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1. When do I need to get a license for my pet?

All dogs in the City of St. James are required to have a license by the time they are three months old, at the time they usually get their rabies shot. Lifetime Dog license Fee: $25.

2. What if I lose a tag?

If you lose the city license tag, you can get a duplicate from City Hall for $5.00 (for issuance). You must present a copy of the original receipt for the current year.

3. What do I need and where can I get the license?

In order to obtain a dog license, dog owners must fill out an application at City Hall and must obtain a certificate by a veterinarian that is duly licensed to practice veterinary medicine within the State of Minnesota. This certificate shall state the animal for which the application for a license is made and that the animal has been inoculated against rabies for at least the period for which license is applied. The applicant will be issued a small license tag that is to be attached to the animal’s collar.

Visit City Hall at:
124 Armstrong Blvd. S.
St. James, MN 56081

4. How long is the license good for?

All dog licenses are lifetime of the dog.

5. What animal control requirements are there in the City of St. James?

All animals must be on a leash or otherwise under the control of an accompanying person at all times. Either the owner, present or not, or a person in charge, must keep the animal under control.

6. Is there a dangerous animal policy in the City of St. James?

Yes, the City of St. James has adopted a dangerous dog ordinance. You can read it in Ordinance 91.37 of the City Code.

7. Is there a limit on the number of animals a person can have?

Yes, you can keep no more than three dogs or cats or a combination thereof over six months of age unless a person has a valid kennel license issued from the City of St. James.

8. How do I get a kennel license?

Find out how to get a kennel license by contacting the City Manager at (507) 375-3241.

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1. What is a permit?

A permit is a legal document that gives you permission to commence a building project in accordance with the approved drawings and specifications.

2. When do I need a permit?

Building permits, governed under the MN Building Code, are required for any owner or contractor who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy/use of a building or structure. A permit is also required to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any gas, mechanical, electrical, plumbing system, shingles, siding or other equipment when the installation is regulated by the code.

A person wanting to do such work shall make application to the building official and obtain a permit prior to the beginning of any construction activity. Questions about whether or not a permit is required should contact the Building Official.

3. How can I tell if a contractor has a license?

You can look up contractor licensing by visiting the Department of Labor and Industry Contractor Look up link

4. What do I need to submit for a residential addition or a porch addition?

You must submit Residential Addition and Porch addition

5. What do I need to submit for a commercial or industrial building permit?

You can find more information by visiting

6. When I re-roof my building do I need to tear the old shingles off?

Yes, the Minnesota State Building code requires that all old shingles must be taken off to the decking. This will allow for the inspection of the decking for rot.

7. If I am putting on steel roofing am I required to remove all of the old shingles?

Yes, the code requires that all shingles must be taken off unless the manufacturer requires that you must leave one layer on. You will need to install the roofing in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and must provide a copy of the manufacturer’s installation guide to the city before you able to obtain your roofing permit.

8. If I am re-shingling my house can I use three tab shingles?

In the southern part of the state 3 tab shingles are not allowed because they are not compliant with the 90 mph wind speed required under the International Residential Code. However, the three tab shingles may be used IF the manufacturer can provide documentation from one of their engineers that proving they are compliant with the 90 MPH wind speed. This documentation must be turned in at city hall along with the installation guidelines.

9. If I am putting on a deck, addition, garage, or porch what do I need to provide to the city?

The city requires a completed building permit application, site plan showing the location of the proposed construction project with the proper dimensions and set backs from the property line, and some type of plan showing proper wall elevations and floor plan. The permit will be returned to the owner of record if not complete.

10. If I am building a new house what do I need to provide to the city?

The city requires a completed building permit application, a site plan showing the location of the building with set backs from the property line, a complete set of plans, and energy compliance forms. House Permit requirement

11. What if I change the use of my existing building? What is required of me?

If you are changing the use of an existing building you will need to complete a building permit for change of use, contact an architect to do a code review and following the guidelines under the Minnesota State Building code for existing buildings Chapter 1300 (or GREB code) and submit the documentation to city hall.

12. I am replacing windows in my house do I need a building permit?

Yes, the fee is $25.00. 

13. I want to put up a fence. Do I need a permit?

If you are putting a fence up you will need to fill out a building permit application for a fence. If the fence is 6 feet one inch or higher, the fence will be regulated under the MN Building Code. If the fence is 6' or under, fences are regulated by the Zoning ordinance. In both cases, a permit is required to be filled out and an accurate site plan is required. St. James Fence Information

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1. Who is eligible to vote?

You are eligible to vote in Minnesota if you are:
At least 18 years or older;
A citizen of the United States;

A resident of Minnesota for 20 days immediately preceding the Election Day.
Not under court-ordered guardianship in which the court order revokes the person's right to vote
Have his/her felony sentence expired (been completed) or been discharged from his/her sentence

2. How do I register to vote?

Voter Registration Applications are available at the Watonwan County Auditors Office. Applications are also available at your local post office, school district office and libraries.
You can also register to vote when applying for or renewing your drivers license. The information will be forwarded to Watonwan County for processing.
Pre-registration closes 20 days prior to an election.

3. What if I have changed my name or address since I last registered?

Any previously registered voter who changes his or her name or ANY address change must re-register to vote. A change of name or address requires a new registration and a new signature from the applicant.
If you have moved since last registering to vote, it is important to update your voter registration information so that you are voting for the candidates who will represent you.

4. Why should I pre-register?

Voting will be faster and easier if you are registered to vote when you arrive at the polls on Election Day. You can register on Election Day, however you will need to bring proofs of residency with you.

5. How do I register on Election Day?

To register on Election Day, you must have one of the following forms of identification showing your current address:
• Minnesota drivers license, learner's permit, or Minnesota identification card with your current address.
• A previous registration in the same precinct at another address.
• A "Notice of Ineffective/Late Registration" -- If you have attempted to register in advance but for some reason your registration was rejected, you would receive this official notice from Watonwan County.
• Someone who is registered in your same precinct and who knows you reside in the precinct may accompany you to the polls and vouch for you.
• A combination of a picture ID and a current utility bill (gas, electric, cable TV, water, solid waste/sewer, internet provider services, or rent statement) can be used. The utility bill must show the voter's name and current address in the precinct and must not be over 30 days old. Telephone, television or internet services bill acceptable regardless of how they are delivered (ie. Cell, VOIP, cable, satellite, etc.) The photo ID establishes the voter's identity:
- MN Drivers License or MN ID (not at current address)
- Passport
- Student ID
- Military ID
- Tribal ID's issued by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of Interior. If ID contains voter's name, current address, signature and picture, it can be used alone. If ID contains the name, signature and picture, then it can be used along with a current utility bill.
Students
The above proof of residency also apply for college students in addition to:
- A current valid student identification card from a post-secondary educational institution in Minnesota if a list of students from that institution has been prepared and certified to the County Treasurer-Auditor in the manner provided in rules of the Secretary of State.
- A current student fee statement that contains the student's valid address in the precinct together with a picture identification card.

6. Can I take time off of work to vote?

Every employee who is eligible to vote in an election has the right to be absent from work for the purpose of voting during the morning of the day of that election, without penalty or deduction from salary or wages because of the absence.

7. What if I cannot get to the polls on Election Day?

You may cast an absentee ballot if you are unable to get to your polling site on Election Day. Absentee ballots are available 30 days before an election. Requesting a ballot is a two step process. First, you must complete an absentee ballot application. Then, you will receive a blank ballot to vote and return. If you are eligible to vote absentee, you may do so either by mail or in person. Absentee ballots and voting is conducted at the Watonwan County Auditors Office, located in the Watonwan County Courthouse at 710 2nd Avenue South, St. James, (507) 375-1210. Absentee voting can be done until 5:00 on the day prior to the General Election.

Watonwan County Election Information

8. Can I get assistance if I am disabled?

All polling places are required to be accessible to persons with disabilities and election judges are available for assistance. Voters who are physically unable to enter a polling place may, with the assistance of two election judges of different political parties, register and vote without leaving their vehicle. Absentee balloting is also available prior to Election Day.

9. What if I am not registered but still want to cast an absentee ballot?

If you are not a registered voter, you can still register and vote by absentee ballot. A voter registration application will be included with your absentee ballot materials. The completed application is returned with your voted ballot. The voter registration application cannot be returned separately.

10. How can I serve as an election judge?

Election judges are an integral part of the election process. The hours for working on Election Day are 6 a.m. until votes are counted after the polls close at 8 p.m. Election judges may serve as many hours as needed in the precinct to which they are assigned. All judges must attend a training session before working at the polls on Election Day. If you are interested in serving as an election judge, please contact City Hall at (507) 375-3241 or visit the election judge information on this website.

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1. Does the City have a rebate program?

Yes, you can apply for a load management credit for both central air conditioning and for electric water meters. The refund is applied to your December billing. We also provide rebates for a number of energy savings appliances. Rebate applications are also available at city hall. For information or the online application visit Bright Energy Solutions

2. Who do I call if I am out of power (no electrical service)?

Call City Hall at (507) 375-3241 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friday. After hours call (507) 375-3121 and an employee will be dispatched to your location.

3. What affects my electrical usage from month to month?

Hot or cold weather affect usage; the number of days from the previous reading to the present reading compared to the prior month, adding or eliminating appliances may affect usage. Appliances that are not working properly can also affect your electrical usage.

4. How can I reduce my electric bill?

Go the the energy conservation page for information about ways to conserve your energy.

5. What if I have additional questions about my utility bill or billing statement?

You can visit the utilities FAQS on this site. Utility FAQS

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1. How do I contact a city department?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

2. How do I register to vote?

Voter Registration Applications are available at the Watonwan County Auditors Office. Applications are also available at your local post office, school district office and libraries.

You can also register to vote when applying for or renewing your drivers license. The information will be forwarded to Watonwan County for processing.

Preregistration closes 20 days prior to an election.

3. Who do I call if I am out of power (no electrical service)?

Call City Hall at 507-375-3241 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday. After hours, call 507-375-3121, and an employee will be dispatched to your location.

4. How do I get ahold of Animal Control/the Dog Catcher?

During normal City Hall business hours, call City Hall at 507-375-3241. After hours call the Law Enforcement Center at 507-375-3121.

5. What is the quality of our drinking water?

The City of St. James prepares an annual report called Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). This report is a detailed summary of our drinking water quality. The CCR is published in the local Shopper Guide every June. Copies are available at City Hall at no cost (in both English and Spanish) or can be requested by calling City Hall at 507-375-3241. View the Consumer Confidence Report.

6. When do I need a building permit?

Building permits, governed under the MN Building Code, are required for any owner or contractor who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy/use of a building or structure. A permit is also required to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any gas, mechanical, electrical, plumbing system, shingles, siding or other equipment when the installation is regulated by the code.

A person wanting to do such work shall make application to the building official and obtain a permit prior to the beginning of any construction activity. Questions about whether or not a permit is required should contact the Building Official.

7. Who are my legislators?

Follow this link to find out: https://www.gis.leg.mn/iMaps/districts/

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1. How do I contact a city/county department?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

2. Where can I find the answers to my frequently asked questions?

Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.

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1. What is zoning?

Zoning is a land designation that regulates the way in which land and buildings / structures located on that land may be used by landowners and/or renters. The Zoning Ordinance also regulates such things as:

• Building placement
• Building size
• Density
• Fences
• Ground coverage
• Height
• Lighting
• Minimum lot size
• Noise
• Parking
• Signs
• Yard requirements

2. Do I need a building permit?

Generally speaking, you will need a permit any time you are constructing a new structure or altering an existing structure. This includes accessory buildings (e.g. garages, storage sheds, workshops), principle structures, interior remodels, additions, shingling, windows, and siding. Also, if you are changing the use of a building you may need to apply for a building permit--even if there is no remodeling involved. When in doubt contact your local zoning administrator!

3. When do I need to apply for a sign permit?

Sign Permits are required for new, relocated, or redesigned exterior signs within the City of St. James. Exterior signs may be mounted to the wall, free-standing, or monument signs. A sign permit should be approved prior to the construction of a sign. Submit a sign permit with the Zoning Administrator.

The purpose of sign permits are to allow effective signage appropriate to the character of each zoning district, to promote an attractive environment by minimizing visual clutter and confusion, to minimize adverse impacts on nearby property, and to protect public health, safety, and general welfare.

Some temporary signs, such as real estate signs, construction signs, grand opening signs, etc., are permitted without a permit. Temporary signs must follow the St. James City Code § 156.033.B.

Sign Permit Application

4. When do I need to apply for a zoning permit?

Refer to the zoning permit application page to learn when you need to apply for a zoning permit. Zoning Permit Application

5. Where can I build a fence?

The Zoning Ordinance defines where a fence can be built, fence height and other details. View "St. James Fence Information" for more details. St. James Fence Information

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1. Do I need a Rental License if a relative is living in my house?

Yes. A residence that is occupied by anyone other than the owner of the property, even if it is a family member, is still considered a rental property as rent can be in the form of cash or maintaining the property. Relatives include, but are not limited to, children and grandchildren.

2. How long is my rental license good for?

Rental licenses are issued for each calendar year. They expire December 31 of each. Annual applications are required for every property in the city of St. James.

3. How much does the Rental License cost?

Rental license fees are set by the City Council. Presently the fee is $30 per building, not rental unit.

4. Whose responsibliity is it to have meters read in a rental property?

It is the landlord's responsibility to notify City Hall if a tenant has moved in or out of a property.

5. As a landlord, can I disconnect utilities if I am forcing a tenant to move out or evicting them?

The City of St. James Public Utilities will not disconnect the tenants utility service as part of a landlord's attempt to evict a tenant. It is the policy of the City of St. James that such matters are private, civil matters between the landlord and the tenant and it is not appropriate for the City to terminate utility services for purposes of an eviction.

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1. What should I do if I think my meter reading is incorrect?

Contact City Hall and request that the meter be re-read. If the reading is found to be incorrect your bill will be adjusted with the next billing.

2. When do I need a meter deposit?

Residential non-property owners (renters) and contract for deed owners must pay a deposit of $200.00. The balance of your deposit after your final bill is paid will be refunded when you purchase a house or move out of town. If you have a commercial business, contact City Hall for questions about meter deposits.

3. How can I get my utilities reconnected if they have been disconnected?

Utilities can be reconnected by contacting City Hall Monday - Thursday from 8:00 - 5:00, Friday from 8:00 - 4:00. If you need your utilities reconnected after hours, you should contact the Watonwan County Communication Center at (507) 375-3222. There is an additional charge for this afterhours service that is the responsibility of the utility customer.

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1. Where does the city get its water?

The City of St. James uses ground water as its source of drinking water. The city has eight wells ranging from 45 feet deep to 201 feet deep located one to two miles north of town. These are located in a aquifer called Shallow Quaternary and Buried Quaternary. What this means is that they are located in a pocket of gravel.

2. What is the quality of our drinking water?

The City of St. James prepares an annual report called Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). This report is a detailed summary of our drinking water quality. 

View the Consumer Confidence Report.

3. What is water hardness?

Water hardness is related to the amount of calcium, magnesium, or iron minerals in the water. The more of these minerals present in the water, the harder the water is. City of St. James water is considered moderately hard. It contains between 23-35 grains per gallon, or about 400-600 parts per million (ppm), of hardness. Water hardness of the city's finished water does not stay constant but may vary on a monthly basis depending on which wells are being used at the time.

4. What is the fluoride level in the drinking water?

Fluoride occurs naturally in ground water. The concentration in the raw water is usually low (less than .4 mg/I). Fluoride is added to the finished water at the St. James Treatment Plant to help prevent tooth decay. The average concentration of fluoride in the finished water is 1.2 mg/l.

5. How is excessive water usage charged?

Excessive water usage due to a malfunctioning water softener, leaking toilet or faucet will be charged for water usage at the regular usage rate. If the utility bill is excessive and the resident is unable to pay the bill in full by the due date arrangements can be made to pay the bill over a period of time without penalty. The water department staff must confirm that there was a malfunction or leaking equipment and office staff will set up the repayment agreement with the resident.

6. What will I see when the water department flushes fire hydrants?

When the City is flushing hydrants you could experience rusty colored water. It is not recommended that you wash clothes during this time. While this is occurring the water is safe to drink.