenience and the general welfare. (b) Parking restrictions. No person shall stop, stand, or park a motor vehicle at any place on any private driving area within the city where official signs prohibit such. (c) Sign installation. The official signs shall be installed after passage of a resolution by the city council stating the specific area on which parking is to be prohibited, after finding that the parking prohibition is necessary and desirable in order to protect private property and promote the health, safety, order, convenience and general welfare and that the area regulated is affected with the public interest. (d) Driving restrictions. No person shall operate a motor vehicle on any privately owned parking lot or area within the city at a speed greater than is safe and reasonable under the conditions of traffic existing and in no event shall any such vehicle be operated in excess of a speed of 15 miles per hour. All operation and driving of motor vehicles on parking lots shall be done in a careful manner so that no sudden starting or erratic movement of such vehicle is deliberately engaged in by the driver. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate any motor vehicle upon such lot in any manner that would constitute careless driving if done on a public street. No person shall engage in any drag racing or exhibition driving on any such parking lot or area. (e) One-way traffic signs. No person shall drive a motor vehicle into or out of a privately owned parking lot into a public street where official one-way traffic signs prohibit such driving. The official signs shall be installed after passage of a resolution by the city council stating the specific area on which driving is to be regulated and the terms of the regulation and finding that the regulation is necessary and desirable in order to protect private property and promote the health, safety, order, convenience and general welfare and that the area regulated is affected with the public interest. (Code 1993, § 7-2.01) Sec. 46-3 - Prohibiting motorized vehicles on public walkways and pathways (a) Prohibited. No person shall ride, propel or move a motorized vehicle upon any public walkway, pathway or sidewalk. (b) Load limits. No person shall drive any vehicle of any kind which has a gross weight on any single axle, (as defined in Minn. Stats. § 169.83) exceeding three tons, on any of the public streets in the city at a time when Ramsey County designates load limits for county roads. Contractors will be notified of weight restrictions by information provided on building permit forms. (c) Exceptions. The provisions of subsections (b) and (c) of this section shall not apply to fire apparatus, snowplowing equipment, buses, garbage trucks, road maintenance equipment or emergency vehicles of public utilities used incidental to making repairs. (Code 1993, § 7-3.01) Sec. 46-4 - Snowmobile regulations (a) Minn. Rules 6100.3300-6100.5800 are incorporated herein by reference. (b) No person shall operate a snowmobile in the city except on public trails on public property specifically designated and posted for such use by the governmental agency having jurisdiction and control over the use of such property. (Code 1993, § 7-7.01) Sec. 46-5- Authority to set speed limits on City streets. The city engineer may establish speed limits for city streets under the city’s jurisdiction in accordance with the provisions set forth at Minnesota Statutes Section 169.14. The procedures relied upon to set speed limits pursuant to this section shall be kept by City Engineer and updated as needed. (Ord. No. 21-03, § 1, 09-22-2021) Secs. 46-6—46-25 - Reserved ARTICLE II - PARKING2 Sec. 46-26 - Removal of motor vehicles Any motor vehicle parked in violation of this chapter may be removed without notice to the owner or operator, by any employee of the county highway department, any police officer, or any person, firm or corporation employed or designated for this purpose by the city. The motor vehicle so removed may be towed to and stored in any parking lot or garage designated by the city or its policing agency. Payment of the towing and impound charges shall not relieve the owner or operator from payment of the fine or penalty for violation of this chapter or any other applicable ordinance of this city. (Code 1993, § 7-6.01) Sec. 46-27 - Parking; restrictions; uniform parking fine (a) Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: Passenger vehicle means a passenger automobile, pickup truck, van, and motorcycle. Recreational vehicle means travel trailers including those that telescope or fold down, chassis-mounted campers, motor homes, tent trailers, and converted buses that provide temporary human living quarters. Recreational vehicle is a vehicle that is not used as the residence of the owner or occupant, is used while engaged in recreational or vacation activities, and is either self-propelled or towed on the highways incidental to the recreational or vacation activities. Trailer means any vehicle designed for carrying property or passengers on its own structure and for being drawn by a motor vehicle. Truck means every motor vehicle designed, used or maintained primarily for the transportation of property. Street or public grounds means all public streets, highways, roads, alleys, lanes and park roads in the city and all public property in the city, whether owned by the city or some other public entity. Vehicle means any passenger vehicle, recreational vehicle, trailer, truck, or other vehicle used or intended to be used for the transportation of persons or property, including all property or cargo located within, loaded upon or attached to any such vehicle. (b) Restrictions on parking of vehicles. (1) No recreational vehicle, truck, unhitched trailer, bus or school bus shall be parked on any street or public grounds within the city for an additional time than is necessary to load or unload such recreational vehicle, truck, unhitched trailer, bus or school bus, not exceeding 90 minutes. (2) No vehicle shall be parked on any alley within the city except for normal pickup and delivery of passengers or commercial goods, not exceeding 30 minutes. (3) No passenger vehicle or hitched trailer in combination with a passenger vehicle shall be parked on any street or public grounds within the city for more than 48 consecutive hours. (4) No vehicle shall be parked on any street or public ground that has been designated a "No Parking" area or an area where parking has been restricted to certain hours or days, by motion or resolution of the city council, and posted as such. (5) No vehicle shall be parked on any boulevard within the city. (6) No person shall park a vehicle, except an authorized emergency vehicle, within an area designated a fire lane. (7) No vehicle shall be parked on any street or public grounds in front of a public or private driveway or alley or within five feet of any public or private driveway or alley. (8) No vehicle shall be parked on any public or private property, including commercial property, without the express or implied consent of the property owner or his or her agent and shall not remain parked in violation of the terms of such consent. The terms of such consent may be posted in a conspicuous place by the owner or his or her agent. (9) No vehicle shall be parked on any city street during snow removal, as described in section 46-28. • No person shall permit a motor vehicle parked on any street, alley, public grounds, or private property within the city to emit noise from a security alarm, horn, or other noise‑emitting device for a continuous or intermittent period exceeding four hours.The registered owner of the vehicle, or any person in control of the vehicle, is responsible for ensuring the prompt silencing of a sounding alarm or device. It is not a defense that the alarm or device activated inadvertently or due to mechanical malfunction. • A vehicle emitting noise in violation of this subsection is declared a public nuisance. In addition to any citation issued, the city may, when necessary to protect public peace and welfare, authorize law enforcement or an authorized contractor to remove and impound the vehicle in accordance with Sec. 46‑26. (c) Parking fine. The fine for each violation of this section shall be set according to the City Fee Schedule. (Code 1993, § 7-4.01; Ord. No. 08-05, § 1, 12-10-2008; Ord. No. 20-03 § 1, 2-26-2020; Ord. No. 23-05, § 1, 8-23-2023) Sec. 46-28 - Parking of motor vehicles during snow removal periods (a) Purpose and policy. The purpose of this section is to regulate the parking of motor vehicles on the public streets of the city during periods of snow removal. Any motor vehicle parked on a public street of this city during a period of snow removal, as specified in detail herein, is declared to be a public nuisance which interferes with and impedes the orderly removal of snow from said streets, interferes with and impedes the safe movement of emergency and other vehicular traffic, and is thus a danger to the health, safety and welfare of the inhabitants of this city. (b) Parking restrictions during snow removal. Parking of a motor vehicle on an unplowed public street or within 30 feet of an intersection during a snow removal period shall be prohibited. The term "snow removal period" means: 1. For a maximum of 48 hours commencing after a snowfall where at least two inches of snow has accumulated on the public streets of this city, or 2. Until a street has been plowed full-width; whichever comes first. (c) A snow removal period is in effect if section 46-28(b)(2) has been satisfied and an additional two inches of snow falls during the same storm event. (Code 1993, § 7-5.01; Ord. No. 20-03 § 2, 2-26-2020) Sec. 46-29 – Establishment of Parking Zones using electronic payment systems (e-meters) (a) Purpose and Scope. The purpose of this section is to establish regulations for managing parking through electronic payment systems, referred to as e-meters, which will operate via mobile applications provided by third-party vendors. This system is intended to enhance parking management and convenience while maintaining order and safety in public parking areas. (b) Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: E-meter means a virtual parking meter system managed through a mobile application or similar electronic platform for collecting parking payments. Authorized Vendor means a third-party provider approved by the city to operate e-meter services. Parking Zone means any street, lot, or area designated by the city for public parking that requires e-meter payments. The City Council will designate by resolution which streets, lots or areas are established as parking zones, and for which dates and times the parking zones will be in effect. (c) Payment Requirements. The following requirements must be met by motorists parking in a Parking Zone: (1) Motorists parking in a Parking Zone must register their vehicle's license plate and pay for parking via the authorized vendor's application. (2) Payment must be completed immediately upon parking and remain active for the duration of the parking period. (d) Parking Enforcement 1. A vehicle is unlawfully parked if parked in a Parking Zone, except in accordance with the provisions of this Section 46. 2. Vehicles found parked in a Parking Zone without an active payment record shall be subject to fines as determined by the City Fee Schedule. 3. Enforcement officers may verify compliance through electronic records provided by authorized vendors. (e) Signage and Notification 1. The city shall install signage at designated Parking Zones to inform motorists of payment requirements and instructions for using the electronic system. 2. Signage must clearly state the Parking Zone information and details for accessing the payment application. (f) Data Privacy 1. The city and authorized vendors must adhere to applicable data protection laws to ensure the privacy and security of motorists' information collected through e-meter systems. 2. Any data collected shall be used solely for parking management and enforcement purposes. (g) Exception. This Section shall not apply to vehicles that are owned by a governmental entity and are being operated when the vehicle’s driver is on duty or performing a governmental service. (h) Violations and Penalties 1. Failure to comply with e-meter payment requirements shall result in penalties as outlined in Sec. 46-27(c). 2. Repeat violations may result in additional enforcement actions, including towing or immobilization. 3. Any person who tampers with or attempts to circumvent the e-meter payment system shall be subject to a fine and/or other penalties as determined by the City Fee Schedule. 4. Nothing in this section shall limit the city’s authority to regulate parking under other provisions of Chapter 46. (Ord. No. 25-01 § 1, 3-26-2025) Footnotes: 1 State Law reference – Traffic generally, Minn. Stats. ch. 169; powers of local authorities, Minn. Stats. § 169.04. 2 State Law reference – Stopping, standing and parking, Minn. Stats. § 169.32 et seq.; authority to regulate standing or parking of vehicles, Minn. Stats. § 169.04. BLANK PAGE  REQUEST FOR ACTION City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota __________________________ Item Pay-by-Mobile Parking – Parking Pass Distribution for Ineligible Properties Description The City’s Administrative Manual serves as the home to our policies that are adopted by City Council but do not fit in the format of a resolution, ordinance or city code. Many of these policies have been revised in recent years, like our personnel policy, while others remain largely unchanged since the 1990s. The Guidelines During the Minnesota State Fair serve as the guiding document surrounding the State Fair. In approving the policy in May 2025, it was determined to only provide parking passes to residents “abutting a pay-by- mobile street”. This means that those who do not have pay-by-mobile on their street but may rely on parking on pay-by-mobile streets are ineligible for a pass, and as such are ineligible to apply for a variance application. To rectify this restriction, staff was directed by Council through the passing of Resolution 25-81, to propose a modified policy that stated (added underlined): 7. Pay-by-Mobile (e-meter) parking areas a. The City Council by resolution may designate certain streets as pay-by-mobile (e- meter) parking during the State Fair. b. Residents abutting a pay-by-mobile designated street will be mailed one (1) pass per household, with an additional pass available upon request. Residents may receive up to two (2) additional passes if they are determined eligible after filling out a variance application at City Hall. Residents who are otherwise ineligible for a pass may also apply for a variance. c. Handicap authorized vehicles, government vehicles, and delivery vehicles parking with warning lights on for under 10 minutes are exempt from the requirements of pay-by-mobile parking. Under this, residents on ineligible streets were not automatically mailed a pass in 2025, but could apply for a waiver if they could demonstrate a need for a variance from the policy. It was then up to staff to determine eligibility for the variance. In total, the City approved 35 variances for passes in 2025. The majority of these were for residents on Hoyt & Larpenteur and a few were on Meeting Date July 8, 2026 Agenda Item Policy C2 Attachment MN State Fair Guidelines Submitted By Jack Linehan, City Administrator Snelling Service Dr (east side), with a few for those who were requesting 3rd or 4th parking passes with a demonstrated hardship. Council is asked to now consider whether they prefer to proactively include areas that were previously asked to apply for a variance with the households receiving one parking pass automatically in the mail. Or, if they prefer to keep the current process of requiring those properties to demonstrate the need for a variance. Staff plans to begin the pass distribution process mid-to-late July, so having direction from City Council will be beneficial. Budget Impact N/A Attachment(s) • Administrative Manual: Guidelines During the Minnesota State Fair • Resolution 25-81 Action(s) Requested Staff recommends that the City Council provide direction on how to approach properties that are ineligible for a State Fair parking pass but may rely on parking within neighborhoods. Last modified May 2025 E. GUIDELINES DURING THE MINNESOTA STATE FAIR 1. Purpose. To provide guidelines to explain in a practical, understandable way how the city codes and parking procedures are handled during the Minnesota State Fair. The guidelines are intended to simply re-state some sections of the city code that frequently come up during the State Fair. The guidelines are not intended to cover all codes and policies as they apply during the State Fair. 2. Applicability of codes. All city codes and ordinances are applicable during the Minnesota State Fair (attachment 1 identifies applicable codes). 3. Residential districts. No commercial activity is permitted in residential districts other than that permitted in the zoning code. Residential districts include both single family and multi-family dwellings. To clarify this, this includes: a. No parking on front lawns. b. No identifiable sales of parking or of State Fair parking permits. (License plates in driveways will not be checked for a local registration. However, the advertising of parking spaces for sale will be prohibited.) c. No outside sales except garage sales as permitted in the zoning code and kids' "kool-aid" stands. 4. Commercial districts. a. Businesses are permitted to sell parking spaces during the State Fair on paved surfaces designed for off-street parking. There shall be no parking on boulevards or rights of way. b. Advertising for parking sales must be on ground signs or hand-held signs. It cannot be posted on trees, poles nor in residential neighborhoods. c. No outside sales of merchandise that is not part of the adjacent business. d. No inflated balloons that are mounted above the ground or go above the roof of a structure or are located in the right-of-way. 5. State Fair posted "no parking" and "permit parking only" areas: a) The city shall post streets that may be heavily impacted from State Fair parking with no parking or permit parking only signs to eliminate hazards to public safety by protecting access by public safety vehicles. These streets and postings are included in attachment 2. b) The State Fair parking postings are enforced from the first day of the State Fair, not from the first day that they are posted. Last modified May 2025 6. State Fair parking permits and parking bags. a. Residents of properties along the street sections posted for State Fair permit parking are eligible for State Fair residential permit parking during the State Fair. b. On designated State Fair parking permit streets, two (2) State Fair parking permits will be issued to each single-family property and one (1) permit will be issued per unit to the owner multi-family dwellings, sent by mail. Residents in each type of property may receive up to two (2) additional passes if they are eligible after filling out a hardship waiver form at City Hall. c. Regular temporary parking permits may be available for residents upon a special request for unique occasions such as family reunions, weddings, or pre-scheduled events. Temporary parking permits will not be available for residents who wish to park on the street for a non-unique occasion or who wish to have friends or family park on the street for a non-unique event. Emergency situations shall be accommodated. d. "Parking bags" will not be available for covering parking signs during the State Fair unless authorized by the City Administrator. Blocking of streets. The city will not issue wooden barricades to block streets for block parties or other events during the State Fair. 7. Pay-by-Mobile (e-meter) parking areas a. The City Council by resolution may designate certain streets as pay-by-mobile (e-meter) parking during the State Fair. b. Residents abutting a pay-by-mobile designated street will be mailed one (1) pass per household, with an additional pass available upon request. Residents may receive up to two (2) additional passes if they are determined eligible after filling out a variance application at City Hall. Residents who are otherwise ineligible for a pass may also apply for a variance. c. Handicap authorized vehicles, government vehicles, and delivery vehicles parking with warning lights on for under 10 minutes are exempt from the requirements of pay-by-mobile parking. Last modified May 2025 Attachment 1 CITY CODES AND POLICIES RELATED TO THE GUIDELINES FOR THE STATE FAIR 1. Residential Single and multi-family: Chapter 9, Section 4.01 through 8.01 Home occupations: Chapter 9, Section 14.01, Subd. 24 2. Commercial All districts: Chapter 9, Section 9.01 through 11.01 3. Signs All districts: Chapter 9, Section 13.01 4. Parking All districts, Chapter 46 City parking policy III.D: Administrative Manual Last modified May 2025 Attachment 2 "No Parking" 1) All of Northome, water side of street 2) All of Hollywood Court, water and alley 3) St. Mary's Street, Fry Street, Maple Knoll Drive, and Garden Avenue west of Snelling on both sides 4) Water side of all streets north of Larpenteur, between Snelling and Hamline running to Roselawn 5) Snelling Drive north and southbound both sides of Snelling Avenue 6) Tatum Street, water side 7) Lindig Street on water side, including cul-de-sac 8) Larpenteur Avenue from Snelling to Cleveland, both sides 9) Fairview Avenue 1,300 feet north of Larpenteur on both sides. "State Fair Permit Parking Only" 1) East side of Arona from California to Crawford, except where presently posted "No Parking" 2) East Snelling Drive from Hoyt to 1550 Larpenteur 3) West side of Fry Street in front of the Fry apartments 4) Approximately two car lengths in front of the group home at 1746 Snelling Avenue 5) South side of Hollywood Court 6) West side of Arona Street, from Hoyt to Larpenteur 7) East side of Pascal Street, from Hoyt to Larpenteur 8) West side of Albert Street, from Hoyt to Larpenteur Last modified May 2025 Attachment 3 STATE FAIR PARKING MAP CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS COUNCIL RESOLUTION August 13, 2025 No. 25-81 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MODIFICATIONS TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES: PARKING POLICY AND GUIDELINES DURING THE MINNESOTA STATE FAIR WHEREAS, the City of Falcon Heights maintains an Administrative Manual that houses Council-adopted policies not codified in ordinance or resolution form; and WHEREAS, the Guidelines During the Minnesota State Fair are administrative policies intended to clarify and implement procedures and practices surrounding the Minnesota State Fair in the City; and WHEREAS, these policies were last updated in May 2025, respectively, and staff have prepared proposed modifications to reflect the desire to allow residents on non-abutting streets to apply for a variance. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota, as follows: 1. The City Council hereby approves the updated Guidelines During the Minnesota State Fair, as attached to this resolution and incorporated herein by reference. 2. City staff are directed to update the Administrative Manual to reflect these revised policies and to implement them during the 2025 Minnesota State Fair and future applicable events, and to notify those who have been denied the ability of applying for a variance the option to now request one. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Moved by: Approved by: ________________________ Randall Gustafson Mayor GUSTAFSON ____ In Favor Attested by: ________________________ LEEHY Jack Linehan MEYER ____ Against City Administrator WASSENBERG MIELKE