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1. Is a license required for a pet in East Bethel?

Yes, licenses are required for all dogs over 4 months of age in the City of East Bethel. Proof of rabies vaccination for the calendar year for which the license is to be issued is required for the license to be issued. The license is free with proof of rabies vaccination. Licenses are available at City Hall or you can submit a form online.

2. How do I obtain a burning permit?

Burning permits are regulated by the MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and are issued by Fire Wardens within the city. The East Bethel Fire Department does not issue permits. For information on the status as to whether a permit is required, please visit the DNR website. Permits will not be issued if the DNR has issued a burning ban. You can check the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for current conditions.

Burning permits are not required for recreational fires. To be classified as a recreational fire, the total fuel area must not exceed three feet in diameter with a height of not more than two feet. The term "recreational fire" includes "campfire".

Permits are issued without charge from East Bethel City Hall (2241 221st Ave NE) during regular business hours: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Burning permits may also be available from a local fire warden.  Please call before showing up to a fire warden's home:

• Gary and Kathy Stern, 1105 Klondike Drive NE.  Phone: 763-434-7442

3. Where can I watch a City Council meeting?

Our meetings are broadcast live on Cable Channel 10 and MidcoTV Channel 77.  Also, the meetings are available for playback on-demand via our Media Center or the City YouTube channel.  The public is welcome to attend any of our regular meetings.

4. Where can I find information about voting?

Information about voting, voter registration, or serving as an election judge can be found on our Elections page.

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1. When is Booster Day?

East Bethel's annual community celebration "Booster Day" is always set for the third weekend in July.  This year, our event is set for Saturday, July 15, 2023!

2. What events are planned?

We are working on our event schedule for 2023! Plans are still in the works, but will include:

• Medallion Hunt (July 15)
• A K-9 demonstration from the Anoka County Sheriff's Office!
• Live music!
• Inflatables and petting zoo!
• Vendors galore!
• Beer wagon and food trucks!
• Fireworks at dusk!

3. How do I register as a vendor or sign up for other Booster Day activities?

Find the applications you need at the East Bethel Booster Days website.  Completed applications and fees may be dropped off at or mailed to East Bethel City Hall, Attn: Booster Days.

4. How do I volunteer for Booster Day?

If you are interested in helping the Booster Day Planning Committee, you can attend one of their meetings at East Bethel City Hall or email East Bethel Booster Day Coordinator.  Meeting dates will be posted on the Community Events Calendar.  The schedule of volunteer meetings is available online.

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1. May I operate a business out of my home?

Home Occupations are allowed in Residentially zoned areas of the City of East Bethel through an Interim Use Permit Process. In order to operate a Home Occupation you must obtain an Interim Use Permit and meet all of the requirements of the City of East Bethel's Zoning Ordinance - Section 10-19.

2. What is an Interim Use Permit and how do I obtain one?

An Interim Use Permit allows for a temporary use on a property until a particular date, the occurrence of a particular event, a violation of the permit, or until zoning regulations no longer permit it. An Interim Use Permit requires that the applicant fill out a permit at City Hall in the Community Development Department and go through a public hearing process.
Interim Use Permits are used to permit farm animals, kennels, home occupations, and more.

3. What are property setbacks?

The minimum horizontal distance from any lot line, road easement, ordinary high water level, or other referenced feature that a structure or improvement may be placed, as measured from the lot line to the closest point of the structure or improvement. You will need to know your zoning to know which setbacks you have.

4. How do I find my property lines?

There are several ways to locate property lines. You can get a general idea of your property line boundaries by viewing aerial photos on our Interactive GIS Map. If you are going to be remodeling, building, adding on, or constructing other structures on your property then you must be able to physically locate your survey markers or hire a professional surveyor to provide you with a Certificate of Survey. The City of East Bethel maintains property files and you can check with the Community Development Department to see if there are any surveys of your property.

5. How do I determine where the wetlands are located on my property?

If you are going to be building, grading, or filling in areas on your property then you will need to obtain certain types of permits for permission to work in wetland areas.
Our Interactive GIS Map will allow you to view the wetlands on your property. Select wetlands, shoreland overlay district, and FEMA floodplain under the Planning option in layers. If you are going to be remodeling, building, adding on, or constructing other structures on your property then you must be able to physically locate your survey markers or hire a professional surveyor to provide you with a Certificate of Survey.

6. Do I need a permit if I change my water heater?

Yes, you need to obtain a mechanical permit from the Building Department. The cost is $55.

7. Can I build a pole building on my property?

Yes. Pole buildings are allowed but must be built according to size and acreage regulations, just like all accessory structures being built. You must obtain a Building Permit and comply with all appropriate property setbacks. Accessory Building Information

8. Does a contractor need a City license?

The city requires that contractors be licensed and bonded with the State of Minnesota.

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1. How is my property valued for property tax purposes?

The City Assessor, Ken Tolzmann, can answer questions about the value of your property.

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1. What is East Bethel's fire service rating?

Our current fire service rating is six.

2. How many of the city's firefighters are trained as EMTs?

Currently, 13 of our firefighters are trained as emergency medical technicians (EMTs).

3. What are some of your fire call statistics?

In 2015 on average...
…Every 15.99 hours East Bethel Fire Department responded to a call, for a year total of 548 calls.
…Every hour is equal to $50.62 in fire loss, for a total of building and contents of $443,424.00
…Every 7.50 households needed emergency services from the East Bethel Fire Department.
…One out of every 21.24 residents or visitors of East Bethel needed emergency assistance from the East Bethel Fire Department.
…Every 15.21 days there was a vehicle crash that the East Bethel Fire Department responded to.
…Every 24.96 hours an East Bethel citizen or visitor went to the hospital via ambulance, with the assistance of the East Bethel Fire Department.

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1. How do I contact a city department?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

2. Where can I find the answers to my frequently asked questions?

Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.

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1. How do I reserve ice at East Bethel's Ice Arena?

For available ice times or more information, email Todd Gibson at Gibstone20@msn.com or call 763-434-0397.

2. How do I reserve a park?

The City of East Bethel features many beautiful parks and amenities. To request a reservation for use of a city park or the park facilities, please complete our Facilities Request Form. To check available dates call 763-367-7840. Return the completed form to City of East Bethel City Hall, or you may fax it to 763-434-9578.

3. Where can I find a map of all the parks in East Bethel?

There is a map along with a key listing all the parks in East Bethel. Map of East Bethel Parks.

4. How can I Adopt-A-Park in East Bethel?

A park or trail, or portions thereof, can be adopted by an individual, business, or organization from the City of East Bethel for public service activities as designated by the City Council and recommended by the Park Commission. Just complete the Adopt-A-Park Application and send it to Nate Ayshford, Public Works Manager.

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1. Who do I contact about a street light that is not working?

Connexus Energy at 763-323-2660.

2. My mailbox was damaged during snow removal operations. Does the City repair it?

The city is not responsible for damage to mailboxes incurred during normal snowplowing operations unless it is determined the snowplow made direct contact with a properly installed mailbox. Damage from the weight of snow and ice coming off the plow or damage to a mailbox that does not meet the city's requirements is the responsibility of the property owner. Plastic and decorative mailboxes do not meet the city's requirements. See our mailbox requirements under the Public Works page.

3. How do I report a pothole or other street maintenance concern?

The city website now has a Report a Concern feature or you can contact City Hall at 763-367-7840.

4. Where does the City right-of-way begin and what can take place in this area?

On most city streets the right-of-way is 66 feet wide but can vary from street to street. If you would like to know what is near your property, please contact City Hall at 763-367-7840.

The city does not allow permanent improvements in the right-of-way area including landscaping, tree planting, fencing, or other structures that impede driver visibility and safety or that could cause problems for snow storage. Property owners are encouraged to maintain and use the right-of-way area but the city is not responsible for damage to turf, sprinklers, etc. that are in the right-of-way.

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1. Where are the closest compost sites?

Anoka County offers two compost waste sites. Visit their website for location and hours.

2. Where can I take my household hazardous waste?

Anoka County offers a household hazardous waste site. Visit their website for location, hours, and items accepted.

3. Where is the Recycling Center located?

The Recycling Center is located at 2761 Viking Blvd. NE just east of East Bethel Blvd. on Viking Blvd. This center is open 24/7 and is self-serve. Items accepted include:

• Antifreeze
• Cans - Aluminum and Tin
• Cardboard
• Glass
• Newspaper/Paper Products
• Used Oil/Oil Filters
• Scrap Metal

Information on our spring and fall recycling days can be found under the Recycling Events page. For more information on recycling, contact East Bethel City Hall.

4. Who provides refuse removal services to our community?

The City of East Bethel residential service is provided by Ace Solid Waste, East Central Sanitation, LePage & Sons, and SRC, Inc. You can reach Ace Solid Waste at 763-427-3110. East Central Sanitation can be reached at 763-689-2171 or 1-800-439-2171, LePage & Sons at 763-757-7100, and SRC, Inc. can be reached at 651-462-1099.

Commercial service is provided by Ace Solid Waste at 763-427-3110, East Central Sanitation at 763-689-2171 or 1-800-439-2171, LePage & Sons at 763-757-7100, Republic Services at 763-784-2104, Walter's Recycling at 763-780-8464, or Waste Management of MN, Blaine at 763-210-4542.

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1. Can a leaking toilet really go through that much water?

Yes. While a slow drip on a faucet can waste 15 to 20 gallons a day, a leaky toilet can go through hundreds of gallons a day. Over the course of a month, that can add up to a lot of water.

2. What types of payments do you accept for utility bills?

We accept checks, money orders, and cashier's checks. Please do not mail cash. We recommend mailing payments at least 7 business days before the due date. We do not currently offer online payments of utility bills but we do have an ACH (automated clearing house) option available. Your utility payment will be deducted from your bank account on the date due. If you are interested please contact Utility Billing at 763-367-7840.

3. My bill shows zero usage. What am I being billed for?

There is a minimum charge per month. The minimum charge is necessary to cover fixed expenses (those expenses not directly related to flow volume) of the water and sewer system. Examples of fixed costs are mainenance of the infrastructure (water mains, sanitary sewer facilities, pumping stations, etc.), labor, vehicles, regulatory fees, and maintenance of water meters.

4. My meter was replaced and now I'm using more water. Is my new meter running fast?

No. Most likely the old meter was slowing down. The meters have a dial similar to a paddle wheel. The dial will only turn as fast as the water turns it. As a meter gets old, it could corrode and slowly grind to a halt. Therefore, an old meter could actually be registering less water than is actually used.

5. OK, my reading checks out. How did I use that much water?

During the summer, many homeowners water their lawn frequently. While the lawn may look nice, it does come at a cost. A garden hose will dispense up to 600 gallons in two hours. If the summer is dry, usage can easily double over the summer quarter.

A toilet that leaks is another common cause for a noticeable usage increase. A good way to check is to put some food coloring in the back of the tank, wait a few minutes, and then check the bowl. If the food coloring appears in the bowl, then you know that there isn't a tight seal and water is circulation through the toilet.

6. What are your current rates?

The typical water customer can be classified into two different categories—residential and commercial each with a fixed and variable component to the cost structure. Please see our Fee Schedule for water and sewer rates.

City Water and Sewer

7. What can I do to use less water?

Visit the University of Minnesota Extension Service to learn how to conserve water.

8. What should I do if my meter is stopped?

Contact the Maintenance Department at 763-367-7876 between 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday. If necessary, they will set up an appointment to come to your house and repair or replace your meter. If you are calling between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM, call Utility Billing at 763-367-7840 and we can contact the Maintenance Department for you.

9. Where is my meter and reader located?

Meter location varies from house to house, but it is usually in the basement or utility area. The meter has an electronic unit that transmits the reading to our meter reading handheld unit.

10. Who owns the water meter?

The builder of each dwelling is required to purchase a meter when pulling the original building permit. The City is responsible for the initial installation of the meter. The Utilities Department maintains, repairs and if necessary, replaces all meters when they are no longer serviceable due to ordinary wear and tear. The expected life of a meter is 15 - 20 years.

11. Why does my bill show zero usage?

Here again, there are two main reasons: the meter has stopped or no reading was taken. To find out what the reason is, call Utility Billing at 763-367-7840 and they can help you to determine what happened.