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Nuisances

A nuisance is an activity that affects the right of an individual to enjoy the use of a specified property.

Examples of nuisances

Dogs

Dogs running loose should be reported to the Police Department at 952-938-8885.

Barking dogs can be a problem. Under Hopkins City Code 925.39, "any dog which shall, by any noise, unreasonably disturb the peace and quiet of any person in the vicinity..." would be considered a nuisance dog. This includes dogs that bark or whine repeatedly over a five-minute period of time. Complaints about barking dogs should be directed to the Police Department at 952-938-8885.

Graffiti

The City of Hopkins requires that graffiti be removed or painted over as soon as possible. Report graffiti or learn more about cleaning it up.

Noise

See Noise.

Property Maintenance

The City of Hopkins investigates complaints of situations that may involve a violation of City ordinances (i.e. exterior storage, junk vehicles, weeds).

Nuisance and Hazard Trees

A hazard tree is a danger to you or to a neighbor. The U.S. Forest Services says that a tree is a hazard if there are structural defects in the roots, stem, and branches that may cause the tree or tree part to fail, where such failure may cause property damage or personal injury. Said simply, a tree with structural problems is only a hazard if it has the potential to strike a “target.”

If a tree interferes with the free use and enjoyment of your own property, then the tree has become a nuisance. If the problem tree is on public property contact the Public Works Department at 952-939-1382.

If the problem tree is on private property then it is an issue between you and your neighbor. Talk to your neighbor and explain what you can see from your property. Their sightline view may not be the same, or it might be in a part of their yard they do not use frequently. Ask your neighbor to mitigate the risk the tree poses to your property. Take a photo of the tree and write your observations in a letter to your neighbor, and keep a copy for yourself. Consider having a certified arborist look at the tree to evaluate the risk. If a conflict arises, consider using a mediation service. To learn more about trees and the law, read about Minnesota Trees and the Law from the University of Minnesota.

Wild Animals

Wildlife sometimes causes problems for residents. Unfortunately the City of Hopkins does not have the resources to deal with wild animals.

For information about dealing with wild animals in Minnesota, read Living with Wildlife from the Department of Natural Resources. For complaints involving nuisance wildlife, consult a pest control agency or wildlife management service (listed in the Yellow Pages).


Public vs. private nuisances

Generally speaking, the law recognizes two distinct types of nuisance: public and private.

Public nuisances

The City of Hopkins defines a public nuisance as "any substance, matter, emission, or thing which creates a dangerous or unhealthy condition or which threatens the public peace, health, safety, or sanitary condition of the City or which is offensive or has a blighting influence on the community and which is found upon, in, being discharged or flowing from any … property located within the City of Hopkins." (City Code section 615.02) The City can take action against public nuisances.

Private nuisances

A “private nuisance” is one that affects an individual’s right to enjoyment of some property or activity, but does not necessarily affect the community as a whole. For example, a large tree overhanging a neighbor’s yard may be a private nuisance where it affects the neighbor’s enjoyment and use of her backyard. The City cannot solve private nuisances. If talking to your neighbor does not help, mediation might be the answer. Visit Community Mediation Services, Inc or call 763-561-0033.

Contacts

  • City Hall
    952-935-8474
    1010 1st St S
    Hopkins, MN 55343
  • Have a question about a potential nuisance? Use the Ask the City contact form.