Frequently Asked Questions

No, a site alteration permit is only required for changes to the exterior of the building.

If it's an addition or new construction in the historic district, then yes, otherwise, no. However, you will still need to pay any fee that is required for a building permit or is related to other zoning requirements.

No. Any designation is required by state law to be accompanied by a specific set of design review standards that clearly indicate what types of changes are acceptable.

• For water and sewer, call the City of Excelsior billing and new accounts at (952) 653-3677
• For electric, call Xcel Energy billing and new accounts at (800) 895-4999
• For telephone, call CenturyLink billing and new accounts at (800) 244-1111
• For gas and heat, call CenterPoint Energy billing and new accounts at (612) 244-1111
• For cable television, call Mediacom Telecommunications at (800) 332-0245

The average turn around time is 10 working days.

Yes. For information or to apply for a permit, contact the City Planner, Julia Mullin at (952) 653-3674.

A building permit is required for a retaining wall if the wall is over four feet tall. Retaining walls less than four feet tall require a site plan review to ensure zoning compliance.

A site plan review is required prior to the installation of a patio or sidewalk. The site plan review is at little cost to the homeowner and ensures the patio or sidewalk complies with all zoning requirements, including but not limited to hard surface coverage limitations, required setbacks, etc.

Building permits can be sent to permits@excelsiormn.org. 

To set up garbage and recycling service, contact Republic Services:

If you are experiencing service issues or would like to adjust your level of service, please contact Republic Services directly by calling 952-941-5174.

Each household receives a Republic Services owned garbage and recycling cart. Both carts have lids and wheels. Residents may choose (with rates accordingly):

• 35 gallon
• 65 gallon
• 95 gallon

Refuse is collected once a week; recycling is collected every-other-week. Pick-up will occur on Mondays, unless otherwise noted because of a holiday. Residents must have their refuse and recycling at the curb by 7 A.M. on their collection day. 

Excelsior uses single-sort recycling. Recycling is collected every-other-week. 

Republic Services offers yard waste hauling services on an annual subscription service. The yard waste season typically runs from mid-April through November, weather permitting. 

Republic Services offers organic recycling on a monthly subscription service. Organics are picked up weekly. 

Yes, a permit is required for a recreational fire. You can apply for a recreation fire permit through the Excelsior Fire District 

Recreational Fire Burn Permit

Contact Cari Lindberg or call at 952-653-3670.

These incidents may be reported to Parks Manager, Kevin Quinn at 952-653-3679

A setback is generally measured from the structure to the property line. However, since property lines are typically not visible, it is best to contact the City Planner, Julia Mullin at (952) 653-3674 for more information.

A site plan review and sidewalk permit are required prior to the installation of a patio or sidewalk to ensure the addition complies with all zoning requirements, including but not limited to hard surface coverage limitations, required setbacks, etc.

A snow emergency is defined as every occurrence of snowfall where snow has accumulated to a depth of two inches or more. Each snow emergency shall commence at 1:00 am following the accumulation of snow to a depth of two inches and shall remain in effect on each city street until 7:00 am. During a snow emergency, no vehicle shall be parked on city streets, except in conformity with the following:

• On all even-numbered calendar days, parking is permitted on the side of the city street with even-numbered house numbers from 1:00 am to 7:00 am
• On all odd-numbered calendar days, parking is permitted on the side of the city street with odd-numbered house numbers from 1:00 am to 7:00 am

If you have any questions regarding these regulations, please contact Public Works at (952) 653-3676 or email Public Works Superintendent Tim Amundsen.

If your vehicle has been towed, contact Williams Towing at (952) 474-8000. Williams Towing is located at 4250 Creek View Circle #101, Minnetrista, MN 55375.

For more information, please visit the

Pay online here (including setting up automatic payments).

Payment is accepted online using the above link, by check through the mail, or check/cash at City Hall via the box outside the entrance. Email Finance  with questions, or call (952) 474-5233.

Email Marcia Krueger or call (952)653-3673. Please provide the following information available to ensure the account is updated correctly:

• The date the change of possession is taking place
• The address or account number of the property
• Your forwarding address for a final bill to be mailed
• The name of the new owners, if available

Email your closing date, name, and address to Finance and staff will work with the seller to transfer services over. Email is preferred, but you can also call (952) 653-3673. 

Water Assistance Program