City of Eden Prairie
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Administration FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below is a list of frequently asked questions pertaining to the Administration Department.
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Cable Television
Under federal law, the City and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are prevented from regulating cable rates. It would take federal legislation to change that situation. The FCC believes that as competition and choices expand, consumers will have access to more services and that prices will eventually be controlled by competition.
In the meantime, the FCC says that consumers should expect an explanation from cable companies whenever rates are raised, particularly when the company attributes price hikes to increases in the cost of obtaining programming.
Yes, both are available below:
- No. Eden Prairie's Cable TV franchise agreements are nonexclusive.
Only your cable television provider can decide which channels it will carry. The City has no legal authority to determine which channels are available.
You should always contact your cable provider first when you have an issue. In many cases, the customer service representatives will be able to assist you and solve your problem.
Comcast — 612-522-2000
Find nearest Comcast XFINITY service centerCenturyLink — 800-244-1111
Find nearest CenturyLink store
If you have a cable television service issue that your provider has not been resolved to your satisfaction, complete the Southwest Suburban Cable Commission complaint form at swcablecommission.org/complaints.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322)Cable TV service in Eden Prairie is provided by Comcast and CenturyLink under franchise agreements with the City.
Comcast — 612-522-2000
Find nearest Comcast XFINITY service centerCenturyLink — 800-244-1111
Find nearest CenturyLink storeThe City entered into a franchise agreement with CenturyLink in January 2016, which will expire in January 2021.
The City renewed its franchise agreement with Comcast in August 2012, which will expire in August 2022.
- The Southwest Suburban Cable Commission represents the cities of Eden Prairie, Edina, Hopkins, Minnetonka and Richfield, and manages the public, educational and governmental (PEG) access channels available to Comcast and CenturyLink cable television subscribers.
The playback of educational and public access programming for Southwest Suburban Cable Commission member cities — called Southwest Community Television — is coordinated by the City of Edina and its community television administrator.
City Administration
Before applying, you will need to locate your ownership documents. You would have received copies when you attended the closing for your property. Ownership documents consist of a deed (most likely a Warranty Deed) and copy of a Certificate of Real Estate Value. The deed can be identified by its name located in the upper left hand corner of the document. Other deeds that are common are Quit Claim, Contract for Deed, Trustee’s Deed and Personal Representative’s Deed.
There are two ways to file for homestead:
- Visit City Center (8080 Mitchell Road) and bring along your ownership documents. You will be asked to complete a homestead application. Copies of your documents will be made to attach to the application.
- You can also apply by mail. To do so, contact the Assessor’s office at 952-949-8511 for an application form, or download and print out the homestead application.
When applying by mail, please ensure that all sections of the form are completed thoroughly and that you attach copies of your documents. Missing information will delay the processing of your application.
Mail the form and documents to:
City of Eden Prairie
Assessor’s Office
8080 Mitchell Road
Eden Prairie. MN 55344In early March of each year, the City Assessor sends out a Notice of Valuation and Classification via U.S. mail. This notice provides a comparison of Values, Exclusions and Classification of the current Assessment to the previous Assessment. Additional information regarding appeal options and definitions of terms are also included.
Historical information is also available on the Hennepin County website.
- At least once every five years, an Eden Prairie appraiser will collect and/or verify physical property information that is needed to establish your market value. Information, such as the size, quality, age, condition, and income and expense data (for income-producing properties) is required to make sure a fair market value is established.
Sales information is used to determine changing value trends in the Real Estate Market. The estimated market value established for your property should be close to its probable selling price if placed on the open market. There are three primary factors that determine your property tax:
- The tax levies of the tax districts you live in
- The value of your property relative to the value of all property in the taxing district
- How you use your property
In addition, there are a number of state laws that affect both the amount of your property tax and the way it is determined.
- Your share of the levy is based on the value of your property relative to the value of all other property in the tax district. It is also possible that your property value could go up and taxes could go down.
For example, if a taxing district decided not to change the amount of its levy from one year to the next, your tax may go down, go up or remain the same. If the value of your property doesn't change, but the value of the other properties in your district go down, your tax will increase because your share of the total value increased. Likewise, if values of the other properties in your district goes up, your tax will decrease because your share of the total value decreased. - Homestead properties may pay a lower property tax than non-homestead properties. In addition, to be eligible for other special property tax programs — such as the Minnesota Property Tax Refund — properties must be classified as a homestead.
If after receiving your notice of valuation and classification you believe your property value or classification is incorrect, you should contact the Eden Prairie Assessor’s office at 952 949-8511. If the Assessor cannot adequately resolve the problem, you may make an appeal as outlined below:
Local Board of Appeal and Equalization. The Eden Prairie Local Board meets in the spring of each year – usually in April – after Value notices are sent. If you wish to appear before the Local Board, you must submit a timely application. Before you apply, you may want to contact the Assessor’s office to discuss your concerns.Hennepin County Board of Appeal and Equalization. The Hennepin County Board meets during the last two full weeks in June at the Hennepin County Government Center. If you wish to appear before the County Board, you must submit a timely application. In order to appear before the County Board, you must first appear before the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization.
Minnesota Tax Court. The Minnesota Tax Court is located at 25 Constitution Ave. in St. Paul. All appeals to Tax Court must be filed on or before April 30 of the year the tax becomes payable (M.S. 278.01, Subd. 1).
Note: Owners of income producing properties must file income and expense data with the Eden Prairie Assessor within 60 days after the filing deadline. Failure to provide this information may result in a dismissal of the petition (M.S. 278.05, Subd. 6).
Minnesota law provides full or partial valuation property tax exclusion for homesteads of disabled veterans with a disability rating of 70 percent or greater, as determined by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.
You must be able to verify honorable discharge from the United States armed forces as indicated by U.S. Government Form DD214 or other official military discharge papers. You must also be certified by the U.S. Veterans Administration as having service-connected disability.
Applicants requiring information concerning their discharge or disability status must work with their County Veterans Service Office or the Veterans Administration to receive this information. The City Assessor is not responsible for determining disability status.
For a summary of program qualifications, please reference the Market Value Exclusion on Homestead Property of Disabled Veterans [PDF].
- Homestead is a classification granted to properties that are owner-occupied or are occupied as a person’s primary place of residence. The homestead classification is not automatic or transferred to you by the seller at the time of sale. You must apply for the homestead classification in your name after you purchase and move in.
Each year local governments go through a budget process to determine what services they will provide, how much these will cost, and where they will get the money. After taking into account other sources of revenue (such as state paid aid, fees, etc.) the rest is levied on taxable properties. The tax rate for each taxing district is determined by the county auditor by dividing this levy by the taxable value of the property in the district.
Public meetings are held each year to give taxpayers a place to voice their concerns to elected officials.
- After the initial approval, the homestead classification will remain until the property is sold or the Owner or the qualifying relative no longer uses it as a primary place of residence. If a different Qualifying Relative occupies the property, the owner must notify the Assessor within 30 days of the change. Upon the sale of the property, a Certificate of Real Estate Value must be filed with the County Auditor as required under Minnesota Statute 272.115.
- Public notices are published in the Eden Prairie News, the City's "paper of record."
- The Southwest Suburban Cable Commission represents the cities of Eden Prairie, Edina, Hopkins, Minnetonka and Richfield, and manages the public, educational and governmental (PEG) access channels available to Comcast and CenturyLink cable television subscribers.
The playback of educational and public access programming for Southwest Suburban Cable Commission member cities — called Southwest Community Television — is coordinated by the City of Edina and its community television administrator. - Property tax information is available from the Hennepin County website. You may also contact Hennepin County Taxpayer Services at 612-348-3011.
Any property owner who is a Minnesota resident and occupies the property as his/her primary residence may apply for the homestead classification.
To be eligible you must own and occupy the property as your primary residence between Jan. 2 and Dec. 1 of the current year, in order for taxes payable the following year to be classified as homestead. Application must be made no later than Dec. 15 of the current year.
State law also provides for the homestead classification to be extended to properties that are occupied by a qualifying relative of the owner. Special application is required and must be made in person by the relative occupying the property. For more information on the relative homestead classification, contact the Assessor’s office for application instructions at 952 949-8511 or assessing@edenprairie.org.
- In Minnesota, properties with the same market value will be taxed different amounts depending on how they are used. For instance, commercial property will have a higher tax than residential property of the same value. This is done by using classification rates set by the state legislature to give more weight to the value of commercial property as compared to residential property. For more information, visit the Hennepin County website.
City Council
- Open Podium is an opportunity for Eden Prairie residents to address the City Council on issues related to Eden Prairie City government prior to each council meeting from 6:30 to 6:55 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Click here for more information about Open Podium.
- To send an email to all members of the City Council, click here. To contact the mayor or individual members of the City Council, click here for contact information.
- The City Council typically meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Center. Click here for more information about City Council meetings.
- Check out the Events Calendar to find a complete list of City-run or City-sponsored events, including public meetings and community events.
Agendas for City Council meetings are typically posted the Friday prior to each meeting. Go to the City Council Meetings page to find the agenda for the upcoming meeting.
To access archived City Council meeting and workshop minutes, search by key word or date using CITY DOCS.
Codes and Policies
It is unlawful for any person to stop, park or leave standing any vehicle upon any street for a continuous period in excess of 24 hours.
For more information, see City Code Chapter 8.07, subd 1 [PDF].
- Eden Prairie city code allows for up to four garage sales in a 12-month period for no more than four days each. One temporary sign of not more than 6 square feet is allowed at the site of the garage sale, and two temporary directional signs of not more than 6 square feet are allowed off site. Signs may not be placed in the street right-of-way. For more information, see City Code Chapter 11.03, subd 3.L and 11.70, subd 3.Y.
Storage containers for Single Family Dwellings, Multiple Family Dwellings or Commercial Establishments must be stored at least 20 feet from the property line. Storage containers stored within a front yard must be screened from the public street with an opaque fence or coniferous landscape material. Storage containers for Solid Waste, Recyclable Materials or Yard Waste may be set curbside 24 hours prior to the scheduled pickup. The storage containers must be removed from curbside within 24 hours after the scheduled pickup.
For more information, see City Code Chapter 9.01, subd 3 [PDF].
It is unlawful to park or store any unlicensed, unregistered or inoperable motor vehicle, furniture, household furnishings or appliances, or parts or components thereof on any property, public or private, unless housed within a building.
For more information, see City Code Chapter 9.37 [PDF].
All yard waste must be disposed of within one week unless it is being composted in an approved composting area/container.
Yard waste is solid waste generated from landscaping and lawn care activities, such as mowing, trimming, gardening or raking. Yard waste materials consist of grass clippings, twigs, tree and brush clippings, straw, pine needles, tree branches, soft garden waste and leaves.
For more information, see City Code Chapter 9.01 [PDF].
It is prohibited to allow vegetation to grow to a height greater than 10 inches, or allow such vegetation to go to seed.
For more information, see City Code 9.71, subd 2.
When a snow emergency is declared, all vehicles must be removed from City streets to allow for efficient snow removal operations. In a typical snowstorm, plowing begins at 3 a.m.
Visit the Snow Removal page for more information.
City Code 8.15 [PDF]
- The City Code of the City of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, is published online as a convenient to citizens and the business community. It is comprised of the municipal laws adopted by the City Council in the form of ordinances. Click here for more information about Eden Prairie City Code.
Commissions
- To serve on a City Commission, applicants must live in Eden Prairie, have a desire to volunteer and have time available to serve the community. Click here for more information about City Commissions.
- Each City Commission sets its own meeting schedule. Click here to locate City Commissions, and find a schedule of upcoming meetings.
Communications
The City's email/text notification system is a subscription-based source of news and information updates on the topics of your choice.
News items produced by the City of Eden Prairie Communications Division are intended for members of the news media and the community at large and are located at edenprairie.org/News.
Subscribe to CITY NEWS and receive email and/or text updates.
Yes! Visit the Stay Connected page to learn about all of the ways you can keep informed about what's happening in Eden Prairie.
- Public notices are published in the Eden Prairie News, the City's "paper of record."
- The Southwest Suburban Cable Commission represents the cities of Eden Prairie, Edina, Hopkins, Minnetonka and Richfield, and manages the public, educational and governmental (PEG) access channels available to Comcast and CenturyLink cable television subscribers.
The playback of educational and public access programming for Southwest Suburban Cable Commission member cities — called Southwest Community Television — is coordinated by the City of Edina and its community television administrator.
Eden Prairie Schools
- There are several primary, secondary and post-secondary schooling options in Eden Prairie. Click here for more information about Eden Prairie schools.
EPTV Channel 16
- EPTV 16 is the City's cable access channel seen on Comcast channel 16 in Eden Prairie. Click here for more information about EPTV 16.
- The Southwest Suburban Cable Commission represents the cities of Eden Prairie, Edina, Hopkins, Minnetonka and Richfield, and manages the public, educational and governmental (PEG) access channels available to Comcast and CenturyLink cable television subscribers.
The playback of educational and public access programming for Southwest Suburban Cable Commission member cities — called Southwest Community Television — is coordinated by the City of Edina and its community television administrator.
Property Taxes
Before applying, you will need to locate your ownership documents. You would have received copies when you attended the closing for your property. Ownership documents consist of a deed (most likely a Warranty Deed) and copy of a Certificate of Real Estate Value. The deed can be identified by its name located in the upper left hand corner of the document. Other deeds that are common are Quit Claim, Contract for Deed, Trustee’s Deed and Personal Representative’s Deed.
There are two ways to file for homestead:
- Visit City Center (8080 Mitchell Road) and bring along your ownership documents. You will be asked to complete a homestead application. Copies of your documents will be made to attach to the application.
- You can also apply by mail. To do so, contact the Assessor’s office at 952-949-8511 for an application form, or download and print out the homestead application.
When applying by mail, please ensure that all sections of the form are completed thoroughly and that you attach copies of your documents. Missing information will delay the processing of your application.
Mail the form and documents to:
City of Eden Prairie
Assessor’s Office
8080 Mitchell Road
Eden Prairie. MN 55344In early March of each year, the City Assessor sends out a Notice of Valuation and Classification via U.S. mail. This notice provides a comparison of Values, Exclusions and Classification of the current Assessment to the previous Assessment. Additional information regarding appeal options and definitions of terms are also included.
Historical information is also available on the Hennepin County website.
There are three primary factors that determine your property tax:
- The tax levies of the tax districts you live in
- The value of your property relative to the value of all property in the taxing district
- How you use your property
In addition, there are a number of state laws that affect both the amount of your property tax and the way it is determined.
- Your share of the levy is based on the value of your property relative to the value of all other property in the tax district. It is also possible that your property value could go up and taxes could go down.
For example, if a taxing district decided not to change the amount of its levy from one year to the next, your tax may go down, go up or remain the same. If the value of your property doesn't change, but the value of the other properties in your district go down, your tax will increase because your share of the total value increased. Likewise, if values of the other properties in your district goes up, your tax will decrease because your share of the total value decreased. If after receiving your notice of valuation and classification you believe your property value or classification is incorrect, you should contact the Eden Prairie Assessor’s office at 952 949-8511. If the Assessor cannot adequately resolve the problem, you may make an appeal as outlined below:
Local Board of Appeal and Equalization. The Eden Prairie Local Board meets in the spring of each year – usually in April – after Value notices are sent. If you wish to appear before the Local Board, you must submit a timely application. Before you apply, you may want to contact the Assessor’s office to discuss your concerns.Hennepin County Board of Appeal and Equalization. The Hennepin County Board meets during the last two full weeks in June at the Hennepin County Government Center. If you wish to appear before the County Board, you must submit a timely application. In order to appear before the County Board, you must first appear before the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization.
Minnesota Tax Court. The Minnesota Tax Court is located at 25 Constitution Ave. in St. Paul. All appeals to Tax Court must be filed on or before April 30 of the year the tax becomes payable (M.S. 278.01, Subd. 1).
Note: Owners of income producing properties must file income and expense data with the Eden Prairie Assessor within 60 days after the filing deadline. Failure to provide this information may result in a dismissal of the petition (M.S. 278.05, Subd. 6).
Minnesota law provides full or partial valuation property tax exclusion for homesteads of disabled veterans with a disability rating of 70 percent or greater, as determined by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.
You must be able to verify honorable discharge from the United States armed forces as indicated by U.S. Government Form DD214 or other official military discharge papers. You must also be certified by the U.S. Veterans Administration as having service-connected disability.
Applicants requiring information concerning their discharge or disability status must work with their County Veterans Service Office or the Veterans Administration to receive this information. The City Assessor is not responsible for determining disability status.
For a summary of program qualifications, please reference the Market Value Exclusion on Homestead Property of Disabled Veterans [PDF].
- Homestead is a classification granted to properties that are owner-occupied or are occupied as a person’s primary place of residence. The homestead classification is not automatic or transferred to you by the seller at the time of sale. You must apply for the homestead classification in your name after you purchase and move in.
Each year local governments go through a budget process to determine what services they will provide, how much these will cost, and where they will get the money. After taking into account other sources of revenue (such as state paid aid, fees, etc.) the rest is levied on taxable properties. The tax rate for each taxing district is determined by the county auditor by dividing this levy by the taxable value of the property in the district.
Public meetings are held each year to give taxpayers a place to voice their concerns to elected officials.
- After the initial approval, the homestead classification will remain until the property is sold or the Owner or the qualifying relative no longer uses it as a primary place of residence. If a different Qualifying Relative occupies the property, the owner must notify the Assessor within 30 days of the change. Upon the sale of the property, a Certificate of Real Estate Value must be filed with the County Auditor as required under Minnesota Statute 272.115.
- Property tax information is available from the Hennepin County website. You may also contact Hennepin County Taxpayer Services at 612-348-3011.
Any property owner who is a Minnesota resident and occupies the property as his/her primary residence may apply for the homestead classification.
To be eligible you must own and occupy the property as your primary residence between Jan. 2 and Dec. 1 of the current year, in order for taxes payable the following year to be classified as homestead. Application must be made no later than Dec. 15 of the current year.
State law also provides for the homestead classification to be extended to properties that are occupied by a qualifying relative of the owner. Special application is required and must be made in person by the relative occupying the property. For more information on the relative homestead classification, contact the Assessor’s office for application instructions at 952 949-8511 or assessing@edenprairie.org.
- In Minnesota, properties with the same market value will be taxed different amounts depending on how they are used. For instance, commercial property will have a higher tax than residential property of the same value. This is done by using classification rates set by the state legislature to give more weight to the value of commercial property as compared to residential property. For more information, visit the Hennepin County website.
Public Data Requests
- The City Clerk provides citizens with public records, information and documents as requested. Click here for more information about public data requests - and to download an Information Disclosure Request Form.
- To obtain a copy of an Eden Prairie police report, print a copy of the Document Request Form [PDF] and submit the completed form to the Police Department. Click here for more information about Police Records and Reports.