Buying, Selling or Renting Out Your Home

Have the Property Inspected

Because the City of Golden Valley doesn't require point-of-sale inspections (with the exception of sanitary sewer service inspection for properties that do not have a Certificate of Inflow & Infiltration (I/I) Compliance), you may want to contract with a private home inspection service (check the Yellow Pages) before purchasing any Golden Valley home. Make sure the property has a Certificate of Sanitary Sewer Service Compliance from the City.

Check City Records on Allowable Additions / Remodeling

If you plan to remodel or build an addition, you must meet all City permit requirements. Check City files for an "as-built" survey (Inspections Division, 763-593-8090) or ask the property owner if such a survey exists. If the property does not meet existing setbacks from the property line, a variance may be needed to construct the proposed improvements. Check with the Planning Division by calling 763-593-8095 for variance information.

Check City Code for Rental Restrictions

Before buying a house with rental possibilities, be sure to check all aspects of the City's zoning code. Some properties are marketed as duplexes or auxiliary rental units when they aren't, and residents who think they have a legal rental situation don't. Call Planning at 763-593-8095.

Check Home Occupation Restrictions

If you work out of your home or are considering it, check with the Planning Division at 763-593-8095 for regulations.

Get Information on Crime Statistics

Look at recent crime maps for statistics on crime in the City and its specific neighborhoods.

Additional Resources

File for Homestead Credit

As soon as possible after you move in file for homestead with Hennepin County. This will assure you of the homestead classification on your real estate taxes.

Check out Garbage & Recycling Services

• Contact a licensed garbage hauler to arrange for garbage pick up.
• Find out more about the City's traditional and organics recycling programs. If your home's previous owner did not leave recycling carts behind, call 763-972-3335 to have some delivered.

Update Utility Records

• City Utilities (water and sewer): Call Utility Billing 763-593-8016 to make sure all account information for your address is accurate and updated.
• Private Utilities (electric, gas, telephone, cable TV): Contact private utility companies to set up.

Check Safety / Security Issues

• Make sure your new home has functioning smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Check the batteries in smoke detectors and replace them if they are old or weak. Test smoke detectors monthly, and formulate an escape plan from your home in case of a fire. Contact the Golden Valley Fire Department at 763-593-8065 for more information.
• Take a look at the home security checklist.
• Join your Neighborhood Watch group.

Update Licenses

• Residents who move from within the state have 30 days to update their driver's licenses.
• New Minnesota residents have 60 days to change their driver's licenses and vehicle license plates.

The Golden Valley Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers limited driver's license services, including duplicate licenses and change of name or address. It also offers a full array of other vehicle licensing services. To make sure you receive renewal notices at your new address, call the State 651-296-6911 with all license plate numbers.

Get Your Pets Settled

Check the City's requirements for keeping pets.

Explore Local Recreation Opportunities

The City's Park & Recreation Department offers many fun things to do.

Additional Resources

Point of Sale Inspection

The City of Golden Valley requires all properties that do not have a Certificate of Inflow & Infiltration (I/I) Compliance to have a sanitary sewer inspection before they are advertised for sale. Property owners must obtain a Certificate of I/I Compliance from the City before selling or transferring title of property. Properties that don't pass inspection will be issued a correction notice.

Please call the City at 763-593-3962 to verify that your property is in need of certification before beginning the I/I certification process.

Inspection Process

View our Inflow and Infiltrations (I/I) page for more information on the I/I inspection process.

Fee

The application fee is $250 for residential properties and $750 (per building) for commercial or multi-unit buildings.

Why Is This Required?

The Point of Sale ordinance is intended to help reduce peak sanitary sewer flows caused by Inflow and Infiltration (I/I), or flow of clear water into the sanitary sewer system. The Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES), which provides regional wastewater collection and treatment for the metropolitan area, requires the City of Golden Valley to reduce peak flows to the regional wastewater collection system. These inspections allow the City to ensure that private properties have no illegal connections to the sanitary sewer system or pipe defects that contribute to excess peak flow discharges.

Final Meter Reading

Anywhere from four weeks to two days before closing, call the Utility Billing office at 763-593-8016 to schedule a final water meter reading and provide a forwarding address for your final bill.