Rules and how to work with the city
The fees, thresholds, setbacks, rates, dates and answers, on one page. Each section links to the full rule with its ordinance and sources.
Every city fee
Resolution 2026-01, adopted January 13, 2026. Type to filter.
| Category | Item | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Licenses | Tobacco | $75 |
| Licenses | Liquor, on-sale | $1,100 |
| Licenses | Liquor, on-sale Sunday | $200 |
| Licenses | 3.2 beer, on-sale | $600 |
| Licenses | Wine, on-sale | $500 |
| Licenses | 3.2 beer, special on-sale (temporary) | $45 per day |
| Licenses | 3.2 beer, off-sale | $100 |
| Licenses | Club on-sale | $300 |
| Licenses | Liquor license training verification | $100 |
| Licenses | Caterer's permit (special event) | $350 |
| Licenses | Dance | $40 |
| Licenses | Garbage hauler | $125 |
| Licenses | Recycling hauler | $125 |
| Licenses | Peddlers, canvassers, transient merchants | $125 investigation; $125 daily; $500 annual |
| Licenses | Mobile merchant | $125 initial application; $75 annual |
| Licenses | Sidewalk obstruction | $20 license; $20 inspection |
| Licenses | Golf cart registration | $40 new; $20 annual renewal |
| Licenses | Rental unit | $30 every 3 years; $10 per additional unit (max $100 per property) |
| Animals | Cat or dog license, spayed/neutered (3 years) | $10 |
| Animals | Cat or dog license, intact (3 years) | $20 |
| Animals | Late penalty after February 28 | $5 |
| Animals | Duplicate license | $1 |
| Animals | Animal at large pick-up, no license | $100 |
| Animals | Animal at large pick-up, licensed | $50 |
| Public safety | Police or fire report | $35 |
| Public safety | Disorderly property service call | $200 |
| Public safety | Fire call | $1,000 plus equipment time (engine $190/hr, tender $180/hr, grass rig $140/hr) |
| Public safety | Repeated non-fire / non-medical calls (more than 3 in 12 months) | $150 |
| Planning and zoning | Conditional use permit | $300 |
| Planning and zoning | Rezoning | $300 |
| Planning and zoning | Variance | $300 |
| Planning and zoning | Parcel split or replat | $300 |
| Planning and zoning | Lot combination, simple | $100 |
| Planning and zoning | Street excavation / right-of-way permit | $300 |
| Planning and zoning | Excavation, per lineal foot | $0.40 |
| Planning and zoning | Obstruction permit (roll-off, dumpster) | $50 per day over 8 hours |
| Planning and zoning | Sign permit | $40 |
| Planning and zoning | Moving permit | $400 |
| Planning and zoning | Burning permit | $20 |
| Planning and zoning | Building permit | Per state building code fee schedule (U.B.C.) |
| Planning and zoning | Demolition permit | Per state building code fee schedule |
| General government | Downtown sidewalk snow removal (city does it) | $0.07 per lineal foot |
| General government | Returned check | $45 |
| General government | Copies | $0.25 per page |
| General government | Notary | $1 |
| General government | Fax | $0.50/page in; $1 first page out, $0.25 after |
| General government | Special council or planning meeting for one individual | $500 |
| General government | Lawn mowing after violation | $125 per occurrence |
| Parks | Depot Park building rent | $75, plus $50 deposit |
| Pool | Family pass (4 members) | $140; $20 each additional |
| Pool | Individual pass | $75 |
| Pool | Daily pass, afternoon or evening | $5 |
| Pool | Regular lessons | $50 |
| Pool | Private lessons, per half hour | $25 |
| Pool | Private pool party (2-hour minimum) | $100 per hour |
| Utilities | Sewer connection, new home | $900 |
| Utilities | Water connection, new home | $900 |
| Utilities | Electric meter connection, new home | $250 plus tax |
Districts, lots and setbacks
Chapter 5 of the city code. Find your district on the city's zoning map; most of the original plat is R-2, the newer plats R-1, 2nd Street C-1.
| District | Minimum lot | Front | Side | Rear | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Agriculture / one-family residence | 2.5 acres | 30 ft | 30 ft | 50 ft | 35 ft |
| R-1 One and two family residence | 10,000 sq ft (one family) | 30 ft (never under 20 ft where neighbors differ) | 15 ft | 30 ft | 35 ft |
| R-2 One and two family residence | 6,600 sq ft (one family) | 25 ft (never under 20 ft) | 7 ft | 30 ft | 35 ft |
| R-3 Multi-family residence | 4,500 sq ft per duplex | 30 ft | 8 ft (duplex) | 30 ft | 45 ft |
| R-4 Manufactured homes | 5,000 sq ft per unit | 25 ft | 8 ft | 20 ft | 35 ft |
| C-1 Downtown commercial | 2,000 sq ft | none | none (fire code applies) | 10 ft | 45 ft |
| C-2 General commercial | 8,500 sq ft | 30 ft | 10 ft | 20 ft | 35 ft |
| I-1 General industrial | 10,000 sq ft | 30 ft | 20 ft | 20 ft | 45 ft |
Accessory buildings in residential districts: at most two, 1,000 sq ft combined and never larger than the house's ground floor, 14 ft tall, not in the front yard, at most 30% of a side or rear yard, matching materials; permit over 200 sq ft. Fences under 6 ft need no permit. Home occupations: no customers on site, under 25% of living area. Three cats or dogs per residence.
Purchasing thresholds
Minn. Stat. 471.345 and the city's Policy 34 (Aug. 2024). The council has not voted against a staff recommendation in the record, so the buyer is the department head.
| Purchase | What the city must do | Who approves |
|---|---|---|
| Under $5,000 | Department discretion | Department head |
| $5,000 – $24,999 | Two written quotes or an RFP | Department, finance, administrator; council in practice |
| $25,000 – $175,000 | Two written quotes or RFP (state allows negotiation on 2+ quotes) | Council by resolution |
| Over $175,000 | Sealed bids, 3 weeks in the Kenyon Leader and QuestCDN, 5% bid bond | Council and city attorney |
Sealed bids: resolution ordering the ad, three weeks in the Leader and on QuestCDN, electronic bids with a 5% bond, public opening at City Hall, engineer's tabulation, award to the lowest responsible bidder at the next meeting. Only three projects since 2021 crossed the line. Sole proprietors may bid; a W-9, insurance certificate and (over $50,000 construction) a Responsible Contractor form are what is needed.
Rates in effect
Kenyon Municipal Utilities rate sheet of May 16, 2026. One bill covers everything; due the 10th.
| Service | Base | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Electric, residential | $15.00 / mo | $0.113 per kWh |
| Electric, commercial | $28.00 / mo | $0.108 per kWh |
| Water (meter under 1") | $12.10 / mo | $5.85 per 1,000 gal |
| Sewer (1" line or less) | $28.94 / mo | $8.16 per 1,000 gal |
| Storm sewer, residential / non-res. | $15.00 / $30.00 per parcel | |
| Garbage, single-senior / family | $19.99 / $28.50 | |
| New home connections | Electric $250 + tax, water $900, sewer $900 |
Rebates: heat pump $500, furnace with ECM $150, central A/C $150, ENERGY STAR appliances $25–$30, recycling a working fridge or freezer $50. Energy assistance: Three Rivers Community Action 507-316-0610. Estimate a bill.
When things happen
Meetings are at City Hall, 709 2nd Street, unless noticed otherwise.
- City Council2nd Tuesday, 7 p.m.
- Economic Development Authority4th Tuesday, 8 a.m.
- Planning Commission (rezonings, variances, CUPs)1st Tuesday, 6 p.m.
- Public Utility Commission3rd Tuesday, 4 p.m.
- Library Board · Park and Rec1st Tuesday, 6 p.m.
- Preliminary levySeptember
- Truth-in-Taxation hearingDec. 1, 2026, 6:30 p.m.
- Fee resolution and appointmentsJanuary
- Pet license penalty startsMarch 1
- Rental licenses expireJune 30 (3rd after issue)
Incentives on offer
What a business locating or expanding in Kenyon can actually get.
| Program | What | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial facade grant | 50% of exterior work, up to $4,000 per building, C-1/C-2/I-1; reimbursed after completion | Todd Kieffer, todd.kieffer@cedausa.com |
| Tax increment financing / abatement | For projects that pass the but-for test; e.g. $1.855M over 26 years for Kenyon Crossings (May 2026) | City administrator |
| Industrial park lots | 30 acres east of Hwy 56 on County 12, all utilities; incentives negotiable | info@cityofkenyon.gov |
| Goodhue County revolving loan | $5,000–$15,000 for equipment, land, buildings | County EDA, 651-385-3001 |
| Red Wing Port Authority IRP | 20–40% of a project up to $150,000 at 3–8% | Via Kenyon EDA |
| SMIF loans | Up to $200,000; emerging entrepreneur loans to $15,000 | 507-455-3215 |
| DEED (Greater Minnesota) | Job Creation Fund to $1M at 5 jobs / $250k invested; MIF; Job Expansion sales-tax refund; JTIP training | mn.gov/deed |
Questions people ask
Straight answers, each linked to the rule behind it.
When does the Kenyon City Council meet?
The second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 709 2nd Street, Kenyon. Packets are posted at cityofkenyon.gov/agendas-minutes and meetings are recorded to YouTube. More on how the city of kenyon works
How do I speak to the Kenyon City Council?
Attend a regular meeting and speak during Citizen Comments, item II on every agenda. No sign-up is required. The council does not vote on comment items the same night. More on how the city of kenyon works
Where do I turn in a permit application in Kenyon?
Email the completed PDF to info@cityofkenyon.gov, or mail or drop it at City Hall, 709 2nd Street, Kenyon, MN 55946. A drop box is in the alley behind City Hall. More on how the city of kenyon works
How much is a building permit in Kenyon, MN?
Building and demolition permits are charged per the state building code fee schedule (the resolution says "Per U.B.C."), based on the value of the work. Zoning fees are flat: $300 for a variance, conditional use permit, rezoning or parcel split, $100 for a simple lot combination, $40 for a sign permit. More on permits, licenses and fees
Do I need a permit for a fence in Kenyon?
Only if the fence is six feet or taller. Fences must sit entirely on your property, or one foot inside the line unless the neighbor agrees in writing to a line fence (city code 520.09). More on permits, licenses and fees
Do I need a permit for a shed in Kenyon?
Any detached structure over 200 square feet needs a building permit. A residential lot may have at most two accessory structures totaling no more than 1,000 square feet, no taller than 14 feet or one story, and never in the front yard (code 520.13 as amended by Ordinance 108). More on permits, licenses and fees
How do I get a golf cart permit in Kenyon?
Apply at the Kenyon Police Department, 719 2nd Street, weekday office hours 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and have a slow-moving-vehicle sign on the cart. You must be 18 or older. $40 the first year, $20 to renew. More on permits, licenses and fees
What is the minimum lot size in Kenyon, MN?
10,000 square feet for a one-family home in R-1, 6,600 square feet in R-2, 2.5 acres in the A district. Front setbacks are 30 feet (R-1) and 25 feet (R-2); side yards 15 and 7 feet; rear yards 30 feet. More on zoning, lots, fences and accessory buildings
How many dogs can you have in Kenyon, MN?
Three cats or dogs total per residence under Ordinance 105 (July 2024), plus one litter until the animals are six months old. Each must be licensed every three years. More on zoning, lots, fences and accessory buildings
Can I run a business from my home in Kenyon?
Yes, if no customers come to the house and the business uses no more than a quarter of the living area (code section 535). A home business that draws customers is a home extended business and needs a permit. More on zoning, lots, fences and accessory buildings
Do landlords need a license in Kenyon, MN?
Yes. Ordinance 92 requires a rental property license for every rented dwelling: $30 per property plus $10 per additional unit (maximum $100), renewed every three years. Apply at City Hall or email the form to info@cityofkenyon.gov. More on renting out property
What are the winter parking rules in Kenyon, MN?
No parking on any street after a snowfall that calls out the plows, until the street is fully plowed. Fines are $50 within 48 hours, $100 within a week, $200 after that, and vehicles may be towed (Ordinance 94). More on yards, trees, snow, parking, pets and garbage
When is garbage pickup in Kenyon, MN?
Every Wednesday, with recycling every other Wednesday, by Flom Disposal. Carts must be at the curb by 6:30 a.m. Service is mandatory and billed on the city utility bill at $19.99 (single/senior) or $28.50 (family) per month. More on yards, trees, snow, parking, pets and garbage
Where can I dump leaves and brush in Kenyon?
Free for city residents at the yard-waste area behind the Public Works shop, 109 Gates Avenue. More on yards, trees, snow, parking, pets and garbage
How much is electricity in Kenyon, MN?
Residential electric from Kenyon Municipal Utilities is $15 per month plus $0.113 per kilowatt-hour (rate effective Dec. 15, 2021). Commercial is $28 plus $0.108 per kWh. More on utilities
How do I set up utilities in Kenyon, MN?
Bring the completed Application for Utility Service and legal ID to City Hall, 709 2nd Street, and pay a deposit. One bill covers electric, water, sewer, storm sewer and garbage. Due the 10th of each month. More on utilities
What is the sewer rate in Kenyon?
$28.94 per month base for a 1-inch or smaller line plus $8.16 per 1,000 gallons, effective May 16, 2026. Storm sewer maintenance is a separate $15 per residential parcel per month. More on utilities
How does the City of Kenyon award contracts?
Under $5,000 a department head decides. From $5,000 to $175,000 staff collects two written quotes or runs an RFP and the council approves by resolution. Over $175,000 the city advertises sealed bids for three weeks in the Kenyon Leader and on QuestCDN and awards to the lowest responsible bidder. More on selling to the city
Where does Kenyon, MN post bids?
Sealed bids are advertised in the Kenyon Leader and posted on QuestCDN.com. The city does not maintain its own bid page. Quotes for smaller work are solicited directly by department heads or the city engineer, Bolton & Menk. More on selling to the city
Can a sole proprietor bid on Kenyon city work?
Yes. Nothing in Minnesota law or city policy requires a corporation. You need a W-9, proof of insurance before starting, and for construction over $50,000 a Responsible Contractor verification. Sealed bids also require a 5 percent bid bond. More on selling to the city
Does Kenyon, MN offer business incentives?
Yes: a 50 percent facade grant up to $4,000 for downtown and industrial buildings, tax increment financing and abatement for projects that pass the but-for test, negotiable industrial park lots, and referrals to county, regional, state and USDA loan and grant programs. Contact EDA coordinator Todd Kieffer, todd.kieffer@cedausa.com. More on business incentives and financing
How do I apply for the Kenyon facade improvement grant?
Pick up a paper application at City Hall or email todd.kieffer@cedausa.com. The building must be in a C-1, C-2 or I-1 zone, you must be current on taxes and utilities, and work cannot start before EDA approval. The grant reimburses 50 percent of eligible exterior costs up to $4,000 after completion, with before-and-after photos and receipts. More on business incentives and financing
How do I request public records from the City of Kenyon?
Email info@cityofkenyon.gov or write to the City Administrator, 709 2nd Street, Kenyon, MN 55946, describing the records you want. Under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act you need not give a reason. Copies are $0.25 per page; police reports are $35 through the Police Data Request form. More on public records, meetings and data requests
How do I rent the depot at Depot Park in Kenyon?
Call or visit City Hall, 507-789-6415, 709 2nd Street. Rent is $75 plus a $50 deposit paid 30 days ahead. The building seats 46 with tables, a microwave, sink and restroom. Alcohol requires a council-approved permit requested by the first of the previous month. More on events, vendors, alcohol and the parks
How do I become a vendor at the Kenyon Farmers Market?
Show up on a market Thursday (1st and 3rd Thursdays, June–October, 4–7 p.m., 309 Forest St) with the signed vendor liability form, or email it to kenyonfarmersmarket@gmail.com. There is no fee; goods must be homegrown, homemade or handcrafted. More on events, vendors, alcohol and the parks
Every page
- How the City of Kenyon worksWho decides what, when the council meets, how to get on the agenda, an…
- Permits, licenses and feesThe complete 2026 fee schedule adopted by Resolution 2026-01, every ap…
- Zoning, lots, fences and accessory buildingsThe eight zoning districts with their lot sizes and setbacks, plus the…
- Renting out property: the rental licenseOrdinance 92 requires a license for every rented dwelling, renewed eve…
- Yards, trees, snow, parking, pets and garbageThe day-to-day rules that generate most complaints and tickets, with t…
- Utilities: hooking up, rates, rebates and billsKenyon Municipal Utilities runs electric and water; the city runs sewe…
- Selling to the city: bids, quotes and how contracts are awardedThe thresholds in state law and city policy, the sealed-bid procedure …
- Business incentives and financingWhat the city, its EDA, the county, the region and the state actually …
- Public records, meetings and data requestsHow to get city records under the Minnesota Government Data Practices …
- Events, vendors, alcohol and the parksRenting the depot, selling at the farmers market or Rose Fest, getting…
- City code and ordinances 86–113Every chapter and ordinance as PDFs on the city's server