Wayzata, MN

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Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.

Administration

11

  • The phone number for the Administration Department for Wayzata Schools is 952-745-5000. The Administration staff will direct your call. 

    Administration

  • Property taxes and traffic fines cannot be paid at City Hall. You can visit any Hennepin County Service Center or the Government Center to make these payments.

    Administration

  • The phone number for the Library is 612-543-6150. Call for hours.

    The new phone number for the Post Office is 800-275-8777. You will then get a menu asking what you are calling about. If you want the Wayzata Post Office you must ask a customer service operator to connect you to the post office.
    Administration

  • Visit our Missed Garbage Pickup page for more information on possible reasons your pickup was missed.
    Administration

  • Wayzata City Hall is located at 600 Rice Street E (cross streets are Broadway Avenue and Rice Street) City offices are located at the opposite end of the Wayzata Library and next to Wayzata Motor Vehicles. View our City Hall map for more information.
    Administration

  • No, however your drivers license can be renewed at either a Hennepin County Service Center or at the Drivers Examining station in Plymouth. Call 952-476-3042 for more information.
    Administration

  • The City of Wayzata does not have a Parks and Recreation Department. Questions on programs may be answered by the City of Plymouth by calling 952-509-5200.
    Administration

  • Klapprich Field, Wayzata West Middle School’s softball field (after 4pm and during the summer), and the Bell Courts’ tennis courts may be reserved. Contact the City of Wayzata’s Parks Department at 952-404-5366 to make your reservation request. Alcohol is not permitted in any City park or facilities unless otherwise noted.
    Administration

  • Please view the city's event calendar.
    Administration

  • For coverage of events hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, please visit their website.
    Administration

  • Garbage stickers may be purchased at City Hall for $3 each during regular business hours or by return mail (mail in your payment and we will send out your sticker(s).)
    Administration

Klapprich Park & Field

2

  • When it comes to outdoor ice rinks, only 1 person can predict when the rink will be ready for skaters: Mother Nature.

    To start making ice, Public Work needs a mixture of at least 1 week of really cold weather and frozen ground. After the crews pump 800,000 gallons of water into the rink, it can take 10 to 14 days with below-freezing temperatures for a substantial base layer of ice to form. The base helps guard against warm snaps and is strong enough to withstand equipment during the final stage of creating a smooth finish on the rink.

    If rinks don’t have complete coverage, they can be unsafe for skaters and the Public Works equipment may break through the ice. And while weather conditions were normal last year, 5 of the last 6 years were warmer than average, leading to late openings and early closings.

    Public Works likes to open the rink 1 week before Christmas and maintain the rink through mid-February.
    Klapprich Park & Field

  • The warming house and skating rink will be open with an attendant on duty, weather-permitting, weekdays from 3 to 10 p.m., as well as 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends and days when Wayzata public schools are not in session.
    Klapprich Park & Field

Curbside Composting

7

  • Each Blue Bag Organics liner is made from a proprietary blend of bioplastics composed of corn syrup and polymers. These are renewable ingredients, unlike the petroleum used to make typical plastic bags that don’t biodegrade. Later, microbes found in soil devour the Blue Bag Organics bags and convert them to compost.
    Curbside Composting

  • The proprietary resin makes Blue Bag Organics bags durable and shelf-stable. They can withstand sunlight and rain. But when they are buried at an industrial composting facility, especially under warm compost soil, Blue Bag Organics bags disintegrate in about 45 days.
    Curbside Composting

  • On trash day, hand tie the Blue Bag Organics can liner containing your household’s food waste and place it inside your regular refuse cart. Randy’s will separate from other trash at their facility. Then your organics are off to a composting facility.
    Curbside Composting

  • When Blue Bag Organics bags are buried at an industrial composting facility, the bags and their contents disintegrate in less than 2 months, turning into nutrient-rich compost that is bagged and sold at your local garden center.
    Curbside Composting

  • Food waste and food-soiled paper are called organic waste because they are compostable. For a detailed list of what can and cannot be composted, visit the Blue Bag Organics website.
    Curbside Composting

  • Organics will smell the same as your household trash. Remember, it is the same waste you have now, just separated into containers.

    To minimize odors, remember to put in food-soiled paper products or line your container with a paper bag to absorb liquid from food waste, line your container with a compostable plastic bag to contain liquid, empty your container frequently and rinse it out occasionally.
    Curbside Composting

  • Yes, recycling organic waste into compost is more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than using a garbage disposal.

    It takes energy and resources to process out solids including food waste at wastewater treatment plants. Food waste can also overload your septic system and cause problems.
    Curbside Composting

Rental Dwelling License

13

  • The rental dwelling license is a document required by the City of Wayzata for all rental dwellings, single through multifamily. The license verifies that the property is registered for occupancy and has met the minimum requirements set forth by the City for rental units. The major requirement for licensing is that the property is inspected for health and safety concerns and that all corrections are completed.
    Rental Dwelling License

  • The City will mail a Rental Dwelling License Renewal Application to the property owner or responsible party at least 60 days prior to the expiration date of the license. The application form and supporting documents must be completed and returned to the City along with payment of the appropriate license fee 60 days prior to the expiration date of the license (April 1 of each year).

    Once the completed application form and license fee have been received, the City will contact the property owner or responsible party to arrange for an inspection of the property. You may also contact the inspections department to schedule an inspection to ensure a convenient time. For renewals, an inspection must be made 30 days prior to the expiration date of the current license.
    Rental Dwelling License

  • The City will contact the property owner or designated agent to arrange for an inspection of the property. Once the inspection has been made and no violations have been found, the City will issue the Rental Dwelling License. If violations have been found, typically 20 to 30 days is given to correct the violation depending on the severity.

    Violations that are considered a life safety issue are given 48 hours. An extension of time may be given on a case by case basis if the City’s compliance officer is notified in writing for the request 15 days prior to the re-inspection date. At that time, the City will issue a provisional license allowing for the correction of deficiencies. Upon completion, the City shall re-inspect the property. Once all violations have been properly corrected, the City will issue the Rental Dwelling License.
    Rental Dwelling License

  • Prior to inspection, landlords should review the Rental License Preinspection Checklist.
    Rental Dwelling License

  • Visit our Residential Dwelling Ordinance Changes page for more specific change information.
    Rental Dwelling License

  • A rental dwelling license must be obtained prior to operating (charging rent or other form of compensation) any rental dwelling having 1 or more living units including apartment buildings. A Rental Dwelling License is valid from the effective date of the license and expires on April 1 of each year.
    Rental Dwelling License

  • View the Residential Dwelling License Fee table for more information.
    Rental Dwelling License

  • A rental dwelling means any dwelling with 1 or more living units, including apartments. A single family home can be considered a rental unit if any room or portion thereof contains living facilities, including the provisions for sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation for more than 1 family. It does not include hotels, motels, hospitals, and homes for the aged.
    Rental Dwelling License

  • A common owner of one or more buildings contained within a single development project is considered a rental complex.
    Rental Dwelling License

  • Rental Dwelling License Application forms are available at City Hall or they can also be downloaded on our Permits & Licensing Page.

    Rental Dwelling License

  • The inspector is looking for hazards to health and safety, as well as conditions that would cause deterioration of the property. Generally speaking, items that violate today’s building code, but were acceptable under the code for the year the building was constructed, would not be cited unless the item poses a hazard.
    Rental Dwelling License

  • Residential Dwelling Licenses are not transferable.
    Rental Dwelling License

  • Please contact the Building Inspection Department by calling 952-404-5313 or you can also visit our Building Inspection page.
    Rental Dwelling License

Grading Permits

6

  • If you are doing any earth movement greater than 10 cubic yards (1 truckload of soil) or any quantity of grading that will alter the existing drainage patterns, you will probably need a grading permit.
    Grading Permits

  • The city regulates filling and excavation work through a permitting process to protect the interest of both the property owner and the community. Grading and filling operations can cause a number of problems related to drainage, erosion and protection of the wetlands, easements and utilities. The biggest concern is related to drainage and how it may affect neighboring properties. We suggest talking to your neighbors regarding your grade / fill project before starting it.
    Grading Permits

  • Probably not. If you have any concerns that your landscaping work may be altering existing drainage patterns, please call the Wayzata Engineering Department at 952-404-5316. We would rather visit you before there is a problem.
    Grading Permits

  • Yes. In fact, you will probably need a grading plan, though it may not have to be very detailed. Often the Engineering Department can provide a contour map of your property and discuss the work with you to verify that there will not be any impacts to you or adjacent properties. You may be required to post a refundable cash escrow to ensure establishment of vegetation in the disturbed areas.
    Grading Permits

  • Yes, both of you will probably be required to submit a grading plan prepared by a qualified person. This plan must be reviewed and approved by the Engineering Department. You will be required to submit a written agreement between you and your neighbor. An erosion control plan and cash escrow for surety may also be required.
    Grading Permits

  • Simple permits can often be issued within a day or 2. More complex permits may require a week or more to review. Note: Sites that disturb over 1 acre of land also require permits from the
    Grading Permits

Fire Department

12

  • The Wayzata Fire Department is composed of 30 personnel. The department utilizes all personnel in a variety of situations and capacities.

    All personnel are professional firefighters who strive to provide the citizens of Wayzata the best services available. The department operates 1 strategically located station that houses 3 engine companies, 1 ladder company, 1 heavy rescue, 1 tanker, 2 boats and 2 utility vehicles.
    Fire Department

  • The job functions of fire department personnel and services are a tax-funded service and there are no direct fees to the homeowner for a call for assistance from us.
    Fire Department

  • The fire lane is for fire / police / EMS only. There could be a medical emergency or a police matter that would require the use of the fire lane. If you park in the fire lane, it prevents the aforementioned personnel from doing their job to the best of their ability.
    Fire Department

  • No. We cannot endorse a company or individual, but we can suggest you look in the metropolitan phone book yellow pages under Fire Extinguishers or Fire Protection Equipment and Supplies for assistance. Also, your local department or hardware store usually carries these items.
    Fire Department

  • The minimum size fire extinguisher for a business or multifamily residence is 2A -10BC for every 6,000 square feet of area, and not to exceed 75 feet of travel distance to access the extinguisher. Single-family residences should consider the area they wish to protect and be guided by the vendor’s recommendation.
    Fire Department

  • No. For disposal of household chemicals such as paint, used oil, gas, pesticides and cleaners, please contact the Hennepin County Recycling Center and Transfer Station. They are located at 8100 Jefferson Highway in Brooklyn Park and can be reached by calling 612-348-6500 or 612-348-6509.

    The South Hennepin Recycling and Problem Waste Drop-Off Center is located at 1400 West 96th Street in Bloomington and can be reached by calling 612-348-6500 or 612-348-6509.

    For detailed information on what is accepted and operational days and hours, please visit their website.
    Fire Department

  • In most cases, the Fire Department is dispatched in addition to the ambulance to vehicle accidents. The Fire Department's First Responders and EMTs are able to provide lifesaving treatment if they arrive first.

    All EMTs and first responders are trained in CPR, communications, equipment, first aid, vital signs, patient information, patient movement and other emergency procedures. The department trains in vehicle extrication with cutters, spreaders and the "Jaws of Life" to remove victims of vehicle accidents.

    The Fire Department also provides traffic control when needed at accident scenes and responds with trucks carrying water in case the scene becomes unsafe from fire.
    Fire Department

  • Firefighters are trained as EMTs and first responders. Our primary mission is to provide supplementary support to the Ambulance personnel and Police. With our personnel in town we can often arrive prior to the ambulance and begin life saving techniques such as CPR and/or use defibrillators.
    Fire Department

  • State law, and common sense, dictates that vehicles yield to emergency vehicles that are operating their emergency lights and siren. Emergency vehicle drivers are taught to pass on the left whenever possible when responding in an emergency mode. When safe, slow down, pull over to the right, and stop. However, there are circumstances where that may not be possible (if your car is already stopped, and you don't have anywhere to pull over). Simply stay put until the emergency vehicles goes around you.

    If you are blocking the route of the emergency vehicle, and you are able to pull ahead and over into a clear area, use your turn signal to indicate your intentions, and proceed at a safe speed. Never slam on the brakes and stop in the middle of the road when you see apparatus approaching. Make no sudden moves. If an emergency vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction, you should pull over and stop. You have no idea if they are proceeding down the road, or are turning into a driveway or intersection right in front of you.

    You are not required to slow down or pull over for emergency vehicles that are responding in the opposite direction on a divided freeway or highway. Do not tailgate, "draft", or follow a responding apparatus closely. Not only is this illegal, you run the risk of collision as vehicles pull back out into traffic after the emergency vehicle goes by.
    Fire Department

  • This is a signal that an emergency vehicle is approaching and has activated a traffic control system (Opticom) which systematically and safely changes the traffic signal to provide a green light for approaching emergency vehicles. The system is usually set so that the signal is received well in advance of the emergency vehicle's arrival. It does systematically cycle through and just doesn't change opposing traffic's signal without warning. This allows the intersection to clear and helps improve the responses to emergencies through intersections.
    Fire Department

  • Fire Department units are dispatched according to information received by the 911 operator. The Wayzata Fire Department thinks over-cautiously when they respond to citizens in need of help. In other words, the firefighters are prepared to deal with the worst that could happen. Discovering that we need more units once we arrive is often too late.

    We have learned from experience that it’s better to have too much help than not enough.

    A structure fire requires a number of people to do all the assigned tasks. Firefighting teams are assigned certain responsibilities such as fire extinguishment, search and rescue, ventilation, salvage, safety, accountability and rapid intervention teams when firefighters become trapped or injured.
    Fire Department

  • Fire in a building creates a tremendous amount of heat and smoke. In many instances, firefighters must remove this heat and smoke before they can get close enough to extinguish the fire. Heat and smoke rise, so cutting a hole in the roof and breaking out windows in strategic locations allows the smoke to vent upwards, allowing cool air to enter the structure from below. This is called "ventilation".

    Venthilation improves visibility and lowers heat conditions for the firefighters inside, allowing them to quickly and safely extinguish the fire. Remember, heat and smoke cause damage too, so ventilation can actually reduce overall damage to a building and contents.

    Furthermore, dangerous superheated gasses need to be ventilated to allow firefighters to safely and quickly rescue trapped occupants. The heated gasses can spread throughout the inside of the house and by breaking the window, this prevents a great deal more damage than it appears to cause.
    Fire Department

Land Disturbance

6

  • If you are doing any earth movement greater than 10 cubic yards (1 truckload of soil) or any quantity of grading that will alter the existing drainage patterns, you will probably need a grading permit.
    Land Disturbance

  • The city regulates filling and excavation work through a permitting process to protect the interest of both the property owner and the community. Grading and filling operations can cause a number of problems related to drainage, erosion and protection of the wetlands, easements and utilities.

    The biggest concern is related to drainage and how it may affect neighboring properties. We suggest talking to your neighbors regarding your grade/fill project before starting it.
    Land Disturbance

  • Probably not. If you have any concerns that your landscaping work may be altering existing drainage patterns, please call the Wayzata Engineering Department at 952-404-5300. We would rather visit you before there is a problem.
    Land Disturbance

  • Yes. In fact, you will probably need a grading plan, though it may not have to be very detailed. Often the Engineering Department can provide a contour map of your property and discuss the work with you to verify that there will not be any impacts to you or adjacent properties. You may be required to post a refundable cash escrow to ensure establishment of vegetation in the disturbed areas.
    Land Disturbance

  • Yes, both of you will probably be required to submit a grading plan prepared by a qualified person. This plan must be reviewed and approved by the Engineering Department. You will be required to submit a written agreement between you and your neighbor. An erosion control plan and cash escrow for surety may also be required.
    Land Disturbance

  • Simple permits can often be issued within a day or two. More complex permits may require a week or more to review. Sites that disturb over 1 acre of land also require permits from the MPCA.
    Land Disturbance

Panoway on Wayzata Bay

9

  • Panoway on Wayzata Bay will restore, protect and enhance a treasured asset for our community and broader region: Wayzata’s downtown lakefront. Panoway grew out of the Lake Effect initiative which represented the the first step to gather input and develop a new vision for the Wayzata lakefront. Panoway is the next step in implementing the community’s vision. It conveys an identity for the space and helps describe the benefits and uniqueness of the experience that will be created. This multi-phase initiative addresses critical infrastructure needs on Lake Street and along the Lake Minnetonka shoreline. It will also strengthen the connection between downtown Wayzata and Lake Minnetonka, creating a unique and welcoming experience for residents and visitors.

    Phase one of Panoway includes five elements:

    • Streetscape and Sidewalk Improvements along Lake Street - A newly reconfigured Lake Street, from Broadway to Ferndale, is improving accessibility and creating a safer environment for pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles and businesses. The project includes:
      • A two-way off-street bike lane on the South side of the street, providing a seamless connection to the Dakota Rail Regional Trail
      • Expanded sidewalks on the north side of the street to enhance shopping and dining experiences
      • Dedicated turn lanes at the intersection of Barry and Lake Street, creating smoother trac flow while preserving on-street parking spaces that supplement free public parking throughout downtown
      • Upgraded railroad crossings at Barry, Broadway, and Ferndale to greatly enhance safety and accessibility to the lake
      • Critical public works upgrades, including water main, storm sewer and water treatment infrastructure improvements
    • Broadway Plaza - Serving as the eastern gateway to the newly improved Lake Street, improvements to Broadway Plaza are enhancing safety and enjoyment of the lakeside. Features include:
      • A new, fully-accessible restroom building on the west side of the plaza, including outdoor drinking fountains for public use
      • Strings of tivoli lights creating a softly lit canopy over a collection of terrace tables
      • An improved railroad crossing to safely connect the plaza to the community docks and a future lakeside boardwalk
    • The Birch Grove - Just east of Broadway Plaza, the Birch Grove offers a place of quiet reflection, including a 9/11 memorial artifact that pays tribute to Gordy Aamoth, a Wayzata native who was killed in the attack on the World Trade Center.
    • Plaza Park - Located on the lakeside across from Wayzata Marquee Place, the Plaza Park offers a variety of gathering spaces under a shade pavilion. Residents can sit around one of two community hearths, relax in adirondack chairs, dine at the picnic tables, and enjoy the scenery of the lake. The plaza is flanked on both sides by large lawns with stone benches and decorative planters.
    • Fountain - A new fountain at the intersection of Lake and Walker features jets of water dancing from the ground, providing an opportunity for the young and young at heart to cool off on hot summer days. The fountain is surrounded by a garden rooms where benches originally along the shoreline have been reinstalled.

    Future Phases of Panoway will include:

    • Boardwalk - A new lakeside boardwalk will stretch approximately 1,500 lineal feet from the Historic Section Foreman House to the Depot. The boardwalk includes two lakeside overlook terraces, creating a beautiful way for the community to connect with the lake.
    • Shoreline Restoration - The growth of Wayzata and the popularity of the lakefront has taken a toll over the years, impacting water quality, plant and animal life, and the health and well being of Lake Minnetonka. Shoreline restoration projects will reverse the contamination of Wayzata’s holding ponds by reintroducing native plants, trees and pollinator habitat and by restoring 2,000 lineal feet of lake edge.
    • Section Foreman House - Situated just a few yards off the lake, this historic home is one of the last of its kind still standing in Minnesota. Built by the Great Northern Railroad in 1902 as a residence for railroad foremen and their families, this historic home will be restored and repurposed into a new lakefront learning center, providing indoor and outdoor classroom and community space.
    • Eco Park - A new park surrounding the Section Foreman house will restore shoreline marsh and improve water quality. The park includes a pier extension of the boardwalk and opportunities to create “Living Eco-Classrooms” along the lakeshore for STEM based learning.
    • Depot Park - The expanded and remodeled park surrounding the historic Wayzata Depot will feature a new restroom building and expanded gardens. Visitors will enjoy new lawns, decks, and terraces with seating, picnic tables and a community hearth.
    • Community Docks - Two new community docks will allow more residents and visitors to access Wayzata from Lake Minnetonka.
    Panoway on Wayzata Bay

  • Construction of Phase 1 began in the spring of 2020. Construction reached substantial completion on September 11, 2020. Some remaining work includes exterior finishes of the restroom building, the railroad crossings at Barry Avenue and Ferndale Road, and the catenary lighting system at Broadway Avenue. The impact to businesses and residents as crews complete these last items will be minimal and is anticipated to be completed by November 2020. 


    Click here to read the Navigate Wayzata construction updates.

    Panoway on Wayzata Bay

  • This entire initiative will include almost 3,000 linear feet of lakeshore and over 15 acres of park land. It starts at the Depot and extends east to the Section Foreman House.

    Panoway on Wayzata Bay

  • No. Originally when the project was being developed a design for the beach area was considered, but the City Council decided to just focus on the current project area – from the Depot to the Section Foreman House.

    Panoway on Wayzata Bay

  • It is a partnership between the City of Wayzata and the Wayzata Conservancy. The public dollars from the City and other organizations such as Three Rivers Parks are funding the redesign of Lake Street and the Plaza Park – everything north of the railroad tracks (Phase One). In addition, the City did receive a grant from the state specifically for the upgrade of the railroad crossings – this portion will also be included in Phase One. The Boardwalk, the Eco Park and the Depot Park (everything south of the railroad tracks) will be funded with private dollars raised by the Wayzata Conservancy. It is approximately $5 million dollars of public funding and $10 million dollars of private funding.  

    Panoway on Wayzata Bay

  • As a part of this project, the existing “interim docks” will be replaced by permanent wooden docks – approximately in the same location, both at the Depot and the Broadway Railroad Crossings.

    Panoway on Wayzata Bay

  • Through this project, the lakeshore will be restored to a more natural state and holding ponds will be created to improve water runoff management. The result will be a direct improvement to the lake water quality and ecology, as well as intentional restoration and preservation of Wayzata’s shoreline.

    Panoway on Wayzata Bay

  • The total cost for the project includes maintenance and operation expenses for the first ten years of the project.

    Panoway on Wayzata Bay

  • Civitas, an award winning landscape and urban design firm based out of Denver, Colorado is designing all aspects of the project with much input and engagement with the City of Wayzata, community members and stakeholders. The design for this project has already received an award by the American Society of Landscape Architects.

    Panoway on Wayzata Bay

Boat Slips

9

  • We have 100 boat slips.

    Boat Slips

  • We average about 3-5 slips that open up per year.

    Boat Slips

  • No, as long as you continue to renew annually and pay applicable fees, the slip remains yours.

    Boat Slips

    1. No watercraft shall exceed twenty-six (26) feet in length.
    2. No watercraft shall have a beam/width exceeding eight and one-half (8 1/2) feet.
    3. No watercraft shall have a draft in excess of thirty-six (36) inches.
    4. Only one watercraft is allowed in any assigned slip, as specified under Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (LMCD) rules.
    Boat Slips

  • The annual Boat Slip Lottery is always the 1st Tuesday of March.

    Boat Slips

  • We have a Boat Slip Application; We accept applications from November 1st to the 1st Tuesday of February. Applications are posted on the City website www.wayzata.org or can be picked up at City Hall. Application are limited to on per residence.

    Boat Slips

  • All boats must be in their assigned slips by June 1st

    Boat Slips

  • All boats must be off City property by November 1st.

    Boat Slips

  • Please call for current pricing as it can change from year to year, 952-404-5300.

    Boat Slips

  1. City of Wayzata

Contact Us

  1. 600 Rice Street East
    Wayzata, MN 55391

    Phone: 952-404-5300

    Email

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