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1. Are campfires allowed in my backyard?

Yes, they are allowed. A campfire is defined as a "fire for cooking, warming, or recreational purposes burning only clean, untreated wood or charcoal". For more information, click here.

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1. I have left over paint and/or household chemicals. Where do I call?

Call the Rice County Recycling Center at 507-332-6833 for their restrictions and hours. Rice County Recycling Center

2. I have used motor oil. What is the proper way to dispose of it?

Call the Rice County Recycling Center at 507-332-6833 for their restrictions and hours. Rice County Recycling Center

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1. What is the Fair Housing Act?

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing because of race or color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18), or handicap or disability.

2. What is prohibited under the Fair Housing Act?

Please view the Housing Page.

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1. How do I deal with a noisy neighbor?

The key to the ordinance is the term, "unreasonably disturb the peace". Also, note the time restrictions of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. that are stated in the ordinance. Noisy Neighbor Complaints Resource

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1. I am having a garage sale. Do I need a permit?

No, A permit is not required. Faribault City Code

2. We have visitors with a camper/trailer. Where and how long can they park? Do they need permits?

Generally trailer parking is permitted on city streets for 3 hours in a 24-hour period. Faribault City Code

3. When do I need an obstruction permit?

Please see the Public Works Department's Permits & Applications page. Permits & Applications

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1. Where should I report complaints of wandering or lost pets, barking dogs, or other nuisance animals?

They may be reported to the City of Faribault Police Dispatch, at 507-334-4305.

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1. Who is responsible for trees in the boulevard?

The homeowner is responsible for the maintenance and trimming of trees, as well as mowing of the grass in the boulevard. If a tree or limb has fallen and is obstructing traffic call the Public Works Department at 507-333-0361 to have the tree moved off the street. It is then the homeowner's responsibility to dispose of the tree. This may be done at the city's compost site free of charge.

2. What are the leaf raking and lawn mowing restrictions?

Homeowners may not mow or rake yard debris into the street. It must be collected and discarded or composted. You must comply with City Code when constructing a compost pile in your yard. A citation may be issued for non-compliance. Faribault City Code

3. Where do I take my leaves and tree branches for disposal?

Please see the Public Works Department's Yard Waste page. Yard Waste

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1. My sewer is backing up, where do I call?

During normal business hours call the Public Works Department at 507-333-0361. During non-business hours call non-emergency dispatch at 507-334-4305.

2. The storm water catch basin near my home is causing the water to back up. What should I do?

The city staff cleans catch basins on a regular basis after large storm events or prior to hydrant flushing. Do not put yourself in any danger. If you are able to use a rake or another object to help move the blockage and restore the flow of water you may do so. Otherwise report it to the Public Works Department.

3. I have a sump pump in my basement. Where can I legally discharge the water?

It is a violation of Minnesota state laws to discharge the water into the city's sanitary sewer system. You may check with the Public Works Department to see if a tile line is installed behind the curb of your property where you may connect. Otherwise you will have to discharge the water onto your yard. Faribault City Code

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1. How soon must I clear my sidewalk after a snowstorm?

The sidewalks must be cleared of snow and ice each day. Failure to do so within a 24-hour period can result in a citation.

2. What are the winter parking regulations?

City ordinance section 15-44 prohibits parking on any city street between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. when a snow emergency has been declared. Vehicles are subject to a citation and/or may be towed during this time.

Snow emergencies are announced on the city web page. A message is also left on the Public Works phone line 507-333-0368. In addition, the city has installed 2 blue lights downtown (on Central Ave and Division Street, and on Central Ave. and 4th Street NW). These blue lights flash when a snow emergency has been announced for that evening.

Between the hours of 2 a.m. and 5 a.m., no vehicle parking is allowed on Central Ave from 1st Street to 5th Street year-around.
You may sign up to receive emergency alerts through the Police Department emergency information page.

3. If my vehicle is towed, how do I get it from the impound lot?

Your vehicle may be obtained by contacting Glenn's Towing Service at 628 Central Ave (507-334-4202). You will be responsible for the towing and impound fees.

4. My mailbox was hit and broken by a city snowplow. Who is responsible for repairing or replacing it?

Contact the Public Works Department. Staff will be dispatched to determine the cause and responsibility for repair or replacement. See also the Public Works page on snow emergency information and guidelines. Snow

5. The sod on my boulevard was damaged by the city's snow removal equipment. Who is responsible for repairing or replacing it?

Contact the Public Works Department to report the damage. For more information see the City of Faribault Snow and Ice Control Guidelines on the Public Works Department's Snow page. Snow

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1. We are planning to do some landscaping in our yard. Who do we call to locate buried phone, electrical or TV lines, or public utilities?

State law requires that you contact Gopher State One-Call at least two days in advance of any excavating. It is a free service. You can contact them at 1-800-252-1166 or visit their website for further information. Gopher State One Call

2. Who is responsible for sidewalk maintenance and repair?

The owner of any property within the city abutting a public sidewalk shall keep their sidewalk in repair and safe for pedestrians.

3. Where or to whom do I report a stop or yield sign that is obstructed by trees or bushes?

Report the location of the obstruction to the Public Works Department at 507-333-0361.

4. Where do I report a malfunctioning streetlight, pothole, missing street sign or a semaphore that is malfunctioning?

On weekdays, call the Public Works Department with the location of the problem. A work order will be issued and the proper department will be notified. On weekends malfunctioning semaphores need to be called into Police Dispatch at 507-334-4305.

5. I feel we need a stop sign in our neighborhood. What is the process to obtain one?

Fill out the Traffic Study Form on the Public Works Department's Streets page and send your written request to the Public Works Department stating where and why you feel the need. You may also fax your request. (Address and fax number are on the right side of this page.) A traffic study will be conducted and you will be notified of the result. Traffic Study Form (PDF)

6. Does the City provide dust control for gravel roads?

No, the City does not provide this service. However, the City uses the same procedures as Rice County. Residents interested in dust control will need to contract with an independent dust control firm. Currently, the County uses Dustcoating, Inc. from Maple Plain. Residents can contact Stan at 952-894-0012. Homeowners are billed directly for the service. Once the homeowner has scheduled dust control they need to contact the City so that road grading can be coordinated.

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1. I need to have my water temporarily shut off. Who do I call?

Call the Public Works Department at 507-333-0361.

2. Does the city have specific lawn sprinkling hours and restrictions?

Yes, the city has an odd-even sprinkling restriction based on addresses. See the Annual Water Restrictions Water and Sewer page for specific hours, schedules and penalties.

3. Do these water restrictions apply to my newly sodden/seeded lawn?

No. The days are not restricted for new lawns, but the hours of usage are. You must register your new lawn at no charge by calling or emailing the Public Works Department.

4. We have rusty water, what should I do?

Try running your cold water for 10 to 15 minutes to flush the lines, if that does not work, call the Public Works Department.

5. When and how often are the water hydrants flushed? Will I be notified?

The hydrants are routinely flushed to clean the distribution system. Residents are advised to avoid or limit water usage during the flushing period and to check for discoloration prior to using water for laundry purposes. It is also recommended that residents shut water off at the meter to avoid drawing in rust, particles, or other debris being flushed from the lines. The flushing is done twice a year, spring and fall. Typically this will be done the last week in April and last week in September, between the hours of 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. Flushing is done by quadrants on 4 separate nights. 

6. My water smells/tastes like chlorine is it safe to use?

Probably. The City of Faribault adds 1.2-2.0 parts per million of chlorine to your drinking water for disinfection purposes. It also adds 0.5 ppm of ammonia to ensure chlorine will last thru the 130-mile water main distribution system. The taste can be improved by letting water stand exposed to air. If you feel it needs to be reported you can call the Public Works Department.

7. Is fluoride in my drinking water?

The City of Faribault Water Department adds the following chemicals to water:

Chlorine: 1.2 - 2.0 ppm (disinfecting drinking water).

Ammonia: 0.5 ppm (Forming chloramines, this ensures that the chlorine will last throughout the water system, which is approximately 110 miles of water main in our distribution system.)

Fluoride: 0.5 - 0.9 ppm (Mandated by Minnesota Department of Health)

Sodium Silicate: 4.0 - 8.0 ppm (used for corrosion control and coating of the pipes to prevent the leaching of lead and copper into the drinking water).

8. Is Faribault's water hard or soft?

The hardness-causing elements in water are primarily calcium and magnesium. Faribault's water has a total hardness of 342 mg / l or 20 grains per gallon. Any water with a total hardness over 300 mg / l is considered very hard. These numbers may be useful when setting your water softener.

9. Does the City soften the water?

The City of Faribault does not soften the water.

10. Where can I obtain information regarding the levels of lead in my drinking water?

Please view the Drinking Water Quality Annual Report on the Public Works Department's Water and Sewer page. You can also call the EPA's (Environmental Protection Agency) hotline for safe drinking water at 1-800-426-4761. Water and Sewer Page

11. What causes cloudiness in my drinking water? Is it dangerous?

The Environmental Protection Agency sets secondary standards based on aesthetic characteristics, not health effects, which water systems and states can choose to adopt. Temporary cloudiness is generally caused by air bubbles.

12. How can I get my drinking water tested?

The City of Faribault has water tested every two years. You can find the report here.  For additional information you may also call the Minnesota Department of Health at 612-676-5674. 

Minnesota Department of Health website

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1. How do I set up utility services?

New residents or renters can print or fill out an application for utility services from the website. Once complete, you can return via email, mail, drop box or you can come in to City Hall to drop it off. Additionally, we can give you the application to complete in person (second floor). 

2. How do I make a credit card, debit card, or electronic payment from my checking or savings account?

It's easy. Simply access the City of Faribault’s online payment page. You will need to register once before you can use the log-in screen to make a payment. (For subsequent payments, you will only need to log in.) City of Faribault’s Online Payment Page

3. What information do I need to register for online payments?

You will need to provide the following:
- Your last name or business name
- Your utility account number
- Email address

In addition, you will need to choose a password.

4. What if I don’t know my account number?

Your account number is located on your utility bill. Call Utility Billing at 507-333-0392 for assistance.

5. After I register and log in, what account information will I be able to see?

You will be able to see your water usage, current charges, payment history, and any balance owed. You can also manage your account profile.

6. I’ve made a payment, so when will the payment be posted to my account?

Payments will be posted to your utility account within minutes of submitting your payment.

7. How can I be sure my City utility bill has been paid?

You can verify your payment by logging back in to your City utility billing account. Your monthly credit card or bank statement will reflect the amount of your payment made to the City of Faribault.

8. What if I have a question about my bill?

Simply call Utility Billing at 507-333-0392.

9. Is there a charge for this service?

No. There is no charge to make a payment through the City of Faribault website.

10. How do I sign up for the automatic payment plan?

It's easy. Simply complete and return the authorization form and include a voided check (for checking accounts) or deposit slip (for savings accounts). Utility Billing Payment Authorization Form (PDF)

11. How soon will the automatic payment plan start?

It usually begins the week after we receive your authorization. Please continue to pay your bill as usual until the message "Auto Withdrawal – Do Not Pay" appears on your bill.

12. How can I be sure my bill has been paid?

Your monthly bank statement will clearly reflect the automatic payment, and your next billing will also include a debit for the amount of the billing on it. Payment will be posted on the due date listed on your bill.

13. What if I have a question about my bill?

Simply call Utility Billing at 507-333-0392.

14. Is there a charge for this service?

No. The City does not charge you for automatic payments.

15. What if I change banks or accounts?

Call us at 507-333-0392 and we will send you a new authorization form to complete.

16. My water has been shut off for non-payment. How do I get it turned back on?

The full balance due plus a reconnection fee must be paid before your water can be restored. This can be done Monday - Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at City Hall on second floor. Note, summer hours begin the first Monday after Memorial Day and end the Friday before Labor Day. Summer hours are Monday through Thursday 7 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and on Friday, 7 a.m. - 12 p.m. Water service will be restored on the day of payment. Service will not be restored on weekends, holidays or after normal business hours.