Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the AARP “55 Alive” driving class? How do I sign up?

A: These classes no longer take place in Falcon Heights City Hall. Please contact the AARP to find out where you can take “55 Alive” classes. Roseville may be hosting some classes, but they are no longer held in Falcon Heights.

Q: When is the City Wide Garage Sale? Didn't we use to have it in the spring?

A: Several years ago the City Wide Garage Sale was moved to the September to coincide with the City Clean Up, which is the following Saturday. This gives residents an early, convenient opportunity to dispose their items that do not get sold. Watch our Front Page and the "What's New" page for information on the next City Wide Garage Sale.

Q: I have a question about a tree.

A: Look at our Tree page for information on how to contact the city forester, plus useful links to websites with tree information.

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Q: Do you have any job openings in the City staff?

A: Please check our City Employment page for the latest information. Most opportunities are seasonal and part time.

Q: How do I apply for a summer job in Falcon Heights Parks?

A: If we have any openings, they will be posted on our City Employment page. Start checking in February or March. Application instructions are given on that page.

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Q: Can I get help with my taxes again this year at city hall? When?

A: If you have a lower income or if you are a senior citizen, you can get free tax help at City Hall during tax season on Tuesday and Thursday morning between 9:00 a.m. and Noon. The first day for tax help in 2004 is usually around the middle of February. The last day is the final Tuesday or Thursday before April 15. Thanks to AARP volunteers for providing this service!

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Q: Is recycling on Saturday this week?

A: No, unless this week contained New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day or Labor Day. Regular recycling is on the first and third Friday of the month. For more information please visit our Recycling Page, where you can link to our Recycling Calendar for this year.

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Q: What about a table of contents for this website?

A: Got one! Look here. You can also look things up in our Alphabetical Index.

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Q: I never heard a snow emergency announcement for Falcon Heights, but my car got towed. What's up?

A: In Falcon Heights a Snow Emergency begins automatically whenever 2 inches of new snow has fallen. There is no media announcement. Click here for more information.

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Q: Do I need a building permit?

A: If you are remodeling or building an addition on your house, building or enlarging a garage, building a fence, enlarging or moving your driveway, putting on a new roof — yes, you DO need a permit. You may need a permit for other kinds of projects, as well. Please call City Hall to ask about your project and look at our Zoning and Permit Section.

You do not need a permit to paint your home or garage.

Before you apply for a permit or commit to a project, the City will be happy to review your plans and let you know if your project meets code requirements. There is no charge for the first preliminary review if you are a resident and your project is residential. Additional reviews of the same project or extensive use of staff time may be subject to a plan check fee.

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Q: How do I get a building permit?

A: You or your contractor will fill out the permit application form, available at City Hall. You can also print the form from here, if you have Adobe Acrobat. (If you use the web form you will need to print, fill out and sign three (3) copies of the form.) You may also need to provide drawings and a site plan. Once you have turned in your application and all supporting drawings, your plan will be reviewed by the Zoning and Planning Coordinator and the Building Inspector. This takes about 5 to 10 working days.

If your plans do not meet city code, you may have to make changes before your permit can be approved. To save time and money, we encourage you to learn about the city building codes that may affect your project before you commit yourself to a plan. The City will be happy to review your plans in the early stages, at no cost to you. More information.

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Q: Can I park cars in my yard during the State Fair?

A: NO! More information here.

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Q: Help! My sewer is backing up! What should I do?

A: Call City Hall first. More information here, plus phone numbers and after-hours information.

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Q: How do I find out if my soccer game is rained out?

A: The rain-out information number for city sports programs is 651-792-7607. Coaches will wait until about 15 minutes before the scheduled game time to make a decision. Then they will put a recording on the above number if the game or practice is called off.

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Q: Are you collecting used eyeglasses?

A: The Falcon Heights/Lauderdale Lion's Club is collecting used eyeglasses for use in third world countries. Drop them off at City Hall any time between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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Q: The print on the city map page is too small!

A: You can make the image bigger if you are looking at the PDF version! Click on the magnifier tool on the Acrobat toolbar and then click on the area of the map you want to look at. You may have to click several times to make the image large enough. (The Acrobat reader may open up inside your browser window or in a separate window.) Some new browsers also have a magnify function.

You could also try printing out the file instead of trying to read it on the screen. Our PDF files are intended for printing.

NEW! Now the City has a new web-only version of the map. Do you just need to look up a street or the location of one of our parks? Try the new map! (It opens on a separate window. Close the window to return here.)

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