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1. Can Economic Development assist my business in finding a commercial site or building?

Economic Development does keep in contact with commercial developers and realtors in an effort to match company requirements with appropriate sites and buildings.  Please visit our Property Search to identify properties available for industrial, retail, commercial, office, and flex space.  Or, please contact our office for additional assistance.

2. Can I operate a business from my home in Lino Lakes?

Home-based businesses are an important part of the City’s economy.  Certain types of home occupations are permitted in the City of Lino Lakes without any City approvals.  These generally include types of businesses that do not bring customers to the residence or involve internal or external modifications to that are not customarily found in residences.  Other types of home occupations require a home occupational permit, which is granted by the City.  These types of home occupations may involve internal alterations to the residence or a customer or outside employee arriving at the residence.  Certain types of home occupations are prohibited, including motor vehicle repair, commercial food preparation, and firearm related businesses. 

3. Does Economic Development orchestrate or publicize ribbon cuttings for new businesses?

Lino Lakes Economic Development works with the Quad Chamber of Commerce to coordinate ribbon cuttings for new businesses.  Contact the Quad Chamber of Commerce for assistance with such events. Economic Development does mention new businesses in its quarterly newsletter, and does link to related news articles in the Meetings and Special Events section of this website, in an effort to help promote and support Lino Lakes businesses. 

4. Does Lino Lakes have access to any major freeways?

Yes! Lino Lakes has two major freeways within its borders (35W and 35E) as well as several county highways which provide quick access to Minneapolis, St. Paul and other surrounding suburbs.

5. Does my business need a City license or permit?

The City of Lino Lakes does not require a license for most types of businesses.  However, certain businesses, including those selling alcohol, tobacco, fireworks, or secondhand goods, must have a City license.  Solicitors, kennels, and gambling such as raffles or bingo also require a license.  Please contact city staff for application information.

Also, different types of businesses are allowed in different zoning districts. You can check the Zoning Map to find out the zoning of a particular property and the Land Use Regulations to find out which uses are allowed. Contact the City Planner if you have any questions related to land use or zoning. 

Even if your business does not need a City license, most types of building renovations will require at least one building permit. You can contact Building and Inspections for more information.

6. How big is Lino Lakes?

In terms of area, Lino Lakes is 33.21 square miles, of which 28.22 square miles is land and 4.99 square miles is water.

7. How do I locate a site for my business in Lino Lakes?

Business owners can search online for land and buildings available for sale and lease using our Property Search.  This search engine allows you to search in Lino Lakes for both office buildings for sale and lease as well as developable land.

8. Is Lino Lakes in close proximity to any major airports?

Yes! Lino Lakes is located just 28 miles northwest of the Minneapolis / St.Paul International Airport and 9 miles from the Anoka County Regional Airport.

9. What is a TIF?

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is an economic development mechanism available to local governments to finance public infrastructure improvements. A TIF works by locking in the taxable worth of real property at the value it holds at the time the authorizing legislation was approved. Payments derived from the increased assessed value of any improvement to real property beyond that amount are directed towards a separate fund to finance the construction of public infrastructure defined within the TIF legislation.

10. What is the function of the Economic Development in Lino Lakes?

Economic Development is a local government department that assists in the marketing, growth and expansion of new and existing businesses within Lino Lakes, to ensure a strong and viable local economy is in place for Lino Lakes companies and residents.  Specifically, staff assists businesses interested in building or establishing a location in Lino Lakes, in an effort to provide new employment opportunities for area residents, and to help in building the local tax base.

11. What kind of companies call Lino Lakes home?

Lino Lakes is home to a variety of businesses- check out our Business Directory to see some of the companies that are thriving.

12. Where can I receive assistance with financing, writing a business plan, or finding employees?

The City of Lino Lakes offers financial assistance for development projects meeting certain City goals. Visit the Programs page for more information. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Business Services Division can help companies expand, find and train employees, promote international trade, and finance business expansions. The University of St. Thomas Small Business Development Center offers limited free consulting, where clients can receive assistance with strategic business plans, market research, financial planning and analysis, loan packaging and cash flow management. 

13. Where exactly is Lino Lakes?

Lino Lakes is North of the Twin Cities conveniently located within a 15-20 minute drive of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Highways 35W and 35E offer a fast commute to the cities and surrounding suburbs.

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1. What are public improvements?

Public improvements can include the construction of new roads and utilities (sewer and water) and the construction of curbs, gutters, and sidewalks. Public improvements also include major maintenance programs in existing neighborhoods when areas age and the infrastructure such as streets, sidewalks, sewers, and similar public facilities need updating.

2. What are special assessments?

Special assessments are an additional tax levied on private property for public improvements that enhance the value of the property. The use of special assessments is an equitable means to finance the improvements while minimizing the demand on the City's property tax levy and statutory debt limitations. Special assessments are even more applicable if new improvements such as sanitary sewer or water are installed. Through special assessments, these utility costs are borne solely by the benefited property and not by the community at large. Special Assessments are typically payable over a period of years. The city’s current policy provides for special assessments to be collected with your property taxes over a 15 year period.

3. What are the procedures for paying for public improvements under Minnesota State Law?

There are laws that apply to all Minnesota cities when it comes to special assessments. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 429 gives cities authority to levy special assessments. Most cities follow the process outlined in state law. Some cities use a combination of special assessments and taxes to pay for public improvements, while some cities pay for them entirely through taxes.

4. How are public improvements paid for in Lino Lakes?

New local roads and utilities are paid for by the developer at the time a subdivision is built, and the cost is passed on to the buyer of a lot or home in that subdivision. Reconstruction of aging roads is the City’s responsibility. In Lino Lakes, the City Charter supplements state law with additional procedures that include a general referendum if using a combination of special assessments and general fund dollars to fund improvements. According to an analysis by the League of Minnesota Cities, only Lino Lakes has a charter provision that requires a referendum on special assessments. The city has held four referendums to reconstruct certain aging local roads. Three have failed. If a referendum fails, the road cannot be reconstructed.

5. What is the difference between road maintenance and road reconstruction?

Maintenance consists of either overlaying or sealcoating. Overlaying is a maintenance activity that includes the patching of the existing street, milling the pavement adjacent to the curb, followed by the placement of a bituminous wearing course over the entire surface. Seal coating is a maintenance activity that places a thin layer of oil and rock on the street to enhance the surface and prolong the useful life of the street. These activities have been routinely performed by the City as part of its pavement management program. These projects are funded each year through the property tax levy as part of the City’s annual budget. This method is useful for smaller projects where the cost of the improvement has a negligible effect on property tax rates and where improvements have a shorter-term benefit.

The selection of streets for these maintenance activities is determined by the City’s Pavement Management Ratings called the Overall Condition Index (OCI). All streets within the City are routinely rated. Streets rated 70 to 100 are in the adequate category. These streets are considered for sealcoating. Streets rated 40 to 70 are in the marginal category. These streets are considered for overlays as well as sealcoats based on their ratings and available funding.

Streets rated in the 0 to 40 range typically need substantial subgrade corrections and require reconstruction. In this case, an overlay or "lift" on a street in this category would quickly return to its present problem condition. Because of the substantial cost involved these projects are typically funded through the issuance of bonds that spread the payments out over a longer period of time. The bonds are repaid through a combination of special assessments to benefited property and property tax levy.

6. Why can’t the City just maintain roads so they don’t need to be reconstructed?

Even with good routine maintenance, all streets have a limited life span, just like your driveway. Only a certain level of maintenance is cost-effective. The City can continue to patch to maintain accessible streets, but potholes will continue to occur, leaving streets in an unsightly manner and rough condition, as well as a possible safety hazard to you and your vehicle. Maintaining local streets also helps maintain everyone’s property values.

7. What do those stakes mean?

The stakes tell the contractor where new pipe and drainage structures go for the storm sewer and water main. This includes areas where manholes must be raised or lowered and hydrants moved.

8. Does the paint mark on my driveway indicate where the new street will be?

No. The new street will be about the same width and in the same location as it is now. The paint mark indicates where the driveway will be cut to match the grade on the new street. Minor grade changes are being made to improve drainage, and driveways will require some grading to match. If you are having your driveway replaced as part of the street construction project, the portion of the driveway beyond the paint mark, adjacent to the street, will be paid as part of your street assessment.

9. I'm worried about my trees and shrubs near the excavation area. Is there anything I can do?

If you want to help limit stress to trees and shrubs near the excavation areas, the best thing you can do is add water. Watering trees and shrubs before and during reconstruction will lessen any impacts to root loss or root exposure. The healthier the tree or shrub, the more it can tolerate. The contractor will minimize impacts to root zones by not stockpiling excavated materials near the driplines, by limiting excavation near trees as much as possible, and by cutting significantly exposed roots clean to promote callusing or new root proliferation. 

10. It’s not raining. Why isn’t the contractor working?

When it rains more than a little, construction has to stop to avoid turning everything into mud. If soil is too moist, it turns to ruts and clumps when graded and cannot be properly compacted to build a good street. If grading is started before the surface is somewhat dry, the moisture is pumped deeper into the soil, making more mud. Muddy conditions can also limit accessibility when excavated soil must be hauled to other sites.

11. Why are streets dug up so often during reconstruction?

Digging is necessary to meet the different requirements for each utility. Furthermore, health department regulations specify a minimum distance between the utilities to prevent cross-contamination if a leak occurs. The sanitary sewer must be deep enough to pick up the sewage coming out of the pipes under the basement floors, while the water main and services need to be a minimum of 7.5 feet deep to keep them from freezing. Storm sewer, however, is kept as shallow as possible so it does not conflict with other utilities. Finally, when utility work is complete, streets are excavated to remove bad soils and install sand and the pavement section.

12. What happens when schedules change on short notice?

The contractor will make a reasonable effort to notify residents of schedule changes caused by weather, delays by subcontractors, or other unforeseen events. Check your door for written notices of upcoming work that may have been delayed.

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1. How do I pay my city water bill?

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2. How do I get a new trash can lid?

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3. How do I apply for a job with the City?

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4. My trash didn't get picked up, what should I do now?

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5. How do I get a garage sale permit?

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6. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming City Council or Board meeting?

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1. Where can I get more compostable bags?

BPI Certified Compostable Bags are sold at most grocery and hardware stores, including Target, Cub Foods, and Ace Hardware.

Participants of the Anoka County Organics Recycling program get free compostable bags each time they drop off organics at Anoka County Compost sites. View the Anoka County website for more information and to sign up.

2. How do I tie or secure my bags?

BPI Certified compostable bags can be tied off with a knot at the top or can be tied with twine or 100% cotton string or yarn. Brown paper bags can be rolled tightly to seal the top of the bag, tied with twine or biodegradable string, or sealed with small amounts of paper masking tape.

Please Note: Be cautious when using yarn - many yarns contain synthetic materials. Twist ties are not accepted because they contain a metal component.

3. Does all of my organics recycling material need to be bagged?

All organics material must be bagged, with the exception of pizza boxes and paper egg cartons. This is to prevent wet matter from sticking and smelling in the bottom of the cart in the summer, and to prevent wet material from freezing to the carts in the winter.

Pizza boxes and paper egg cartons are dry, bulky items that are often difficult to bag. They may be put loosely in the carts. 

4. Why are my compostable bags leaking?

There are several reasons your compostable bags may be leaking. Depending on what materials you’ve been collecting, something sharp (for example, pineapple rind or sharp bone) may have ripped a hole in your bag. It is also possible your bags have expired – be sure to look for an expiration date when purchasing compostable bags, and use them within one year of purchase.

Also, be aware that these types of bags have been intentionally designed to break down under industrial composting conditions, so heat and moisture will cause them to break down more quickly. While it may seem inconvenient, this means that the bag is doing its job. Try keeping your kitchen pail in a cool, dark area, such as under your sink or in your garage. Some residents even choose to keep a bag in the refrigerator or freezer for wet materials.  If the problem persists, double bag your material or try purchasing a different brand of compostable bags with the BPI Certification.

5. Won't the organics collected in my home smell?

Food goes anaerobic and gets smelly more quickly when it is cut off from oxygen. The SureClose container provided by the City has a vented lid to help prevent this problem. If you use your own container, make sure the lid is aerated.

Here are other strategies you can use to prevent odor:

• Take your organics to a drop-off site more frequently, especially during hot spells in the summer.
• Collect your organics in a cool, dry place, such as under the sink or in your refrigerator.
• Keep a container in your garage or basement lined with a larger compostable bag so you can take your smaller kitchen bags out more frequently.
• Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of your compostable bag when you replace it. Baking soda is a natural odor-eater.

Remember - there is nothing going into your organics that isn't already going in your garbage. Smell is a natural part of organics decomposition.

6. What is the Anoka County Organics Recycling Program?

In addition to the Lino Lakes organics recycling drop-off sites, Anoka County has also started collecting food scraps and non-recyclable papers in separate containers at compost sites:

• Bunker Hills - 13285 Hanson Boulevard, Coon Rapids
• Rice Creek Chain of Lakes - 7701 Main Street, Lino Lakes

Anoka County residents must sign up for the program in advance to receive additional information and a free starter kit. To sign up, complete the online form or call 763-324-3400.

7. Can I put paper towel or cotton balls with cleaning product in my organics recycling?

Paper towels, napkins, or cotton balls with chemicals on them are not accepted for organics recycling. The harmful chemicals can compromise the quality of finished compost and impact soil health.

Materials containing natural cleaning products (such as vinegar, baking soda, essential oils, etc.) may be put into your organics recycling for composting. Read the MN Pollution Control Agency's advice (PDF) for reducing toxic chemicals in your home.

8. What kinds of paper can I put in my organics recycling?

Accepted

Food soiled paper: Delivery pizza boxes, plain white paper plates (without a plastic lining - colorful designs indicate a plastic lining)*, coffee filters, paper tea bags.

Non-recyclable papers: Paper egg cartons, shredded paper, napkins, tissues, tissue paper, paper towel.

Not Accepted

Papers with a plastic lining: Paper plates with colorful decorations, paper coffee cups and drink cups (unless they are BPI Certified Compostable), frozen food boxes, ice cream containers, Chinese take-out containers, milk cartons, juice boxes, etc.

9. Can I put fast food wrappers in my organics recycling?

Fast food wrappers are not accepted in organics recycling. Unfortunately, recent studies have shown that these wrappers often contain a plastic and/or chemical coating that composting facilities do not want in their finished product. Fast food wrappers are also not accepted in regular recycling. Unless the wrapper is labeled BPI Certified Compostable, throw it in the trash.

10. What happens to my organics material after I drop it off?

Organics material from the Lino Lakes organics recycling program is collected by Walters Recycling and Refuse and transported to the SET Mulch Store in Rosemount. Finished compost is used to improve soil health on farms or community gardens, or used for construction or landscaping projects to prevent erosion.

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1. What is planning and what do planners do?

Planners review projects to ensure that they meet City codes. Planners are also responsible for processing environmental documents, ensuring the compatibility of proposed projects with existing development, preparing long range policy documents and updating the City's Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code.

2. What is the Comprehensive Plan?

The Comprehensive Plan is the long-range statement of how and where growth and development in the community is to be located in the future. It is adopted by ordinance and includes a number of "elements" (or chapters) related to the social, economic, and physical aspects of future development. Each of the elements includes a number of goals, objectives, and policies that are to be applied to public and private land development. Some of the elements also include future conditions maps (such as the future land use map, and the long-range transportation plan maps). All local land development regulations (such as zoning, subdivision regulations, and environmental ordinances) are to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.

3. What is Zoning?

Zoning is the prime tool for implementing the Comprehensive Plan. By controlling land uses and setting development standards throughout the city, zoning can guide development. Zoning also sets standards for long developed areas and can be a very helpful neighborhood preservation tool. Zoning standards for building setbacks, building height, parking, screening, permitted activities, etc. help to ensure that people do not have costs imposed upon them by their neighbors. Zoning makes it possible to create transitional land use patterns so that incompatible uses are separated and buffered and harsh face-to-face relationships are avoided. Zoning is also utilized to protect development from flooding and to assure safe and adequate traffic flow.

4. What is a Variance?

A variance is a permit issued to a landowner by the City to deviate from the required development standards (e.g. parking, setbacks) set forth in the zoning regulations. In order to be approved for a variance, the proposal must meet several State-mandated findings.

5. What are Building Setbacks?

Building setbacks are minimum distances by which any building or structure must be separated from a property line. These setbacks assure the adequate distance to provide for supply of light and air, fire protection and more generally to assure the health safety and general welfare of property owners.

6. What is a Conditional Use Permit?

A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is a discretionary permit that may be granted by the City to allow certain use classification(s) to operate on a particular property. Use classifications subject to CUPs typically possess unusual site development features or operating characteristics requiring consideration by one of the aforementioned decision making bodies to ensure that they will be designed, located and operated compatibly with uses on adjoining properties and in the surrounding area.

7. What is a Public Hearing?

Public Hearings are held on matters when required by law or as directed by the City. Public Hearings are typically associated with a Rezoning, Conditional Use Permit or Variance application. Citizens who wish to speak at public hearings will be heard in the meeting at the discretion of the meeting chairman following a published agenda for the City Board or Commission.

8. How do I get preliminary/ initial input for a development proposal?

Prior to submitting a formal entitlement application to the Planning Division, developers are encouraged to meet with City staff from various departments to obtain preliminary direction and input. Please contact the Community Development Department if you are interested in developing in Lino Lakes.

9. What is my property zoned?

Lino Lakes has a number of zoning districts. You can check the zoning map here on the website, or search the Anoka County GIS for your property.

10. What is the parking requirement for my business?

The parking requirements differ depending on the type of the use. Specific parking requirements are available in Lino Lakes Zoning Ordinance.

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1. Are fireworks allowed in Lino Lakes?

The only fireworks that are legal in the State of Minnesota are non-explosive and non-aerial (such as sparklers, cones, and tubes that sparkle, snakes, and party poppers). Any fireworks that explode, leave the ground, or shoot anything other than sparks into the air are illegal. You must be 18 years old to purchase fireworks and fireworks are not permitted on public property.

2. Are solicitors allowed in Lino Lakes?

Soliciting in the City of Lino Lakes is allowed as long as the solicitor has obtained a permit issued by the city. If a solicitor comes to your door, ask to see their permit. If they do not have a permit from Lino Lakes, please call 911 and an officer will stop by to talk to them.

3. Do I need a permit to purchase a handgun?

Yes, a permit must be obtained from the Lino Lakes Public Safety Department before purchasing a handgun. A permit form and other pertinent information can be found under our Permits and Forms section of this website.

4. Does my dog require a license?

Yes, dogs that are six months of age and older must be licensed.  A license form and other pertinent information can be found under the Permits and Forms section of this website.

5. How do I obtain a police report?

Police reports are available at the Lino Lakes Public Safety Department and must be picked up in person during our office hours of 8 am to 4:30 pm.

6. How do I report suspicious activities?

Sometimes citizens do not report suspicious activity to the police department because they think that the issue is not important enough to warrant a 911 call.  The time it takes to respond to a crime in progress is a determining factor in the apprehension of a criminal.  A delay in reporting a crime by even a couple of minutes greatly reduces law enforcement effectiveness.  Commit yourself to calling in all suspicious activity without delay.  By calling 911, you could be preventing a crime from happening in your neighborhood.

• Call 911 to report suspicious activity (including peddlers without permits, strange vehicles or persons, etc.)
• Be sure to remain calm, speak clearly, and explain in detail the reason for your call.
• Stay on the phone and answer all of the questions that the operator asks you.
• The operators are professionals and will guide you through the entire phone call with questions.
• Give exact location where the assistance is required.

7. What are Lino Lakes' hunting rules?

Hunting with or discharging any single projectile, including a rifle, shotgun with slug, muzzleloader, pellet gun, or BB gun is prohibited anywhere within the City of Lino Lakes. Only shotguns with birdshot and bow and arrow are allowed by city ordinance and then only in certain areas. There is no discharge of a firearm (with the exception of a bow and arrow) allowed anywhere west of Hodgson Road or Lake Drive, north from Ash Street (County Road J) to Lilac Street (just north of I35W). In all allowable hunting properties, the hunter must maintain a minimum distance of 750' from a building when using a shotgun with birdshot and 500' from a building when using a bow and arrow. At no time should any hunter be shooting across another's property or roadway. Safety is first in importance, both for the hunter and for the residents! Please respect the laws of the State of Minnesota and the city ordinances of Lino Lakes. We urge anyone witnessing unsafe or illegal behavior with a hunter or other person with a firearm to please call 911 immediately for assistance from the Lino Lakes Public Safety Department or the DNR. For more information on this ordinance, call 651-982-2300.

8. What are your on-street parking regulations?

The City of Lino Lakes has an ordinance regulating overnight parking that makes it unlawful to park any vehicle on any city street between the hours of 2 am and 6 am, from November 1 through April 1, unless a waiver has been granted for that vehicle. Furthermore, parking is not allowed when two or more inches of snow has fallen until the street has been plowed. Violators will be ticketed and could be subject to towing at the owner's expense.

9. What is the curfew for juveniles in Lino Lakes?

It is unlawful for juveniles under the age of 18 to be present in any public place during the days and times listed below. Exceptions include parental or guardian supervision, or an emergency.

Age	Day	Times
Under 12	Sunday through Thursday	9 pm to 5 am
Under 12	Friday through Saturday	10 pm to 5 am
12 to 14	Sunday through Thursday	10 pm to 5 am
12 to 14	Friday through Saturday	11 pm to 5 am
15 to 17	Sunday through Thursday	11 pm to 5 am
15 to 17	Friday through Saturday	12 midnight to 5 am

10. Where can I find a copy of Lino Lakes' ordinances?

Lino Lakes' Municipal Code and Zoning Ordinances are available on our website.

11. Where do I report a complaint on an officer?

To file a complaint against a member of the Lino Lakes Public Safety Department, please complete the Citizen Complaint form (PDF). Add additional pages if necessary.

If you wish to speak to a supervisor after hours, please contact Anoka County Dispatch at 763-427-1212. Please contact a supervisor if you need any assistance obtaining the necessary information.  Once completed, the form can be submitted by mail or in person.  When submitting the form by mail, please address it to:

Public Safety Director John Swenson
Lino Lakes Public Safety Department
640 Town Center Parkway
Lino Lakes, MN 55014

 We take all complaints very seriously (PDF) and encourage any citizen dissatisfied with our service to contact us immediately.

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1. How does it work?

The Lino Lakes Public Safety Department (LLPSD) wants to partner with residents and business owners who have video surveillance on the exterior of their homes or business.  You might have a multi-camera system or a simple doorbell camera at your front door.  No matter your level of surveillance your participation in this program could help the LLPSD in the event of a crime occurring in your area.

2. How do I participate?

If you choose to participate, start by registering your camera system with the LLPSD.  Participation is voluntary and you can end your participation at any time.  Your information will be kept confidential, secure, and only accessible to police personnel.  If a crime occurs in your area, officers or investigators may contact you to ask if you have footage of the incident.  The LLPSD will not have a direct link or connection to any private alarm or camera system.

3. Why should I participate?

The primary goal is to include residents and businesses and give them an opportunity to assist the LLPSD in deterring crime, catching criminals and promoting public safety.  By sharing camera footage with us, you may assist us in apprehending criminals. 

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1. What happens when someone reports a pothole to the City?

Tim: We try to fill a resident’s report of potholes quickly. We appreciate their time and trouble to report hazard and we want to be responsive. Occasionally there are larger potholes elsewhere that may receive priority but we try to get to them as soon as possible.

2. What is the procedure for filling potholes throughout the City?

Tim: When we are filling potholes in the spring we will always try to get to the areas in worst condition first. Later, once freeze/thaw conditions subside and pothole formation slows, we transition to street patching. It is this time of year we try to be more efficient and systematically move through the city. Some areas in the city, however, are in a condition that require us to backtrack and give them attention multiple times over the summer.

3. What are the most common questions or concerns you receive?

Tim: A very common question I receive is about delaminating seal coat. This refers to the chip rock coating (approximately ½ inch thick) that we frequently see peeling off road surfaces. This issue is widespread and important to fix each season but presents a different hazard to motorists than the potholes, etc. I generally think of our asphalt maintenance operations as two phased each season. First priority is to fill the actual holes in the asphalt (potholes, large cracks and other degraded areas are a greater hazard) and the second phase is to fill in areas of missing seal coat. It is often necessary, however, to sweep sand and debris from delaminating areas more frequently than other areas until they can be repaired.

4. Streets vs engineering, what type of questions, or concern, should be directed to which department?

Tim: A very common question is "when will my road be redone"? Residents residing on older streets frequently ask this question. Others may see other streets that appear to be in better condition undergoing maintenance practices (such as a seal coat or mill and overlay) and it often motivates residents to inquire. Our engineering department administers the pavement management plan and can better answer questions pertaining to road reconstruction, mill and overlay, and seal coat project timelines. The information can also be found under Pavement Management.

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1. Can I get a membership? What are the membership details?

We have memberships available to be purchased at varying levels (single, dual, household, etc.). Currently we have a promotion: when you sign up for a membership of any sort before May 27, 2022 the $39 enrollment fee will be waived, the monthly membership cost for May will be $11 (does not apply to annual memberships), and you'll get a free water bottle! 

Click here for more details about membership rates, what is included in membership, and how/where to sign up.

2. What are your hours of operation? Are you open on holidays?

Typical hours of operation are Monday – Friday: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM  &  Saturday - Sunday: 6:00 AM - 8:00PM

We will be closed on some holidays and others will have reduced hours:

• Closed: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day
• Reduced Hours: Christmas Eve & New Year's Eve. Hours will be posted in the weeks prior to those dates.
• The Rookery may be closed on identified dates throughout the year for annual maintenance and/or cleaning. These modifications will be announced with significant prior notice.

3. What does Endurance Fitness have to do with the Rookery?

We (Rookery Activity Center) are partnering with Endurance Fitness to provide fitness services including Les Mills fitness classes, personal training, Reformer training, and management of the fitness equipment for the Rookery. They have an established customer base that has stuck with them in their move from their previous location to the Rookery. Current Endurance Fitness members have been using the fitness floor while we’ve been working on renovations throughout the building. All Endurance members will have the option to become Rookery members under the Endurance promotion until May 15, 2022. 

We are very excited about our partnership with Endurance Fitness! They provide excellent expertise and passion for everything fitness. They will help give our members the best experience possible at The Rookery. 

4. When will the pool be open and what programs will be offered at the pool?

May 23, 2022! We will have lap swim and open swim opportunities as soon as we open. At a later date more programming will be available such as swim lessons for ages 6 months to adult, water fitness classes, birthday party rentals, family swim in the Splash pool with the waterslide, and more.  

5. Will you offer swim lessons?

Yes! The start date for swim lessons is still to be determined, but watch our social media pages and this website for announcements regarding dates, times, and rates.

6. Do you offer towel service?

Towel service is available to members only. Towel service can be purchased by members for $10/month or $4/day. Monthly towel service is unlimited use. Daily towels can be rented at the Guest Services desk. All towels should be dropped in a towel collection bin after use and should not leave the building.

7. What other Programs will be offered at the Rookery?

1. We plan to develop and offer several youth and senior programs. Stay tuned for more details for those programs. 
2. We WILL NOT offer a summer childcare program for the summer of 2022. 
3. We are open to partnering with other organizations to offer programs in our space. Please reach out at 651-982-2468 to inquire about program partnerships.

8. Is there child care available?

We offer a drop-In Child Watch program for members only at an additional cost of $3 per child per stay. 

• 2 ½ hour maximum stay for any child.
• Payment due at drop-off and is non-refundable.
• Parent/Guardians must stay inside the Rookery Activity Center while child is in Child Watch.

9. Do you offer space for birthday parties?

We will have rooms available for birthday parties! We will offer options to enjoy either the pool or the gym (with a bounce house and other games and activities) in addition to the party room space. More details for birthday party rentals will be coming soon! 

10. Are there rooms available to rent for other meetings and events?

Yes! We would love to host your meeting or event in our facility. Reach out to us at 651-982-2468 to view the spaces, capacity, and amenities. See the rental rates below:

Location	Member/Resident Rate	Non-Resident Rate
Meeting Room	$30/hour	$40/hour
Multipurpose Room	$40/hour	$50/hour
Gymnasium – full gym	$60/hour	$75/hour
Gymnasium – ½ gym	$30/hour	$37.50/hour

11. Do you have any opportunities for employment?

YES! We are hiring various roles including Aquatics positions and Maintenance/Custodial positions. Check out https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/linolakesmn and be sure to check back regularly for more employment opportunities!

12. What’s the story behind the name, “The Rookery”?

Lino Lakes has one of the largest Great Blue Heron Rookeries in North America. A rookery is defined as a communal nesting place for a colony of gregarious birds, such as blue herons. The majestic birds are very different from other species - they are communal, support each other by coming together to share resources and defend their nesting area if needed. For the City of Lino Lakes, it was important to give the center a name and brand that is unique to Lino Lakes, as well as a name that will evoke a sense of community and belonging. The name “The Rookery” was chosen as it is exclusive to the Lino Lakes community.

In the rookeries, the nesting is a safe and comfortable home for the Great Blue Heron. Similarly, The Rookery Activity Center will bring the Lino Lakes community together through healthy activities, promoting wellness, opportunities for social activities, and providing gathering space for a variety of events. 

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1. Why are you offering this program?

We’ve found that one of the most common reasons people drink and drive is because they can’t (or don’t want to) leave their vehicle overnight in a parking lot. The practice of “risking it” for the sake of getting a vehicle home is not worth it. Our hope is to make the Safe Ride Home a convenient and appealing option for the customers of our Lino Lakes businesses.

2. Who is paying for this?

Lino Lakes Public Safety Department will be paying our portion of the discount using DWI forfeiture dollars. In essence, those who have chosen to drink and drive in the past have provided the funding for this program.

3. Will this change your enforcement efforts?

No. Our enforcement efforts will remain the same. However, we hope that our future arrest data and impairment-related crash data will reflect a drop as a result of this effort.

4. Does LLPSD track customers’ information?

No. DDi is a private company and they keep their own records. DDi’s customer records are not shared with the LLPSD in any way. DDi will be responsible for getting reimbursed from LLPSD. Safe Ride Home customers will receive the discounted rate just by giving their voucher to the DDi driver. No customer information is written on the voucher.

5. How much is a ride home for me and my vehicle?

With the discount, the cost to get you and your vehicle home from a Lino Lakes on-sale establishment is $19, up to one mile from that establishment. $4 per mile for each additional mile.

6. How do I schedule my Safe Ride Home through DDi?

Register on the DDi website (can be done from a mobile device). Once registered, you can schedule a ride from their site, or call them at 651-338-1425.

7. How do I get a voucher?

All on-sale liquor establishments in the City of Lino Lakes now have the vouchers and they’re available to all customers. The vouchers provide instructions on how to arrange for your ride. The Lino Lakes Public Safety Department is offering a Safe Ride Home.

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1. What is stormwater runoff?

Stormwater runoff is the water that flows off roofs, driveways, parking lots, streets and other hard surfaces during rain storms. Rather than being absorbed into the ground, it pours into ditches, culverts, catch basins and storm sewers.

2. Why is stormwater runoff a problem?

Stormwater can carry harmful pollutants, cause flooding, erode soil and stream banks, and destroy aquatic habitats.

3. Where does water pollution come from?

Water pollution is difficult to trace to a specific discharge point. Because pollution comes from many diverse sources, it is hard to control. Examples of common pollutants include fertilizers, grass clippings, pesticides, pet waste, sediments, oils and trash that are carried by runoff into the drainage system and environment.

4. What are some examples of drainage problems?

Drainage problems may include roadway or structural flooding, clogged or failing underground pipes and culverts, stream bank erosion and pollution affecting a stream.

5. What is the purpose of storm drains?

Storm drains are devices that capture stormwater in an effort to prevent flooding by transporting water away from urban areas.

6. What’s the difference between a sewer drain and a storm drain?

The sewer system and the storm drain system are two completely separate systems. The sewer system takes all household wastewater and routes it through a plumbing system into a treatment plant. The stormwater system routes rainwater off the streets, into the storm drains and may discharge into a bay, pond, stream or lake.

7. Who owns the stormwater system?

It depends. The county owns the stormwater system that is found within county rights-of-way or on county-owned properties. Cities own the same types of facilities within their jurisdictions and individual property owners own the rest. Currently, in most cases, the owner of record is the responsible party for surface water management.

8. What is an impervious area?

An impervious surface is any hard surface that does not absorb water and impedes the natural flow of water into the soil. In general, impervious surfaces include hard surfaces such as building garages, parking lots and basketball or tennis courts.

9. What are stormwater ponds?

They are man-made basins built to capture and treat stormwater runoff until it can evaporate, infiltrate into the ground or flow through pipes into area streams, lakes or wetlands.

10. Why do we have these ponds in our neighborhoods?

These neighborhood ponds are designed to catch and treat the runoff from neighborhood impervious areas, preventing many pollutants from reaching nearby lakes and wetlands.

11. Why does my stormwater pond look scummy, turbid or have algae?

Stormwater ponds are designed to capture and treat pollutants from runoff. Whenever it rains, stormwater rushes over impervious surfaces such as streets, sidewalks, roofs or parking lots and rapidly transports contaminants such as oils, salt, pesticides, heavy metals, and pathogens to these ponds. Stormwater runoff also delivers nutrients from pet waste, fertilizers, grass clippings and sediment to the ponds causing algae blooms and green coloring. Pollutant build-up in a pond is often an indication the pond is doing exactly what it was designed to do.

12. Can I swim in these ponds?

It is generally not advisable to use stormwater ponds for fishing, swimming or ice skating. They capture pollutants from stormwater and even low levels of pollution exposure (skin contact or fish consumption) should be avoided. Because water flows are unpredictable and pond levels fluctuate, ice formation on these ponds are not considered safe. Enjoy these ponds and the wildlife they attract from a distance.

13. What can I do to help keep my pond looking clean and healthy?

There are many things a homeowner can to keep a pond looking clean and healthy.

• Plant a buffer strip at the water’s edge, using native plants (not sod) to trap and clean runoff from your yard before it reaches the pond.
• Pick up animal waste and properly dispose of trash.
• Do not place lawn clippings, leaves or other yard waste within the pond basin.
• Preserve established trees, shrubs and other vegetation around the pond.
• Limit the use of fertilizers. Sweep driveways and sidewalks into lawns and gardens instead of hosing them off into the streets.