Conducting City Business
City buildings remain closed to the public with the exception of Blaine City Hall which is open by appointment only. Specific information regarding appointment scheduling can be found in each department section below. Most city business can still be conducted remotely by contacting staff by email or phone. You can find contact information at BlaineMN.gov/Directory.
Building Status
- Blaine City Hall
(by appointment only, see specific department information for details)
10801 Town Square Drive NE - Blaine Public Works
(closed to the public)
1801 101st Avenue NE - Mary Ann Young Center
(closed for all large group senior programming; one on one appointments are available for specific services)
9150 Central Ave NE - All city park buildings
(closed, except for small group meetings and classes)
How to Conduct Business Without Coming to City Facilities
While city hall is open by appointment only, the majority of city business can continue to be conducted without in person meetings. City staff will continue to be reachable by phone or email. To reach city staff, please view the complete staff directory. If you are unsure of who to contact, please call 763-784-6700 or email Communications@BlaineMN.gov.
Some services are currently suspended, these services include:
- Car seat checks
- Bike helmet fittings
New Options to Communicate with the City
The City of Blaine has new options available to communicate with the city.
- Online Chat - On the city website BlaineMN.gov, look for the new chat feature in the bottom right hand corner.
- Text the City - Residents can text the city with COVID-19 related questions at 763-292-4569.
City staff is available Monday - Friday 8AM to 4:30PM to answer questions and guide visitors to the correct information. Both options allow for after hours contact, just leave your message and city staff will respond between normal business hours.
Departments Offering In-Person Appointments
- Building Inspections
- City Clerk
- Community Standards
- Elections
- Engineering
- Parks and Recreation
- Planning
- Police Department
- Utility Billing
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Conducting City Business
Building inspections of interior privately occupied homes are currently being completed by a virtual inspection. You will need access to FaceTime on an iPhone or a Skype like app for other types of phones. When you schedule your inspection, the scheduler will give you a half hour window during which the inspector will call you for your virtual inspection. Commercial and new construction inspections will continue as normal.
Plan Review Time
- Review time is up to 15 business days due to the COVID-19 process and the busy construction season.
Scheduling Inspections
- 612-422-3285
Dropbox Plan Submittal Questions
- 612-206-6883
Licensing and Certificate of Occupancy Questions
- 612-422-3291
Septic System Questions
- 612-240-9611
All Other Questions
- 612-206-6883
- 612-422-3291
- 612-240-9611
Plan Submittal Process
See individual permit requirements for residential and commercial construction.
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Blaine City Hall is Open by Appointment Only
You can access permit applications, requirements, and submittal information at BlaineMN.gov/BuildingInspections. Most city business can still be conducted remotely by contacting staff by email or phone. You can find contact information at BlaineMN.gov/Directory. If you have questions or a request that were not answered on the building inspections page, please schedule an appointment request.
Once your request is received, you will be contacted by a building inspections team member to assist you and prepare for your appointment.
Building inspections is available for in-person appointments for:
- Property Inquiries
- Residential Permit Assistance
- Commercial Permit Assistance
Please remember that everyone visiting city hall must wear a face mask before entering city hall and at all times while in the building. If you do not have a face mask, the city will provide a disposable one to you.
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Conducting City Business
Business license applications are being processed as normal and can be accessed at BlaineMN.gov/CityClerk. Questions about business licensing can be emailed to BlaineBusinessLicensing@BlaineMN.gov. -
Blaine City Hall is Open by Appointment Only
Most city business can still be conducted remotely by contacting staff by email or phone. You can find contact information at BlaineMN.gov/Directory. Have other concerns that would be better addressed in person? Blaine City Hall is now open by appointment only.
The city clerk's office is available for in-person appointments for:
- Business Licensing
- Door-to-Door Solicitor Information
- Massage Therapy License
- Special Event License
- Tobacco License
Please remember that everyone visiting city hall must wear a face mask before entering city hall and at all times while in the building. If you do not have a face mask, the city will provide a disposable one to you.
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Conducting City Business
Community Standards includes fire inspections, housing/rental inspections, and neighborhood services also known as code enforcement.
All annual and routine fire, housing, and neighborhood services inspections will be suspended until the public health emergency is over. Permit inspections will be conducted on a limited basis. Inspections that are required for new construction projects needing to obtain a certificate of occupancy will be scheduled based on staff availability. Staff will be able to respond to phone messages and emails as necessary during this time.
Complaints, whether fire, housing, or code related will be documented. Only complaints regarding exterior issues or which pose a life safety hazard will be followed up on during this time. All other complaints will be recorded and followed up on after the public health emergency is over. For more information, please contact Linda Archer at 763-785-6187 or email LArcher@BlaineMN.gov.
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Blaine City Hall is Open by Appointment Only
Most city business can still be conducted remotely by contacting staff by email or phone. You can find contact information at BlaineMN.gov/Directory. Have other concerns that would be better addressed in person? Blaine City Hall is now open by appointment only.
Community standards is available for in-person appointments for:
- Fire Permits
- Plan Review
- Rental License Application
- Rental License Renewal
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The general election is going to be a little different this year. With the current COVID-19 pandemic the Secretary of State’s office and Anoka County has worked hard to provide protective supply items for all polling places across the state. In addition to hand sanitizer, disinfectant, and face masks voters will also see table top plastic barriers to protect both judges and voters while checking in, single use pens, and floor markings for distancing. Election officials will be following the CDC recommendations for polling places with additional guidance from the MN Department of Health on social distancing, cleaning, and other ways to reduce the possible spread within the polling place.
Absentee Voting
In the August 11 primary election, 53 percent of Blaine voters who participated in the election voted absentee, either in person or by mail. This trend is expected to continue for the November 3 general election. The City of Blaine is working on several options to make absentee voting easier for residents who choose that option. Voters who wish to receive an absentee ballot by mail will be able to drop off their ballot at Blaine City Hall or the Mary Ann Young Center instead of returning the ballot by mail.
Vote by Mail
Voters can take advantage of voting by mail to help reduce spread of disease. Voting from home is easy and available to any Minnesota voter through the absentee balloting system. To request a ballot by mail to vote from home go to MNVotes.org. A ballot drop box is available at Blaine City Hall and the Mary Ann Young Center during normal business hours. An appointment is not needed to drop off a completed absentee ballot.
Absentee Ballot Drop Off
The City of Blaine has two ballot drop off locations. If you requested a ballot by mail and are a Blaine resident you can return it to a Blaine ballot drop off location.Locations:Mary Ann Young Center, 9150 Central Avenue NEBlaine City Hall, 10801 Town Square Drive NE
Hours:
September 18 - October 30, Monday - Friday, 8AM - 4:30PM
Saturday, October 31, 10AM - 3PM
Monday, November 2, 8AM - 5PM
Tuesday, November 3, 8AM - 3PM
Mailed Ballot Deadline
If you have a concern about a recently mailed ballot reaching its destination in time for the new Election Day deadline you have some options.-
Track your ballot on MNVotes.org to view its status.
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Go to Blaine's early voting location at the Mary Ann Young Center and ask to have your mailed ballot spoiled and complete a new ballot.
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Go to your polling place on Election Day, ask to have your mail ballot spoiled and complete a new ballot.
Vote Early In-Person
In person absentee voting is available at the Mary Ann Young Center, 9150 Central Avenue NE. Voting is available at the following times.
September 18 - October 30, Monday - Friday, 8AM - 4:30PM
Saturday, October 31, 10AM - 3PM
Monday, November 2, 8AM - 5PM
For more information on absentee voting or other voting-related questions contact Blaine Elections Office at Elections@BlaineMN.gov or 763-717-2737.
Election Day Voting
On Election Day November 3, all 24 polling places in Blaine will be open from 7AM until 8PM. Anyone in line at 8PM will be able to vote.
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Blaine City Hall Elections Office is Open by Appointment Only
Most city business can still be conducted remotely by contacting staff by email or phone. You can find contact information at BlaineMN.gov/Directory. Have other concerns that would be better addressed in person? Blaine City Hall is now open by appointment only.
The election's office is available for in-person appointments to:- Determine Where to Vote
Appointments are not needed for in person absentee voting at the Mary Ann Young Center or for ballot drop off at Blaine City Hall or Mary Ann Young Center.
Please remember that everyone visiting any city building must wear a face mask before entering and at all times while in the building. If you do not have a face mask, the city will provide a disposable one to you.
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Conducting City Business
The engineering department will continue to move forward on projects during the pandemic. Anyone with questions is asked to contact Lucy Gray at 763-785-6172 or LGray@BlaineMN.gov. -
Blaine City Hall is Open by Appointment Only
Most city business can still be conducted remotely by contacting staff by email or phone. You can find contact information at BlaineMN.gov/Directory. Have other concerns that would be better addressed in person? Blaine City Hall is now open by appointment only.
Engineering is available for in-person appointments for:
- Assessments
- Land Reclamation Permits
- Right of Way Permits
Please remember that everyone visiting city hall must wear a face mask before entering city hall and at all times while in the building. If you do not have a face mask, the city will provide a disposable one to you.
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For up to date facility and program status information, visit BlaineMN.gov/ParkRecStatus.
Conducting City Business
Virtual park and recreation programming is currently being offered by the City of Blaine as in person events and programs are on pause.
All City of Blaine parks are open and city playgrounds are open with the following guidance.- The playgrounds are not cleaned or sanitized, use at your own risk.
- Social distancing guidelines must be followed when using the playgrounds.
- Keep at least six feet of space between individuals not from your household.
- Parents and guardians should ensure children wash and/or sanitize their hands after touching play structures.
- Do not use if you are feeling sick.
For more information, contact Recreation@BlaineMN.gov or call 763-785-6164.
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Conducting City Business
Planning applications, development activity, fee schedules, sign permits, zoning information, chicken licenses, and a staff directory can be found at BlaineMN.gov/Planning.
During this time, please email all general inquiries and questions to probinson@blainemn.gov. Your message will be routed accordingly.
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Blaine City Hall is Open by Appointment Only
Most city business can still be conducted remotely by contacting staff by email or phone. You can find contact information at BlaineMN.gov/Directory.
If have reviewed the planning page and have other concerns that would be better addressed in person, you may schedule an appointment. Once your appointment is received, you will be contacted by a planner to assist you in preparing for your appointment.
Planning is available for in-person appointments for:
- Planning and Zoning Application Assistance
- Property Inquiries
- Sign or Chicken Permit Assistance
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Conducting City Business
The police department is continuing to respond to calls for service. In an emergency always call 911. If you need to speak with an officer in a non-emergency situation call 763-427-1212. If your needs are administrative in nature such as gun permits or data requests, call 763-785-6168 or email BPDRec@BlaineMN.gov.
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Blaine City Hall is Open by Appointment Only
Most city business can still be conducted remotely by contacting staff by email or phone. You can find contact information at BlaineMN.gov/Directory. Have other concerns that would be better addressed in person? Blaine City Hall is now open by appointment only.
Police is available for in-person appointments for:
- Alarm Permit Purchase
- Dog License Purchase
- Evidence Release
- Gun Permits
- Predatory Offender Registration
Please remember that everyone visiting city hall must wear a face mask before entering city hall and at all times while in the building. If you do not have a face mask, the city will provide a disposable one to you.
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Conducting City Business
At this point there are no interruptions in utility billing service; bills will continue to be produced and delivered as normally scheduled. For all customers: payment deadlines will be relaxed; if customers are experiencing difficulty in making timely payments on their utility bills, please leave a voicemail for a utility billing representative at 763-785-6141 or email UtilityRequests@BlaineMN.gov. A utility billing staff member will get back to you as soon as possible.
Customers signed up for automatic payment who are experiencing financial hardship should contact utility billing to stop automatic payments and discuss other options. At this time, the city is not accepting in person utility bill payments. There are several other ways to pay your utility bill.
- Make an online payments at BlaineMN.gov/PayMyBill
- Drop payment off in the outside drop box at Blaine City Hall
- Mail payment in the provided envelope sent with a mailed utility bill
- Signup for city bank drafting (will take 1 bill cycle to setup)
- Signup for a bill payment service with account holder’s bank
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Blaine City Hall is Open by Appointment Only
Most city business can still be conducted remotely by contacting staff by email or phone. You can find contact information at BlaineMN.gov/Directory. Have other concerns that would be better addressed in person? Blaine City Hall is now open by appointment only.
Utility billing is available for in-person appointments for:
- Account Inquiries
- Payments (same day appointments only)
Please remember that everyone visiting city hall must wear a face mask before entering city hall and at all times while in the building. If you do not have a face mask, the city will provide a disposable one to you.
Connect with Other City Departments
Blaine City Council, Boards, and Commissions
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The Blaine City Council and other boards and commissions will continue to meet. However, the meetings will not be held at Blaine City Hall. All meetings will be held virtually until further notice. There are multiple ways for the public to still participate in the meetings before and during the actual meeting.
Public Comment Before a MeetingCity staff has developed a public comment process for virtual meetings. A public comment email address, PublicComment@BlaineMN.gov, and phone number, 763-717-2782, allow individuals to submit comments prior to a meeting. Those comment boxes are available until noon on the day of the meeting. The comments will be compiled and delivered to the Blaine City Council or the appropriate commission or advisory board.
Public Comment During a Meeting
During the meeting, members of the public who wish to comment during public comment periods will be asked to join the meeting on the Zoom webinar platform. Meeting attendees will be able to click the raise hand button, this will alert city staff that an individual wishes to comment. When it is time for comments, individuals will be recognized and their microphones will be enabled allowing them to comment. Zoom meeting information can be found in the calendar notification and on the agenda for each meeting. For more information and to view the meeting calendar, visit BlaineMN.gov/CityMeetings.
Ways to Watch a Meeting
If you do not wish to comment on an item but still want to watch the meeting you are asked to watch through all the normal methods the city provides. You can watch on the Blaine city cable channel which is available on Comcast (channel 799 and 16) or through the free North Metro TV app on Apple TV or Roku. You can also watch a live stream at BlaineMN.gov/Video.
Any questions regarding Blaine City Council meetings, please contact City Clerk Cathy Sorensen at 763-785-6124 or CSorsensen@BlaineMN.gov.
Human Resources
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Conducting City Business
In response to the uncertain economic impact of COVID-19 the City of Blaine is moving forward with a limited hiring process at this time. For more information on potential future openings, visit BlaineMN.gov/Jobs or call 763-717-2653.
Mary Ann Young Center
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Limited In Person Programing Open, Virtual Options Still Available
The Mary Ann Young Center is currently closed for all large group senior programming. Limited small group in person programming is currently being offered. Individual appointments are also available for specific services.
MAYC staff continue to connect with seniors through virtual programs and phone calls. Learn more about current virtual and in person program offerings in the MAYC Connect newsletter. The senior lunch program continues in a curbside pickup format for those in need. Please contact staff at 763-786-9375 for more information.
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Conducting City Business
Blaine Public Works will continue the majority of operations. The public works facility and office are closed to the general public. Only prearranged visitors will be allowed entry into the public works facility. Meters will be issued by pre-arranged appointment only. Equipment and parts delivery and scheduled contractors will be allowed limited access to perform maintenance. Crews will work in small teams, wear face masks, and practice social distancing as much as possible.
For more information, please call 763-785-6165 or email PW@BlaineMN.gov.