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1. Which building code does the city follow?

The city currently follows the 2012 International Building Code.

2. What does the city follow for plumbing and electrical codes?

The plumbing and electrical codes are govern by the current State of South Dakota plumbing and electrical codes.

3. When is a building permit required?

Some examples of when a building permit is required include:
1) Any remodel or basement finish
2) Any new additions
3) New fences over 6 feet in height
4) Any change of use of the space
5) New decks and garden sheds over 200 square feet

Note: Smaller projects may be exempt by the Building Official. Please call 605-995-8433 for more information.

4. What is needed to obtain a building permit?

1) Plot plan (how the building/addition is positioned on the lot)
2) Building plan (wall, roof, footing detail)

Please call 605-995-8433 for more information.

5. How are setbacks measured?

All setbacks are measured from the overhang of the structure to the property line.

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1. What is a Citizen's Academy?

The Citizen's Fire Academy is your opportunity to learn more about how the Mitchell Fire Department operates. The Citizen's Fire Academy is a group of Mitchell area citizens who are interested in learning more about how their Fire Department operates and the public safety challenges our community faces. Participants in each session commit to meeting for 3 hours 1 night per week, for 8 weeks, to learn about each aspect of the department. The Citizen's Fire Academy will conclude with a Fire Field Day. Please call 605-995-8400 for more information.

2. What is the purpose of the Academy?

The purpose of the Mitchell Fire Citizen's Academy is to develop positive relations between the Fire Department and the community through education and understanding. The goals are to create a growing group of responsible, well-informed citizens who have the potential of influencing the public opinions about Fire Department practices and services. Citizens will gain an appreciation of the problems and challenges facing public safety and have an opportunity to offer comments and ideas regarding solutions. Please call 605-995-8400 for more information.

3. Who instructs the Academy?

Instructors are certified firefighters and personnel from the department who speak on their areas of expertise, as well as specialized guest speakers. Please call 605-995-8400 for more information.

4. How are participants selected?

Participants must be 18 years of age or older. They must be a resident of the City of Mitchell, or a business owner in the area or otherwise have a vested interest in the community. Participants will be chosen at the discretion of the Fire Prevention Bureau and the Chief of Public Safety after backgrounds and references have been checked. Please call 605-995-8400 for more information.

5. What subjects are covered?

-1 day hands-on operations
-CPR and AED certification
-Fire Behavior
-Fire Control
-Fire Prevention and Education
-HazMat operations
-Rescue and Extrication
-Ropes and Knots

Please call 605-995-8400 for more information.

6. What does it cost?

There is no cost to attend the Citizen's Academy. Please call 605-995-8400 for more information.

7. How do I apply?

Contact the Mitchell Fire Department to pick up an application at 201 West 1st or call 605-995-8400 for more information.

Another option is to download the Citizen's Fire Academy Application and mail it to:
201 W 1st
Mitchell, SD 57301
Attn: Assistant Chief Paul Morris.

Citizen's Academy class size is limited to the first 12 approved applicants. The deadline is March 31, 2016. Access the Online Citizen's Academy Application.

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1. What is a Citizen's Academy?

The Citizen's Police Academy is your opportunity to learn more about how the Mitchell Police Department operates. The Citizen's Police Academy is a group of Mitchell area citizens who are interested in learning more about how their Police Department operates and the policing challenges our community faces. Participants in each session commit to meeting for 3 hours 1 night per week, for 10 weeks, to learn about each aspect of the department. Please call 605-995-8400 for more information.

2. What is the purpose of the Academy?

The purpose of the Mitchell Police Citizens' Academy is to develop positive relations between the police and community through education. The goals are to create a growing group of responsible, well-informed citizens who have the potential of influencing the public opinions about police practices and services. Citizens will gain an appreciation of the problems and challenges facing law enforcement and have an opportunity to offer comments and ideas regarding solutions. Please call 605-995-8400 for more information.

3. Who instructs the Academy?

Instructors are officers and personnel from the department who speak on their areas of expertise, as well as specialized guest speakers. Please call 605-995-8400 for more information.

4. How are participants selected?

Participants must be 18 years of age or older. They must be a resident of the City of Mitchell, or a business owner in the area or otherwise have a vested interest in the community. Participants will be chosen at the discretion of the Crime Prevention Unit and Chief of Police after backgrounds and references have been checked. Please call 605-995-8400 for more information.

5. What subjects are covered?

- DWI, Drug Task Force, K-9
- Communications Division
- Criminal Investigations
- Department Tour
- Firearms Policies/Use of Force
- Motor Vehicle Enforcement
- Patrol Division
- Recruitment and Training
- Search and Seizure/Laws of Arrest
- Special Operations

Please call 605-995-8400 for more information.

6. What does it cost?

There is no cost to attend the Citizen's Academy. Please call 605-995-8400 for more information.

7. How do I apply?

Contact the Mitchell Police to pick up an application at 201 West 1st or call 605-995-8400 for more information.

Another option is to download the Citizen's Academy Application and mail it to:
201 W 1st
Mitchell, SD 57301
Attn: Sgt. Mike Koster

Citizens Academy class size is limited to the first 20 approved applicants. Access the Online Citizen's Academy Application.

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1. How do I schedule an item on the City Council Agenda?

Contact the Finance Office at 605-995-8420 or send an email.

2. How do I request an accommodation for a Council Meeting?

Contact the Finance Office at 605-995-8420.

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1. How long after a snowstorm do I have to shovel my sidewalk?

You have within 48 hours after a snowfall or the formation of ice on the sidewalk. All of the sidewalk must be cleared.

2. If I receive an Order to Correct letter from the city, how long do I have to fix the problem?

You have 14 days to correct the problem that is stated on the Letter to Correct. If you cannot fix the problem(s) stated on the Letter to Correct, you MUST contact the Public Works Office.

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1. How do I receive compost collection each week?

The City collects compostable materials curbside on the same day as your garbage collection at a cost of $4 per month for the months of April - October. A special green compost cart is required and one can be purchased through the city at a cost of $70. If compost collection service is discontinued and later you decide to re-establish service, a fee of $20 plus the $4 per month charge will be assessed to your account. Compost carts will be collected only street side, no alley collection.

No plastic bags will be allowed in the compost cart. City ordinance requires compost carts to be removed from the street side after collection. Please call 605-995-8465 for more information.

2. What about leaf collection in the fall of the year?

A city wide leaf collection will be held each fall from mid-October to mid-November. A schedule will be announced in the newspaper and local radio stations for this collection. Leaves will be collected curbside during this time period in paper compostable bags only! Please call 605-995-8433 for more information.

3. Can I haul my grass and leaves myself?

A drop-off site has been established for the disposal of grass clippings, garden waste, leaves and other soft compostable materials. It is located at 1400 West 8th Avenue, next to the Street Department Shop. The drop off site will be open Spring through the Fall, depending on weather, everyday. To check the status of the drop off site, please see: www.cityofmitchell.org/sanitation.  No branches are accepted at this location.  Branches can be taken to the Mitchell Regional Landfill.  There will no longer be an onsite attendant, the site will be monitored by cameras. In case of an emergency please contact the police department at 995-8400.

You may also take leaves and compost free of charge to The City of Mitchell Regional Landfill. The hours of the Landfill are Monday- Friday 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM and Saturday 8 AM –1 PM. The Landfill is open Tuesday evenings until 7 PM through the end of October.

No commercial dumping of leaves grass clippings and garden waste (soft compostable material) allowed at this site. Commercial dumping is allowed at City of Mitchell Regional Landfill free of charge.

Any questions call 995-8465.

4. What do I do with tree branches?

Tree branches are considered garbage and should be cut up and placed in your garbage cart for collection or hauled out the landfill. There will be a charge for tree branches disposed of at the landfill. Please call 605-995-8465 for more information.

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1. If I want to widen my driveway opening or make a new one, what is the process?

You will need to fill out a curb breakout permit, they are free and the Engineer’s Office will follow up with specifications and details for you to follow. Please call 605-995-8435 for more information, or download a curb breakout permit (PDF).

2. If I replace my driveway are there any specifications I must follow?

You should follow the city standards and not exceed the ADA cross slope for the sidewalk section. Please call 605-995-8435 for more information.

3. If I want to repair or install new sidewalk along my property what is the process?

You will need to get a free sidewalk permit and follow the city’s sidewalk specifications. You will also need to contact the city’s Engineering Office to come out and inspect the forms before pour. Please call 605-995-8435 for more information, or download a sidewalk permit.

4. If my sidewalk is cracked/heaved or has other hazards, who is responsible for repairs or accidents caused by these hazards?

The property owner is responsible for maintenance and any accidents that happen on your sidewalk. Please call 605-995-8435 for more information.

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1. What kind of refuse can I put in the container?

Paper, cans and other typical household trash are allowed in the container. Large items should be flattened to save space. Do not over-stuff the cart. In the interest of container cleanliness, we encourage you to use plastic bags for wet garbage and to occasionally wash out your container with a garden hose. Only material placed in the cart will be collected. Please call 605-995-8465 for more information.

2. What if I have items that are too large to fit into the cart?

The city will provide to our customers a special collection for oversize items once a year in the spring.  You may also take these items to the landfill. Please call 605-995-8465 for more information.

3. What items are unacceptable to put in the cart for collection?

We do not accept large quantities of dirt, large rocks, oil, gas, paint, hot ashes, furniture and remodeling or demolition debris. Please call 605-995-8465 for more information.

4. What if snow is piled up on the boulevard?

You may either place the cart in the street next to the gutter or shovel a place on the boulevard for your container to set on the day of collection. Please call 605-995-8465 for more information.

5. What if the container gets full before collection day?

You may purchase a $1 sticker to be placed on an occasional extra bag of garbage for collection. If you find that this happens too often you may need to request a larger cart or multiple carts for the extra material. Please call 605-995-8465 for more information.

6. On what day will my garbage be collected?

Consult the garbage route map to determine the day of the week your area of the city will be collected. Garbage, compost and recyclables will all be collected on the same day. Download the

Garbage Route Map (PDF)

7. What if the cart becomes damaged?

Carts that fall under normal use are repaired or replaced by the city. Please call 605-995-8465 for more information.

8. What do I do with the cart if I decide to move?

Just leave your garbage cart at your current address. When you notify utility billing of your move we will make sure you will receive the container you requested. Please call 605-995-8465 for more information.

9. What time do I place the cart out to the street for collection?

You should have your cart placed street-side by 7:30 a.m. Please call 605-995-8465 for more information.

10. I am doing some home cleaning and all of the extra material will not fit into the cart. What can I do?

The city will provide you with a dumpster or another special collection for this extra material for an additional fee. Please call 605-995-8465 for more information.

11. Where do I place the cart if I have chosen alley collection?

The City of Mitchell does not provide alley collection.

12. Where do I place my container if I have chosen street-side collection?

If you have driveway access to the street, place it in the corner of the drive next to the street. If you do not have driveway access to a street place it in the boulevard. Please call 605-995-8465 for more information.

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1. How do I apply for a job?

Review job openings and fill out an application form on this website. Submit it by email, regular mail, or stop in at the Human Resource Office. To get started, access the Job Application.

2. What should I do if I think my property has been damaged by the City?

Contact the Human Resource Department at 605-995-8417, explain the situation and have a claim form mailed or emailed to you. The City insurer will contact you to investigate your claim.

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1. What temperature does the air need to be for the pool to open?

We will not open if the air temperature is below 65 degrees. Please call 605-995-8458 for more information.

2. How tall do you have to be to go down the slides?

Patrons must be 48 inches tall to go down the slides. Please call 605-995-8458 for more information.

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1. What is a Will Call?

Not sure what the weather is going to be like the next day? Not sure if you will get called into work? Not sure if school is going to start late, or release early? Set up a "will call" schedule. By setting up your will call rides, you can ride the same day you call in. Please call 605-995-8440 for more information.

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1. When does the Planning Commission meet?

The Planning Commission meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. Please call 605-995-8433 for more information.

2. Can the city located my property lines or property pins?

No, the city does not have a licensed surveyor on staff. You would need to contact a licensed surveyor. Please call 605-995-8433 for more information.

3. How are setbacks measured?

All setbacks are measured from the overhang of the structure to the property line. Please call 605-995-8433 for more information.

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1. How do I sign up to receive emergency notifications (including snow removal and other community alerts)?

You may sign up for these notifications at Nixle.

2. How do I obtain a copy of an accident report, case report or fire report?

Copies can be request and purchased at the Mitchell Department of Public Safety:
201 W 1st Avenue
Mitchell, SD 57301

Base price is $4.24.

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1. What number do I call if my garbage was not picked up?

If your garbage was not collected, please call 605-995-8465.

2. What number do I call to check on my water bill?

Please call 605-995-8415 to check on your water bill.

3. Who do I call to locate my underground utilities?

To locate your underground utilities, please call SD One Call at 800-781-7474, or call 811.

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1. What are your membership rates?

We have many different options and packages to choose from. For more information please call 605-995-8450.

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1. How do I recycle?

Place rinsed plastics, glass and cans directly in the blue bin. These materials do not need to be kept separate: they are sorted at the Center. All papers may be placed loose in the container.  Only shredded paper is to be placed in clear plastic bags.   No other plastic bags are accepted. Please call 605-995-8465 for more information.

2. What is corrugated cardboard?

Corrugated cardboard is thick cardboard mostly used for boxes, you can identify it by its "squiggly" center core. Please call 605-995-8465 for more information.

3. What types of plastics are acceptable?

Plastic bottles, tubs, and jugs.  Plastic water bottles and pop bottles are common and recyclable.  Plastic jugs of milk, juice, and laundry detergents are acceptable.

Unacceptable items:

-Anti-freeze

-Chemical, Oil or Paint Containers

-Fertilizer

-Hoses, Cords, VHS and Cassette Tapes

Please call 605-995-8465 for more information.

4. Can I include cereal, potato chip, and cake boxes with the corrugated cardboard?

Yes, cereal, potato chip, and cake boxes are accepted with corrugated cardboard. Please remove any plastic bag inserts from cereal and cake mix boxes.  Please call 605-995-8465 for more information.

5. Can I put window pane glass in my recycling bin?

No, window pane, drinking glasses, perfume, Pyrex coffee pots and light bulbs are all different types of glass which have a different melting point. Please call 605-995-8465 for more information.

6. What if I cannot fit all my recyclables in the bin?

Break-down and stack any cardboard that does not fit in the container and place it next to the container.  Please call 605-995-8465 for more information.

7. Do I flatten any of my containers?

It is preferred if you do but it is not required. Flatten any containers included in the recycling program to save space in your recycling bin. Please call 605-995-8465 for more information.

8. Do I have to remove labels?

It is not necessary to remove labels. Please call 605-995-8465 for more information.

9. Can I drop off recyclables at the recycling center?

If you have a large quantity of recyclable materials or are not currently on a collection route, you may drop items off at the center. Please call 605-995-8448 for more information.

10. How do I receive a new recycling bin?

All households should have a bin, if you do not have or you need an extra bin, please contact the Recycling Center. Your recycling bin stays at your current residence, if you move, do not take the bin with you. Leave it for the next recyclers who move into your house. If your bin is damaged please call the center to obtain a replacement. Put the blue bin curbside on your scheduled trash pickup day, recyclables will not be picked up in the alleys. Be sure everything is out by 7:30 a.m. Please call 605-995-8465 for more information.

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1. What streets in town are snow emergency routes?

All snow emergency routes are clearly marked with signs along the route that reminds people that parking is not allowed once 2 inches of snow falls on our community. Routes designated:
-11th Avenue from Park Dr. to Foster Street
-15th Avenue from Commerce Street to Park Drive
-1st Avenue Foster Street to Mattie Street
-1st Avenue from Minnesota Street to Foster Street
-5th Avenue from Edgerton Street to Sanborn Street
-5th Avenue from Sanborn Street to Foster Street
-8th Avenue from Ohlman Street to Minnesota Street
-Burr Street
-East Kay Avenue
-Fairoaks Avenue from Main Street to Kimball Street
-Foster Street from Havens to Shanard Road
-Havens Street from Ohlman Street to Burr Street
-Kimball Street from 7th Avenue to 23rd Avenue
-Miller Street from Havens to Ninde
-Miller Street from Ninde Street to Norway Avenue
-Minnesota Street from 7th Avenue to 23rd Avenue
-Minnesota Street from Havens to 7th Avenue
-Norway Avenue from Ohlman Street to Kay Avenue
-Park Drive from 15th Avenue to 11th Avenue
-Sanborn Street from Havens to North Highway 37
-South Rowley Street from Havens to Spruce Street

Please call the Mitchell Police Division at 605-995-8400 for more information.

2. Once the snow emergency route is plowed curb-to-curb can I park back on that street?

No, the actual ordinance is as follows:

7-6-2: Snow Emergency Routes:
Subpart B: Parking Restrictions: When a snowfall of more than two inches (2") occurs, no person shall park or leave parked along the curb parking areas on any of the streets or portions of streets designated as snow emergency routes any vehicle until such time as the street has been cleared of snow back to the curb line and snowfall accumulation has ceased (Ordinance 1518, 12-16-1985).

Please take note of the last portion of the ordinance where it states no parking is allowed until the street has been cleared "and snowfall accumulation has ceased."

During a snow event the plowing of the highways and snow emergency routes begin almost immediately sometimes with less than an inch of snow on the ground. However, ticketing and towing along emergency routes begins once it is determined that we have received 2 inches of snow. Ticketing and towing continues until the snow event has ended. The Street Department plows emergency routes several times during a storm. Storms sometimes spread over 2 and on rare occasions 3 days. On those occasions there should be no parking on emergency snow routes for whatever the length of the storm. Please call the Mitchell Police Division at 605-995-8400 for more information.

3. How do I know when I need to remove my car from the streets?

Any time snow begins to fall during the winter, your car should be removed from the emergency snow routes and refrain from parking on these routes until the storm has passed.

Every few hours, throughout a snow event, public service announcements are given to the local radio stations and newspaper. The local radio stations are very quick in responding to these public service announcements. They do an excellent job in informing the public of what is taking place for snow removal activities. These announcements can also be found on the Mitchell website.

4. Can I park my vehicle in the boulevard?

No, because that area is public right of way and would be considered part of the street. Please call the Mitchell Police Division at 605-995-8400 for more information.

5. I live on an east - west street. How soon do I need to remove my car from the street?

The normal sequence of plowing streets in Mitchell is emergency and priority routes first. If the snow has diminished, the plowing of east - west streets immediately follows the completion of the emergency routes. Ticketing on east - west streets begins when the plowing begins on those streets. Therefore, it is advisable to listen to the radio stations or check the internet for plowing announcements. It is advisable to remove your vehicle from east - west streets as soon as snow begins to fall. Please call the Mitchell Police Division at 605-995-8400 for more information.

6. When do the north - south streets get plowed?

Plowing begins on the north - south streets as soon as the east - west streets have been cleared curb to curb. Please call the Mitchell Police Division at 605-995-8400 for more information.

7. Does ticketing begin on north - south streets as soon as plowing begins?

Ticketing (by ordinance) does not begin on the north - south routes for twelve hours after the completion of plowing the east - west streets. This is to give residence some time to remove the vehicles from the north - south streets. That means the street department will likely return the following day to cleanup areas where cars were parked on the first day.

If your vehicle is still on the street 12 hours after the east - west streets have been cleared, you may receive a ticket. The Police Department patrols those streets, after 12 hours have passed, and writes tickets to vehicles that have not been moved during that storm and have been plowed around. Please call the Mitchell Police Division at 605-995-8400 for more information.

8. When does snow removal in the down town district begin?

Snow removal in the downtown area, District A, occurs as soon as practical after a storm has passed. Signs are placed in the streets at numerous locations in District A and public service announcements are made on the radio stations. No parking is allowed on any street in this district after 11 p.m. that night. Parking is restricted until after the windrow of snow is completely removed from a given street. Get more information regarding District A.

9. When are city owned parking lots cleared of snow?

Public parking lots are cleaned as soon as practical after the snow is removed from the downtown District A streets. However, snow removal in parking lots and streets in District A are never performed on the same night. Signs are placed at entrances into the parking lots that are going to be cleared and announcements made on the radio stations and sent out as Snow Alerts.

10. When the snow plow went past it threw snow up on the sidewalk does the city remove this snow?

It is the property owner's responsibility to keep the sidewalks clear of snow and ice. If the property owner does not clear the sidewalk the city may clear the walk and bill the property owner. Please call the Mitchell Police Division at 605-995-8400 for more information.

11. I have a large pile of snow in front of my mailbox and the post office will not deliver the mail. Will the city clear the snow in front of the mailbox?

It is the residence responsibility to keep the snow removed from in front of the mailboxes. With over 4,000 residences in Mitchell it is impossible to keep mailboxes clear of snow piles. When snow is plowed from the street, it is pushed to the side. Over time a windrow of snow accumulates in front of mailboxes. If we continue to push the snow over, eventually the mailbox would also be pushed over. Please call the Mitchell Police Division at 605-995-8400 for more information.

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1. Can my sump pump be connected to the City Sanitary Sewer?

No, sump pumps must be drained outside, preferably to the curb. Sump pump water can overload the City Sanitary Sewer System and can cause a backup to other homes.

2. Can I dump cooking grease or deep fat fryer oil down my drain?

No, house hold greases and fryer oils should be properly disposed of in the garbage and taken to the landfill. If house hold greases and fryer oils are poured down the drain, it could cause a backup in your own sewer service or the City Sanitary Sewer System.

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1. Am I responsible if my water service is leaking?

Yes, you are responsible to repair your leaky water service from the water main, in the right of way, to your house or business. All service line valves shall also be in working order. Please call 605-995-8449 for more information.

2. Is there a drop box to pay my water bill?

Yes, there is a drop box in the city hall parking lot east of City Hall. Please call 605-995-8449 for more information.

3. Is the water in Mitchell safe to drink?

Yes, the drinking water in Mitchell compiles with all federal and state drinking water standards. The water is tested on a daily basis, even for potential contaminants that are not currently regulated by the federal government. Please call 605-995-8449 for more information.

4. Why is my water pressure low?

Several things can temporarily cause reduced water pressure in your home or business:
1) Plugged or restricted screens on your faucets
2) Malfunctioning or partially closed water valves in your home
3) Water main breaks, firefighting, and hydrant flushing may affect the water pressure

Please call 605-995-8449 for more information.

5. I am concerned about lead in my water.

The staff at the Water Treatment Plant has tested water from over 30 different sites throughout the city for the past several years for both lead and copper. None of the sites tested have been above the maximum contaminant level of 15 parts per billion (ppb) as established by the EPA. Please call 605-995-8449 for more information.