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1. Do I have to have a license for my pet?

The City of Becker requires all dogs to be licensed. The limit is 3 dogs per household. Cats and other pets are currently exempt from the City's license requirements. 

2. How do I license my dog?

You can obtain a dog license from Becker City Hall at 12060 Sherburne Avenue. The cost is $10 per dog. You must provide proof of rabies vaccination at the time of application.

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1. When and why do I need a building permit?

For the protection of its residents, the City of Becker enforces the Minnesota Uniform Building Code. Anytime you are building a new structure, adding onto or modifying an existing structure, you must obtain a building permit from the City. For inspections call City Hall at 763-200-4239.

2. What else do I have to consider when considering building or adding onto an existing structure?

The City of Becker enforces building setbacks via the City's Zoning Ordinance. Setbacks establish how far a building must be from the property line to ensure adequate light and air are able to pass between structures. This also ensures access to the entire structure for emergency purposes.

To find out what the setback requirements are for your particular property, please call 763-200-4242 or email the

Community Development Planning Department.

3. What are easements?

In all new residential developments and many older developments, there are easements along all property lines. These easements vary from 5 feet in width to over 20 feet in width and are meant to allow public access for drainage and utility purposes. These easements are shown on the plat of your property.

If you do not have a copy of your property plat you can obtain a copy from the Planning Department. These drainage and utility easements are critical for the drainage of water throughout an entire development. No fill or structures are allowed to be established in drainage and utility easements that alter the drainage of the development. Also, anything established in drainage and utility easements may be disturbed if utility work needs to be done in the future.

Note: Before you do any digging always contact Gopher State One at 800-252-1166 to have your utility lines marked.

Before placing anything in an easement please contact the

Public Works Department.

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1. Who do I contact for local business assistance and information?

The City of Becker's Economic Development Coordinator is a great resource for anyone looking to start a business in town. You can find them here at the link below or in the Departments tab under Community Development.

Becker Community Development

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1. What are the hours at Becker City Hall?

Becker City Hall is open Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Closed on Federal Holidays.

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1. How do I obtain an address?

Every property in the City is assigned an address by the Planning Department. Please contact the Community Development's Planning Department or call 763-200-4245 to obtain an address for a particular property or with any addressing questions. The United States Post Office telephone number is 763-262-0264. Planning Department Information

2. Where can I find senior housing information?

SeniorGuidance.org provides comprehensive resources on various senior living options, including assisted living facilities, senior living communities, nursing homes, independent living communities, continuing care retirement communities (CCRC) and all other long-term senior care options, including memory care such as Alzheimer's or Dementia.  Click on the following link to see a listing of senior facilities in your area: https://www.seniorguidance.org/assisted-living/minnesota/. 

3. What if I have a question or problem regarding my rights as a renter?

Contact the State Attorney General's Office for information. Consumer information is available by calling (800) 657-3787. General information is available by calling 651-296-6196.

State Attorney General's Office

4. How do I find out or dispute the assessed valuation of my property?

Call the Sherburne County Assessor at 800-438-0577.

5. How do I find out about Green Acres benefits and requirements?

Contact the Sherburne County Assessor at 800-438-0577.

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1. What are the watering regulations for the City of Becker?

- If your address ends in an even number, you are allowed to water on the even days of the month.
- If your address ends in an odd number, you are allowed to water on the odd days of the month.

2. I just built a new home. Do I have to sod my yard?

No, the City does not require sodding of new yards. However, the City does require you or your builder to lay at least 3 inches of black dirt on the property. You have 8 months from the issuance of a certificate of occupancy to establish turf grass on the yard. The City recommends the use of drought resistant grasses such as the Fescue variety.

3. Do I need a permit to put in retaining wall or to plant trees?

You do not need a permit to plant trees. You do not need a permit to put in a retaining wall unless the wall is over 4 feet high. Most lots have drainage and utility easements running along the property lines so make sure when landscaping your yard you keep plantings and retaining walls that may alter drainage patterns out of the easement areas. And always call Gopher State One at 800-252-1166 before you dig to have the utility companies mark your site for underground utilities.

4. What do I do with my green grass clippings?

You are welcome to bring your green grass clippings, leaves, and brush to the City's Compost Facility. When available there are wood chips and compost available to residents at no charge at the compost site. You can access the Compost Facility 7 days a week from dawn to dusk by acquiring an access card free of charge at City Hall. One card allowed per household with a $5.00 fee for a replacement. The Compost Facility is monitored by the Public Works Department staff and the Police.

For questions about lawn care or the compost facility please contact the

Public Works Department.

5. Can I install a sand-point well on my city property?

Yes, you can. The City does not require a permit or regulate the installation, however, the Minnesota Department of Health has requirements you must follow. If you are using the well to water your lawn more frequently, you should contact the water department at (763) 200-4258 so you will not be penalized for watering on "off" days.

Minnesota Department of Health

6. Are property owners or occupants required to clear the sidewalk of snow and ice?

Yes, the owner or occupant of each and every building or tract of land within the City fronting upon any street, having a sidewalk abutting upon the premises, will clear the sidewalk of snow and ice within 48 hours following the termination of any snowstorm or the formation of ice from any cause and will keep the same clear and free from snow and ice.  Please click on the following link to read more on this ordinance: Section 7.16 Sidewalk Snow and Ice Removal  

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1. Can I have a recreational fire in the City?

Yes, you can have a recreational fire on property located in the City of Becker provided the following criteria are met:
- The fire is enclosed in a non-combustible and non-smoke or odor producing fire ring.
- The fire ring measures no more than 3 feet in diameter from the inside of the fire ring border.
- The fire ring is located more than 20 feet away from any structure including houses, sheds, and fences.
- You should notify the fire and police departments of your intent to have a recreational fire.
- Only clean, dry wood may be burned.
- An adult must be tending the fire at all times.
- You must respect your neighbors, weather conditions, burning bans, and air quality conditions so as not to pose a nuisance, health or safety hazard.
- You must completely extinguish the fire before leaving the fire ring.

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1. How do I obtain data, a police report, or a traffic accident report?

Submit a Data Request Form (or contact the Police Department for this form) to the Becker Police Department in person, by email, fax or mail. Describe the data you are requesting as specifically as possible, supply pertinent information such as date, time, address, and/or case number. The Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 13) regulates the release of government and law enforcement data. Government data is classified as either Public, Private or Confidential. There may be some information in a report that is public and other information that is classified as private or confidential. Private data can be accessed only by the person who is the subject of the data, you may be required to show a valid state ID, such as a driver’s license, military ID, or passport as proof of identity. Traffic accident reports are private and only available to those involved in the accident or who have sustained a loss as a result of the accident. Requests by those representing or insuring individuals involved or who sustained a loss must be in writing and contain the accident information and name of the person they are representing or insuring. Confidential data can only be accessed by persons specifically authorized. There may be charges for copies, materials onto which we copy data, mailing costs, charges for creating summary data, etc. which will be communicated by the Police Department.

2. What is the curfew in Becker?

The curfew in the City of Becker is as follows: 15 and under - 10:00pm each night, 16 & 17 - Midnight each night.  Exceptions include and must be proven: school function, church, employment, etc.

3. Can golf carts be driven on City streets?

You will need a permit to drive golf carts on city streets. To see more detailed information on this please take this link to the Police Department recreational vehicle page.

http://www.ci.becker.mn.us/364/Recreational-Motor-Vehicles

4. Can you park a vehicle in the front-yard area of a residence?

Please see Chapter 11 of the Becker City Code for more information on yard parking related to vehicles, recreational vehicles, etc.

5. What are the winter parking restrictions?

Ordinance Sec. 9.03 Subd. 4: no vehicle shall park on any street or roadway between the hours of 12:01 AM and 8:00 AM from November 1st through April 15th, except for emergency vehicles, on any City street.

6. Where do I obtain a gun permit?

The Becker Police Department issues Permit to Purchase Guns only.  See the tab on our website for additional information.  Permits to Carry are handled through the Sherburne County Sheriff's Office.  For questions regarding permits to carry, please call 763-765-3500.

7. Does the Becker Police Department unlock vehicles?

If you have locked your keys in your vehicle, the Becker Police Department will attempt to unlock the vehicle provided that adequate proof has been shown regarding ownership of the vehicle and an indemnification of liability form has been completed. In the case where we are unable to open the vehicle, you will be instructed to contact a locksmith or a tow company.

8. How do I obtain a solicitors permit?

Ordinance Sec. 6.22: those requesting to go door to door are required to fill out a permit application and return it to Becker City Hall during normal business hours. You will be required to provide valid identification at the time the application for the permit is submitted. Please contact Becker City Hall at 763-200-4247.

9. How do I obtain my Minnesota driving record?

The Becker Police Department has access to driving records for law enforcement purposes only. Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) does not allow us to provide that data to individuals or businesses. Contact DVS directly via their website or by phone at (651) 296-6911.

Website: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/Pages/records-request-procedure.aspx

10. Do you provide fingerprinting services?

Yes, fingerprinting services are available by appointment only. Cash or checks are accepted. Contact our office at 763-200-4267 to schedule an appointment. Cost is $10. Proof of identification is required.

11. How do I check for sexual offenders living in my neighborhood?

Some information on Level III predatory offenders is available from the Minnesota Department of Corrections. Visit them online at http://www.doc.state.mn.us/.

12. How do I acknowledge or thank an employee that was helpful to me?

You may send an e-mail, letter, or a card to the police department (please see contact information). Please include a brief description of how the officer/employee was helpful to you. You may also call us at 763-200-4267 to pass along this information.

13. How do I make a complaint against an officer or an employee of the Police Department?

If you have a complaint regarding the conduct of an officer or employee of the police department, please call 763-200-4267 and ask to speak with the Chief of Police.

14. Is it possible for a citizen to get a ride-along with a police officer?

Yes, but with Reserve Officers, student interns, and occasionally training new officers, it is difficult to find opportunities for people to ride along. Please contact the Police Department to see if this can be accommodated.

15. How do I obtain a Becker Police Department shoulder patch?

Due to costs of purchasing these patches, they are not for sale or distribution.  The Becker Police Department does not offer challenge coins.

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1. Who do I call for cable television service?

• The local cable company is Midco. They can be reached at 1-800-888-1300.

2. Where can I sign up for electric service?

There are 2 service providers of electric service in Becker. Where you live will determine your provider.
- Xcel Energy 800-895-1999
- Connexus Energy 763-323-2650

3. Who are the local internet service providers in Becker?

Currently, there are several local internet service providers in Becker. Each of them provides a host of services including DSL.

- Midcontinent can be reached by fax at (763) 271-2550 http://www.midcocomm.com/

- Windstream can be reached at (763) 262-4100 http://www.windstream.com

- Palmer Wireless can be reached at (320) 743-5110 http://www.palmerwireless.com/ 

- Frontier Communications for new customers can be reached at (855) 668-5959

   http://www.frontierinternet.com/   

          - Frontier Communications for existing customers (800) 921-8101

            https://frontier.com/contactus/contact-us#/residential 

- Exede can be reached at (855) 627-2553 www.exede.com 

- Hughes Net can be reached at (855) 463-0185 http://www.hughesnetinternet.net/local/  

- Viasat Satellite Internet (www.Viasat.com/internet)

-AT&T Internet (https://www.attsavings.com/internet)

4. Who do I call for natural gas service in Becker?

Xcel Energy (Centerpoint) provides natural gas service for Becker. They can be reached 24 hours a day at 800-895-4999.

5. Who provides recycling services in Becker?

Recycling will be provided by your garbage hauler. Please contact them if this service is not provided.

6. What companies provide refuse collection service in Becker?

The following companies provide refuse collection service:

• ACE Solid Waste, Inc (800-964-4281)
• Allied Waste (800-437-1835)
• Veolia (888-251-8919)
• Randy's Sanitation (763-972-3335)
• Waste Management (888-960-0008)

7. Who do I call for telephone service in Becker?

The following companies provide landline telephone service to the City:

• Midcontinent
• Windstream Communications

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1. Where do I vote?

If you live in the City of Becker you vote at Becker City Hall, 12060 Sherburne Avenue. Please call 763-261-4302 for additional information.

2. How do I register to vote?

• Voter Registration Cards are available at the front desk at Becker City Hall or at the Sherburne County Government Center in Elk River. 
• You may also call the Sherburne County Auditor at 800-438-0576. 
• Register to Vote Online on the Secretary of State Website