Most Requested Codes

These are the most requested City Codes for the City of Richfield.  They are paraphrased from the City Code book.

Care and Keeping of Animals
The Richfield Public Safety Department issues animal licenses and enforces animal control laws. Click link below for a summary of city codes relating to the care and keeping of animals.

Junked Or Inoperable Vehicles
All vehicles on any property should be currently licensed, and must be in operating condition. When a vehicle has a flat tire, missing doors, expired plates etc. it is considered to be inoperable. Inoperable vehicles may not be stored on any property for longer than 96 hours.

Recreational Vehicles
Boats, campers, small utility trailers and snowmobiles may be parked either in the side or rear yard of a property as long as they are at least 3 feet from surrounding buildings, fences, etc. If the property is a corner lot, they may not be parked in the side yard of the property closest to the street. RV's may also be parked in an established driveway as long as the back of the vehicle is at least 12 feet from the curb. RV's may not be parked or stored on front yards or parked in the street for longer than 48 hours. Recreational vehicles parked or stored on a property must be operable.

Large Truck Parking
City ordinance prohibits any large commercial-type truck ("one-ton" or larger) to be parked or to stand continuously for more than two hours on any residential property or on any public street in the city.

Parking in Yards
No person may park or place any motor vehicle in the yard area of any lot within the city, except in established driveway areas. An established drive is one which consists of concrete, asphalt, or paving blocks.

Garbage Containers
All garbage cans or containers must be equipped with tight fitting covers. Garbage containers may be placed out next to the street or alley after sunset of the day before garbage collection. Garbage containers and any material not picked up by the garbage hauler must be removed from the street or alley by the end of the collection day. Garbage and recycling containers may be stored alongside or in back of a house or garage.

Grass And Weeds
Any grass or weeds over the height of six inches is prohibited and must be cut.

Garbage And Refuse
Richfield City ordinance prohibits the outside storage of garbage and refuse on any property in the city. The following items are examples of refuse: cans, paper, cardboard, bottles, wood (not firewood) appliances, furniture, tires, bricks, cement, etc. or any other household refuse or materials. Garbage and refuse should be disposed of once a week for residential dwelling unit properties. City ordinance requires that everyone in the city contract with a licensed refuse hauler to provide garbage collection or must provide an environmentally sound alternative, such as, self hauling to a licensed disposal facility or shared garbage service with a neighbor.

Vehicles "For Sale"
Vehicles "For Sale" cannot be displayed in any area other than an established driveway. They may not be placed in the street or in any private parking lot in Richfield.

House Numbers
All houses and commercial buildings must have house or building numbers on them that are large enough to be read from the street.

Firewood
Firewood may be stored outside if it is neatly stacked. It must be elevated above the ground 10-12 inches to prevent the harborage of vermin.

Composting
Private composting is permitted if the following guidelines are met:

• Only organic materials can be composted
• Composting must be enclosed and the enclosure cannot exceed 100 cubic feet
• Composting must be located in the rear yard at least three feet from any property line
• Composting may not create a health hazard or a nuisance to adjoining properties.

Home Occupations
A home occupation must be conducted in a manner where activities are not noticeable from adjacent streets or residence lots and may not adversely affect the residential character of the dwelling or the neighborhood. Outside storage of products, materials or equipment connected with a home occupation is prohibited.

The repair of motor vehicles not registered to a resident, or to an immediate relative, of the property where the repair is made is prohibited. An immediate relative would include a son or daughter, sibling, parent, grandparent, or grandchild.

Noise Complaints
What can you do if you have a situation in your neighborhood regarding a noise issue that you think is disruptive? It may be loud music, a barking dog or the use of some mechanical equipment or outdoor implement that you think is excessive. You can start by talking to the party involved if you feel comfortable doing so. Sometimes the situation can be resolved by talking to the person. If that doesn't work, you may contact the City of Richfield Environmental Health Division, Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:30 at 612-861-9880.

If it is determined that a violation exists, a letter will be sent to the offender. The noise ordinance prohibits loud noise during the hours of 10:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. Monday-Friday, and 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. on weekends. If the noise occurs after 4:30 p.m., please call 861-9898 and a 911 dispatcher will have the appropriate Public Safety staff respond.