Yards, trees, snow, parking, pets and garbage

Winter parking (Ordinance 94, code section 1305)

It is unlawful to park on any street after a snowfall that requires the plows to mobilize, and until the street is plowed curb to curb. The police may ticket and tow. Fines: $50 if paid within 48 hours, $100 within a week, $200 after a week. The city announces plow mobilization by Code Red text and email and on the city and police Facebook pages.

Sidewalks

Property owners must clear ice and snow from their sidewalks. Downtown, the city clears sidewalks and bills $0.07 per lineal foot.

Trees (Ordinances 97 and 99, code section 845)

• Only approved species may be planted in the boulevard; the approved list is in the Residential Tree Planting Guide.
• Only allowed species under or within 10 lateral feet of overhead utility wires.
• No tree within 4 feet of a curb or sidewalk, 35 feet of a street corner, 15 feet of a fire hydrant, or 5 feet of a driveway.
• Emerald ash borer is present in Kenyon; the city posted a notice and removed sixteen ash trees from Depot Park.

Grass and weeds

Section 845 requires lawns be kept mowed. If the city mows after a violation notice the charge is $125 per occurrence, certified to taxes if unpaid. Mayor Kirchmann is the appointed weed inspector for 2026.

Leaves, brush and yard waste

Do not rake leaves or clippings into the street or storm drains. City residents may drop leaves, grass, garden waste, branches, shrubs and trees free of charge behind the Public Works shop at 109 Gates Avenue.

Sump pumps (code section 705.25)

Sump pumps must discharge to the lawn or the storm sewer, never the sanitary sewer. Inflow and infiltration from illegal connections is a stated strategic-plan problem and drove the 2023 Pearl Creek sewer project.

Garbage and recycling

Service is mandatory and provided by Flom Disposal Services (507-334-5767) under city contract, billed on the utility bill: $19.99 single/senior (62+) or $28.50 family per month. Garbage is picked up every Wednesday, recycling every other Wednesday. Carts at the curb by 6:30 a.m. with the lid opening toward the street and three feet of clearance. Items outside the cart are not collected without arrangements with Flom. Carts stay with the property when you move.

Pets

Every cat and dog must be licensed every three years at City Hall with current rabies information: $10 spayed/neutered, $20 intact, $5 penalty after February 28. Animals at large are picked up for $50 (licensed) or $100 (unlicensed). Three cats or dogs maximum per residence (Ordinance 105).

Golf carts

Annual permit from the police department: $40 new, $20 renewal. Driver must be 18 or older with a valid license; the cart needs insurance and a slow-moving-vehicle sign.

Burning

Open burning needs a $20 burning permit from the city, and a Minnesota DNR permit applies outside the snow season.

Noise and nuisances

Code section 600 (Public Health) covers noise; Chapter 20 covers misdemeanors. The city's complaint form is the route for nuisance complaints: Complaint Form.

Sources: City of Kenyon Resident Guide brochure; Ordinance 94; Ordinance 97; cityofkenyon.gov/public-works; KMU rates, May 16, 2026; Resolution 2026-01.