Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a building permit?
Contact Township Building Inspector Nancy Scott of AllSpec Services. Nancy can be reached at 320-293-5298 or via email at building@lyndentownship.net
More building permit information and the building and site permit applications can be found by clicking here.

Do I need a permit to put in a new driveway or access point on a township road?
Yes. There is a Driveway / Approach Permit for a new access point on a township road. Here is a link to the application: Driveway / Approach Permit Application  The application can be filled out directly on the website, then printed for submission. Please submit your application to James Kantor at planning@lyndentownship.net. You can call James at 320-281-9339.

What if I live on a County Road and want a new driveway?
New access points on county roads are handled by the Stearns County Highway Department. They can be reached at 320-255-6180.

How do I know if I need to install a culvert?
Contact James, the Planning Administrator at 320-281-9339 or via email at planning@lyndentownship.net.

How do I get one of those blue address signs (911 sign)?
If you are building on a new site, the building inspector will collect the $120 fee and forward the information to the Township Clerk who will order the sign. The cost of the sign includes installation by a township representative.

My 911 address sign got damaged. How do I get a replacement?
Contact the Township Clerk at 320-774-8507 or via email at clerk@lyndentownship.net. Replacement costs ($50 for the sign and / or $25 for the post) include installation by a township representative.

My road needs grading or plowing. Who do I contact?
Lynden Township currently contracts with Schendzielos & Sons out of Clear Lake for road maintenance services. Contact Jaime Schultz-Ludenia, the Supervisor in charge of the roads at 320-282-7971 or via email at jaime.schultz-ludenia@lyndentownship.net. Jaime will then provide appropriate direction to the contractor.

Do I need a permit to do excavation or installation work in the right-of-way (ROW) of a township road?
Permits are required for work or placement of any item other than a mailbox in the ROW of a township road unless that work is confined within a recorded easement. Here is a link to the application: ROW Work Permit Application

Does the township provide recycling pickup?
Yes. The cost of recycling service is covered via the township’s annual levy.

How can I get a recycling container?
Lynden Township contracts with Republic Services for recycling service. 64 gallon wheeled carts are provided free of charge by calling Republic at 320-252-9608.

What if I want more than one recycling container?
You can request a second container, but that will be at your personal expense. The township only pays for one container per property address.

Does the township provide garbage pickup?
Lynden township does not provide general trash services. Residents are free to contract with the many refuse companies that service the area.

Does the township have a place to drop off yard waste?
The township does not provide pick up or a drop-off site for brush, leaves and yard waste. If you are unable to compost or dispose of yard waste on your property, you can haul it to a provider or arrange for pick up. The following companies are available to provide (fee-based) yard waste service in the township:
-Jeff Storms (Stormy Landscaping) 320-248-4106 (Jeff is a township resident.)
-Tom Kraemer, Inc. 320-685-8226
-Henkemeyer Landfill 320-252-6487
-The City of St. Cloud allows non-residents to drop yard waste at their compost site for an annual fee.
-Tri County Organics is another drop-off option with unlimited use for an annual fee: Tri County Organics
Please note it is illegal to deposit brush, yard clippings, etc. (and snow) in the Township’s right-of-way.

Where do I vote?
All township residents vote at the Lynden Township Hall located at 21367 County Road 44 (at the intersection of C.R. 44 & C.R. 143).
More election information can be found by clicking here.

What do I do if I found a stray dog or cat?
Contact Tri County Humane Society at 320-252-0896. The township has an agreement with the humane society to accept animals found in our township.They will then contact a town board member for authorization to accept an animal. Tri County Humane Society is located off Highway 10 at 735 8th St. NE in St. Cloud. There is no cost to drop an animal off, but the township does not provide transportation.

Does the township have a “leash law”?
Yes. Dogs are not allowed to run loose and must be properly restrained at all times unless they are on private property.
More information is available by clicking here

I live on a lake or river. Are there any special regulations?
If you live within 1000′ of a lake or 300′ of a river, this is considered the “Shoreland District”. Stearns County Environmental Services Office handles everything in shoreland. Questions should be directed to their office at 320-656-3613 or via email to EnvironmentalServices3@co.stearns.mn.us.

How do I get a swing-away mailbox post?
The township does not provide mailbox posts, but they can be purchased from many providers including a business located in the township. (SwingSAFE Mailbox Supports  320-267-1642) More information is available by clicking here.

The snowplow damaged my mailbox. What can I do?
Compensation for damaged mailboxes is only available if your mailbox is installed on a swing-away post. If you have the proper post and your mailbox is still damaged, contact Jaime Schultz-Ludenia, the Supervisor in charge of the roads. If you live on a county road, contact the Stearns County Highway Department at 320-255-6180.

What do I need to do to get a permit for my septic system?
Stearns County Environmental Services Office handles everything relating to septic systems. Questions should be directed to their office at 320-656-3613 or via email to EnvironmentalServices3@co.stearns.mn.us.