Licenses & Permits
Getting Started
Shorewood provides licenses and permits as directed in the City Code. Licenses are issued by the city clerk. Building, zoning, plumbing, mechanical, and urban farm animal permits are processed by planning and protective inspections staff. Fees are established by the city council and are updated each year in the master fee schedule.
The application forms and ordinance sections are available in PDF format. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view and print PDF files.
Your project may also require a permit from the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District. Check out the MCWD permitting page for more information.
Any person contesting a citation issued pursuant to Shorewood City Code section 104 may, within 10 days, request a hearing before a Hearing Officer.
To preserve the public health, safety and welfare, and guard against public nuisances, the ownership and possession of animals must be regulated. All animal regulations can be found in section 700 of City Code.
- Dog License: As per City Code 701.03 All dogs at least six months of age or within 30 days of moving into the City are required to be licensed for each calendar year. A current rabies certificate and a fee of $10 per dog are also required. Permits expire on December 31 of the year in which it was issued.
- Multi-Dog License (PDF): A Multiple Dog License is required for owners of three or four dogs. The fee is $25 for a new license/$10 for renewal. Individual dog licenses and rabies certification are required. A site inspection may also be required. Permits expire on December 31 of the year in which it was issued.
- Horse/Stable Permit Application (PDF): A Stable permit is required for residents who own or board horses within the City. Permits are issued for one year (May to May).
- Urban Farm Animals: Urban farm animal permits will need to be renewed annually like other animal licenses. Urban farm animals include chickens, guinea hens, domestic ducks, geese, and turkeys, bees, and rabbits. The City of Shorewood processes all urban farm animal permits electronically through our online system.
This service offers residents the convenience of automatic payment of your utility bill, paid on the due date with no additional charge to you. Sign up for autoPAY and never again have a late fee because the bank or third-party check was not received by the due date. Alternatively, you can pay by credit card online or as a reoccurring payment for no additional fee.
The city has purchased a tool designed to help remove buckthorn. The tool is available to residents for use on their private property for a two-day rental period. A replacement/damage deposit fee of $20 is required.
Building permits are required for a number of projects. The City of Shorewood processes all building permits electronically through our online system.
For more information, visit the Planning and Protective Inspections department pages.
Pursuant to City Code 310.03, no person, firm, corporation or franchise shall engage in the business of commercial lawn fertilizer applicator within the city unless a license has been obtained. This application is required for all commercial lawn fertilizer businesses to operate within the City of Shorewood.
Payment Method
The City of Shorewood processes payments online for Commercial Fertilizer Licenses. To pay, visit our online secure payment portal, select QUICK PAY, and email the receipt to City Hall.
- Data Request Public Form (PDF): data requests for subjects
- Data Request Public Policy (PDF): personnel form data request for subjects policy
Electrical permits are required for all electrical wiring. Permits are not issued by the City, but by the State Board of Electricity.
Restricted recreational fires with a total diameter of 3 feet or less are allowed in the City by permit. Permits are free and expire on December 31 of the year in which it was issued. The Excelsior Fire Department processes all recreational fire permits online.
To apply for a recreational fire permit, visit Excelsior Fire District's online portal.
The City fee for a gambling permit is $25. Complete the application below and submit to cityhall@shorewoodmn.gov. Payments should be made online.
- Gambling Permit (PDF)
- Make payment online (select Quick Pay)
Homestead is a classification of property that is occupied by an owner or relative of the owner and is used as a primary place of residence. For properties valued at less than $413,800, a portion of the property's value is excluded from tax. Owners must apply for homestead. Homestead classification remains until the property is sold or the owner or relative no longer uses it as a primary place of residence.
To apply for a homestead application, visit Hennepin County Homestead Application.
Payment Method
The City of Shorewood processes payments online for Massage Therapist Licenses. To pay, visit our online secure payment portal, select QUICK PAY, and email the receipt to City Hall.
The City of Shorewood processes all mechanical permits electronically through our online system.
For more information, visit the Planning and Protective Inspections department pages.
Plumbing permits are required when installing a new plumbing fixture or altering an existing system. The City of Shorewood processes all plumbing permits electronically through our online system.
For more information, visit the Planning and Protective Inspections department pages.
This application is required to operate a refuse collection business within the City of Shorewood.
Payment Method
The City of Shorewood processes payments online for Refuse Collection Licenses. To pay, visit our online secure payment portal, select QUICK PAY, and email the receipt to City Hall.
To help maintain the integrity of Shorewood's rental housing, the city requires a rental dwelling license for all rental dwellings, single family through multi-family. To apply for a rental housing license, visit the Rental Housing Program page.
Prior to using, occupying or placing equipment and/or facilities within the right-of-way you must register with the city and submit the necessary information and fee. Registered right-of-way users can request permits through the Right-of-Way Online Permit Application (ROWay).
Payment Method
The City of Shorewood processes payments online for Refuse Collection Licenses. To pay, visit our online secure payment portal, select QUICK PAY, and email the receipt to City Hall.
Pursuant to City Code Chapter 308, all individuals engaged in soliciting, canvassing, peddling or transient selling within the City of Shorewood must obtain a license.
- Special Event Permit Application (PDF): Parties with guests of 75 people or more are required to be registered with the city. Neighborhoods may request street closures for low-volume residential streets or cul-de-sacs. This permit also includes notification of the police and fire departments.
- Special Event Sponsorship/Donor Form (PDF): Thank you for your consideration of helping to keep our community active! After submission of this form, you will be contacted about ways we can promote your sponsorship via our newsletter, social media, brochures, and website.
A tree trimmers license is required to operate the tree trimmers business within the City of Shorewood.
Payment Method
The City of Shorewood processes payments online for tree trimmers licenses. To pay, visit our online secure payment portal, select QUICK PAY, and email the receipt to City Hall.
The City of Shorewood's Planning and Protective Services department processes all zoning permit applications. For a complete list of applications and handouts, visit the Planning and Protective Services Department pages.