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Building Inspections

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1. When do I need a permit?

Whenever a building is altered a building permit is required. A licensed contractor is required for new residential construction, and the homeowner may apply for some permits. Examples of work requiring a permit include, but are not limited to:

• For any new construction (houses, garages, and storage buildings 120 square feet or more) 


• Finishing a basement 


• Re-siding / re-shingling 


• Building decks 


• Replacing windows / doors 


• Remodeling involving drywall, kitchen cabinets, or vanity replacement


• Building a fence

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City Administration

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1. Do I need a City license or permit?

To find out if you need a City license, please visit License and Permits. All licenses and permits will be listed along with the fee. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact our office at (218) 773-2483.

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Finance

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1. How do I find out the balance of my Special Assessments and how do I pay them off?

The balance of Special Assessments can be found on the Documents page. Properties are listed in parcel order or can be searched by the owner’s name. Balances can also be received by calling the Finance Office at (218) 773-2483.

All Special Assessments can be paid in the Finance / Administration Office located on the second floor of City Hall. We currently only accept cash or checks.

Special Assessments must be paid by November 15 of the current year in order for them to be removed off your next year’s taxes. If November 15 falls on a weekend or observed holiday, they must be paid by the previous business day.

2. Why am I being charged for a Rescue Unit and will my insurance cover it?

When a call for a medical emergency is placed the City of East Grand Forks sends out the Rescue Unit as the first responder. This is separate from the ambulance service operated by Altru Hospital. There is a $40 fee to help cover the operating cost of this service.

Some insurance companies will reimburse for a Rescue Unit fee. The City is unable to submit charges to the insurance company so it is the responsibility of the billed party to submit the claim to their carrier.

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Fire Department

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1. Does the East Grand Forks Fire Department provide 24-hour fire and medical service?

Yes, the Fire Department has full-time staff along with part-time firefighters that provide 24-hour coverage not only in the City but also in the surrounding seven townships. We cover 188 miles around the City.

2. Are carbon monoxide detectors required in all Minnesota residences including apartments?

Yes, Minnesota law requires carbon monoxide detectors in all residences including existing homes. For more information, please visit Minnesota State Fire Marshal.

3. How do you come up with a fire escape plan?

Due to each home being designed differently, you need to draw a floor plan of your home and find what exits work best for your family. Remember that windows should only be used as a last resort. You must also practice you escape plan so everyone is familiar with it.

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Flood Information

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1. What is the flood crest prediction?

The forecasts from the National Weather Service are composed of multiple variables including, but not limited to, snow pack, precipitation, temperature, and ground saturation. The projections are typically expressed in terms of both a projected crest level and the percentage chances of reaching that level. To view the current projections, please visit the attached link. More...

2. Am I in the flood zone?

No East Grand Forks residents within the levee are in the flood zone. The levee has been certified with the Corp of Engineers.

3. Is there documentation to prove that I'm no longer in the flood zone?

Yes, please see the attached document from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). More...

4. Does the City plan to raise its levee heights?

The US Army Corps of Engineers has certified the City's flood protection system up to 60 feet. The City will consult with the US Army Corps of Engineers in the unlikely event that additional protection is necessary.

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Housing Authority

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1. How do I apply for housing assistance?

Interested persons need to submit a completed application and the appropriate consent forms, including authorization for criminal background check. Successful applicants are then added to the Housing Authority's waiting list. Applications are available either online or at:
City Hall
600 DeMers Ave.
East Grand Forks, MN 56721

2. How long will I be on the waiting list before I receive a voucher?

There is a great need for the housing subsidy. The Housing Choice Voucher Program is not an entitlement program. It is a limited resource and no one is guaranteed to receive a voucher.

The Housing Authority has established preferences to ensure that those with the greatest need are the first served. Generally, an accepted applicant can expect to wait approximately four to six months for a voucher if they are in the top preference group.

Those with lower preference could wait one to two years or longer. You may apply to more than one housing authority's waiting list.

3. Does the Housing Authority help pay deposits?

The Housing Authority does not help tenants pay either security deposits or utility deposits. There are other agencies and funding sources that may help you pay required deposits. We can assist in directing you to these agencies.

For more information, please view Security Deposit Help Information.

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Library

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1. Does the library have computers for public use?

The library has public computers with internet access and computers with children’s games. The library also has wireless internet. Printing is available.

To use a public computer at the library, you must fill out the sign-in sheet and leave a photo ID at the front desk.

For more information, please view our Internet Policy.

2. Does the library have meeting rooms available to reserve?

The East Grand Forks Campbell Library Meeting Room, Technology Room, and Story Hour Room are available for scheduled activities for a fee. Any use of the library or City’s equipment during a meeting must be scheduled in advance and the availability of the facility or equipment must be confirmed by the director.

A non-profit organization may apply in advance of a meeting for a fee waiver. Determination will be made by the library director.

Reservations of rooms can be made by visiting the Circulation Desk or calling (218) 773-9121.

The full policy and waiver form can be viewed online by visiting Meeting Room Policy and Waiver Form or picked up at the library at:
422 Fourth St. N.W.
East Grand Forks, MN 56721

3. What activities does the library offer to the community?

The library offers activities for ages pre-school through adult, such as:

• Art Exhibits rotate every four to six weeks. Exhibit openings and receptions featuring the visual artists, as well as local musicians and writers are scheduled on the first Monday of each exhibit.


• Children’s and adult contests are sponsored by the library and local businesses. These are offered throughout the year, and include the Short Story Contest and Photography contest for adults and several essay contests for children.


• Story Time for children in preschool through primary grade and their caregivers is offered on Tuesday and Wednesday at 10:00 am and Thursday at 7:00 pm. Other special events for children and young adults are scheduled throughout the year.


• The Friends of the Campbell Library sponsors Sack Lunch Book Club the second Tuesday of each month at 11:30 am.


• Writers Groups for middle school and high school students meet twice a month on Thursdays from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm.

For more information, please view the library’s calendar of events, view our activity flyer, or stop by the library at:
422 Fourth St. N.W.
East Grand Forks, MN 56721

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Parks & Recreation

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1. How to reserve a Park shelter if you have a special event or gathering?

To reserve a shelter, you must obtain a permit at the Parks and Recreation office
600 DeMers Ave.
East Grand Forks, MN 56721

We keep track of shelters so that there is no doubling up.

2. How do I get trees on the berm and who takes care of them?

Each year in May we plant trees on the berm for those who called our office by January. It is the homeowner's responsibility to care for the tree, which includes trimming.

3. Where do I go to take my drivers test and pay my vehicle license and registration fee?

The drivers examination is given on Wednesdays at:
The Park Shop
929 Fifth Ave. N.E.
600 DeMers Ave.
East Grand Forks, MN 56721

The local branch of Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles is located in the Hardware Hanks building:
1017 Central Ave. N.W.
East Grand Forks, MN 56721

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Police Department

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1. What are the phone numbers for the Polk County Offices?

Polk County Sheriff's Office
Ph: (218) 281-0431

Polk County Clerk of Court
Ph: (218) 281-2332

Tri-County Community Corrections (Jail)
Ph: (218) 470-8100

2. Who do I call for road conditions?

You can call 5-1-1 from any phone or you can access information via the internet. By accessing 5-1-1, you will be prompted with menu choices as to region, city, or specific route and will be given information regarding weather related road conditions, construction, and congestion.

To access 5-1-1 on the internet, please visit:

• Minnesota 5-1-1 


• North Dakota 5-1-1 

3. What are the curfew laws in East Grand Forks?

Minors Under 18
It is unlawful for any minor person under the age of 18 to be on or loiter upon the streets or public places between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 5:00 am.

Minors Under 16
It is unlawful for any minor person under the age of 16 to be or loiter upon the streets or public places between the hours of 10:00 pm and 5:00 am.

Parents & Guardians
It is unlawful for any parent, guardian, or other person having the legal care or custody of any minor person to allow or permit such minor person to violate the above ordinances unless such minor person is accompanied by a person of lawful age.

Exceptions
Such curfews shall not apply to any students under the age of 18 who are lawfully attending; going to; or returning from school, church, or community-sponsored athletic, musical, or social activities or events. Curfew also does not apply where the presence of a minor is connected with or required by some legitimate business, trade, profession, or occupation in which said minor is permitted by law to be engaged.

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Public Works

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1. What do I do with hazardous waste accumulated at my house?

Hazardous waste disposal is done the first week in May and first week in October. Please check back during that time frame for exact dates and times. For more information, please contact Public Works at (218) 773-1313.

2. How do I know what my garbage / recycling day is during a holiday week?

Please check the current Sanitation Calendar.

3. What are the rates for items to be picked up from my home?

View the the Sanitation Calendar.

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Senior Center

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1. Who can join the Senior Center?

Anyone can attend events or meals at the center. You must be 50 years old to become a voting member. Membership is just $10 per year. You must be 60 years old to have a reduced meal cost.

2. Where is the Senior Center located?

The EGF Senior Center is located at 538 Rhinehart Drive Southeast on the point in East Grand Forks.

3. What activities might interest me at the Senior Center?

We have activities planned every day, including whist, pinochle, bridge, smear, bingo, and dominoes.

We have a foot clinic twice a month, a weekly blood pressure check, Bone Builders, and line dancing. Every month we have an evening meal and a live dance band. Additional events are always being planned.

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Storm Water

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1. What do I do if my street is flooding?

During working hours contact the Storm Water Department at (218) 773-2442, or after hours at (218) 773-1105.

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Water & Light

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1. How do I get utility service if I am moving to East Grand Forks?

Come into our Business Office in City Hall at 600 DeMers Avenue to fill out an application and set up a utility account.

2. Why is my bill higher than last month?

Your water or electric consumption have probably increased. Do you have a toilet that is malfunctioning? Are you using anything different that heats or cools than you have in past months? Are you using a dehumidifier? These are only a few suggestions. For more information, please call the Business Office at (218) 773-1163 and talk to a Customer Service Representative.

3. Do you have any energy efficient rebates?

Yes we do, you can get a listing of them along with the information and applications on this website or call (218) 773-1163.