In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and to protect our customers and employees, the City of Columbia Heights is closing the majority of its public-facing services, effective March 17 through March 31, 2020, possibly longer.
Even with a reduction in face-to-face visits, staff is available to help you via email or phone. City staff contact information can be found here.
If you know the department you need to speak with, please navigate to their page, which also has contact information. Otherwise, please call the City’s main number, 763-706-3600, and someone will direct your call.
City Council
Monday, March 23, Council Meeting will be held in the Council Chambers. Social separation precautions are in place to help protect the citizens, staff, and the Council.
Public Safety – Police and Fire
Public-facing services MODIFIED until March 31.
Social separation precautions in place to continue essential operations.
Response to emergencies is not altered. Modified response to non-emergent calls for service.
All programs, classes, and events through April 30 are canceled or rescheduled.
Boards and Commissions
All meetings of Boards and Commissions are postponed until after March 31.
City Hall
Public-facing services CLOSED through March 31. Within that restriction, modified, but close to normal, business operations continue.
Community Development/Building Inspections
Public-facing services CLOSED through March 31.
Permit applications can found online here, and submitted via, email, direct mail, or utility bill drop box at City Hall.
Limited inspection services within the scope of social separation guidelines. With pre-approval of the Building Official some inspections can be completed virtually.
Recreation
Public-facing services CLOSED through March 31.
All programs, classes, and events are canceled through March 31.
All meeting, hall, and room reservations are canceled through March 31.
Highlander Center city gym is CLOSED through March 27.
Library
Library is CLOSED through March 31.
All programs, classes, and events are canceled through March 31.
All meeting room reservations are canceled through March 31 and no new reservations are being accepted.
Due date for all borrowed materials has been extended through April 15.
All online services, including e-books, e-magazines, downloadable audiobooks and interactive databases are still available. Non-cardholders can sign up on the library website for a card for access to online resources.
Visit the library’s page for updated information.
Contact a librarian by phone between 9 am - 5 pm for assistance.
Wi-FI (“City Public” network) is available in parking lot outside the building.
Public Works
Public-facing services CLOSED through March 31.
Recycling Center closed through March 31.
Social separation precautions in place to continue essential operations.
Rental/Property Maintenance Inspections
Public-facing services CLOSED through March 31.
Limited exterior inspection services within the scope of social separation guidelines.
Monday, March 23, Council to approve a 30-day Rental Occupancy licensing extension for licenses identified by the Fire Chief as being affected by reduction of inspection services.
Fire Permits
A permit for a one-day recreational fire can be downloaded from the city’s website here. Applicants should download, complete, sign and submit the form via email to the fire department for approval. Permits are not valid until signed and emailed back to the Applicant.
Updated at 4:37 pm, March 17:
As a precaution against the coronavirus...
- City Hall and Public Works facilities will be closed to the public March 18 to April 1.
- All three Top Valu Liquor stores will be closed starting 5 pm, March 18.
- ALL programs, activities, meetings, and events at Murzyn Hall are canceled through March 31. The Hylander Center will be closed through March 27.
- The Columbia Heights Public Library was closed entirely to the public starting March 17 for an indefinite period of time.
- For Community Development concerns, please call 763-706-3670. For questions about utilities, please call 763-706-3600. For administration related questions, please call 763-706-3610.
3-17-2020