Property Maintenance and Complaints

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Maintaining our neighborhoods is a top priority. Neighbors and neighborhoods depend on each other to protect property values.

This is why Cambridge City Council has adopted maintenance standards for all properties. Well-kept homes maintain their value and make your neighborhood a desirable place to live. Residents may not be aware of these standards, You can view the most often cited codes in the frequently asked questions below, or view our Property Maintenance Guide here.

Would you like to report a code violation? Submit a Report of Non-Compliance to our Community Development Specialist:

building@ci.cambridge.mn.us
763-552-3257
763-689-3300 Main Line

You can view all our codes in our full City Code book here.

Expand/Contract Questions and Answers

Am I responsible for shoveling the sidewalk adjacent to my house?
Yes. Snow and ice remaining on public sidewalks is a nuisance and must be cleared within 24 hours after the snow stops, unless you are in the Sidewalk Improvement District.
Can I have a recreational fire?
Yes, just make sure it is no more than a 3’ diameter circle that is surrounded by noncombustible material. Fires may not be closer than 25 feet from any structure and should not be allowed to smolder with no flame present. Smoke should not be a nuisance to neighboring properties. Burning of garbage is prohibited!

Learn all about recreational fires here: Recreational Fires | Cambridge, MN
Can I park my trailer next to my garage on my lawn?
No. Vehicles, including boat trailers, utility trailers, cars, trucks, etc. cannot be stored on grass, gravel, class 5, etc. Vehicles must be parked on an approved impervious surface material.
Can I store firewood on my property?
Yes, in stacks no higher than 6’ on an improved surface (pallets, concrete, pavers, etc.) Stacked securely and neatly in the side or rear yard only.
Can I store items under a tarped shelter or under a tarp behind my garage?
No. Temporary structures such as car ports, shelters, tarped covers are all prohibited. Although items may be out of your view behind a shed or garage, they are often visible to neighbors which generates complaints from other residents.
Can my neighbor park a commercial vehicle in their driveway?
No commercial vehicle exceeding 12,000 GVW may be parked or stored outdoors in a residential district.
Do City Code violation notices include a fine?
Notices are a reminder to make a correction and do not include tickets or fines. If corrections are not completed by the provided deadline in the notice, or multiple violations have occurred, fines are possible.
Do I have to license my dog or cat?
Dogs & Cats over 6 months old shall be licensed and registered with the Police Department.

Read more here: Animal Licensing | Cambridge, MN
How many dogs or cats am I allowed?
No more than a combined total of 6 dogs & cats over 4 months old and no more than 4 may be dogs.
Is junk or debris allowed in a yard?
No. Outside storage of junk, machinery, furniture, household items, lumber, trash, debris, uprooted trees, stumps, rusting metal, appliances, etc. is prohibited.
My neighbor has an old car in his backyard that doesn’t run, is this allowed?
- Vehicles must be currently licensed and street operable if stored outdoors.
- Vehicles parked/stored outdoors must be on a poured bituminous/concrete surface, continuous brick paver pad or same material as the established driveway.
My neighbors dog barks frequently, is that allowed?
Habitual barking is defined as repeated intervals of at least 5 minutes with less than 1 minute interruption. It is unlawful to keep a dog who habitually barks or cries. Report these concerns to the Cambridge Police Department.
What are the regulations on garbage cans?
- Containers must be stored within rear or interior side yards. If stored in front, they must be in front of and adjacent to the garage.
- Only 3 containers may be visible. The total number of containers is limited to 4, the 4th container must be screened.
- Containers may be placed at the curb after 8:00 pm the night before and removed by 8:00 pm on collection day.
Where can I park a boat or trailer?
If stored outdoors, make sure it’s parked on a concrete surface, brick paver pad or the same material as the driveway. Please contact the city prior to installing any new surface.

Am I responsible for shoveling the sidewalk adjacent to my house?

Can I have a recreational fire?

Can I park my trailer next to my garage on my lawn?

Can I store firewood on my property?

Can I store items under a tarped shelter or under a tarp behind my garage?

Can my neighbor park a commercial vehicle in their driveway?

Do City Code violation notices include a fine?

Do I have to license my dog or cat?

How many dogs or cats am I allowed?

Is junk or debris allowed in a yard?

My neighbor has an old car in his backyard that doesn’t run, is this allowed?

My neighbors dog barks frequently, is that allowed?

What are the regulations on garbage cans?

Where can I park a boat or trailer?