FAQs • Chisago County, MN • CivicEngage

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Adult Foster Care

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1. What is adult foster care?: Adult foster care is a licensed family setting for adults who are unable to live alone due to physical, emotional, or developmental impairments. The home provides 24-hour care for 1 to 4 functionally impaired residents.

Residents receive meals, support, supervision, and some assistance with personal cares and living skills as needed. There is a minimum room and board payment made to providers per month, which is set by the state.

In addition to room and board, a difficulty of care (DOC) rating is often justified. Adult foster care is not a therapeutic residential facility where a resident receives "awake night" or "nursing care assistance".

2. What are the requirements for adult foster care?

To become licensed as a family foster care provider, the applicant must meet minimum licensing standards:

Be at least 18 years of age
Have bedroom space available for resident(s)
Live in Chisago County in a home that meets fire safety code inspection by the State Fire Marshal
Meet required training hours annually
Meet with the licensor to complete a home study of the family
Pass a criminal background check on all household members who are 13 years of age or older (and anyone who may have direct unsupervised contact with the client)
Provide 3 positive references

3. What does typical family adult foster care look like?

Adult foster care homes and providers are diverse.

Providers are:

Bringing a wide range of experiences and educational background to the program
Offering a structured to a more relaxed atmosphere
Racially diverse
Ranging in age from 18 through 70
Single or married
Smokers and non-smokers
Working in or out of the home

Homes are:

Located in the city or country
Offering private and/or shared bedrooms for the residents
Ramblers, split-levels, 2 stories, apartments, mobile homes, or townhomes

4. Are all adult foster care homes in a family setting?

There are also adult corporate foster homes, which are managed by corporate providers (the provider does not live in this home). Many of these homes also carry a Consolidated Waiver License managed by the Department of Human Services (DHS). These facilities:

Are more intensive service and supervision needs of resident can be met
Have services provided by "shift staff"
Meet licensing standards for the physical structure are the same as for family
Have staff pass a DHS background check

5. What types of support do adult foster care providers receive?: A minimum room and board payment is made to providers per month, which is set by the state. In addition, there is a payment in accordance with the level of services provided. Medical and dental costs are covered through Medical Assistance or other medical insurance and are not the responsibility of the adult foster care provider.
BResidents often have a placement case manager, and the adult foster care provider has a licensing social worker to help them with problems and find resources to meet the residents' needs.

6. What is a quick review of qualifications and regulations for adult foster care?: A highlight sheet has been prepared to provide you a quick review of qualifications and regulations for adult foster care.

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Assessor

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1. How do I apply for homestead?: You may contact our office for the application that you need at 651-213-8550 or by email or download and print the Homestead Application (PDF). This application may be printed then either brought into or mailed to our office. Do not email or fax the application to us.

2. How do I submit a request for a Property Assessment Review?: Please your the LINK to our Property Assessment Review Online Form.

3. What is estimated market value?: Estimated Market Value - This value is what the assessor estimates your property would likely sell for on the open market. State law requires assessors to value property at 100% of market value.

4. How can I appeal my property valuation?: Appeal Process

5. How do I access the interactive GIS map?: The interactive GIS map is maintained by the geographic information systems, which is a Division of our Enterprise Services Department.

6. How does the assessor determine market value?

State law requires that the value and classification of real estate be established as of January 2 each year. All good sales and transactions of property are reviewed annually through statistical analysis to make determinations about market conditions and adjustments that are required to meet the Minnesota Department of Revenue guidelines for equalization. The valuation process includes the following:

Sales analysis and review: A review and analysis of all good sales for every property classification and jurisdiction is performed.
Gathers information: The appraiser gathers information on all physical characteristics of the property that affect market value, such as size, age, quality, basement finish and extra features, such as fireplaces, extra baths, walkouts, etc.
Views property: Appraisal staff has been assigned a quintile review to meet the state requirements of viewing properties approximately every fifth year. In addition, all new construction, alterations or improvements that contribute to market value will be viewed in the appropriate year.
Estimates value: All physical property characteristics are entered into a computerized system which creates a model to value the properties and is driven by actual sales. The market values estimated by the assessor should be at, or very close to, the amount the property would sell for if placed on the open market as required by Minnesota Statutes. The State Board of Equalization reviews our annual assessment and had standards requiring the overall level of assessment to be between 90% and 105% of market value. The State Board of Equalization does and will make adjustments to our annual assessment to ensure compliance with this policy.

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Assessor - Manufactured Homes

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1. Can manufactured homes receive the homestead?: Yes. The owner/occupant must apply and meet the homestead requirements

2. How do I apply for the homestead exemption?: You can apply for the homestead status at the Chisago County Government Center located at 313 N Main St, Center City, MN 55012.

3. What is the cutoff date to apply for homestead?: May 29th is the last day for owners of manufactured homes assessed as personal property to establish their homestead and to apply for homestead treatment with the Assessor's Office.

4. How do I transfer the title?

You will need to stop into the Assessor's or Auditor-Treasurer's Office and clarify that all current and back taxes are paid. When we verify that all back and current taxes are paid, we will issue you a title transfer document that you will need to take to the license bureau to have the title transferred.

NOTE: The license bureau will NOT transfer the title without this document.

5. When are my taxes due?

August 31st is the last day to pay the first half (or all if $50 or less) of personal property taxes on manufactured homes without penalty.

November 15th is the last day to pay second half real estate taxes on manufactured housing without penalty.

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Auditor-Treasurer

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1. What licenses does your office issue?: Auctioneer, Fireworks / Pyrotechnic Effects, Liquor, Precious Metals and Tobacco. Please refer to the License page

2. Can I pay my taxes over the phone?

Yes, you may pay over the phone via IVR - (Integrated Voice Response).

Call 866-270-6383

Or visit our PAYMENTS page for other ways to pay

3. Why have I received a bill (tax statement) when my mortgage company should be paying the taxes?: Good question and one that is most often asked! We will always send out a copy of the tax statement to the property owner for your records. A separate listing is sent to each mortgage company providing the necessary information they will need to make your payment.

4. When are property taxes due?

Taxes are due based on property classification.

When sending in your tax payment by mail, it needs to be postmarked on or before the due date. We suggest that you hand deliver to the postmaster if it is being mailed on the due date. If you are paying your taxes in person, you need to pay on or before the due date to avoid paying a penalty.

See Due Dates & Penalties for more information

5. When paying property taxes, can I make a partial payment?: The Chisago County Auditor-Treasurer's Office does not accept payments on a monthly basis, however, we will accept partial payments on current year taxes only. A person making partial payments should be aware that the due dates still apply and any portion of the tax not paid by the due date is subject to penalty. See the penalty schedule here.

6. When will we receive our tax statements?: You will receive your real estate tax statement once a year. Real Estate statements are mailed by the end of March. Mobile home statements are mailed out in mid July.

7. Do I need to write a separate check if I'm paying on more than one parcel?: When a taxpayer is paying on several parcels, it is not necessary to write more than one check. You may add up the amount due on all of your parcels and write one check for the total (make sure to include all payment stubs with your payment).

8. What if I pay my property taxes late?: If you pay your taxes late there will be a penalty assessed. To figure your penalty due, here is the penalty schedule.

9. Will I receive a reminder if I forget to pay my taxes by the due date?: No reminders will be sent out! Tax statements are sent out once a year at the end of March for real estate and mid July for mobile homes. Payment stubs showing the due dates are at the bottom.

10. What if I purchase my property after the tax statements have already been mailed?

Property tax statements are mailed out once a year. If you purchase your property after the tax statements have already been mailed out, you will NOT receive a tax statement from us. Instead, you will receive a "courtesy letter" stating the taxes due for the year.

You will receive this letter regardless if your mortgage company is escrowing for your taxes and intend to pay them. If you would like to obtain a copy of the tax statement see the Property Tax Information website. You will need to provide your parcel identification number or your address.

11. What if I've lost or misplaced my tax statement? Can I obtain another copy of my Property Tax Statement?: Here is a copy of your tax statement. You will need to have available your parcel identification number or property address. Remember to change the year you are requesting in the drop down box. If you do not see the year you are requesting, please call our main number at 651-213-8500 to obtain a duplicate copy.

12. What if my total tax is less than $100?: When the total tax due for the year is $100 or less, payment must be made in full by May 15th.

13. How do I change the mailing address on my property tax statements?: You can complete our Address Change Form and submit the information directly to our department.

14. Can I pay my license fee by credit or debit card online?

The Auditor-Treasurer's Office accepts credit/debit card or electronic check for license fees issued by that office. Note: The vendor charges a 2.5% ($2.00 minimum) convenience fee when paying with a credit/debit card or a $1.50 convenience fee when paying with an eCheck up to $10,000.

Licenses issued are Tobacco, Liquor, Fireworks, Auctioneer and Precious Metals.

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Chemical Health

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1. Who can apply for services?: Any individual seeking a Substance Abuse Disorder or Comprehensive Assessment to determine substance use disorders MUST apply themselves, regardless of age. Minors have the right to apply on their own, without parental consent. Incarcerated individuals should speak with jail program staff regarding processes available to them to apply.

2. With whom will my information be shared?: Due to data privacy laws, your information cannot be shared with anyone outside of the Chisago County Chemical Dependency Unit without a signed release of information from you specifying information that may be shared. Information about you cannot be shared with other Human Services programs or Probation without a release of information. Information would only be shared without your consent if there were a significant risk of danger to yourself or others.

3. If I have insurance, will I qualify for Behavioral Health Funds?: Contact your insurance regarding benefits available to you. Depending on your insurance coverage, you may or may not qualify for Behavioral Health funding. Insurance eligibility factors will be discussed as part of the Comprehensive Assessment. If you know you are on a Pre-paid Medical Assistance Program (PMAP) for health insurance, you are suggested to contact your specific provider for substance abuse services. Chisago County is a provider for Medical Assistance and Blue Plus.

4. Can I get a Substance Use Disorder or Comprehensive Assessment the same day I call?: Not typically. After you are approved for Behavioral Health Funds, an appointment will be scheduled for the Comprehensive Assessment.

5. If a Substance Use Disorder or Comprehensive Assessment is court ordered, will I be seen faster?: No. The process remains the same for all clients.

6. Where can I go for treatment?

The professional that completes your assessment can assist you in finding a treatment facility that offers the level of care that's recommended for you.

You can inquire on treatment facility availability on the Fast-Tracker website.

7. How will I pay for treatment?

If you have health insurance through the County/State (medical assistance or a pre-paid medical assistance plan), your insurance will cover 100% of treatment that is recommended for you.

If you have no insurance, or your insurance doesn't pay 100% of the treatment costs, you may be eligible for funding through the County. Eligibility is based on household size and income.

8. I think my loved one has a problem - What can I do?

Chemical Health Services are voluntary, which means you can't request it for someone else. the person themselves needs to want the service and request it.

Numerous resources for friends/family members can be found on the Hazelden Betty Ford website.

9. I still have questions - Who do I contact?: Questions can be sent to us by emailing Chisago County Chemical Health.

10. What other Resources are available?: Please check out the Chemical Health Resources Page of our website.

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Child Care Licensing

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1. Who must be licensed?: According to state law, anyone caring for children from more than 1 unrelated family must be licensed. Providing child care, illegally, is a misdemeanor.

2. Is there a fee for licensing?: Child care licensing fees were implemented on October 1, 2003. Fee information can be found in Minnesota Statute 245A.10. Licensing fees may not exceed $150 initially and $200 at relicensing.

3. Are there any other fees?: If your home meets the requirements for a fire marshal inspection, there is a fee for that inspection. According to law, it may not exceed $50 per inspection. Fire marshal inspections in Chisago County are completed by the State Fire Marshal Office or designated local fire departments.

4. How do I get a license?: Applications for licenses are distributed at a required orientation training. At the orientation training session, child care licensing staff will cover licensing rules and child care practice.

After the county receives a completed application, a background study is completed of the applicant and family members. The background study includes checking records with local police, social services and a criminal check with the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

When all application information has been received, and the background study is successfully completed a home licensing inspection is scheduled. Once the inspection is completed, and all other requirements are met, licensing staff recommends that the Minnesota Department of Human Services issue a license.

5. Will child care licensing staff continue to help me once I am licensed?

Licensing staff assists providers in many ways, including:

Newsletters with important child care information, including training opportunities and legislative updates.
Licensing staff is available to supply state and local licensing and best practice information, as well as to answer questions.
Providing health and safety information.
Referral to resources.

6. What else do I need to know?: Licensed family child care providers can expect unscheduled visits from Chisago County as part of their license requirements. Some providers are surprised that licensing visits are not always scheduled ahead of time.

The county recognizes that providers may feel inconvenienced. Staff understands these concerns and does not expect activities with children to stop because of the visit. Staff recognizes that caring for children is the provider's primary responsibility. The purpose of the visit is to monitor the success of licensed family child care.

7. How long does the licensing process take?: After the application is received with the fee payment, background studies are processed and take anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months depending on where the person has lived in the last 5 years. An individual can be licensed as quickly as within 1 month of licensing receiving the application and it can take as long as 3 months. There are many factors that affect the licensing process timelines.

8. How many children can I care for at 1 time?: Most providers start out with the ability to care for 10 total children at 1 time.

Of those 10 children, there can be a maximum of 6 children under school age. Of those 6 children, there can be a combination of 3 infants and toddlers with no more than 2 infants at 1 time.

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Child Foster Care

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1. Do I have to live in Chisago County?: Yes. For Chisago County to license you as a foster care provider, you must live in Chisago County. If you do not, you can check with the county that you live in.

2. Do I need to live in a house?: No. Apartments, condominiums, or mobile homes can be options.

3. Do I have to be married?: No, you do not have to be married.

4. Can I be a single parent?: Yes, you can be a single parent.

5. How old do I need to be?: You must be 21 years old or older for child foster care.

6. Can I work outside of my home?: Yes, you can work outside of your home.

7. Who pays for the child's medical expenses?: All medical and dental expenses are provided for the child through the county or private insurance.

8. Can a foster child share a room with my child?: Yes, bedrooms can be shared, but each child needs his/her own bed.

9. How long do foster children stay in foster homes?: Foster care varies in length depending on the child and his/her parents' circumstances.

10. Can I adopt a foster child?: There are circumstances in which a foster child could be freed for adoption. However, many others factors are considered before this option is considered.

11. Will I be paid for taking care of a foster child?: Yes. The care is paid for by public funds. The amount depends on the level of care that child requires.

12. Are family foster care payments taxable income?: Generally, foster care payments are not taxable. However, you may want to check with your tax consultant regarding your individual circumstances.

13. What do I have to do to become a licensed provider?: To become a licensed provider, please call Social Services Intake at 651-213-5672 to begin the process.

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Conciliation / Small Claims Court

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1. Do you have a claim to file in Conciliation Court?

You can file a claim in conciliation court for an amount up to the limit set by law.

Conciliation Court will not accept a claim that exceeds the limit set by law. You can reduce the amount of your claim so it can be heard in Conciliation Court. If you do reduce your claim to the limit of Conciliation Court, you will not be allowed to ask for more money later. You may not file any other claims related to the same incident.

Note: This rule may apply to any other claims related to the same incident.Obtaining a judgment in Conciliation Court may prevent you from bringing any other claims based on the same transaction or occurrence.

In deciding whether to file your claim, be aware that obtaining a judgment in conciliation court does not guarantee payment. You should consider whether the person the claim is against (the defendant) will be able to pay you. Although you may win your case, Conciliation Court is not a collection agency. As you attempt to collect the judgment, you will have out of pocket expenses for filing fees, transcription costs and other costs of collecting a judgment. Separate information about the collection process is available.

For additional information, visit the Minnesota’s state court website.

2. Where do you file a claim in Conciliation Court?: The person against whom you are making a claim is called the defendant and you must file your complaint in the county where the defendant lives. You may, however, seek recovery for dishonored checks in the county where the check was issued. You may make a claim for a security deposit on rental property in the county where the rental property is located. You may sue corporations in the county where their business office or branch office is located.

3. How do I pay the judgment?: The Court recommends that payment be made directly to the creditor (the party you owe money to). Remember, judgment records are public and credit bureaus routinely take information from them. If your judgment is not paid before it becomes final, it may have an adverse affect on your credit rating.

When you pay the creditor, obtain a statement of payment called a Satisfaction of Judgment from the party you paid and file it with the court. If this is not done, your record will show an unsatisfied judgment, which may affect your credit rating.

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County Attorney

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1. How do I get a copy of a police report?: Complete the Data Request Form and send to our office - Data Request Form

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County Board

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1. How do I submit a statement, question or proposal for the Citizen's Forum?

Send your comment, statement, question or proposal to County Administrator Chase Burnham using our Citizen Forum Online Form, send thru the U.S. Post Office, or Email to Chase Burnham.

Send via mail to: Chase Burhnham, County Administrator - 313 N Main St, Suite 170 - Center City, MN 55012.

2. Who is County Board Chair for 2023?: The County Board Chair for 2023 is Ben Montzka, District 4.

3. Who is the County Board Vice Chair for 2023?: The County Board Vice Chair for 2023 is Marlys Dunne, District 3.

4. Who represents District #1?: The Commissioner representing District #1 is Jim Swenson.

5. Who represents District #2?: The Commissioner representing District #2 is Rick Greene.

6. Who represents District #3?: The Commissioner representing District #3 is Marlys Dunne.

7. Who represents District #4?: The Commissioner representing District #4 is Ben Montzka.

8. Who represents District #5?: The Commissioner representing District #5 is Dan Dahlberg.

9. What area does District #1 consist of?

Effective January 2023, due to redistricting approved 04/13/2022, a map of the county's districts (PDF) is available for reference.

Cities:

North Branch - Precinct A
North Branch - Precinct B
North Branch - Precinct C

10. What area does District #2 consist of?

Effective January 2023, due to redistricting approved 04/13/2022, a map of the county's districts (PDF) is available for reference.

Cities:

Center City
Shafer
Taylors Falls

Townships:

Amador
Chisago Lake North
Chisago Lake South
Franconia
Shafer Township

11. What area does District #3 consist of?

Effective January 2023, due to redistricting approved 04/13/2022, a map of the county's districts (PDF) is available for reference.

Cities:

Chisago City
Lindstrom

12. What area does District #4 consist of?

Effective January 2023, due to redistricting approved 04/13/2022, a map of the county's districts (PDF) is available for reference.

Cities:

Stacy
Wyoming - Precinct A
Wyoming - Precinct B

Townships:

Lent

13. What area does District #5 consist of?

Effective January 2023, due to redistricting approved 04/13/2022, a map of the county's districts (PDF) is available for reference.

Cities:

Harris
Rush City

Townships:

Fish Lake
Nessel
Rushseba
Sunrise

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Court Administrator

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1. What is Conciliation Court?: Conciliation Court was created to allow citizens to bring their legal claims before the court without expensive costs, attorney's fees, or complicated legal procedures. For more information, please visit the State Court Website.

2. What is the limit set by law for Conciliation Court?: Conciliation Court can settle claims that are below the limit set by law. For additional information, visit Minnesota's State Court Website.

3. What is Guardian Ad Litem?: A Guardian Ad Litem provides advocacy for children by gathering information to make recommendations in court regarding their best interest. Please visit the State Court Website for more information.

4. How do I change my name?: You must file for a change of name in the county where you live and you must have lived in the State of Minnesota for at least 6 months. More information is available on the State Court Website.

5. What is a Harassment Restraining Order?: A Harassment Restraining Order is a court order forbidding someone from harassing and / or making contact with another or any minor children in the home. Visit the State Court Website for more information.

6. How do I request a Public Defender?: An application form must be obtained from Court Administration, which must be truthfully completed and verified. If the court determines you do not make enough money to hire counsel, an attorney most often called a "Public Defender" will be appointed. Please visit the State Court Website for more information.

7. How do I pay a fine?: You can pay your fine by mail, over the telephone, online, or in person. Visit the State Court Website for more information.

8. What is a Petty Misdemeanor?: The maximum fine for a Petty Misdemeanor is $300. A Petty Misdemeanor is not a crime and therefore carries no jail time. You may be represented by an attorney hired at your own expense. If you wish to plead not guilty, you are entitled to a court trial. A court trial is a trial by a judge without a jury. Please visit the State Court Website for more information.

9. What is a Misdemeanor?: The maximum penalty is $1,000 and / or 90 days in jail. A Misdemeanor is a crime and consequently a more serious offense. If you cannot afford an attorney to represent you, you may apply for the services of a Public Defender. More information regarding Misdemeanors is available on the State Court Website. If you wish to plead not guilty, you are entitled to a jury trial. A jury trial would consist of 6 persons and all 6 persons would have to agree that you are guilty before you could be convicted and sentenced.

10. Do I have to appear in court?

You must appear in court if:

You have posted bail or bond
You wish to plead guilty, but offer an explanation
You wish to plead not guilty and you are charged with a misdemeanor

If you are unsure whether or not you must appear in court, call them at 651-213-7010.

11. What happens if I fail to pay my fine or appear in court as directed?

A warrant for your arrest may be issued
Revenue recapture may be initiated
Your driver's license may be suspended

12. Who can I call for Legal Aid?: Contact East Central Legal Services: 1-800-622-7772.

13. Where can I go for online help?: Visit Minnesota's law help website for additional help. You can also visit the Self Help Centers that are found on the Minnesota Courts website.

14. Where can I obtain online court forms?: Online court forms may be found on Minnesota's State Court Website.

15. What fees do you charge?: Visit the State Court Website for our Schedule of Fees.

16. Who are the Judges in Chisago County?

The Chisago County District Judges are:

The Honorable Bridgid E. Dowdal
The Honorable Catherine Trevino
The Honorable Jesse Seabrooks II

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CP Training

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1. How long does training last?: Training is approx. 3 hours

2. Who is my Trainer?: Luther Wilson

3. Will I receive a certification?: No..

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Dental Varnishing

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1. Who is eligible?: Dental varnish is free to Medical Assistance (MA) and MinnesotaCares (MNCare) participants and based on a sliding fee scale for others ($0-15 based on family size and gross income).

2. What ages can be treated?: Dental varnishing is available to children from the time the 1st tooth erupts (6 months) to 18 years of age.

3. What is fluoride varnish?: Fluoride varnish is a protective coating that is painted on the surfaces of teeth to prevent new cavities from forming and to help stop cavities that have already started.

4. What does fluoride varnish do?: Fluoride varnish strengthens a child's teeth. The stronger the teeth are, the less chance that the child will get cavities.

5. Is fluoride varnish safe?: Yes, fluoride varnish can be used on baby's teeth. It's safe because it adheres to the teeth and only a small amount of fluoride varnish is needed, so the risk of ingestion is lower.

6. How is fluoride varnish put on the teeth?: The varnish is painted on the teeth (just like nail polish on nails). The varnish does not taste bad and can be applied quickly and easily. Application is not painful. The child's teeth may yellow after the fluoride varnish is painted on; the teeth should not be brushed until the next day. The discoloration will disappear the following day.

7. How long does the effect of the fluoride varnish last?: The protective effect of the fluoride varnish will continue to work for several months.

8. How is fluoride varnish different from a sealant?: The sealant is used only on permanent teeth and a persons chewing surface. Fluoride varnish is a protective coat on "baby" teeth and permanent teeth and covers the entire tooth surface.

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Election

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1. When are the federal, state, and city elections held?: They are held every 2 years (in even numbered years).

2. When are the township elections held?: The second Tuesday in March with the exception of Nessel & Lent Townships, which are held during the general election in November.

3. When is the primary election?: The first Tuesday after the second Monday of August during an election year.

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Enterprise Services

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1. Where do I find help on the interactive GIS map?: In the upper right corner (just above the map), click on the question mark (help) button. This will open a link that shows all the tools available and how to use them.

2. Who do I contact for web questions?: Please email the webmaster.

3. Who do I contact for plat books?: Contact the Chisago County Extension Office, which located with the Chisago Soil & Water Conservation Office in North Branch, by calling 651-277-0150.

4. Where can I find the emergency road atlas?: View the emergency road atlas (PDF).

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Extension Services

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1. How do I get involved with 4-H?: To learn how to become a member of 4-H, visit the University of Minnesota Extension website's 4-H member section.

2. What's wrong with my plant?: To view helpful tips to determine problems in your garden, visit the University of Minnesota Extension website's plant section.

3. What insect is this?: For help determining a species of insect, visit the University of Minnesota Extension website's insect section.

4. Is this plant a weed?: To determine if a plant is a weed, visit the University of Minnesota Extension website's weed section.

5. What is the Master Gardener Program all about?: To learn about the Master Gardener Program, visit the University of Minnesota Extension website's master gardener section.

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Family Health

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1. How do I submit a referral for a Public Health Nurse home visit?

We’ve created for you an Online Family Health Public Health Nursing Referral Form that is submitted directly to a Public Health Nurse.

If you have any questions, please contact Maternal Child Health Nurse Jennifer Barnick by calling 651-213-5229 or by Emailing Jennifer Barnick.

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Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

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1. What is GIS?

GIS stands for Geographic Information Systems. GIS is an integrated collection of computer software and data used to view and manage information about geographic places, analyze spatial relationships, and model spatial processes. A GIS provides a framework for gathering and organizing spatial data and related information so that it can be displayed and analyzed.

To generalize, GIS is a database linked to a map. This means that any information you may have, which has locational data (Latitude, Longitude; Address;...), can be placed on a map and give you endless possibilities with which to use for analysis.

2. What is not GIS?: Global Positioning Systems (GPS), often used in conjunction with GIS static maps (paper or digital) - often a "product" of GIS, are not GIS.

3. Why use GIS?: GIS serves many functions at Chisago County. GIS has greatly improved the management and organization of data, by taking data from several different sources and displaying it in 1 easy to understand format. This allows employees to have more information at their fingertips for better decision-making.

4. Who do I contact for plat books?: Contact the Chisago County Extension Office, which located with the Chisago Soil & Water Conservation Office in North Branch, by calling 651-277-0150.

5. Where do I find help on the interactive GIS map?: In the upper right corner (just above the map), click on the question mark (help) button. This will open a link that shows all the tools available and how to use them.

6. Where / how do I get an address?: Addresses are assigned after a building permit has been applied for. Please contact our Environmental Services Department at 651-213-8371 for further information on applying for building permits.

7. Can I download GIS data?: Yes. We currently have all layers we own, available at no cost to download. Download GIS Shapefiles.

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Human Resources

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1. What type of tests are given?

Testing and assessment varies for each position. The examination may be a computer test, written test, oral interview, a training and experience rating, or a combination of these.

Testing is usually scheduled during normal business hours.

2. Will a physical examination or drug testing be required?

Appointment to some positions requires candidates to take medical examinations. These positions include public works, law enforcement, and others.

Some positions require a drug test and some also require a psychological examination and complete background check.

3. How do I apply for a job?

We accept online applications for open positions only (except for Human Services).

A completed Chisago County Application Form must be received by the time and date listed on the job posting. Late applications will not be accepted.

4. How do I apply for a job with Human Services?

Human Services is covered under the Minnesota Merit System and has a separate application to complete. After submitting an application to the Minnesota Merit System, they will notify you of an exam time.

Based on passing scores, a register is compiled by the state. When a position is open, an agency requests a register to interview from.

5. Do I need to live in Chisago County?: County residence is not required to apply or be hired unless stated in the job posting. Some jobs may have a response time requirement.

6. What happens after I submit my application?

If your completed application indicates that you meet the minimum qualifications for the position, you will be notified by email or phone of the next step in the selection process. The next step could be a written test, oral interview, or other assessment.

If your application is no longer being considered, you will be notified by email within 2 weeks of the closing of the position.

7. What if I need special testing accommodations?: Should you have a disability that would prevent you from testing a position under standard conditions, please notify the Human Resources Director at 651-213-8830, so that every reasonable accommodation can be made.

8. How do I find out what jobs are open at Chisago County?: You may view current openings from our employment opportunities page.

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Human Services

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1. Can I pay Health and Human Services Collections Fees with a credit card, debit card or electronic check?

Yes, as of August 1, 2018 Chisago County began accepting payments for Health and Human Services Collection Fees by credit card, debit card or electronic check for the following fees:

- Child Care Overpayments

- Detox Fees

- Family Deductibles

- Foster Care Fees

- Medical Assistance Overpayments

- MFIP Overpayments

- Other

- SNAP Overpayments

Please Note: A 2.5% ($2.00 minimum) fee will be assessed when paying with a credit/debit card or a $1.50 fee will be assessed for eChecks up to $10,000.

Use the online link below for credit card, debit card or electronic check payments.

Online Payment to Health and Human Services Collections

2. When paying Health and Human Services Collection Fees, can I make a partial payment?: Yes, Chisago County Health and Human Services does accept partial payments. Please call our Collections Officer at 651-213-5639 to make acceptable payment arrangements in order to cease any further collection activity on your account.

3. Can I pay my Health and Human Services Collection Fees over the phone?: No, Chisago County Health and Human Services does not accept payments over the phone. Payments can be made in person (cash, check or money order/cashier's check), via mail (check or money order/cashier's check), or via online payment (credit/debit card or electronic check).

4. Do I need to submit a separate payment if I'm paying on more than one Health and Human Services Collection Fee online with a credit/debit card or electronic check?: No, you can add payments to different fees on the same transaction when paying with a credit/debit care or electronic check. You have the ability to add multiple payments to your purchase.

5. If I owe more than one Health and Human Services Collection Fee, can I write one check?: Yes, you may write one check for the total amount of the fees that you owe.

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Lake Improvement District

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1. What is the Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed?

Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed map

A Watershed is an area of land that rain and snowmelt flows over on its way to entering a lake, river or wetland. A watershed is like a funnel – collecting water within the drainage area and channeling it into a stream, river or lake. Even if your home is not next to a lake, river or wetland, you still live in a watershed and the rain and snowmelt from your property flows to area lakes and rivers.

The Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed contains the communities of Center City, Lindstrom, and large portions of Chisago City and Chisago Lakes Township. Approximately 14,100 people live in the Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed.

The Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed contains many of the premier recreational lakes in the northeast metro area. There are 19 lakes in the Watershed including North & South Center, North & South Lindstrom, Chisago and Green Lakes. Combined there are over 7,000 acres of lakes within the Watershed and many miles of streams.

Runoff water drains through many streams into the lakes. The water eventually flows from the Watershed into the Sunrise River via Bloomquist Creek. Water then flows north to the St. Croix River. What we do in the Chisago Lakes Watershed has an effect on the Sunrise River and the St. Croix.

2. What is the Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District?

1984 Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District map The Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District was first established in 1976 by resolution of the Chisago County Board of Commissioners. The District was reactivated by resolution of the County Board in 1984 and is a taxing district. The Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District was established because of high water in area lakes. Shoreland homes were being flooded. The Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District installed a system of channels and weirs designed to drain excess water during times of high water. The Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District boundary was established as the best approximation of the watershed area at that time.

Over time, many lakes and streams within the Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed have become degraded. Degradation of our waters is harmful to fish habitat and negatively impacts recreational value by making swimming, boating and living near the lakes less desirable. As a result, in 2009 the Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District expanded its mission to protect and restore the surface water resources of the Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed. Minnesota Statutes 103B.521 states the boundary of a lake improvement district shall be encouraged to be as consistent as practical with natural hydrologic boundaries.

The Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District Board of Directors is composed of 5 members representing specific areas and 2 at large Directors. The Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District Board provides policy recommendations to the Chisago County Board of Commissioners. The Board of Directors represent areas covering the Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes watershed. Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District Board of Directors area representation

The Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District actively promotes programs to: •Encourage environmentally sound land use practices for urban and agricultural areas to protect water quality within the Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed. •Maintain the ditch and weir system in order to control water levels during high water events. •Preserve, protect and enhance water quality within the Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed. •Promote environmental education, awareness and stewardship within the Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed. •Promote the reduction of non-native aquatic invasive species. •Protect, encourage and restore native shoreline to improve fish and wildlife habitat. •Restore, improve and maintain navigation channels between the lakes. •Support safe and balanced recreational use of surface water. The Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District is an effective organization put in place to protect and restore area lakes and streams. It is funded through an annual budgeting process.

3. Why is the current Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District boundary different from the Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed?

The Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District was established in 1984. At that time the watershed boundary was estimated using the best watershed technology of the day. It was a very good estimation of the watershed area. In 2009 an official Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed map was developed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

The 1984 map and 2009 map are similar but not the same. Overlap of 1984 and 2009 maps The majority of parcels identified in both maps are the same. There are a number of parcels in the Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed that are not included in the original 1984 Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District boundary map. Some parcels in the 1984 Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District map are outside the Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed.

4. What is being proposed?

Put simply, it is proposed that the existing Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District boundary be adjusted to match the Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes watershed drainage area. In 2009 the Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District Board of Directors adopted the official Minnesota Department of Natural Resources map of the Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed. The Board made the decision to work on projects throughout the Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed and not limit projects to the Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District taxation area identified in 1984. The Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District 2015 Water Resource Management Plan, mission, goals, objectives and by-laws are based on the Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed.

In December 2014, the Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District Board of Directors passed a motion to recommend that the Chisago County Board of Commissioners begin the process of adjusting the original 1984 Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District taxation boundary to match the official 2009 Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed developed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

In March 2015, the Chisago County Board of Commissioners passed a motion to prepare a Resolution of Intent initiating the process to evaluate and potentially adjust the taxation boundary to be consistent with the Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed boundary.

On May 20, 2015 the Chisago County Board of Commissioners approved a Resolution of Intent to re-establish the Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District consistent with the Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed boundary.

5. What are the benefits of the Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District?

The Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District is the organization best suited to coordinate water protection and restoration activities. The Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District partners with other organizations such as Chisago Soil & Water Conservation District, local communities, lake associations, state and federal agencies. The Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District is under the authority of the Chisago County Board of Commissioners.

Thanks to financing provided by area residents and multiple state and federal grants, the Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District participates in many projects to protect and restore lakes and streams. A prerequisite of most state and federal water quality improvement grants is that a local unit of government provide a portion of the funding. By supplying these funds, the Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District has been instrumental in helping the entire Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed receive well over a million dollars ($1,000,000) in state and federal grants.

The following fact sheets highlight Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District activities that benefit lakeshore, non-lakeshore, city, and rural residents.

295th Street Neighborhood Retrofit – Lindstrom
Aquatic Invasive Species Treatment
Chisago County Children’s Water Festival
Chisago County Water Quality and Aquatic Invasive Species Monitoring
Chisago Lakes Watershed Best Management Practices Implementation
Carp Management
Ditch and Weir Maintenance
Fish Kill Disposal
Furgala/Labernik Rain Garden – Center City
Groundwater Observation Wells
Hook, Line and Sinker Recycling Program and Summary
Lake Avenue Dead End Street Project – Chisago City
Lake Level Monitoring Program
Lake Level Graphs
Summary for Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed lake level monitoring activities
Lake Water Quality Monitoring
Loren’s Park – Center City
Minimal Impact Design Standards
North Center North Lindstrom Channel
Pleasant Hill Park – Lindstrom
Public Outreach and Awareness
Pumphouse Park/Elm Street Project – Lindstrom
Rural Subwatershed Assessment
Septic System Compliance
Slow No-Wake Ordinance
South Center Lake Boat Launch – Lindstrom
Surfland Neighborhood Rain Gardens – Chisago City
Swamp Lake Outlet Easements
Urban and Shoreline Best Management Practices
Water Trail System
Watercraft Inspection Program
Watercraft Inspection Report

6. Why are lakes and streams in the Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed important?

Native Americans called the lakes Ki Chi Saga which means fair and lovely waters. The county name Chisago is derived from this. European pioneers called the lakes Big Lake and founded the communities of Center City, Chisago City, and Lindstrom. As mentioned earlier, the lakes in the Chisago Lakes Watershed are some of the premier recreational lakes in the northeast metro. There are more than 7,000 acres of lakes in the Watershed. The lakes provide a sense of community identity. Many organizations use Chisago Lakes as part of their name including, but not limited to:

Chisago Lakes Achievement Center
Chisago Lakes Archery
Chisago Lakes Area ISD #2144
Chisago Lakes Area Community Foundation
Chisago Lakes Area Library
Chisago Lakes Area Rugby Club
Chisago Lakes Arena
Chisago Lakes Baptist School
Chisago Lakes Chamber of Commerce
Chisago Lakes Community Education
Chisago Lake Evangelical Lutheran Church
Chisago Lakes Golf Course
Chisago Lakes High School
Chisago Lakes Hockey Association
Chisago Lakes Hoops Club
Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District
Chisago Lakes Lions Club
Chisago Lakes Mutual Insurance Company
Chisago Lakes Primary School
Chisago Lakes Protection and Restoration Plan
Others…

The Chisago Lakes Watershed provides outstanding recreational opportunities. The lakes are a tremendous asset to the community and the reason many people live here and identify with the area. The lakes boost the local economy by boosting tourism. The lakes provide a sense of place and community.

7. How does what we do in the watershed affect lakes and rivers?

In both urban and rural areas, water flows over streets, sidewalks, and fields into streams, ditches, and storm drains. As the water flows it picks up trash and pollutants and carries them, untreated, directly to the nearest lake or river. This is runoff pollution. Everyone who lives in the Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed is impacted by and benefits from the presence of the lakes. Everyone in the Watershed has an effect on lake water quality.

Over time, many lakes and streams within the Watershed have become degraded. Degradation of our waters is harmful to fish habitat and negatively impacts recreational value by making swimming, boating and living near the lakes less desirable.

North & South Center, Linn, Little, Ogren, Pioneer, School, and Wallmark Lakes are impaired, meaning these lakes do not meet water quality standards established by the State of Minnesota for lakes in this area. Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed impaired waters map

The Chisago Soil and Water Conservation District, with partial funding provided by the Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District, is installing projects throughout the Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed that improve the quality of water entering area lakes and streams.

8. What is the responsibility of the Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District to the community?: It is the responsibility of the Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District to partner with residents, lake associations, other organizations and agencies to protect and restore the surface water resources of the Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed. The Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District is committed to being good stewards of the financial resources provided by residents of the Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District taxation boundary established in 1984. The Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District has adopted by-laws which provide a set of operating procedures and establish a code of ethics and conduct.

9. What are the responsibilities of landowners?: Everyone who lives within the Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed shares in the responsibility to protect our lakes and rivers. Activities on the land can have a direct impact on the quality of our lakes and rivers. There are approximately 14,100 residents living within the Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed. If only one person adds a little pollution to our waters there is likely to be no impact. However, if hundreds or even thousands of people add a little pollution, water quality degradation starts to add up. On the other hand, if everyone in the Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed works together to protect the lakes and rivers, over time the water quality will improve. Tax dollars provided by residents through the Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District are essential to protecting and restoring the surface water resources of the entire Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed. These funds are essential to leverage additional grants and resources. Recently, the Chisago Soil and Water Conservation District was awarded approximately $900,000 in a Targeted Watershed Grant to complete water quality protection and restoration projects within the Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed. Funding from the Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District provided essential match dollars to obtain the grant.

10. What are the tax impacts?

The 2015 tax levy of the Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District is $232,000. This amount is set annually by the Chisago County Board of Commissioners. These funds are collected as an ad valorem tax assessed on all parcels within the 1984 tax boundary. Ad valorem is a tax based on the value of property. Higher value properties have a higher tax applied compared to lower value properties. Some of these funds are leveraged as match to obtain additional state and federal grants.

Currently, approximately 5,650 parcels are assessed an average of $41 per parcel per year. If the tax boundary were adjusted to be consistent with the Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed boundary approximately 1,400 parcels would be added. In addition, approximately 60 parcels outside the Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed would be removed. This would result in a total of approximately 7,050 parcels in the Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed.

If the total tax levy remains at $232,000 then the average annual assessment would be $33 per parcel. 5,650 parcels would receive an annual tax decrease of $8 and 1,400 parcels would receive an annual tax increase of $33.

11. Do lakeshore homeowners pay more taxes to the Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District than non-lakeshore owners?: Chisago County applies an ad valorem tax onto all properties within the Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District. This means that properties are assessed according to their value. Higher value properties pay higher taxes. According to the Chisago County Assessor’s Office lakeshore lots have approximately 2-3 times more value than a similar sized non-lakeshore lot. In addition, lakeshore houses tend to be larger than non-lakeshore houses. There are many variables, but in general, lakeshore homeowners pay more in taxes to the Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District than non-lakeshore homeowners because they have higher valued property.

12. How would a parcel be affected if the watershed boundary line crosses through the parcel?

There are approximately 250 parcels where the Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed boundary crosses through and divides the parcel.

If a parcel is entirely within the Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed boundary it will be included in the Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District.

If more than 50% of the land area of a parcel is within the Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed boundary it is proposed to be included in the Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District.

If 50% or less of the land area of a parcel is within the Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed boundary it is not proposed to be included in the Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District.

If a parcel is entirely outside the Chisago Lakes Chain of Lakes Watershed boundary it will not be included in the Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District.

13. If approved, when would the boundary adjustment take place?: If approved, the new Chisago Lakes Lake Improvement District boundary will be effective as of January 1, 2016. Any changes in property taxes will become payable January 1, 2017.

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Online Payments

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1. Are you able to order multiple copies of a Document or Plat?: Yes. When ordering more than one document, add another item to the cart.

2. Are you able to order multiple copies of a Marriage Certificate?: Yes. For multiple copies, add another item to the cart.

3. Are you able to submit payment for multiple accounts?: Yes. However, if you are submitting payments for multiple departments you MUST enter and process them separately.

4. Does Probation accept court fees, fines or restitution?: No. These payments MUST be paid to Chisago County Court Administration. This department is a State Agency therefore doesn't use the County Online Payment System.

5. Do you charge processing fees?

Yes. Our vendor charges a convenience fee.

All Online Payments (EXCEPT for Property Taxes) will incur a 2.5% ($2.00 minimum) fee when paying with a credit/debit card OR a flat $1.50 fee will be assessed for eChecks up to $1,000.
Online Property Tax Payments will incur a 2.5% ($1.50 minimum) fee when paying with a credit card OR if paying by debit card you will incur a 1% ($1.50 minimum) fee OR if paying by eCheck you will incur a flat $1.50 fee up to $10,000 paid in taxes.

6. May I make a partial payment on my property taxes?: Yes. However, penalty and interest will incur if the taxes are not paid in full by the due date.

7. May I pay delinquent property tax payments online?: Yes.

8. How do I know if my account has been turned over to Central Collections?: You will receive a COLLECTION LETTER from them.

9. What departments currently accept online payments?

Auditor-Treasurer's Office
Central Collections
Environmental Services
Health & Human Services
Parks & Trails
Probation
Recorder's Office
Sheriff's Office.

10. What options are available to pay my property taxes?

Walk In: We accept cash, check or credit/debit card.
Drop Box: For after hour convenience there is a drop box located at the main entrance of the Chisago County Government Center. **Please do NOT place cash in the drop box.
Mail: Make your check payable to the Chisago County Auditor-Treasurer and send to 313 N Main Street - Room 274, Center City, MN 55012
Online: First you must locate your parcel in our Property Tax Information System and select the parcel number to display the detail. Scroll to the bottom of the page to complete your payment.
Phone: Call 866-270-6383 to pay by phone via Integrated Voice Response (IVR). You must have your parcel number available.

11. What types of credit cards do you accept?

American Express
Discover Card
MasterCard
VISA.

12. What types of online payments do you accept?

Credit Card
Debit Card
eCheck.

13. What type of online payments does Central Collections accept?: Central Collections is responsible for processing payments on accounts that have gone into DEFAULT. They can ONLY accept payments if one of our departments has turned your account over to them to collect.

14. What type of online payments does the Auditor-Treasurer's Office accept?

Property Tax Payments
Green Acres Quote Fee
License Payments
- Auctioneer
- Fireworks / Pyrotechnic Effects
- Liquor
- Precious Metals
- Tobacco

15. What type of online payments does Environmental Services accept?

What type of online payments does Environmental Services accept?

Household Hazardous Waste Fees
Solid Waste Licensing

Solid Waste Licensing

Solid Waste License Applications and/or Renewals are now available through an Online Process. Please follow ALL instructions detailed on the Chisago County Solid Waste License Checklist (PDF).

The types of Solid Waste Licenses are:

Hauler License
Facility License:
- Construction and Demolition Debris Land Disposal Facility
- Industrial Solid Waste Land Disposal Facility
- Mixed Municipal Solid Waste Land Disposal Facility
- Recycling Facility
- Transfer Station Facility
- Solid Waste Processing Facility License
- Waste Tire Facility
- Yard Waste and Composting Facility License

16. What type of online payments does Health & Human Services accept?

Health & Human Services currently accepts ONLY collection payments.

You must have a copy of your collection letter/statement with you while making an online payment for the following:

Child Care Overpayments
Child Support Payments
Detox Fees
Family Deductibles
Foster Care Fees
Medical Assistance Overpayments
MDIP Overpayments
Other
SNAP Overpayments.

17. What type of online payments does Parks & Trails accept?: Parks & Trails accepts payment for reservation of Chisago County Park Shelters and/or Campsites.

18. What type of online payments does Probation accept?

Chemical Use Assessment Fee
Domestic Abuse Assessment Fee
Driving With Care Fee
Intensive Supervision Fee
Local Correctional Fee
Pre Trial Fee
Testing Fee
US Confirmation Fee.

19. What type of online payments does the Recorder's Office accept?

Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate
Email Copy of Document or Plat
Certified Copy of Document
Certified Copy of Plat
Plain Copy of Large Plat
Certified Copy of Torrens Certificate of Title
Deposit to Escrow Account
Historic Marriage Records.

20. What type of online payments does the Sheriff's Office accept?

Civil Process Fees:
- Additional Person Service
- Eviction
- Paper Service - 1
- Sheriff Sale
Records Request Fees:
- CD DVD
- Photo
- Reports
- Transcripts.

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Parks & Trails

Show All Answers

1. Geocaching: What do I need?: You will need a GPS device or a GPS-enabled mobile phone so that you can navigate to the cache, and a Geocaching.com Membership.

2. Geocaching: What is it?: Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location.
At its simplest level, geocaching requires these 8 steps:
1. Register for a free Basic Membership at Geocaching.com.
2. Visit the "Hide & Seek a Cache" page.
3. Enter your postal code and click "search".
4. Choose any geocache from the list and click on its name.
5. Enter the coordinates of the geocache into your GPS Device.
6. Use your GPS device to assist you in finding the hidden geocache.
7. Sign the logbook and return the geocache to its original location.
8. Share your geocaching stories and photos online.

3. Geocaching: Are there geocache sites in our County Parks and on our County Trails?: Yes. There are caches in all of the County Parks and on the County Trails. Find information and coordinates at the Geocaching.com website.

4. Geocaching: Are there different types?: Yes. There are currently over a dozen "cache types" in geocaching, with each cache type being a different variation of the game. Geocaches can be found all over the world. It is common for geocachers to hide caches in locations that are important the them, reflecting a special interest or skill of the cache owner. These locations can be quite diverse. They may be at your local park, at the end of a long hike, underwater or on the side of a city street.

5. Where are the County Parks located in Chisago County?: Checkerboard County Park - 38990 Keystone Ave - North Branch
Dennis Frandsen County Park - 1331 North Lake Dr - Braham
Fish Lake County Park - 43308 Elmcrest Ave - Harris
Ki-Chi-Saga County Park - 29061 Glader Blvd - Lindstrom
Kost Dam County Park - 11535 Kost Trail - North Branch

6. Where are the campsites located in Chisago County?: Ki-Chi-Saga County Park - 29061 Glader Blvd - Lindstrom. Campsite #1 (South Center Lake) and Campsite #2 (Linn Lake).

7. Are there boat landings at the County Parks?: Fish Lake County Park has a boat landing. All other County Parks have carry-in access only.

8. Can I reserve a County Park?: County Parks are open to the public. You are permitted to reserve a shelter area or a campsite.

9. Can we fly our drone in a County Park?: Drones are permitted in County Parks at this time. However, the owners must follow FAA regulations and they cannot be used over busy park areas. If open field areas are available drone use is permitted.

10. Do my guests and I need to pay a parking fee to use a County Park?: If you walk-in or bike-in there is no fee to use a County Park. However, all vehicles entering Fish Lake County Park on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays require a permit from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Vehicle permits are NOT required at Checkerboard County Park, Dennis Frandsen County Park, Ki-Chi-Saga County Park or Kost Dam County Park.

11. If the park attendant is not at the building do I still need to pay for parking?: There is an honor box. You need to place your payment in an envelope and then place the green slip on your window.

12. What is the vehicle permit fee at Fish Lake County Park?: All vehicles entering Fish Lake County Park on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays require a permit from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. - Daily Permit per Vehicle: $3 - Season Permit per Vehicle: $20 - Bus Permit: $15

13. Can I purchase a season parking pass?: Yes. A season pass is $20 and is good for one (1) season (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend) at Fish Lake County Park.

14. How do I reserve a picnic shelter, pavilion, covered area or campsite?: To reserve a park shelter or campsite, please use our Online Reservation Process.

15. How much does a shelter or campsite reservation cost?

Shelter Reservation

Weekends and Holidays: $60 per shelter for county residents; and $75 per shelter for non-county residents. Weekday, excluding holidays: $35 per shelter.

Campsite Reservation

$15 per night.

16. What information is required to reserve a shelter or campsite?: Your Name
Group Name
Mailing Address
Email Address
Phone Number
Date of Event

17. If I reserve a shelter before Memorial Day weekend or after Labor Day weekend are staff available to unlock the restrooms?: Special arrangements will be made to get you a key. You will need to have a designated person responsible to open and close the restrooms for your group. Restrooms at Checkerboard County Park, Dennis Frandsen County Park and Kost Dam County Park are open and no special arrangements are necessary.

18. How many people can be seated under a shelter?: The shelters at the various parks should seat approximately:
- Checkerboard County Park = 75 (NO electric)
- Dennis Frandsen County Park = 48 (electric)
- Fish Lake County Park: Shelter #1 (South - nearest playground) = 75
- Fish Lake County Park: Shelter #2 (Lake) = 75
- Ki-Chi-Saga County Park: Shelter #1 (adjacent to play structure) = 75 (electric)
- Ki-Chi-Saga County Park: Shelter #2 = 75 (NO electric)
- Kost Dam County Park = 24 (NO electric).

19. How many people can use a campsite?: Maximum of our (4).

20. What features are available at the campsites?

South Center Lake

Restrooms/County Parks - Portable; Fire Pit; and two (2) Tent Sites.

Linn Lake

Restrooms/County Parks - Portable; Fire Pit; Table and Tent Pad.

21. How do I know when my shelter reservation is confirmed?: When the County has received payment by cash, check or credit card we will send you a confirmation and posting.

22. How do I know when my campsite reservation is confirmed?: When you have completed the online reservation and payment process you will receive an email confirmation. There are no postings provided for campsites. Please have access to the email confirmation of your reservation and payment to secure the site.

23. How do others know that I have reserved the shelter for the day?: A posting will be displayed on the shelter that you reserved. You will need to bring your copy of the posting to replace it should someone inadvertently remove it before you arrive.

24. What if someone has come early and taken the shelter or campsite that we reserved?

Shelter Reservation

IF PARK STAFF ARE ON DUTY: Let them know and they will alert the park guests that the shelter has been reserved for the day by others. IF PARK STAFF ARE NOT ON DUTY: It will be important that you have brought a copy of your shelter reservation posting. You will need to show them the posting with matching date and correct park identified on it. You will need to inform them that your group has paid and reserved the shelter for the day and are planning to set-up for your event. Ask them to please remove their belongings from the shelter area until you are finished.

Campsite Reservation

It's possible someone else unknowingly pitched a tent, not knowing that campsites need to be reserved and paid for in advance. You will need to inform them and show proof of your reservation confirmation.

25. If the shelter is not available, are tents permitted?: It depends. How big is the tent? Are you going to have a company put it up? Are you planning to rent tables also? You will need to contact the Parks Office at 651-213-8960 to request special approval on any large tents. Another consideration is anticipated parking availability, if park management believes there will be no parking due to other large scheduled events, tents would not be permitted.

26. If the shelter at Fish Lake County Park is not available are there other parks we can use?: Yes. Other County Parks with shelters are Checkerboard County Park, Dennis Frandsen County Park, Ki-Chi-Saga County Park and Kost Dam County Park. You can also check with nearby cities regarding their parks.

27. Is there a grill near the shelter area?: All of the shelters have a large group grill near them. The shelter at Kost Dam County Park has a standard grill adjacent to it.

28. May I cancel my shelter reservation and get a refund?: Yes. If you cancel the shelter reservation four (4) weeks prior to your event you will receive a 50% refund.

29. Where are the County Trails located in Chisago County?: Sunrise Prairie Regional Trail - Trail Heads are located as follows:
* North Branch - 6311 Maple St
* Stacy - 5859 Stacy Trail
* Wyoming - 26854 Forest Blvd
* Athens Trail Park-n-Ride - 6081 Athens Trail
Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail - Trail Heads are located as follows:
* Shafer - 30269 Tern Ave
* Shafer - 30320 Redwing Ave

30. Are trail maps available?: Maps of the completed trail segments are found on the Sunrise Prairie Regional Trail Page and the Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail Page.

31. Who do I contact if I have questions not listed here?: Contact Park Director Joseph Tart by emailing County Parks or phone at 651-213-8960. You can call 24/7 and leave a message at the office if there is no answer. The Park Director will return your email or phone call at the first available opportunity.

32. How do I make a donation to the County Parks and Trails?: You can mail a donation to the Chisago County Parks & Trails Office at 313 N Main St, Suite 240, Center City, MN 55012. Please include your name and address so proper recognition and acknowledgement can be provided back to you.

33. Are reservations needed to use the Sunrise Prairie Regional Trail or the Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail?: Reservations are not necessary. However registration is necessary if large events are planned on the trails. Please contact the County Parks Office at 651-213-8960 to discuss.

34. What is considered a large event on the Regional Trails?: A large event is one that will add significant traffic to the trails and might hinder its use by others during this time. You must register all events with greater than 30 participants by contacting County Parks Office at 651-213-8960.

35. What is the difference between a Large Event Special use Permit AND a Special Use Permit?: The main difference is the number of participants that will occupy a park or trail at a given time. Fee amounts will also vary between these two permits.

36. When is a Large Event Special Use Permit required?: Any daily event or large gathering of more than 75 participants who will occupy a portion of a park or trail for a specific activity in accordance with County Ordinances.

37. When is a Special Use Permit required?: Any daily event or gathering of 30 to 74 participants who will occupy a portion of a park or trail for a specific activity in accordance with the County Ordinances.

38. What happens with my Damage Deposit?: Damage Deposits are required for each Large Event Special Use Permit. Following a review of the event after it has occurred, all or a portion of the damage deposit will be refunded.

39. Do I need a Special Use Permit if I have already reserved a park shelter?: Yes, if you plan on having a number of participants and/or activities outside the park shelter area such as: fishing contest, tournaments, films, multiple canopies or tents. Please see the Regulations Page of the Special Use Permit and Large Event Special Use Permit to see if your activity requires more than just a Park Shelter Reservation. Please contact the Parks Office if you are unsure.

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Probation

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1. What does Probation do?: Our department is responsible for supervising compliance with the court's sentencing order. We supply information, referrals, assistance and supervision, so that clients can successfully meet their probation conditions. We also notify the court of any non-compliance through violation reports.

2. Where are you located?: We are located in the lower level of the Chisago County Government Center in Center City, MN in Suite 100 (which previously housed the Sheriff’s Office).

3. Who is my Probation Officer?

If you are an adult sentenced for a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor offense, please call 651-213-8350.

If you are an adult sentenced for a felony offense, please contact the Department of Corrections at 651-539-1234.

If you are an adult subject to pre-trial/pre-sentence conditional release for any level of offense, please call 651-213-8350

If you are a juvenile placed on supervision for any level of offense, please call 651-213-8350.

4. What is the Local Correctional Fee? Why do I need to pay it?: This fee is charged to persons under the supervision of our agency to help defray costs associated with monitoring / supervising your file.

5. Can I pay my Probation Fees with a credit card, debit card or electronic check?

Yes, as of February 22, 2016 Chisago County began accepting payments for Probation Fees by credit card, debit card or electronic check for the following fees:
- Chemical Use Assessment Fee
- COG Skills Fee
- Domestic Abuse Investigation Fee
- Driving With Care Fee
- Intensive Supervision Fee
- Local Correctional Fee
- Pre Trial Fee
- Testing Fee
- UA Confirmation Fee

Note: A 2.5% ($2.00 minimum) fee will be assessed for online payments. Also, you must enter your case number EXACTLY as it appears on your documents.

You have the option of using the online link below for credit card, debit card or electronic check payments or you can also make a payment in person at our office with a credit card or debit card.

Online Payment of Court Services/Probation Fees

6. When paying Probation Fees, can I make a partial payment?: Yes, Chisago County Probation does accept partial payments to go towards your fee(s). Payments can be made in person (cash, check, money order/cashier's check or credit/debit card), via mail (check or money order/cashier's check), or via online (credit/debit card or electronic check.

7. Can I pay my Probation Program Fees over the phone?: No, Chisago County Probation does not accept payments over the phone. Payments can be made in person (cash, check, money order/cashier's check or credit/debit card), via mail (check or money order/cashier's check), or via online payment (credit/debit card or electronic check).

8. Do I need to submit a separate payment if I'm paying on more than one Probation Fee online or in person with a credit/debit card?: No, you can add payments to different fees on the same transaction when paying with a credit/debit card. You have the ability to add multiple payments to your purchase.

9. If I owe more than one Probation Fee, can I write one check?: Yes, you may write one check for the total amount of the fees that you owe.

10. How can I make a fine payment?: Contact Court Administration, which is located on the top level of the Government Center in Room 358. Email Court Administration or call 651-213-7010 for more information.

11. How much is my fine?: Contact Court Administration by calling 651-213-7010 for more information.

12. Is there a warrant out for me?: Contact Court Administration by calling 651-213-7010 or Email Court Administration, or contact the Sheriff's Office at 651-213-4100.

13. Can I get an extension on my fine?: Contact Court Administration, which is located on the top level of the Government Center in Room 358. Email Court Administration, or call 651-213-7010 for more information.

14. Can I change my court date?: Court Services cannot change your court date for you. You must contact Court Administration at 651-213-7010.

15. Can I get a copy of my court record?: Contact Court Administration by calling 651-213-7010 for more information.

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PW - Trunk Hwy 8 - Natural Environment

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1. What is being done to minimize impacts to the natural environment?

Impacts to natural resources will be kept to a minimum. Wetland impacts will be mitigated with replacement. Storm-water infiltration basins and/or ditches will likely be needed to treat storm-water runoff from the project. Mitigating impacts to Big Comfort Lake and Little Comfort Lake will include close coordination with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Comfort Lake Forest Lake Watershed District regarding improvements to water quality and mitigation of any physical impacts.

Air Quality
Air quality is anticipated to be improved as a result of free-flowing traffic (less idling time) coupled with higher fuel efficiency standards in the future.

Noise Study and Noise Walls
Traffic noise measurements have been collected and models are being developed based on the project design and traffic volume forecasts to predict future traffic noise levels. Noise walls will be evaluated at locations where noise levels approach or exceed Federal noise abatement criteria.

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PW - Trunk Hwy 8 - Public Involvement

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1. How is the public being informed about the project?: The public will be kept informed, and allowed to provide input, throughout the project development process. Several “pop-up” events and open houses will be held to share information and to solicit input from citizens and business owners. Project information will also be sent out via press releases, newsletters, social media, and on this website. You may also sign up for project updates on the website.

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PW - Trunk Hwy 8 - Right-of-Way

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1. Will all or parts of my property along Highway 8 need to be acquired? If so, how will I be contacted?: Significant effort will be put into developing a solution for Highway 8 that minimizes impacts to private property. Project impacts are unknown at this time, however, there will be a need for the County to acquire some amount of permanent and temporary easements for roadway improvements, utilities, trails and sidewalks. The County will be notifying property owners by mail in 2022 and/or 2023, and then meeting with them individually.

2. Will there be any assessments to my property?: The County does not assess properties for roadway improvement projects. The Cities involved may have their own assessment policies, depending on the outcome of the project.

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PW - Trunk Hwy 8 - Safety and Mobility

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1. How do motorists use Highway 8 today?: The primary function of Highway 8 is to provide safe and efficient mobility at higher speeds with managed access to the local roadway system. It provides access to several neighborhoods and residences and is a primary route to many schools, churches and businesses. Highway 8 also serves many commuters in the region during the week and recreational traffic during summer months.

2. What challenges or concerns have been identified along Highway 8?: Chisago County has identified several safety/operational concerns at major intersections, side streets, and at private access points. There is also a high level of traffic congestion during morning/evening commutes and during summer recreational season. Traffic is expected to increase over time.

3. What types of safety improvements are being considered along Highway 8?: Between 2011 and 2020, there have been over 1,100 crashes reported along Highway 8, with nine involving serious injury, and five involving fatalities. This project will analyze causes and locations of these crashes and develop mitigation strategies, which may include adding turn lanes, raised medians, widening shoulders, improving sight-lines, other potential ways to help deal with the existing and future capacity issues, and enhancing traffic control at major intersections. Properly managing access along the corridor will also improve traffic safety and mobility.

4. How will access be "managed" along the corridor?: Access will be managed on Highway 8 by properly spacing roadway intersections, consolidating access points where practical, and potentially dividing the roadway with a median. While this may slightly alter how people get to their destinations, the completed project will enhance access by reducing congestion, and improving traffic flow along Highway 8.

5. What is a "median" and what benefits could it provide to Highway 8?

Medians improve safety and operational efficiency by physically separating opposing directions or travel and can take the form of a depressed ditch, raised concrete islands, concrete barriers, or various forms. Medians have been proven to:

Reduce conflict points, crashes, and traffic congestion
Physically separate opposing traffic flows (reducing potential for head-on crashes)
Reduce slow and go operations on the roadway, which often frustrate drivers
Improve travel times.

6. Will I lose my driveway access to Highway 8?: Part of the safety problem that exists on Highway 8 relates to the proliferation of driveway access points along the corridor. One goal of the project is to look for opportunities to consolidate driveway access points, where practical. Locations of driveways have not been determined yet, but some may get realigned to a secondary roadway. The County will be working individually with property owners regarding access needs and locations throughout the project..

7. Will additional travel lanes be added to Highway 8?: Where current or forecasted traffic demands exceed the capacity of the existing roadway, additional traffic lanes will need to be considered. It should be noted that the number of access points along a roadway directly affects traffic mobility.

8. What additional accommodations will be made for pedestrians and bicyclists?: Pedestrian signal indicators, marked crosswalks, and ADA compliant curb ramps will be provided at signalized intersections along the corridor. The County is planning to construct a portion of the Swedish Immigrant Trail along with this project, which will ultimately connect to other regional trails.

9. Are roundabouts part of the solution?: The County will analyze each major intersection to determine the optimum form of traffic control, which may include roundabouts.

10. What are Reduced Conflict Intersections (RCI) and how do they work?: Reduced Conflict Intersections, also called RCIs or RCUTs, are intersections that decrease fatalities and injuries caused by broadside crashes on four-line divided highways. With an RCI, drivers from the side street only have to be concerned with one direction of traffic on the highway at a time. You don't need to wait for a gap in both directions to cross a major road. You can learn more about RCIs, at the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT's) website.

11. Are roundabouts part of the solution?: The County analyzed each major intersection in the project area to determine the optimum form of traffic control. It was determined that the intersection of Karmel Avenue and Highway 8 will perform best as a single lane roundabout.

12. What are Reduced Conflict Intersections (RCI) and how do they work?: Reduced Conflict Intersections, also called RCIs or RCUTs, are the intersections that decrease fatalities and injuries caused by broadside crashes on four-line divided highways. With an RCI, drivers from the side street only need to concerned with one direction of traffic on the highway at a time. You don't need to wait for a gap in both directions to cross a major road. Four RCIs are planned along the Highway 8 Project including the lower-volume intersections of Hazel Avenue, Heath Avenue, Juno Court, and 276th Street. You can learn more about RCIs, at the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT's) website.

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PW-Construction Projects

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1. Where can I find information about specific Chisago County construction projects?: View our list of Current Construction Projects.

2. I noticed the trail adjacent to the county roadway hasn't had the snow plowed off of it yet. Who should I contact?: Chisago County is responsible for their two County Trails (Sunrise Prairie Regional Trail and Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail). Send any concerns regarding these two trails to Joseph Tart, Chisago County Park Director via Email to Joseph Tart. All other trails and sidewalks are maintained, including snowplowing, along Chisago County roads are performed by the City where the trail or sidewalk is located. If you have a concern about the maintenance or lack of snowplowing for these trails or sidewalks, you should report it to the respective City where it is located. Please check out our City and Township Pages for contact information.

3. Why are you proposing to eliminate some of the access points along the roadway? How is this decided?: The decision on when and where access closures occur is a decision made by the owner of the road. In the case of Chisago County, we have developed access guidelines for the various roadway types in our system (i.e., arterials, collectors, etc.). Chisago County follows our guidelines when building or rebuilding roadways. However, we do look at each access location on a case-by-case basis.

4. I've noticed a lot of roundabouts being built around the region. Why?: Roundabouts are one of the options that is considered when constructing or reconstructing an intersection. Research has shown that there are several advantages of a roundabout over a signalized intersection including less travel delays and fewer severe crashes. In determining what the appropriate traffic control is for a specific intersection, Chisago County conducts a thorough analysis to determine the most appropriate application. Two roundabouts were constructed in our County in 2020. The first is located at TH 8/Pleasant Valley Road (CSAH 26) and the second at TH 8/Hemingway Avenue (CSAH 14).

5. It seems like people are speeding on the road. Can the County lower speed limits on their roadways?: In Minnesota, the speed limit on all county roads are determined by the State of Minnesota Commissioner of Transportation. Results of a speed zone study can be that the speed limit remains the same, is decreased, or increased.

6. Will I be assessed for the roadway improvements?: Chisago County does not assess for roadway improvement projects. However, you should check with your individual City to determine whether there will be assessments through them. Please check out our City and Township Pages for contact information.

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PW-General

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1. Can I put a garage sale, political or information sign on a County Road?: Minnesota State Statute (MSS) 160.2715 prohibits the placement of any advertisement within the limits of any highway including county roads.

2. How do I contact my County Commissioner?: Contact information for each County Commissioner is found on the County Board of Commissioners Main Page.

3. How do I obtain a Right-of-Way, Transportation, Access or Miscellaneous Permit?: Information is found on our Permits Division Page.

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PW-Mailbox

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1. I live on a County Road and our mailbox was hit by a plow truck. How do I get a new one?: Please refer to the Mailbox Policy located on the Chisago County’s Maintenance Division Page.

2. Can I purchase a new Mailbox?

The County has swing-away mailbox supports and posts available to residents who live along the county highway system. Please call ahead at 651-213-8700 prior to purchasing mailbox supports. More information can be found on Chisago County’s Mailbox Page.

Anyone installing or replacing their mailbox support and/or post must call Gopher State One Call (GSOC) to request locates on all utilities placed in the County Right-of-Way before digging.

3. My mailbox was damaged by a car, who do I contact?

Chisago County has swing-away mailbox supports and posts available for residents who live along the county highway system. Please call ahead at 651-213-8700 prior to purchasing mailbox supports. More information can be found on Chisago County’s Mailbox Page.

Anyone installing or replacing their mailbox support and/or post must call Gopher State One Call (GSOC) to request locates on all utilities placed in the County Right-of-Way before digging.

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PW-Maintenance

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1. How do I report a dead animal on the road?

Use our Online Form to Report a Dead Animal on a County Road.

If the issue is not on a County Road you will need to contact the associated city or township. Please check out our City and Township Pages for contact information.

2. How do I report a pothole?

Use our Online Form to Report a Pothole on a County Road.

If the issue is not on a County Road you will need to contact the associated city or township. Please check out our City and Township Pages for contact information.

3. How do I report debris on the road, trees down, or clogged culverts?

Use our Online Form to Report a General Roadway Concern on a County Road and describe the problem.

If the issue is not on a County Road you will need to contact the associated city or township. Please check out our City and Township Pages for contact information.

4. When are County Ditches mowed?: To provide roadside habitat for nesting birds and other small wildlife, the County’s first moving is not until the middle of summer unless for the prevention of noxious weeds from spreading per Minnesota State Statute (MSS) 160.232.

5. How are snow and ice controlled?: Please check out our Snow and Ice Control Factsheet.

6. I am having a problems with the water/other utilities in my home/business.: This concern should be directed to the City where the problems are occurring. The following link will bring you to a list of contact information for City/Township Contact Information.

7. When are County Ditches Mowed?: To provide roadside habitat for nesting birds and other small wildlife, the County’s first mowing does not take place until the middle of summer, unless it is needed for the prevention of noxious weeds from spreading. Statue 160.232.

8. How do I report a snow removal/plowing concern on a County road?

Please use our Report a General Roadway Concern form and select "other" to describe the problem or concern.

If the issue is not on a County Road you will need to contact the associated city or township. Please check out our City and Township Pages for contact information.

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PW-Public Ditches

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1. What is a public ditch?

A public ditch is a drainage system managed by County Drainage Authority or Joint County Drainage Authority. The county does not own the ditch. The landowners who benefit from the ditch own the drainage system. A public ditch can be an open ditch system, an underground tile system or a combination of open ditch and underground tile.

Road ditches are not public ditches. Road ditches are the responsibility of the road authority.

2. Can the general public hunt along or use a public ditch for recreational purposes?: No, a public ditch is an easement for drainage only. The lawn remains private property. Like all private property, you need to get the landowner's permission before entering the property.

3. A public ditch is blocked or needs repair. What can be done to solve this problem?: The first step to solve the problem is to notify the Public Ditch Inspector. After the Public Ditch Inspector has reviewed the problem, his/her findings will be provided to the County Engineer/Public Works Department for project consideration and response. Please contact Jeff Fertig, Wetland Specialist/Public Ditch Inspector by calling 651-213-8378 or Email Jeff Fertig to report a problem with a public ditch and seek a referral to Public Works for project consideration.

4. I want to do some work in a public ditch. How do I get permission?: The first step is to notify the County Engineer/Public Works Department by calling 651-213-8708 or via Email Joe Triplett. Department staff will assist you to ensure proper policies and the state’s drainage laws are followed.

5. Who pays for ditch improvements and repairs?: Property owners who are benefited by the ditch are the ones who pay for ditch improvements and repairs. For public ditches, the county pays the contractor and assesses all costs back to the benefited property owners through a special assessment. Benefiting property owners are not simply those who own property adjacent to the public ditch. In many cases the benefiting property owners include numerous land owners within the watershed area of the entire ditch. To view Public Ditch Watershed area maps, please consult the 2016 Inventory Chisago County Public Ditch System Report.

6. When is the "one rod" ditch buffer required on a public ditch?: Under the new state buffer law (effective November 1, 2017) all public ditches are required to have a "one rod" / 16.5' buffer from the top of the bank. State Buffer Law Webpage.

7. What is a ditch repair?

Repairs are not intended to significantly increase hydraulic efficiency or capacity of the ditch. The term "repair", means to restore all or a part of a drainage system as nearly as practicable to the same condition as originally constructed and subsequently improved.

Open ditch repairs include minor work such as spraying for weeds and brush, removal of isolated silt deposits, bridge or culvert cleaning, removal of vegetation, debris or other obstructions, fixing isolated side slope damage due to sloughing, fixing damage to culverts and fixing or installing erosion control structures.

Repairs may also involve more extensive cleaning of the ditch bottom of silt deposits to bring the grade line and bottom width to originally constructed or subsequently improved conditions.

Repairs on tile lines include repair or replacement of underground tile as well as the tile intakes and outlets.

8. What is a ditch improvement?: An improvement project involves the enlarging, extending, straightening, or deepening of an established, previously constructed system. Generally an improvement project provides for the upgrading and enhancement of the existing system's hydraulic capacity and drainage ability. Improvements must go through a hearing process that includes a determination of benefits.

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PW-Public Works

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1. Can you give me the coordinates for my property corners?: A private surveying company should be contacted for property boundary information. The County Surveyor maintains the section corner data, but cannot perform private surveys.

2. Can you help me with street naming and house numbering?: The GIS Department is responsible for naming new streets and assigning addresses. If the new street is part of a plat, please contact the GIS Department at 651-213-8213 before the plat is finalized, to aid in naming said streets.

House numbers are assigned when the building permit has been applied for. Please contact our Environmental Services Department for further information on applying for Building Permits.

Back in 1999, Chisago County went through a process of upgrading their 911 system. During this process, the county reviewed its current street addressing scheme. It was determined that in order to make Chisago County's 911 system work as accurately and efficiently as possible, that a county-wide "re-addressing" project was in order. Due to this project, streets and house numbers are assigned based on a grid-system. You can see the generalized grid on the County Highway Map.

3. Does the county have section breakdown information and corner ties?: Most of the county is now completed with GPS coordinates for the section corners. If there is a corner which is not currently in the ground that you need to use for a survey, we will assist you in re-establishing it.

4. Do you have a copy of a survey of my property?: We have copies of the original plats, so if you own a lot in a block of a subdivision we can make you a copy for a small fee. If you own a parcel in the rural area with a metes and bounds description, then we do not have a copy of any survey that was made by a private surveying company.

5. Do you have topographic maps?: We have copies of the USGS Quadrangle maps. They show 10 foot contour lines at a scale of 1 inch equals 2,000 feet.

6. How do I report a general road issue?: We have created an online form, Report a General Road Issue, that you can complete and submit.

7. How do I report a mailbox damaged by snowplow?: We have created an online form, Report a Mailbox Damaged by Snowplow, that you can complete and submit.

8. How do I report a pothole on a County Road?: We have created an online form, Report a Pothole on a County Road, that you can complete and submit.

9. How do I report a road construction project question or concern?: We have created an online form, Report a Road Construction Project Question or Concern, that you can complete and submit.

10. How do I report a road sign, street light or traffic signal question or concern?: We have created an online form, Report a Road Sign, Street Light or Traffic Signal Question or Concern, than you can complete and submit.

11. How do I report dead deer on a County Road?: We have created an online form, Report Dead Deer on a County Road, that you can complete and submit.

12. How much does a survey cost?: Each property has unique characteristics. A private surveying company could give you an estimate based on your legal description and the features of your land.

13. When do I need an access permit?: When ever new access is created or there is change of use in property.

14. Where can I find a bench mark?: We have 23 HARN bench marks scattered around the county. We also have a few along a couple of the newly constructed roads. Contact the County Surveyor at 651-213-8711.

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PW-Sign

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1. There is a sign down or missing. Who do I contact?

Use our Online Form to Report a Road Sign, Street Light or Traffic Signal Issue on a County Road.

If the issue is not on a County Road you will need to contact the associated city or township. Please check out our City and Township Pages for contact information.

2. How do I request a specific traffic sign?

Use our Online Form to Report a General Roadway Concern on a County Road.

If the issue is not on a County Road you will need to contact the associated city or township. Please check out our City and Township Pages for contact information.

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PW-Survey

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1. Who should I contact to find the coordinates of my property corners?: A private surveying company should be contacted for property boundary information. The County Surveyor maintains the section corner data, but cannot perform private surveys.

2. Are you able to assist with street naming and house numbering?

The Geographic Information System (GIS) Office is responsible for naming new streets and assigning addresses. If the new street is part of a plat, please contact the GIS Office by calling 651-213-8213 before the plant is finalized, to aid in naming said streets.

House numbers are assigned when the building permit has been applied for. Please contact the Environmental Services/Zoning Department for applying for Building Permits by calling 651-213-8370.

Back in 1999, Chisago County went through a process of upgrading their 911 System. During this process, the County reviewed its current street addressing scheme. It was determined that in order to make Chisago County’s 911 System work as accurately and efficiently as possible, that a county-wide "re-addressing" project was in order. Due to this project, streets and house numbers are assigned based on a grid-system. You can see the generalized grid on the Chisago County Highway Map.

3. Does the County have section breakdown information and corner ties?: Most of the County is now complete with GPS coordinates for the section corners. If there is a corner which is not currently in the ground that you need to use for a survey, we will assist you in re-establishing it.

4. Do you have a copy of the survey of my property?: Chisago County has copies of original plats. If you own a lot in a block of a subdivision we can make you a copy for a small fee. If you own a parcel in the rural area with a metes and bounds description, we do not have a copy of any survey that was made by a private surveying company.

5. Do you have topographic maps?: We have copies of the United State Geological Survey (USGS) Quadrangle Maps. They show 10 foot contour lines at a scale of 1 inch equals 2,000 feet.

6. How much does a property survey cost?: Each property has unique characteristics. A private surveying company can give you an estimate based on your legal description and the features of your land.

7. Where can I find a bench mark?: We have 23 High Accuracy Reference Network (HARN) as well as bench marks at various locations around the county. We also have a few along a couple of the newly constructed roads. Contact the County Surveyor by calling 651-213-8711.

8. Where can I obtain flood zone information?: The Environmental Services/Zoning Department handles flood zone questions and can be reached by calling 651-213-8370.

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PW-Transportation

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1. Who do I contact to install a new driveway on a County Road?: Please check out our Permits Division Page for contact information.

2. How do I contact the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)?: Contact MnDOT, general information, by calling 651-234-7500. Or visit their Website at https://www.dot.state.mn.us/.

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Recorder

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1. Can I access land records via the internet?

April 1, 2008: Chisago County will make Tract Index and Recorded Documents available to system subscribers. Escrow Accounts and Landshark Agreements are required.

March 2019: Occasional users can now access the Tract Index and Recorded Documents using a credit card or checking account as payment.

For More Information and/or to download subscription forms, see our LandShark Info page or visit LandShark Online Searching.

2. How do I obtain a copy of a birth certificate?: You may come into the recorder's office or apply by mail for a Minnesota birth certificate. If you were born in Minnesota you can obtain a copy of your birth certificate from any Minnesota Vital Statistics Office. Click here for more information Birth and Death Records

3. How do I apply for a marriage license?: Marriage

4. What needs to be on a document for recording purposes?

Among other things county staff reviews documents presented for recording against the requirements listed below. Failure to meet these, among other possible requirements, may cause your document to be rejected:

Date Of Execution
Name Of Grantor/grantee / Mortgagor/mortgagee
Complete Legal Description
Proper Acknowledgement (Notary Seal/stamp, Signatures, Marital Status When Applicable
"Drafted By" Statement

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Recorder - Land Records

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1. How do I obtain a copy of my deed?: You may request a copy either in person or by searching online. You may also call and our staff will assist in locating a document number for you to order by mail or online with credit card. Fees apply for all options.

2. How can I search a property?: You may contact a title company or a real estate attorney to do the search for you. You may also search the tract index online or come in to our office and a staff member will get you started.

3. Is this property Abstract or Torrens?: Check the platted property Abstract/Torrens list and if you need further information, call the recorder's office at 651-213-8580. You will need to provide us with the legal description of the property in question.
Platted Abstract/Torrens List

4. How do I find the size of my lot?: You may come into the recorder's office and look at the official plat, order a copy online by entering the name of the plat instead of the document number, search for the property on LandShark GIS, search/download the plat using LandShark online searching, or contact the Public Works Department at 651-213-8700.

5. Can I access land records via the internet?

April 1, 2008: Chisago County will make Tract Index and Recorded Documents available to system subscribers. Escrow Accounts and Landshark Agreements are required.

March 2019: Occasional users can now access the Tract Index and Recorded Documents using a credit card or checking account as payment.

For More Information and/or to download subscription forms, see our LandShark Info page or visit LandShark Online Searching.

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Recorder - Recording

Show All Answers

1. Can I access land records via the internet?

April 1, 2008: Chisago County will make Tract Index and Recorded Documents available to system subscribers. Escrow Accounts and Landshark Agreements are required.

March 2019: Occasional users can now access the Tract Index and Recorded Documents using a credit card or checking account as payment.

For More Information and/or to download subscription forms, see our LandShark Info page or visit LandShark Online Searching.

2. What needs to be on a document for recording purposes?

Date Of Execution
Name Of Grantor/grantee / Mortgagor/mortgagee
Complete Legal Description
Proper Acknowledgement (Notary Seal/stamp, Signatures, Marital Status When Applicable
"Drafted By" Statement

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Recorder - Vitals

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1. How do I obtain a copy of a birth certificate?: You may come into the recorder's office or apply by mail for a Minnesota birth certificate. If you were born in Minnesota you can obtain a copy of your birth certificate from any Minnesota Vital Statistics Office. Click here for more information Birth and Death Records

2. How do I apply for a marriage license?: Marriage

3. How do I become a notary?: Contact the Minnesota Secretary of State website.

4. How do I obtain/file my military discharge?: There is a short form to complete and identification must be presented before a military discharge can be issued. There is no fee. To file papers, bring or mail them to the recorder's office. There is no fee and the original document will be returned to you.

5. How do change my birth certificate?: Check out the MN Dept of Health website for a Birth Record Amendment Packet (PDF).

6. How do I record my ordination?: Bring your original credentials to the recorders' office along with valid identification. You will also be asked to read and sign a "Certificate of Filing" form and receive a copy for your records. The fee is $20. If you wish to do this by mail, please see our Ministerial Credential page for required form and instructions.

7. Is there a list of Judges that perform marriages?: Yes, below is a list of Judges that will perform marriages. You will need to contact the judge of your choice to make arrangements. Judges That Will Perform Marriages: (View Wedding Officiants)

8. How do I do a genealogy search?

Visit the County Recorder's Office to search real property, birth, death, and marriage records.
Search Minnesota Official Marriage System (MOMS) index to locate the county where a marriage record is located.
Contact Minnesota Historical Society or Chisago County Historical Society.

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Sheriff

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1. Who is the County Sheriff?: Brandon Thyen is the Chisago County Sheriff. He can be reached via email or by calling 651-213-6301.

2. Who is the Chief Deputy?: Justin Wood is the Chisago County Chief Deputy and can be reached via email or by calling 651-213-6302.

3. How do I pay court fines?: Please visit the Court Administration Offices to pay your fines.

4. How do I get a permit to carry?: View the Firearms Permits Page, or print the permit to carry a pistol application.

5. Can I pay any Sheriff's Items with a credit card, debit card or electronic check?: Yes, as of April 27, 2017 Chisago County began accepting payments by credit card, debit card or electronic check for the following fees: - Civil Process Fees/Services - Records Requests Fees. Note: A 2.5% ($2.00 minimum) fee will be assessed when paying with a credit/debit card or a $1.50 fee will be assessed for eChecks up to $10,000. You have the option of using the Online Payment of Sheriff’s Items Link for credit card, debit card or electronic check (eCheck).

6. When paying Sheriff's Items online, can I make a partial payment?: Chisago County Sheriff's Office does NOT accept partial payments. All payments for fees/services MUST be paid in full. These are accepted by credit/debit card (either online or in our office), cash, check, or money order/cashier's check. You can send payments by mail or make the payment in person at our office.

7. Can I pay Sheriff's Items over the phone?: Chisago County Sheriff's Office does not accept payments over the phone. Payments can be made in person (cash, check, money order/cashier's check, or credit/debit card), via mail (cash, check or money order/cashier's check), or via online payment (credit/debit card or electronic check).

8. Do I need to submit a separate payment if I'm paying on more than one Sheriff's Item online, or in person with a credit card/debit card?: No, you can add payments to different fees on the same transaction when paying with a credit/debit card. You have the ability to add multiple payments to your purchase.

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Sheriff - Corrections | Jail Division

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1. What are the on-site visiting hours for the Jail?

Visiting hours listed below are specific to the free option for on-site video visitation. Each inmate is limited to one 20-minute visit per day from the lobby.

You need to determine if the inmate is classified as a minimum/medium security or maximum security, since the hours are different.

Visiting hours for minimum and medium security inmates are as follows:

Sunday: 8:00 a.m. - Noon; 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. - Noon

Visiting hours for maximum security inmates are as follows:

Sunday: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

2. How can I visit with an inmate remotely?: Digital inmate visitation is available for a small fee by going to the Reliance Telephone Website. Video calling is completed through an app called "Reliance Connect", which is available from the Google Play or Apple App Stores. Inmates can place a video call to a phone number associated with a Reliance Connect Account at any time during the day (excluding scheduled lobby visiting hours) and fund the call using their wallet balance at the rate of $0.25/minute.

3. How can I leave a message for an inmate?: You need to call 651-237-3112. Inmates now have a dedicated voicemail box; simply call the number and follow the prompts.

4. How can I find if an inmate is housed in the Chisago County Jail?: An up-to-date Jail roster can be found online by using the Jail Inmate Search (Inmate Locator) feature on this website for inmates housed in the Chisago County Jail.

5. What if I can't find an inmate that I am looking for using the Chisago County Jail Inmate Search Feature?: The inmate may be housed elsewhere. You can use the Victim Information Notification Everyday (VINE) Network - Minnesota to find inmates housed in Minnesota or the Victim Information Notification Everyday (VINE) Network - National for inmates housed Nationwide.

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Sheriff - Firearms Permits

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1. Where do I apply for a Permit to Purchase / Transfer a Firearm?: Residents who reside within the city limits of Chisago City, Lindstrom, North Branch or Wyoming need to apply at their respective police departments. All other Chisago County residents need to apply at the Chisago County Sheriff’s Office.

2. How do I obtain a Permit to Purchase / Transfer Application Form?: You can obtain the application form from one of the local police departments, the Chisago County Sheriff’s Office or download an application from our website (LINK to Permit to Purchase / Transfer Application Form).

3. How long is a permit to purchase a firearm valid?: Permits must be renewed every 12 months.

4. Who issues permits to carry a pistol?: Minnesota County Sheriff’s Offices in the county where you reside.

5. What does a permit to carry a pistol mean?: Minnesota Law allows you to carry a handgun in public, but the law does not stipulate whether that weapon must be concealed. A permit to carry also constitutes a permit to purchase.

6. How old must you be to apply for a permit to carry?: Applicants must be at least 21 years old and a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.

7. What is the permit to carry application fee in Chisago County?: The fee is $80 and is valid for five (5) years. It authorizes unlimited purchases within that time period.

8. How long is a permit to carry valid for?: It is valid for five (5) years.

9. What is the permit to carry renewal fee in Chisago County?

If you apply before your permit expires, the renewal fee is $50.

If you apply within 30 days from when your permit expired, the renewal fee is $60.

If you are over 30 days from when your permit expired, the renewal fee is $80.

10. Where is a permit to carry issued in Chisago County valid?: A permit to carry that is issued in Chisago County is valid throughout Minnesota.

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Sheriff - Neighborhood Watch Program

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1. Why Neighborhood Watch?: It works. Throughout the country, dramatic decreases in crime and suspicious activity are reported by law enforcement professionals in communities with active watch programs.

Today's transient society produces communities that are less personal. Many families have two working parents and children involved in many activities that keep them away from home. An empty house in a neighborhood where none of the neighbors know the owner is a prime target for criminal activity.

Neighborhood Watch also helps build pride and serves as a springboard for efforts that address other community concerns such as recreation for youth, childcare, and affordable housing.

2. How Does Neighborhood Watch Start?

A motivated individual, a few concerned residents, a community organization, or a law enforcement agency can spearhead the efforts to establish a Neighborhood Watch. Together they can:

Organize a small planning committee of neighbors to discuss needs, the level of interest, and possible community problems.
Contact the Chisago County Sheriff's Office for help in training members in home security, reporting skills, and information on local crime patterns.
Hold an initial meeting to gauge neighbors' interest, establish the purpose of the program, and begin to identify issues that need to be addressed.
Select a Neighborhood Watch Captain who is responsible for relaying information to members.

3. Who Can Be Involved?: Any community resident can join - young and old, single and married, renter and homeowner. Even the busiest of people can belong to a Neighborhood Watch - they too can keep an eye out for neighbors as they come and go.

4. What Does A Neighborhood Watch Do?: A Neighborhood Watch is neighbors helping neighbors. They are extra eyes and ears for reporting crime and helping neighbors. Members meet their neighbors, learn how to make their homes more secure, watch out for each other and the neighborhood, and report activity that raises their suspicions to law enforcement.

5. What Are The Major Components Of A Neighborhood Watch Program?

Communication

These can be as simple as a weekly email to a monthly newsletter that updates neighbors on the progress of the program. Maintain regular contact with the Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention Unit and Crime Analyst.

Special Events

These are crucial to keep the program growing. Host talks or seminars that focus on current issues, crime in schools, teenage alcohol and other drug abuse, or domestic violence. Adopt and/or monitor a park or school playground and keep it a safe environment. Sponsor a block party, holiday dinner, or kickball game that will provide neighbors a chance to get to know each other.

6. What Are My Responsibilities As A Neighborhood Watch Member?

Be alert!

Know your neighbors and watch out for each other.

Report crime and suspicious activity to the Sheriff's Office.

Learn how you can make yourself and your community safer.

7. What Activity Should I Be On The Lookout For As A Neighborhood Watch Member?

If you see any of these activities, report them immediately to the Sheriff's Office:

Someone screaming or shouting for help.
Someone looking in windows of houses and parked cards.
Property being taken out of houses where no one is at home or from closed businesses.
Cars,vans, or trucks moving slowly with no apparent destination or without lights.
Anyone being forced into a vehicle.
A stranger sitting in a car or stopping to talk to a child.

8. How Should I Report These Incidents?

Call 911 for an emergency or 651-257-4100 for a non-emergency.

Give your name and address.
Explain what happened.
Briefly describe the suspect: gender and race, age, height, weight, hair color, clothing, and distinctive characteristics such as a beard, mustache, scars or an accent.
Describe the vehicle if one was involved: license plate, color, make model, year, and special features such as stickers.

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Short-Term Rentals

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1. What is a Short-Term Rental Unit?: A Short-Term Rental Unit means any home, cabin, condominium or similar building that is advertised as, or held out to be, a place where sleeping quarters are furnished to the public on a nightly, weekly, or for less than a 30-day period and is not a bed and breakfast, resort, hotel or motel, or other permitted venue as determined by the County. Advertising a promotion of short-term rentals commonly occurs via AirBnB, BRBO, Expedia, Tripadvisor, etc.

2. How are Short-Term Rentals regulated in Chisago County?: Short-Term Rentals throughout the incorporated (city) and unincorporated (township) areas of the County are required to obtain and maintain an annual Short-Term Rental License.

3. How do I obtain a Short-Term Rental License?: A Short-Term Rental Housing License Application (PDF) can be found on our website, obtained in person or mailed to you. Detailed requirements are outlined on the License Application and must be submitted and approved, prior to the rental of the property. Once the License Application, along with the required supplemental information and payment of fee are received, Chisago County will determine completeness of the application, and issue or deny the license. Licenses are required annually and include a license fee of $300.

4. How many people can visit and occupy a Short-Term Rental?

The overnight occupancy of a Short-Term Rental is limited to no more than two (2) persons per bedroom, plus two (2) additional persons, per principal building, OR no more than the subsurface sewage treatment system (SSTS) is designed to handle, whichever is less. Additional visitors, beyond the prescribed occupancy limit, are restricted from staying overnight.

Pursuant to the State Building Code, a sleeping quarter/bedroom is defined as being a minimum of 70 sq. ft. of habitable space that includes a minimum 4.5 sq. ft. clear opening egress window (must have a minimum of 20 inches in clear opening height and 20 inches in clear opening width and be no more than than 48 inches above the floor to the window sill). Additionally, a smoke detector must be present in each sleeping quarter/bedroom and a carbon monoxide detector must be within 10 feet of each sleeping quarter.

State septic system regulations identify minimum SSTS design capacity at 150 gallons per day, per bedroom. Tank only systems will require septic tanks large enough to handle daily flow rates per bedroom. To be licensed, each Short-Term Rental must present current septic system compliance inspection/certification records (conducted within the last three years).

Use of recreational vehicles, tents, RV’s, accessory structures or fish houses to obtain additional occupancy is prohibited.

5. What are the general license requirements of a Short-Term Rental in Chisago County?

Short-Term Rental operations shall conform to all City and Township Ordinances, if so enacted, and may be further restricted or prohibited as so determined by a host City or Township.
Proof of non-revocable property liability insurance coverage suitable for the commercial liability coverage of the Short-Term Rental operation during the term of the license. In satisfaction of this requirement a "Rental Endorsement" or other "occasional rental use" acknowledgement should be identified on the insurance document provided.
Proof of Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Lodging License and/or acknowledgement from the licensee and/or property owner identifying that a MDH Lodging Licensee review of the Short-Term Rental is currently in process. Check out the MDH website for information on Lodging in Minnesota. For contact information, please refer to the MDH "Local Book" (PDF) which is updated frequently with the contact information for all Lodging staff across the state. You will need to check out the information specific for Chisago County to find the assigned inspector’s contact information. The general number for MDH Metro that will offer direction on state lodging regulations can be reached by calling 651-201-4500.
Proof of no past due property taxes applicable to the rental property.
The Short-Term Rental must be connected to an approved Subsurface Sewage Treatment System (SSTS), septic system, with a valid Certificate of Compliance issued within the past three (3) years. Properties served by a central (city or community) sanitary sewer system are exempt from this requirement.
Garbage, refuse, and recycling services are required. All refuse and garbage storage shall be kept in fly-tight, watertight rodent-proof containers and shall be stored within a building or screened and secured enclosure.
The Owner is required to keep a guest registration report detailing the use of the home, identification of guests and guest vehicle license information for a period of one (1) year. The guest registration information of current rental occupants are to be kept open to the inspection of all state and local law enforcement officers in real-time at the property upon request.
Enforcement of quiet hours, vehicle parking, and site use standards as outlined within the Ordinance.
Provide and distribute property contact information to the county, renter(s), and each adjacent land owner as outlined within the Ordinance AND respond to any issue or complaint raised from said notified parties within three (3) hours of any such point of contact.
Provide each renter, in a form that is readily retained and posted/deliverable on-site, information identifying maximum occupancy, emergency contacts (police, fire, hospital, and septic tank pumper), rental unit address, and operational guidelines and rules including proof of license and any special license obligations, conditions, and restrictions to abide by.
Post the complete rental unit address inside the rental unit in a readily accessible and visible location and post the rental unit address outside in a manner that is clear and visible from the street.
This ordinance does not ensure compliance with Minnesota State Fire Code or Minnesota Department of Health Rules. It is the responsibility of the Owner and Owner’s Authorized Agent to comply with all local, state and federal laws beyond that of this ordinance and to disclose such compliance to all renters during the time of occupancy.

6. What's the penalty for operating an unlicensed Short-Term Rental property or violating the County Short-Term Rental Licensing Ordinance or license provisions?: Violations of the County Short-Term Rental Licensing Ordinance are a misdemeanor. Additional penalties also include forfeiture of the applicable rental license. Misdemeanors are punishable by up to 90 days in jail, or a fine up to $1,000, or both.

7. How is the County managing and monitoring compliance with the new Short-Term Rental Licensing Ordinance?: The Chisago County Environmental Services Department originated and is charged with carrying out the directives of the Short-Term Rental Licensing Ordinance. Additionally, Chisago County has retained the services of a third party vendor, Host Compliance, to assist in successful and efficient Short-Term Rental identification, licensure, and monitoring.

8. What are the quiet hours and parking requirements for a Short-Term Rental?

Quite hours are between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. at which time indoor and/or outdoor activity audible from property boundaries must not be carried on beyond a general conversation level in a manner that disturbs the peace.

Parking shall be accommodated completely on-site in designated improved spaces. Parking and/or vehicle storage shall not occur in or on yards, boulevards, septic system, or other green spaces. Parking cannot restrict access by emergency vehicles or the traveling public and shall not impede the ingress or egress of the property.

9. How do I report a complaint about a Short-Term Rental property or report an unlicensed Short-Term Rental property?

If you are reporting an immediate health or safety related matter concerning a Short-Term Rental property or rental occupant activity, DIAL 9-1-1.

Chisago County has also developed a 24/7 call line (Hotline Number: 651-374-9393) to report non-emergency incidents involving short-term rental properties. Additionally, if you are an immediate neighbor you will have been provided direct Short-Term Rental Owner and/or Agent contact information pursuant to the County Short-Term Rental Licensing Ordinance and you are encouraged to contact the owner directly. If contacting the Owner and/or Agent is not practical, please dial the 24/7 call line (Hotline Number: 651-374-9393) with details of the complaint and violation(s). *Please note that complaints will be taken seriously and anyone who knowingly makes a false report of a violation of the Short-Term Rental Licensing Ordinance may be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor.

You can also try to resolve your short-term rental related issue by visiting the Tips Page with Host Compliance.

10. Can I resolve a short-term rental related issue online?

Yes, you can try to resolve your short-term rental related issue by visiting the Tips Page with Host Compliance.

Their system will walk you thru the process. You simply need to choose what best describes the issue you are reporting from the following options:

Unauthorized short-term rental
Loud party
Disturbances or trespassing issues
Trash related problems
Fraudulent owner occupation
Violations of occupancy limits
General noise issues
Advertising violation
Other types of nuisances.

11. How will the Short-Term Rental Licensing Ordinance be enforced?: The County Environmental Services Department will investigate all complaints of the Short-Term Rental Licensing Ordinance, notify the Owner within a reasonable period of time, and direct correction of the violations within a reasonable period of time. Any complaints substantiated and not resolved with the Owner will result in enforcement action. If compliance is not obtained with the time period specified, or if three (3) substantiated complaints occur within the license period, then the license will be subject to revocation and additional penalties.

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Solar Gardens

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1. What is Community Solar?: Community Solar could actually be a number of things. It could be a community-owned solar installation, like at your local community center. It could be a publicly-located project funded through donations from community members. It could also be a bulk purchase of solar.
Community Shared Solar or Community Solar Gardens (which are the same thing) specifically refer to projects "whereby subscribers (at least 5) receive a bill credit for the electricity generated in proposition to the size of their subscription."

2. Where did the name Community Solar Gardens come from?: Think of a community garden with solar. With a community garden, a bunch of neighbors come together at one central location to garden rather than having their own gardens in their own yards. There is centralized water and a sense of gardening camaraderie. You might also compare it to a CSA, where several members come together to support one farm and all benefit with fresh produce. Participants in a Community Solar Garden have their own share of a centrally-located project and receive a direct benefit: solar energy.

3. Do I subscribe upfront? Is it a one-time subscription?: There are different Community Solar Garden models. Some are up-front subscription models wherein the subscriber would do a lump sum up-front payment. Others are a "pay as you go" model wherein a subscriber pays a monthly (or other periodic) fee. There are also emerging models that combine both of these elements and have subscribers put some money down up front and pay some component of the costs over time.

4. What am I purchasing when I become a subscriber?: You might wonder if you own your share of a project or if you're just leasing it when you subscribe. If you subscribe to a community solar garden, it means you are renting from the facility owner a portion of a solar energy it produces (Minnesota Statutes 216B.1641, subd. h and Minnesita Statutes 216B.164, subd. 10k).

5. How much can I buy?: A participant can buy as little as 200 watts of solar or enough to cover up to 120% of their annual electricity usage. Just for perspective, the typical MN home uses about 800 kWH each month--or 9,600 kWh/ year. To fulfill all of that need might take about 8 kW of solar (assuming each 1 kW panel would generate 1,200 kWh per year if it had around a 14% capacity factor.

6. How much does it cost?: The short answer is, it depends. Each developer will have their own subscription prices, and each subscriber will have an amount of their electricity that they're willing or able to cover with solar.

7. What if I start using more energy?: If you start using more energy, you will likely have an opportunity to subscribe to more panels to cover that usage.
However, solar has been seen as a catalyst for folks to use less energy, because they start to focus on ways they can save energy to make their solar go further. Hopefully participation in community-solar will also serve that function.

8. What happens to my subscription if I move?

If you move within the same county or to an adjacent county where your electric utility provider is still the same, you can still be a part of the same solar garden.

If, however, you move to a different utility territory, to a non-adjacent county, or to a different state, you could no longer participate in the same solar garden. Your options would be to (a) sell your subscription back at fair market value, (b) donate it to a non-profit, or (c) transfer it to another family member.

Your solar garden operator keeps track of subscriptions and will handle the customer care role of processing any necessary changes.

9. Who can participate?: The great opportunity with community solar gardens is that anyone, or any group, can come together to kick-start a project. A congregation, a local government, a school, a community group or any group of customers can come together to develop a community solar garden. Agralite Electric Cooperative, Arrowhead Electric Cooperative, Inc., Beltrami Cooperative, Connexus Energy, Itasca-Mantrap Cooperative Services, Kandiyohi Power Coop, Lake Region Electric Cooperative, McLeod Cooperative Power, Minnesota Power (proposed), Moorhead Public Service, People's Energy Cooperative, Redwood Electric Cooperative, Runestone Electric Association, South Central Electric Cooperative, Steele-Waseca Cooperative Electric, Stearns Electric Association, Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Wright-Hennepin Cooperative Electric Association, and Xcel Energy have existing programs. Potential participants in other territories will need to work with their local utilities to move a project forward. Once a project is available, participants can sign on if they are a member/customer of a utility and located in the same county where a project is located, or the adjacent county. In plain English, that means you can subscribe to a project in Xcel Energy territory located in Hennepin County as long as you are an Xcel Energy Customer and live in either Hennepin County or any of its surrounding counties (i.e., Ramsey, Dakota, Scott, Carver, Wright, Sherburne, or Anoka). Again, if there isn't a project close to you, then you can serve as the catalyst to kick start one.

10. Will my energy bill go up, down, or stay the same?: As a subscriber to a community solar garden project, the energy us portion of your bill will go down, because you will be credited based on the rate paid for the kWh production of your share of the solar system. You will still pay fixed charges on your bill, such as a basic service charge, resource adjustments, and any city, county and local taxes.

11. Can I claim that my home or business is solar powered?: Well, not exactly. As a subscriber to a garden that sells the solar Renewable Energy Credits (sRECs) to the utility, you can claim that you are participating in a community solar garden project, but if the Utility has purchased the sRECs, they have purchased those solar energy attributes.

12. Is the credit to my bill taxable income? Is the annual account settlement taxable?: The credit to your bill is not taxable. Whether or not the annual account settlement (which is the payment the utility would make via a check at the end of the year long period as a "bill true-up") is taxable is still pending an IRS consideration. Subscribers should consult their own accountant/attorney.

13. How do I choose a developer?

The Developer is not regulated by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, so it is important to choose your solar developer wisely. The Developer is the person or group that pulls all the various components of the project together. These are the folks who would manage the financing, the insurance, the installation, the operations and maintenance and the agreements with the utility.

We never recommend one entity over another, but we pose questions a group or individual ought to ask of a potential developer:

- Do they have staying power to be around for the next 25 years? What is their background, and do they have the right experience?
- Who will be the entity to conduct the maintenance on the system? Has the contractor or developer set aside enough money to do on-going work?
- Have they secured the insurance for the project and covered all of their legal bass to move a project forward?
- Is this developer willing to listen to your interests and motivations and use those to tailor the project?

14. What makes for a good Host Site?

You want to make sure you're really a good host site in terms of solar resource. What does that mean? It means south facing, no shading, a solid roof structure, ready access to the site, and a strong utility interconnection potential (i.e., close to a substation or other existing electrical infrastructure in the right utility territory).

Others could also play host, like a closed landfill, or a brownfield. Ideally you do not want to take up "green space" or prime agricultural land that could have a higher value used elsewhere.

Another consideration to keep in mind: a 1 MW project can require an area with either 3-8 acres of land or 100,000 sq feet of roof space (ideally a new roof).

You also need to make sure you're in it for the long haul. If you want to lease your roof space to a project, you'll need to do that for 25 years at minimum, and be an entity that will be around for 25 years to stick to the agreement.

15. Can a host site use energy generated on its roof (or a portion of it)?: Yes. If the host site is also a subscriber, then it could use some of the energy generated on its own site.

16. What is the role of Finance?: While the subscribers pay for a lot of the up-front costs of a project, there are additional investors who will be involved in the project because they have a tax appetite to benefit from the federal Investment Tax Credit (which will make any project more affordable). These folks are important because most of us don't really have the ability to take advantage of these tax credits.
If you have questions about the tax implications of participating in a project, you should seek professional tax advise.

17. What is the role of the Utility?: The utility's role in providing the charging for electric service will remain the same; however, in addition to that role, the utility is the entity that will buy the power and will then credit your bill via virtual net metering. In some cases they may also run their own community solar gardens program.

18. What is a Site Assessor?: A site assessor is critical to making sure the project is developed at the best possible host site--one with a good solar resource and with a solid site for the installation.

19. What do the Outreach Partners do?: This is a fairly straightforward role. Outreach Partners secure participants to help fill a project and make it a success. This role is critical in terms of making sure folks know about the opportunity, understand their options, and sign on to participate. Outreach can be done in a paid or unpaid capacity.

20. What are the Solar Gardens by Utility Territory & CERT region?: Agralite Electric Cooperative -- WC
Arrowhead Electric Cooperative, Inc. -- NE
Beltrami Electric Cooperative -- NW
Connexus Energy -- Metro
Itasca-Mantrap Cooperative Services -- Central
Kandiyohi Power Coop -- WC
Lake Region Electric Cooperative -- Central
McLeod Cooperative Power -- WC
Minnesota Power -- NE, Central (proposed)
Moorhead Public Service -- NW
People's Energy Cooperative -- SE
Redwood Electric Cooperative -- SW
Runestone Electric Association -- WC
South Central Electric Cooperative -- SW
Stearns Electric Association -- Central
Steele-Waseca Cooperative Electric -- SE
Tri-County Electric Cooperative -- SE
Wright-Hennepin Cooperative Electric Association -- Metro
Xcel Energy -- Metro, SE, SW, WC

21. How can I subscribe to a community solar garden?: In order to be a subscriber to the Minnesota Solar*Rewards Community (S*RC) program, you must be an Xcel Energy electric retail customer in Minnesota. The location of the customer premise associated with the account receiving the bill credit must be in the county where the solar garden is located, or in an adjacent county. You can decide which garden you are interested in and contact one the many Garden Operators developing solar gardens in Minnesota. Requirements are largely defined in Minn. Statute 216B.1641.

22. What are the Subscriber Requirements?: The following rules apply to all Solar*Rewards Community subscribers:
- A subscriber must be an electric retail customer of Xcel Energy
- Subscriptions must not exceed 120% of your average annual electric energy usage
- Subscriptions must not exceed 40% of a single garden
- Subscribers will be provided a monthly credit on their bill. The credit will be determined on a dollars per kilowatt-hours produced ($/kWh) basis by Xcel Energy.

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Solar Gardens: MnCERTS

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1. What is a Community Solar Garden?: Community Solar Gardens are centrally-located solar photovoltaic (PV) systems that provide electricity to participating subscribers.

2. Who is it for & why would I do it?: Are you interested in going solar but unable to do so on your own? Perhaps you live in an apartment, have a shaded roof at home, or don't have space at your organization. Now you can join a community solar garden installed near you!
Community solar gardens are a simple way to go solar. You purchase an up-front subscription, then soak in the rays (much of Minnesota is as sunny as places like Houston, TX and Tallahassee, FL).

3. How does it work?: 1. Solar PV Panels are installed in sunny locations to produce renewable electricity.
2. Individual entities can subscribe to enough solar to cover up to 120% of their annual electricity usage.
3. Each subscriber's utility bill is credited with the electricity created by their share of the solar garden.

4. How much solar should I get?: The amount of electricity you use each year helps you decide how much solar to get. Your solar garden subscription can cover up to 120% of your usage. A typical Minnesota home uses 800 kilowatt-hours (kWh) a month. Remember: a more efficient home means more cost-effective solar!

5. Who is involved in a project?: As a subscriber, you don't have to worry about every detail below are the key players:
- Subscribers: individual entities who get solar power
- Developer: primary group organizing the solar garden
- Host Site: location where solar garden is installed
- Finance: sources of financing for the project
- Utility: electricity provider where solar garden is installed
- Site Assessor: expert that studies solar garden location
- Installer: expert that installs the solar garden
- Outreach Partners: groups that find subscribers

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Traffic Violation

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1. How can I pay my ticket?

Payable tickets may be paid:

In person at the Chisago County Court Administration Department
By mail
- Minnesota Court Payment Center
  P.O. Box 898
  Willmar, MN 56201
- Send check or money order, no cash
- Include your file or citation number
Over the telephone
- 1-800-657-3611
- 651-281-3219
Online

To determine your fine amount, contact Court Administration within 10 days prior to the court date written on the citation / ticket at 651-213-7010.

2. What if I can't pay my fine on the day of court?: Contact Chisago County Court Administration to make arrangements to set up a payment schedule by phone 651-213-7010, or Email Court Administration.

3. How can I contest the ticket?: Appear for court on the date and time specified on your ticket. If you wish to speak with the prosecutor, you may do so after hearing your rights. If you wish to plead not guilty, you will be given another court date for a court trial or pre-trial hearing.

4. My ticket is in warrant status. What do I need to do?: Go to Chisago County Jail before 6:30 a.m. and request to appear on the court's calendar.

5. My driver's license was suspended for an unpaid fine. What can I do?: If your driver's license has been suspended due to an unpaid ticket, you will need to resolve the outstanding ticket prior to reinstatement of your license. Contact the Court Administrator in the county you received the ticket to make the necessary arrangements for payment or a court appearance.

You will also need to contact the Department of Public Safety, 651-296-6911, for reinstatement of your driving privileges. Minnesota driving privileges are valid only when indicated by the Department of Public Safety records.

6. How do I get my driver's license back?: You will need to contact the Department of Public Safety for assistance at 651-296-6911. Minnesota driving privileges are valid only when indicated by the Department of Public Safety records.

7. I have insurance on my vehicle and still received a ticket for no proof of insurance. What do I do?: Provide the insurance information to Chisago County Court Administration Department or to the Minnesota Court Central Payment Center prior to your court date.

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Veterans Services

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1. Does the Chisago County Veteran Van go to St. Cloud HCS for appointments?: Yes. Please schedule your appointments on the first Odd number date of each week (any Monday or Tuesday). Please schedule your appointments in the morning whenever possible for odd number calendar days. (example: 7, 13, 27, etc...). **Starting on April 1, 2019 transportation to St Cloud will be on Wednesday's.

2. Does the Chisago County Veteran Van go to the VA Health Care System-Minneapolis?: Yes. Please schedule your appointments on Even numbered calendar days, Monday through Friday. Please schedule your appointments in the morning whenever possible for even number calendar days. (example: 2, 4, 6, 8, etc...). **Starting on April 1, 2019 transportation to Minneapolis will be on Tuesday's and Thursday's.

3. Who is my Chisago County, Minnesota contact for VA Services?

Bryan T. Brown, County Veterans Service Officer. Located at the Chisago County Government Center in Health & Human Services at:

313 North Main Street
Room 230
Center City, MN 55012

Ph: 651-213-5605

4. Where is Coffee Talk held?: Coffee Talk with Veterans / Veteran Service Officer is held on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 9:00 a.m. at the American Legion in North Branch.

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Victim / Witness

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1. Who do I contact if I have been a victim of a crime?: You may contact the Victim Witness Assistance Program in the Chisago County Attorney's office at 651-213-8400.

2. Where's the Victim Witness Assistance Program Located?

We are located in the County Attorney's Office:

Chisago County Government Center
313 N. Main St.
3rd Floor, Room 373
Center City, MN 55012

Our office hours are Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

3. What should I expect in a criminal proceeding?

The court process is often lengthy and confusing. The following is a general outline of the criminal prosecution states. Individual cases may vary.

First Appearance - where the bail is set, conditions of release are ordered and a public defender is appointed, if appropriate
Omnibus Hearing - where the defendant can plead guilty or not guilty

If the plea is not guilty, a pre-trial hearing is set

Pre-Trial Hearing - where plea agreements are negotiated with input from victims

Victim presence is not required but is recommended
If defendant pleads guilty, sentencing is on the same day
If defendant please not guilty in any case, trial date is set

Trial - where witnesses testify about the facts of the case

Can be with or without a jury
Victim is required to come if subpoenaed

Sentencing - if the defendant is found guilty, judge imposes punishment which can include jail or prison time, fines, community service, restitution to the victim, terms of probation, counseling or treatment programs, etc

Victim is encouraged to attend and give a Victim Impact Statement

4. What is Restitution?: Restitution is a court order for money that an offender pays to the victim for any out-of-pocket expenses that occurred as a direct result of the crime. Restitution can be ordered both in adult and juvenile criminal cases at sentencing (adult) and disposition (juvenile) hearings.

5. How can I request restitution?

You must complete an Affidavit of Restitution form. Here you will provide a list of your losses, the dollar value of repair or replacement, and receipts or reasons justifying the amounts. The form should be filed as soon as possible. Examples of losses covered by restitution include, but are not limited to:

Lost wages
Medical bills not covered by insurance
Repair or replacement of stolen or damaged property
Transportation

Copies of bills, receipts, insurance claim forms and estimates should be attached to the Affidavit of Restitution form. The form must also be stamped, notarized and include the defendant's name and court file numbers. If you need help or assistance completing the Affidavit of Restitution form, please contact the Chisago County Victim Witness Assistance Program:

313 N. Main St.
Room 373
Center City, MN 55012
Ph: 651-213-8400

6. What is Reparation?

Reparation is money available to assist victims with certain costs incurred as a result of a crime, such as:

Counseling costs
Funeral expenses
Lost wages
Medical care
Substitute child care

Property damage or loss is not covered.

Most claims must be filed within 3 years of the incident. Victims of violent crimes should file a claim for reparations even if they are also requesting restitution. It is not guaranteed the offender will pay restitution and not all victims are eligible for reparations. The Chisago County Victim Witness Assistance Program can assist you with that process, 651-213-8400.

7. What is the difference between Restitution and Reparation?

Restitution:

Can only be ordered for expenses directly related to a crime, including property losses
Financial responsibility of the defendant
Only available if the offender is convicted of a crime and the judge orders it to be paid

Reparations:

Available for victims of violent crimes regardless of whether the case is charged or the offender is found guilty
Does not cover property losses
Financial assistance from the government
Only available for victims of crimes reported to law enforcement

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Wedding Officiants

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1. Who performs the ceremony?: There are Judges available in Chisago County to preside over your wedding ceremony: Wedding Officiants

2. Where do I get a marriage license?

By the time of the ceremony, you must have a valid Minnesota marriage license and 2 witnesses. You can apply for a license at the Chisago County Recorder's Office.

Chisago County Recorder
Email
Ph: 651-213-8580

3. How do I schedule a wedding with one of the Chisago County District Court Judges?: To schedule a wedding, contact one of the Chisago County District Court judges by calling Court Administration at 651-213-7010.

4. What judges are available to preside over a wedding ceremony?: Wedding Officiants

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WIC

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1. What is WIC?: Women, Infant and Children (WIC) is a program that provides health management and nutrition source for mom and baby up to 5 years of age.

2. How do I know if I qualify for WIC?: To see if you qualify, view the WIC Income Guidelines webpage.

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WIC

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1. How do I make a WIC appointment?

If you live in Chisago County, Minnesota please call 651-213-5206.

If you do not live in Chisago County, please call 1-800-942-4030 for a WIC program in your area.

2. How do I apply for WIC?

If you live in Chisago County, there are several ways to apply:

Apply and schedule an appointment by calling 651-213-5206.
Your submitted application will be reviewed and a staff member will contact you between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Be sure to include your phone number with area code or an email address on the application.
Apply online. Be sure to include your phone number with area code or an email address on the application.
Submit a WIC Application Form (PDF) by mail. Send your completed application to:

Chisago County Public Health - WIC
6133 402nd Street
North Branch, MN 55056

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Chisago County Offices

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Short-Term Rentals

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