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MISCELLANEOUS TIDBITS

Where do I get a 911 address? Currently, any existing site within the county has a 911 address. Contact the Faribault County Sheriff’s Department if there is a question on the current 911 address of the site. To obtain a 911 address for a new building site, contact the Planning and Zoning Office. What about my 911 sign? Currently, all existing sites within the county have a 911 sign located at the end of their driveway for emergency service purposes. For new building sites, a fee must be paid at the time a building permit is applied for to obtain a 911 sign. New addresses are assigned by the Planning and Zoning Office.   What if there is a wetland on my property? Wetlands provide a number of benefits to improving water quality by filtering pollutants to surface and ground water, utilization as a recharge area for groundwater, and are natural floodwater and storm water retention areas. Other benefits include providing wildlife habitat and recreational uses such as wildlife viewing, hunting, and fishing.  An area does not have to hold water throughout the year to be considered a wetland. To retain the benefits of wetlands, they are protected by state and federal laws. Violation of these laws may require restoration and/or replacement at the landowner’s expense. Anyone proposing to drain, fill, or excavate a wetland on their property must first contact the SWCD Office. Where do I get a burning permit? To obtain a burning permit, the applicant must apply in person and have the permit in possession while burning. For information on location and time to apply for a permit, contact your local DNR Forestry Office or nearest City Clerk.  Additional burning questions, such as when a permit is and is not needed and what materials can and cannot be burned, can be found at www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/questions.html Burning permits are good for one year. Where can I purchase trees for a windbreak? Free technical assistance is available from the SWCD for developing a field or farmstead windbreak plan. A minimum of three rows is recommended for a new farmstead windbreak. Adequate space is required between rows and between the proposed windbreak and existing buildings to ensure proper performance. Windbreaks are subject to County Zoning setbacks from roads. Conservation trees can be purchased each year from the Soil and Water Conservation District. Contact the SWCD for the time of year to place your order, a list of trees available, and current prices, or go to www.faribaultcountyswcd.com   Private nurseries or landscape contractors may also have services available for windbreak plantings. What can I contact township officials for? Each of the 20 townships throughout Faribault County has a Board of Supervisors. These boards meet monthly and address township issues such as road grading, snow removal, and setting township levies. The overall goal of these boards is to provide guidance and general protection of their individual townships. If there are questions or concerns that you may have, a good place to start would be with your Township Clerk. A listing of current Clerks and members can be obtained at the Faribault County Auditor’s Office. How can I contact other local elected officials? Faribault County has other local elected officials, such as County Commissioners and Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisors, whose job it is to represent the constituents of their district.  For contact information and elected official districts, go to www.faribaultcountyswcd.com BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOR Be considerate!  It's the number one aspect of being a good neighbor.  This can mean many different things.  Also, there are certain aspects of farming and rural living that new neighbors may want to consider.  Here are a few: Try not to make noise that your neighbors may hear late at night and early in the morning Don't allow your pets to get into your neighbors yard When hunting, snowmobiling, or four wheeling, always ask before going on your neighbors property Be aware of state trespass laws and regulations concerning the use of off road vehicles If you have a neighborhood concern, speak to them in a calm manner right away Remember that animal waste does smell, so expect some odor once in a while - it's a part of agriculture Expect late night combine or tractor noises in the spring and fall Remember that your neighbors have the right to farm and you can expect normal and accepted farm practices from them BE SAFE!  When out driving on any road, be aware of farm machinery and trucks that will be out working, especially during spring and fall seasons. Who do I call for a chemical spill? REPORT CHEMICAL AND FUEL OIL SPILLS IMMEDIATELY!  Minnesota State Duty Officer - On Call 24 Hours a Day 1-800-422-0798 or 1-651-649-5451 TDD 1-800-627-3529 Be ready to provide the following information when contacting the Minnesota Duty Officer or other emergency personnel: telephone number for call backs at the scene or facility have local officials been notified of the accident date, time, and location of the incident materials and quantity involved in the accident responsible party of incident what kind of assistance is requested what has happened or what is happening