Code Enforcement

2-11-1: Purpose and Intent

The administrative enforcement procedures established within this Chapter are intended to provide the City of St. Francis with an informal, cost-effective and more efficient supplement or alternative to criminal prosecution or civil litigation for certain violations of the adopted City Code. The City of St. Francis retains the right, at its sole discretion, to enforce provisions of this Code by bringing criminal charges or commencing civil litigation in any case where the City determines it is appropriate or necessary, but finds that an administrative process is beneficial to the residents of the City and further finds that that such a process is a legitimate and necessary alternative method of enforcing Code violations.

Enforcement Process

  • An inspection of the property is made in response to a concern from a citizen, Councilmember, or city staff.
  • If a violation exists, an Administrative Notice is issued which will outline the violation, required action and deadline for compliance.
  • Immediately following the compliance date, a staff member will re-inspect the property to verify that the necessary corrections have been made.
  • If the violations are not corrected and an extension has not been approved or met, a Citation may be issued.

How to Request an Extension

If you need additional time beyond the compliance date listed to correct the violation(s), you may request an extension. To be granted an extension you must submit a written plan stating the action you will take to achieve compliance, and the expected date of compliance. Also, the extension must be filed on the Notice of Appeal/Extension form to the right and submitted to the City Clerk at City Hall, 23340 Cree Street NW St. Francis, MN 55070.  Upon determination by the City Official issuing the Administrative Notice that the plan is adequate to remedy the violation, an extension may be granted. A request for an extension must be submitted on or before the compliance date on the Administrative Notice. No extension greater than 30 days will be granted. Please refer to City Code Section 2-11-3 for more information.

How to Appeal an Administrative Citation

If you disagree with the City Official’s findings and/or interpretation of the City Code, you may appeal the Citation or parts thereof. The appeal must be filed on the Notice of Appeal/Extension form to the right and submitted to the City Clerk at City Hall, 23340 Cree Street NW St. Francis, MN 55070. The appeal must be filed within 10 calendar days after the Citation has been mailed. Once an appeal is received, penalties and compliance will be suspended until the appeal is heard by a neutral, third-party Hearing Officer.  There is an administrative hearing fee, as set by the Fee Schedule, should your appeal be denied, if the appeal is successful, both the penalty and hearing fee may be waived. Penalties and hearing fees must be paid within 14 days of the date of decision. Please refer to City Code Section 2-11-4 for more information.

If you have received an Administrative Notice by mail and would like to request an extension, or have received an Administrative Citation and would like to file an appeal, please complete the Administrative Enforcement Brochure (link below) and submit to City Hall.  An appeal must be filed within 10 calendar days after the Citation has been mailed.

Fee Schedule

1st Offense:                         $100

2nd Offense:                        $200

3rd Offense:                         $500

4th Offense:                         $1,000

5th Offense and Beyond:   $2,000

 

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