You can provide input in a couple of ways:

1. The city and its design consultants typically hold two public open houses during the project implementation process. You can attend one or both of these and verbally discuss the project or provide written comments on a comment card at those meetings.
2. Call the Engineering Department at (952) 227-1160 and talk to one of the staff working on the project.
3. E-mail the Engineering Department at engineering@chanhassenmn.gov and provide your comments or concerns.

The city finances the entire project cost until all the assessments have been paid. The interest charged on assessments is the rate the city pays for the bonding (as of the date of the assessment) plus 2%. The interest charged is calculated as simple interest and not a compound interest. Benefitting property owners are encouraged to consult private financial institutions for other ways that can be used to pay off the assessment. This allows the property owner the ability to negotiate the term and interest rates within the competitive market and may have some tax advantages.

Please refer to the timeline below for payment options. The city does not accept partial payments of the assessment.

*You can pay off an assessment after it has been certified to your property taxes. The City of Chanhassen Finance Department will calculate the payoff amount, which will include the interest. The term is based on a tiered amount found in the Policy.

An assessment estimate is calculated with the Feasibility Study, which is typically completed six months to a year before a project begins. The final assessment amount is based on the lowest responsible bid amount and is set by the City Council at the assessment hearing, which typically occurs in April or May of the construction year. Properties being assessed for the project are notified of the assessment hearing formally by US mail. Additionally, the city communicates the process via its website, public open houses, the Chanhassen Connection magazine, Chan-Happenings eNewsletter, social media, and City Council meetings.

Public streets are part of the city’s multi-modal transportation system, providing all residents access. The city acknowledges the system benefit of a street project by paying 60% of the project cost. Benefitting properties use the roads to get to and from their property daily, which is why they are assessed 40% of the street project cost. 

When someone buys a new home in a new subdivision, the cost to construct the new infrastructure is incorporated into the purchase price of the home and property by the developer, making it the initial assessment of the property.

Yes. It can be found here.

The city started assessing for street improvements in 1993. The policy was last updated in January 2022. For the construction of new public streets or public utilities, 100% of the cost is assessed to the benefitting properties. For an improvement project of an existing street, 40% of the cost is assessed to the benefitting properties, and the city pays 60% of the street improvement cost. 100% of the public storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and water main costs associated with the project are paid by the associated utility enterprise funds and are not included in the cost assessed to the benefitting properties.

There is no general admission fee attend February Festival. Ice fishing contest tickets are $10 per ticket, and concessions, s’more kits, and bait are available for purchase on the ice. All other activities and parking are free.

To purchase fishing contest tickets, click here.

There is no indoor space to warm up at the event. The Rotary Club will be selling hot beverages and there will be bonfires at the event.

Over $6,000 in prizes will be awarded as part of the fishing contest. The full fishing contest prize list will be released January 2024!

All “largest fish” prizes are determined by weight and will be awarded following the contest. Only the largest entered fish from each contestant will be used to award “largest fish” prizes. In the event of a tie in weight, the contestant with the first entry wins the higher prize, the second fish places next. 

Fishing contest tickets are $10 each. Limit two tickets for each person fishing, one ticket per fishing hole. Please note that there is no sharing fish – the registered contestant is the only one that may submit a fish on a given ticket.

Fishing contest tickets purchased online on or before Sunday, January 28 will be mailed to the address given at registration. Fishing contest tickets purchased online beginning Monday, January 29 will be available at will-call at the event. Tickets purchased day-of, on the ice will be given to you immediately. 

Yes. All holes will be pre-drilled. 

Yes, tip-ups are allowed. Please review the complete set of fishing contest rules and regulations, here.

No food or beverage coolers will be allowed on the ice. The Chanhassen Rotary Club, food vendor, and Scouts BSA Troop #330 will provide concessions available for purchase.

Check it monthly and replace batteries every time you change your clock for daylight savings time.

NOTE: The Chanhassen Fire Department does not change or install smoke alarms in residential homes. Homeowners should use the guides provided to install smoke alarms in their homes or hire a professional. Most electricians or handyman-type businesses offer this type of service.

First check to see that everyone can get out of the house. Then check for a fire. If there is no sign of fire, check the battery. If your smoke detector is hard-wired, look at cleaning and/or replacing your smoke detector.

NOTE: The Chanhassen Fire Department does not change or install smoke alarms in residential homes. Homeowners should use the guides provided to install smoke alarms in their homes or hire a professional. Most electricians or handyman-type businesses offer this type of service.

Cities utilize franchise agreements with private utility companies (gas, electric, etc.) for the use/rent of city-­owned street right-of-way (ROW). Cities typically charge the utility companies a fee (called a Franchise Fee) for the use of ROW. Utility providers typically pass this fee onto their customers.

The Franchise Fee Ordinance was adopted by the City Council on October 28, 2019.

The revenue is set aside in a dedicated fund, the Pavement Management Program (PMP) Fund, and will be used solely for expenditures related to local street improvement projects.

While not technically considered a “tax," the fees are a dedicated revenue source for the city which is collected from utility users in Chanhassen; it has the same effect as a tax. However, it is not levied in the way a property tax is levied, given that Franchise Fees are not tied to the value of a property. All single-family homes would pay the same amount toward the PMP assuming they have both gas and electric services. The use of the fee rather than a tax levy is more equitable with respect to multi-family properties.

Yes. The fees are charged by each electric and gas utility company per service account and multi-family units will pay the standard residential fee.

Minnesota State Statutes allow for a city to impose a fee on a utility company for its use of publicly owned right-of-way (MN State Statute 216.36). Many cities throughout the state have adopted franchise fee ordinances to help pay for roadways and trails.

Charges for residential customers are $5 each for both electric and gas. Commercial and other properties classifications are charged at a separate rate. The Franchise Fees generate approximately $1.9 million annually.

For more information visit our Street Projects page or contact the city’s Engineering Department at 952-227-1160.

A trail around Lake Ann has been part of the city’s vision for many decades. So has protecting the views and nature along the shores of Lake Ann. When the opportunity arose, the city worked to acquire the land through park dedication for public benefit and protection. This is a remarkable piece of land and we are excited to make it accessible to our community while preserving it for generations to come.

There will be days that certain areas around the boardwalks and preserve will be closed during construction to ensure safety of our residents and community members.

The plan is to keep Greenwood Shores Park open during construction with a safety barrier installed to separate park activity and construction activity.

Working hours have been approved from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday.

Yes, equipment and materials will be placed in the preserve and along the sides of trails. The contractor will secure all items and will place safety fencing around the perimeter. 

Much thought has gone into the project design to minimize impact on the natural features of Lake Ann Preserve. Tree surveys have been conducted along the main bituminous trail corridor to identify healthy and compromised trees. While some trees will be removed, we have made an effort to minimize tree loss through design and to ensure safety.

The boardwalk installation project will begin in March, 2024 and the main bituminous trail and Greenwood Shores parking lot is scheduled to be completed in Fall 2024.

Due to regulatory and environmental concerns, work can only be performed at certain times of the year. This is to protect important habitat and minimize impacts when certain species are particularly sensitive to disturbance.

Permits and approvals were received from the Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District, Minnesota DNR/Army Corp of Engineers, and the Metropolitan Council.

Yes, the city received a Local Trail Connection Grant from the Minnesota DNR ($250,000) for boardwalk (C) and a Natural Resource Enhancement Grant from Green River Greening ($158,000) to address invasive species located within the preserve.

Upon receiving the Minnesota DNR Local Connection Trail Grant, the Lake Ann Park Preserve Project was reviewed by many State of Minnesota agencies. The State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO) identified a potential archaeological site located within the preserve. The city has contracted with an archaeological group to define the extent of the identified area. Once the field work is complete a thorough analysis will be conducted to determine the size and scope. Phase I should be completed in 8-10 weeks once archaeological crews collect the data beginning in spring 2024.

The map below shows the access points. 

Jerry Ruegemer
Parks & Recreation Director
952-227-1121
lakeannparkpreserve@chanhassenmn.gov

The My Minnesota Woods website contains a number of fact sheets pertaining to landscaping issues between neighbors. Get more information on trees and the law.

Yes and no. The City recommends that all plants be placed outside of the drainage and utility easements that run around the perimeter of your property. Generally, these easements run 10 feet in the front and rear yards and 5 feet along side property lines. Also, plant materials should be at least 15 feet away from the curb or street because of underground utilities in that area.

No, but you may want to call City Hall (952-227-1100) to connect with the City Arborist to make sure it is not located within a tree preservation or conservation easement.

Call City Hall (952-227-1100) to set up an inspection. If all landscaping is completed, the escrow will be released after the inspection.

Check with your garbage hauler, bring them to an area compost site or take them to the city's spring or fall yard waste collection day. More details.

The City of Chanhassen contracts with the Carver County Sheriff's Office for police services. If it is a non-emergency, call (952) 361-1231, if it is an emergency call 911.

Carver County Sheriff's Office

Contact the Carver County Sheriff’s Office Records Division.

When reporting an incident to law enforcement you may elect to remain anonymous by stating so to the dispatcher answering your call. Keep in mind that law enforcement authority is more restricted when responding to anonymous calls. For example, if you were to remain anonymous while reporting a possible drunk driver, an officer would not be able to stop the vehicle unless the officer witnesses driving behavior allowing a stop. If you were to give your name and identifying information, an officer could stop the vehicle based on what you witnessed.

View information on obtaining a permit to purchase a handgun.

Ages under 12 years:

• 9:00 p.m. - 5:00 a.m. Sunday-Thursday
• 10:00 p.m. - 5:00 a.m. Friday & Saturday

Ages 12- 14 years:

• 10:00 p.m. - 5:00 a.m. Sunday-Thursday
• 11:00 p.m. - 5:00 a.m. Friday & Saturday

Ages 15 - 17 years:

• 11:00 p.m. - 5:00 a.m. Sunday - Thursday
• 12:01 a.m. - 5:00 a.m. Friday & Saturday

No. Deputies assigned to Chanhassen use offices and parking areas provided for them at city hall. However, often there is not a deputy at city hall, even if squad cars are parked in the lot. Driving to city hall to contact a deputy is not recommended. Instead, call the Sheriff's non-emergency number at (952) 361-1231. A deputy can return your call, arrange to meet you, or drive to your location in Chanhassen. If it is an emergency, dial 911.

The city has an outlined Pavement Management Program (PMP) and a dedicated funding source (the PMP Fund). A general tax levy, franchise fees, municipal state aid (MSA), and assessments comprise the revenue of the PMP fund. The projects are outlined in the 5-Yr Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), where the projects are identified on this map. There is a separate FAQ category related to the franchise fee.

Chanhassen has approximately 119 miles of city-owned streets and has committed to its residents to provide a systematic rehabilitation and repair program to assure that the streets are serviceable, safe, functional, and provided at a reasonable cost to meet the needs of our residents and the traveling public.

The city is broken up into three geographic areas, and each area is field-reviewed for pavement condition once every three years. This ensures we have accurate and timely information related to the condition of the pavement. The pavement condition is based on a scale from 0-100, where 0 is a completely failed pavement, and 100 is brand new. The city has established a goal to have the average pavement condition across the entire network be 70 or greater. 70 is considered good condition. This means that many streets will have a pavement condition less than 70, and many will have a pavement condition greater than 70, but the average is to stay at or above 70. City staff annually analyzes the condition rating of the streets and proceeds in a manner that “makes sense” and is within the funding provided. The goal of the program is to “do the right maintenance at the right time.”

Four (4) maintenance and construction techniques are used as part of the PMP program: Sealcoat, Mill and Overlay, Reclamation, and Reconstruction.

1. Sealcoat involves spraying a bituminous adhesive on the existing surface and topping it with small graded aggregate rock. The excess aggregate is swept off and recycled. This activity helps protect the pavement from oxidation and the effects of moisture.
2. Mill and overlay involve grinding off the top layer of the surface and installing a new top layer of pavement. This is a structural improvement and extends the life cycle of the original pavement.
3. Reclamation takes it a step further, grinding up the asphalt and mixing it with the top part of the rock base to create a new base layer. Then, two new layers of asphalt are installed on top of that base layer. Excess material is generated and must be reused or hauled off and recycled.
4. Reconstruction removes and replaces the existing asphalt pavement and aggregate base entirely and installs an entire sand subsection, drain tile, curb, and gutter if not already present.

Some streets, typically the ones with a higher traffic volume, are designated as municipal state aid routes and, therefore, are eligible for funding from the state. These streets are typically rehabilitated as separate projects from normal city streets, but the techniques used and the project delivery are no different. All street projects are assessed to benefit properties, whether they are MSA Routes or not. Assessments have a separate FAQ.

The purpose of a building permit is to provide minimum construction standards established by the Minnesota State Building Code. These minimum construction standards provide safeguards for life, health, property and welfare by regulating design, construction, materials, use and the type of occupancy of all buildings. A building permit must be obtained any time a building or structure is erected, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, converted, or demolished.

The average turn around time is 10 working days.

No, the city does not recommend contractors.

Yes, permits must be applied for online.  View shed/pergola/gazebo/garage handout for more information.  

A building permit and engineered design is required for a retaining wall if the wall is over 4 feet tall, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall. The retaining wall may not encroach in the drainage of the property. Contact the City of Chanhassen Engineering Department at (952) 227-1160 regarding drainage issues. Retaining walls less than 4 feet tall require a zoning permit to ensure zoning compliance.

 For more info, view the zoning permit information.

No. If you have stairs to access your deck, all we need is the approved plan, the approved survey, and the inspection record card to be displayed by the deck to allow the requested inspection to take place and be recorded on the inspection record. If you do not have stairs to access your deck, an adult must be present for the inspection.

A zoning permit is required prior to the installation of a patio or sidewalk. The zoning permit is at little cost to the homeowner and ensures the addition complies with all zoning requirements, including but not limited to hard surface coverage limitations, required setbacks, etc. View zoning permit information.

Smoke detectors are required for the entire house when remodeling or finishing a basement. Smoke detectors must be in each bedroom, in hallways leading to bedrooms, and on every level of the home. Smoke detectors must be hard wired with battery backup in the newly constructed areas. In existing homes, existing bedrooms may be retrofitted with smoke detectors using battery power only.

The City of Chanhassen does not provide homeowners this type of inspection service. The city performs inspections on active permits. Independent inspectors can be hired to do these types of troubleshooting inspections. Independent Inspectors may be found in the telephone book.

Builders usually have a policy and time line for corrections on new homes. Always make the requests to the builder in writing. Contact the Department of Commerce at (651) 296-6319 if you feel your contractor has not performed per your contract.

No, Electrical inspections are performed by the State Electrical Inspector. Contact Brian Luce at (952) 233-8988, Monday- Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. only.

Information on Planning & Zoning Development.

The answer to this question is dependent upon several elements, including zoning of the property; size of the parcel; availability of roads, sewer, and water; etc. Contact the Planning Department for information.

A setback is generally measured from the structure to the property line. However, since property lines are typically not visible, it is best to contact the Planning Department for more information.

Please report any damaged, malfunctioning, or burned-out streetlights to the Public Works Department at (952) 227-1300.

From November 1 to April 1, a “no parking” restriction on all city streets is in effect between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. and anytime of the day or night when 2 inches or more of snow has fallen, until the street is plowed curb to curb. Violators may be tagged and/or towed.

If mailboxes are damaged by direct contact with snow removal equipment, the city will repair or replace it with a standard mailbox as soon as possible. Mailboxes should be 42 inches above street level and not extend beyond the back of the curb. Call (952) 227-1300 to report a damaged mailbox.

If sod on city right-of-way (boulevard) adjoining your property is damaged by our plowing equipment, call (952) 227-1300 to report it. Damage to boulevards from plows will be repaired in the spring with black dirt and grass seed. The city is not responsible for damage to landscaping and sprinkler heads located in the city-owned right-of-way. The street right-of-way (boulevards) are important areas needed for snow storage during the plowing operations; therefore, it is recommended that residents remove and relocate objects (i.e. fences, landscaping, large rocks) that could hamper or be damaged by the snow removal operation.

In Chanhassen, you can tell if a street is public or private by the color of the street sign.

• Brown - Public
• Blue - Private
• Green - County Road

If you experience any of the water or sewer emergency situations listed below, please contact us as follows:

Public Works
Monday - Friday
7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
(952) 227-1300

After hours or on weekends and holidays (24 hours)
Call the emergency number at (952) 917-9345

Utilities Information Hotline
(952) 227-1317

Chanhassen's water hardness is 21 grains per gallon.

Call (952) 227-1300 and set up an appointment for a water shut-off.

The city is responsible for maintaining only the water meter inside the home. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to maintain the service line to the structure being served, including the curb box. The city is responsible for the water main, service connection, and service line up to (but not including) the curb box.

Please find our current Water Quality Report on the Sewer and Water page.

Our water is disinfected with a small amount of chlorine to guard against disease causing organisms, and pathogens.

Fluoride is added to the water as mandated by the Minnesota Dept of Health to protect children’s teeth. It is added at a dose of about 0.7 part per million.

Contact Water Production Foreman, Jacob Casebeer, by email or by phone at 952-227-1701.

View information on Hydrant Flushing.

The city's entire water supply is treated to remove iron and manganese as well as adding chlorine and fluoride.

View helpful information about water meters.

These spots are caused by deposited calcium hardness. This is a typical sign of a malfunctioning home water softener or the absence of one.

Milky looking water is an indication that there is air in the water. This is not harmful and is usually caused by recent water main work or repair in your area. Notify Public Works of the problem, so they can remove the air with hydrant flushing. Contact Public Works at (952) 227-1300.

This is the water shut-off valve to your home. Seasonal settling can cause the valve (sometimes referred to as a curb box) to stick up above the surrounding ground and become a problem for lawn mowing or driving if it is in your driveway. Please contact the Utility Department at (952) 227-1300.

Smelly water, or rotten egg odor, is hydrogen sulfide gas that is present in the water. It is not usually harmful at the low concentration that occurs in a household water system. The City maintains a chlorine residual throughout the system that eliminates this smell, but if water sits in any place too long (dead-end lines, unoccupied houses, new developments with only a few homes), the chlorine dissipates and results in the smell. Water heaters with a magnesium anode rode are another common cause of this odor, especially in houses where little water is used.

To eliminate smelly water caused by your water heater, turn your hot water heater up to high for several hours (150-160 degrees). This should kill the sulfur bacteria. Then flush your system, especially your water heater. Also, the magnesium rod can be replaced with an aluminum one, or removed completely. If you live on a dead-end line or in an area with just a few homes, we recommend calling the City Water Department at (952) 227-1300 so that the lines can be flushed to assure that there is chlorine present to kill the hydrogen sulfide odor.

You can apply for a license online. Click here to access our application portal through BS&A. Click here to view an application submission guide.

Note: payment of the $200.00 annual license fee will be required before the city will issue the license. 

Snow removal and ice control on sidewalks is the responsibility of the property owners residing or controlling the properties adjacent to these sidewalks as follows:

• Residents living in single-family homes or duplexes must remove snow and ice from sidewalks within 12 hours.
• Apartment and commercial building owners are to clear sidewalks within four daytime hours after a storm ends.
• Pile snow into yards and boulevards. Do not shovel snow into the streets. This is against state statute.

If our plowing equipment damages sod on the city right-of-way adjoining your property, call 952-227-1300 to report it.

Damage to city right-of-way from plows will be repaired in the spring with black dirt and grass seed. The city is not responsible for damage to landscaping and sprinkler heads located in the city-owned right-of-way. The street right-of-ways are important areas needed for snow storage during the plowing operations; therefore, it is recommended that residents remove and relocate objects (i.e., fences, landscaping, large rocks) that could hamper or be damaged by the snow removal operation.

In addition to the new signage, the city will conduct a public awareness campaign that will include regular updates and communication via our website, social media channels, email newsletters and the Chanhassen Connection.

Penalties for speeding violations will remain consistent with current laws, which may include fines which range from $125 to $385. 

Yes, new signs will be installed at certain locations to clearly indicate the 25 mph speed limit, but a 25 mph speed limit sign will not be installed on each and every street, just as there are not 30 mph speed limit signs on all streets now.

The proposed speed limit changes would likely take place in the spring of 2025. Exact dates will be made available to the public well in advance. 

Residents who have feedback on the proposal to lower the speed limit to 25 mph—whether they support or oppose the change—are encouraged to engage with the City of Chanhassen through a variety of channels:

• Join us at upcoming city council meetings where this proposal will be discussed. Dates, times and agenda items are posted on the city's website.
• You can fill out this Speed Limit Change Public Comment Form.
• You can submit your thoughts in writing by contacting Chanhassen council members and staffers.  Make sure to reference "Speed Limit Proposal" in your message.
• Sign up for our email list to receive updates about this proposal and reminders about meetings and other opportunities to engage. 

We do not expect this to have a significant impact on commute times and believe that it could be a small trade-off for improved public safety.

This is actually quite common, especially among our neighbors. Wisconsin, Iowa, North and South Dakota, Nebraska and Montana, for instance, have all adopted statewide 25 mph default speed limits. In the Twin Cities’ metro area, numerous cities have enacted a citywide speed limit reduction, including Victoria, Richfield, Golden Valley, Edina, Bloomington, St. Louis Park, Minneapolis, and St. Paul.

Lowering the speed limit is part of Chanhassen’s broader effort to improve road safety for everyone, including pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Numerous studies have shown that reducing speed limits can significantly decrease the severity of accidents.

The proposed 25 mph speed limit will apply to the majority of city-controlled local residential streets. Streets and highways governed by other jurisdictions will not be affected by this change. Powers Boulevard and Pioneer Trail, for instance, are governed by Carver County, and the state highways are governed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).

Rotting organic matter, water turnover, or certain types of algae are typically the main sources of bad odor. Organic matter decays at the bottom of the pond when it is stagnant and poorly oxygenated and sulfur-dioxide is released as a by-product of the decomposition. When the water is disturbed by way of cool wind or heavy rainstorms, the odor comes to surface.

During summers, small neighborhood ponds can get a little green. But that green doesn't mean the pond has poor water quality. Naturally, most people assume green on a lake or pond is algae, but often the green on top of your water is actually duckweed. Also known as duck’s meat or water lentil, duckweed is actually tiny, free floating native plants. The plants are found in clusters of leaves, each with small roots that hang down into the water. It can form thick green blankets on the water’s surface which is why it is often mistaken for algae. Duckweed is found in quiet waters of ponds, lakes and streams and will rarely become abundant on waters with frequent wind or lots of wave action.

Other sources of green color include blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, which can be harmful with prolonged or frequent exposure. Algae blooms are caused by heat and excessive amounts of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Some of the most common sources of nutrients include fertilizers, grass clippings, and animal waste.

The ideal habitat for Canadian geese is mowed Kentucky bluegrass contiguous with a body of water. A significant way to prevent geese from impending your pond is to stop mowing to the shoreline. This gives geese easy access in and out of the water and is a desirable habitat for them. There are a variety of methods for control geese but establishing a buffer of native plantings along the water’s edge is the most effective. This will not only deter geese but it will also provide water quality benefits. More information on geese can be found on the MN DNR website.

The City of Chanhassen does not know what properties have invisible fencing and/or irrigation lines.  The city has made the utility companies abundantly aware that these private improvements exist in the right of way and easements.  Most of the installation is done via drilling at a depth much lower than the pet fencing and irrigation. However, in the areas where they are digging holes for pedestals, crews should be hand digging to avoid damaging these types of infrastructure.

If you see flags showing up in your yard and/or a contractor working toward your yard, it’s a best practice to make them aware of where your infrastructure is located so that they are aware. If Metronet is scheduled to work in your neighborhood, let them know what services you have in your yard by filling out this form. If Comcast is scheduled to work in your neighborhood, you will receive a Construction Alert doorhanger in advance of their work, which includes reminders for you to mark sprinklers and electric fences.

If you have concerns or questions about the construction in your neighborhood, you will find a contact number on the door hanger or other notifications left by Comcast or Metronet.

You can reach out to Comcast’s customer service at (651) 432-3000 for more detailed inquiries. Additionally, Comcast has a blog dedicated to its work in Chanhassen and is updated regularly with news and progress reports.

You can reach out to Metronet’s customer service at (877) 407-3224 or visit their webpage.

Prior to work starting in the area, and while door hangers are being placed, the area where work will take place will have white flags placed on the ground. This is to help locaters know where they need to locate other utilities so that they can be avoided. If Irrigation lines or other utilities owned by the homeowner are present this is when they can be located and that information shared with the contractors.

As part of the process to identify underground utilities, Comcast and Metronet’s construction partners will file a request through the 811 system, which notifies utility companies to mark the locations of their underground lines in the public right-of-way and utility easements in your neighborhood. Different utility companies will then send out crews to mark the ground with flags or paint to show where existing infrastructure is located, ensuring the new construction won’t interfere with or damage any current lines. These markings use specific colors to indicate different types of utilities, following Minnesota’s 811 safe digging guidelines.

Typically, about 5 to 7 days after this marking process is completed, crews will begin installing conduit, fiber, and coaxial cables in your neighborhood. Most of this work will take place in public areas, such as rights-of-way and easements. In rare cases, when work needs to be done on public easements that are part of private property, contractors will directly inform residents before starting.

Before construction starts in your neighborhood, you'll receive a door hanger with a local phone number you can call if you have any questions about the work being done. Click here to see an example of Comcast’s door hangers.

Here are a few examples what construction trucks, drills and vans will look like when construction occurs:

Yes, they are. Comcast and Metronet have obtained permits from the city to install fiber-optic cable in public rights-of-way and utility easements.

All workers will wear safety vests and carry badges identifying them as either Comcast or Metronet employees or authorized contractors. Door hanger messages (click here for an example) will also have contact information if you have concerns about any work happening.

The work is being done by Comcast and Metronet contractors, not by the City of Chanhassen.

A public right-of-way (ROW), or land set aside for public use, often extends 10-15 feet beyond the curb or street edge, sometimes reaching into a homeowner's front yard. Easement rights give the city the legal authority to use this land for such public needs as roadways, sidewalks and trails, and utility infrastructure. 

Additionally, beyond the city ROW, most properties have a Drainage and Utility Easement (D&U) where these can be installed. These are within the property limits and can range from 5-10 feet, and may be located within the property on the front, back, and side lot lines.

Comcast and Metronet currently working on building out fiber optic networks to service Chanhassen. The work they are doing is basically the same, but it may be happening at different times in your neighborhood. Each company has their own specific contractors and communication protocols.

Contractors will be installing fiber-optic cables, which may involve visible work in the public rights-of-way, and utility easement areas, such as street and sidewalk areas.

Go Green! Register online paperless billing and recurring payments.

Benefits of monthly billing include:

• Smaller, more manageable payments.
• Better household budgeting: Your utility bill will now arrive at a similar frequency to other utility bills, such as gas and electricity, making your monthly budget more consistent.
• Timely water use information: Monitoring your water use can help you understand consumption habits and manage water costs.
• Detect possible water leaks quickly: With more timely information, you’ll easily notice if your water use differs from normal. This allows for the earlier detection and repair of leaks, reducing the possibility of a high water bill. 

All new residents of the City of Chanhassen need to complete a Water and Sewer Utilities Start Service Request (see links below). This application ensures the correct resident receives the bills for services rendered at the properties within the City of Chanhassen. Any questions can be directed to the Utility Billing Department at (952) 227-1144 or email utilitybilling@chanhassenmn.gov.

• Click here for the Water and Sewer Utilities Start Service Request (for homeowners).
• Click here for the Tenant Water and Sewer Utilities Start Service Request (for renters).

Residents receive water and sewer statements monthly by mail or email. If the property is not hooked up to water or sewer, storm water statements will be sent quarterly (March, June, September, December).

• Automatic Payment Plan (ACH). By signing up for the city’s ACH program, the amount of your bill will automatically be deducted from your checking account on the due date. Click here to access the change form.
• Online Bill Pay. Our website allows you to make one-time payments, set up automatic payment with a checking account or credit card and view your account history. Click here to view our online billing portal.

• Sanitary Sewer, if connected to city sewer
• Storm Water Management, all parcels within the city receive this charge
• Water Test, if connected to city water
• Water, if connected to city water

The bill you receive is a Storm Water Management fee. This is a charge that all properties within the city receive, regardless of the stage of development on the land.

In 1990, the City of Chanhassen adopted a quarterly charge to all properties in Chanhassen to help pay for the maintenance, monitoring and improvements to protect Chanhassen’s 11 lakes, four creeks and 420 wetlands. Residential properties receive a uniform flat fee. Commercial properties receive a higher rate based on land classification and lot size.

As a homeowner you are able to check your meter to calculate your usage at any time. The meter is generally located downstairs or in a utility room, where the water enters your home. The City of Chanhassen rounds to the nearest 1,000 gallon. This number is listed on your bill under "Current" as the current or most recent read we received from your meter.

The sewer charge is reset based on your water use for the first three bills each year. This determines the maximum you will be charged for sewer during the remainder of the year (April-December). If you use less water during the month, the sewer charge will go down based on your water use for the bill. When water use is usually higher in the summer, the sewer maximum has already been set so that you will not be paying sanitary sewer charges for your outside water use.

Consumption is listed in 1,000 gallon increments. If your bill shows a "CONS" of 32, your monthly consumption is 32,000 gallons of water.

Any property that is connected to, and has available for use, water and sewer utilities, will receive a minimum service charge.

There are a number of reasons water usage increases:

• Do you have faucets that are dripping or leaking?
• Does the toilet fail to shut off after flushing? Is your water softener malfunctioning?
• Is this a billing period that may include outside summer watering?

All of these things can increase water consumption dramatically.

The residential sewer flow charge is based on the winter water usage (the winter usage is calculated using the first three monthly billings of the new year - received at the end of January, February, and March).