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1. How long does it take to get a building permit?

The average turn around time is 10 working days.

2. Do I need a permit for a shed or a fence?

Yes. For information or to apply for a permit, contact the City Planner, Julia Mullin at (952) 653-3674.

3. I want to put a retaining wall up. Do I need a permit and are there restrictions as to where I can put the retaining wall?

A building permit is required for a retaining wall if the wall is over four feet tall. Retaining walls less than four feet tall require a site plan review to ensure zoning compliance.

4. Do I need a permit to install a patio or replace my front sidewalk?

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

5. Where can I send my permit application?

Building permits can be sent to permits@excelsiormn.org. 

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1. Do I need a permit for a recreational fire?

Yes, a permit is required for a recreational fire. You can apply for a recreation fire permit at the city offices at 339 Third Street. There is no cost for the permit.

2. How often should I check my smoke detector?

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

3. What type of carbon monoxide detector should I install?

Buy one with a digital read-out.

4. How do I contact the Fire Department when it is not an emergency?

The non-emergency phone number is (952) 401-8801.

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1. What are your hours?

Our hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. Closed on Fridays.

2. I’m just moving in and need to contact utility companies to put the service in my name. Who should I call?

• For water and sewer, call the City of Excelsior billing and new accounts at (952) 653-3677


• For electric, call Xcel Energy billing and new accounts at (800) 895-4999


• For telephone, call CenturyLink billing and new accounts at (800) 244-1111


• For gas and heat, call CenterPoint Energy billing and new accounts at (612) 244-1111


• For cable television, call Mediacom Telecommunications at (800) 332-0245

3. What are the phone numbers for the post office and library?

The Excelsior Library is located at 337 Water Street. Their telephone number is (612) 543-6350.

The Excelsior Post Office is located at 545 Second Street and their phone number is (800) 275-8777. After your call is connected you will get a menu asking what you are calling about. If you want the Excelsior Post Office, you must ask a customer service operator to connect you to the post office.

4. Where can I find information about my property?

Property information can be found on Hennepin County’s website on the Property Information Search page. Here, you can input your property identification number or address. Hennepin County

5. Where can I find out information about community events in the City of Excelsior?

The City of Excelsior does not organize any events in the city. There are a number of events held throughout the year, which are hosted by other organizations. Events

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1. Do I need a site alteration permit to make changes to the interior of my heritage preservation site?

No, a site alteration permit is only required for changes to the exterior of the building.

2. Is there an application fee for the site alteration permit?

If it's an addition or new construction in the historic district, then yes, otherwise, no. However, you will still need to pay any fee that is required for a building permit or is related to other zoning requirements.

3. In reviewing a proposed site alteration, does the Heritage Preservation Commission make decisions based on its own aesthetic taste?

No. Any designation is required by state law to be accompanied by a specific set of design review standards that clearly indicate what types of changes are acceptable.

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1. How do I reach the Park and Recreation Department?

The City of Excelsior does not have a Park and Recreation Department. All recreational opportunities are handled by the Minnetonka Community Education Department. Information on the programs that are offered is available on their website.

Minnetonka Community Education Department

2. How do I reserve the park for a group event?

Contact Amy Edwards, Excelsior Event Coordinator.

3. How can I report a park maintenance suggestion or complaint?

These incidents may be reported to Public Works Superintendent Tim Amundsen at (952) 653-3676.

4. Are pets allowed in the park?

Yes, but they must be leashed at all times.

5. Does Excelsior have a pooper scooper law?

Yes. Owners are required to carry bags or equipment to clean up after their pets.

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1. How is a setback measured?

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 City Planner, Julia Mullin at (952) 653-3674 for more information.

2. Do I need a permit to install a patio or replace my front sidewalk?

A site plan review and sidewalk permit are required prior to the installation of a patio or sidewalk to ensure the addition complies with all zoning requirements, including but not limited to hard surface coverage limitations, required setbacks, etc.

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1. Where do I call to report a crime or other law enforcement concern?

The City of Excelsior contracts with the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department for police services. Call the 24-hour dispatch center at 9-1-1 or (952) 474-3261.

2. How can I receive a copy of a report or access other law enforcement records?

Contact the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department at (952) 474-3261.

3. How do I remain anonymous when reporting an incident?

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.

4. What are juvenile curfew hours?

For ages under 12 years, the curfew is 9:00 pm to 5:00 am Sunday through Thursday and 10:00 pm to 5;00 am on Friday and Saturday.

For ages 12 to 14 years, the curfew is 10:00 pm to 5:00 am Sunday through Thursday and 11:00 pm to 5;00 am on Friday and Saturday.

For ages 15 to 17 years, the curfew is 11:00 pm to 5:00 am Sunday through Thursday and 12:01 am to 5;00 am on Friday and Saturday.

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1. What are the city’s winter parking rules?

A snow emergency is defined as every occurrence of snowfall where snow has accumulated to a depth of two inches or more. Each snow emergency shall commence at 1:00 am following the accumulation of snow to a depth of two inches and shall remain in effect on each city street until 7:00 am. During a snow emergency, no vehicle shall be parked on city streets, except in conformity with the following:

• On all even-numbered calendar days, parking is permitted on the side of the city street with even-numbered house numbers from 1:00 am to 7:00 am
• On all odd-numbered calendar days, parking is permitted on the side of the city street with odd-numbered house numbers from 1:00 am to 7:00 am

If you have any questions regarding these regulations, please contact Public Works at (952) 653-3676 or email Public Works Superintendent Tim Amundsen.

If your vehicle has been towed, contact Williams Towing at (952) 474-8000. Williams Towing is located at 4250 Creek View Circle #101, Minnetrista, MN 55375.

For more information, please visit the

Snow Emergency Page.

2. Why do I have rusty water and what should I do?

Rusty water is the result of iron separating from the water as it sits in the pipes and accumulates to various degrees within the lines. Any disruption of the water system (water main breaks, turning hydrants on, heavy sprinkling) can cause these accumulations to be churned up and mix with the water creating discoloration ranging from yellow to brown. When this happens, do not run your water unless absolutely necessary. In most cases, the rusty water is temporary and the discoloration will settle out.

If you have rusty water in your water heater or softener and need to run water through your system, let the water run until it clears up and the fresh water has disbursed throughout your system.

3. Does the city have lawn sprinkling restrictions?

No, at this time the city does not have any sprinkling restrictions. To help conserve water, please water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.

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1. How do I set up service?

To set up garbage and recycling service, contact Republic Services:

Phone: 952-941-5174

2. Who do I contact if I have issues with my service?

If you are experiencing service issues or would like to adjust your level of service, please contact Republic Services directly by calling 952-941-5174.

3. What containers are available?

Each household receives a Republic Services owned garbage and recycling cart. Both carts have lids and wheels. Residents may choose (with rates accordingly):

• 35 gallon
• 65 gallon
• 95 gallon

4. When day is collection on?

Refuse is collected once a week; recycling is collected every-other-week. Pick-up will occur on Mondays, unless otherwise noted because of a holiday. Residents must have their refuse and recycling at the curb by 7 A.M. on their collection day. 

5. What recycling service is available?

Excelsior uses single-sort recycling. Recycling is collected every-other-week. 

6. What yard waste service is available?

Republic Services offers yard waste hauling services on an annual subscription service. The yard waste season typically runs from mid-April through November, weather permitting. 

7. Is organic recycling available?

Republic Services offers organic recycling on a monthly subscription service. Organics are picked up weekly. 

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1. How often do I receive a utility bill?

Utility bills are sent on a quarterly basis. Every three months you should expect to receive a bill in the mail.

2. How can I pay my utility bill?

Pay online here (including setting up automatic payments). 

Payment is accepted online using the above link, by check through the mail, or check/cash at City Hall via the box outside the entrance. Email Debra Johnson with questions, or call (952) 653-3673.

3. How do I cancel my utility service if I am moving out of my residence?

Email Debra Johnson or call (952)653-3673. Please provide the following information available to ensure the account is updated correctly:

• The date the change of possession is taking place
• The address or account number of the property
• Your forwarding address for a final bill to be mailed
• The name of the new owners, if available

4. How does a new resident set up water service in their name?

Email your closing date, name, and address to Debra Johnson and staff will work with the seller to transfer services over. Email is preferred, but you can also call (952) 653-3673. 

5. I am having trouble paying my water bill. Is assistance available?

Water Assistance Program