You picked a beautiful place to call home. If you are new to Mahtomedi, you are close to lakes, parks, and a strong community, but the first few weeks can feel busy. You want to get your utilities set up, learn the lake rules, and find your go-to spots like the library and parks. This guide gives you the essentials so you can get settled faster and enjoy lakeside living with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Start here: fast-track links
- Visit the City of Mahtomedi website for city hall hours, contacts, meeting calendars, permits, and department pages. It is the best starting point for services, programs, and forms. Check the site often for updates and seasonal notices. Access the City of Mahtomedi website.
- For county-level resources like property taxes, public health, and parks, use the Washington County website.
- Make the Wildwood Library your community hub for cards, programs, and Wi‑Fi. See hours and events at the Wildwood Library branch page.
Move-in checklist for Mahtomedi
Address, ID, and voting
Handle your change of address with USPS and update your Minnesota driver’s license and vehicle registration through Driver and Vehicle Services. If you plan to vote, complete voter registration through the state portal or Washington County elections. These steps help you receive bills and notices on time and keep your records current.
Set up utilities
- Water, sewer, and stormwater: Mahtomedi manages municipal utility billing. You will typically need proof of ownership or a lease and a photo ID to open an account. Set up service before move-in so billing cycles start smoothly. Find contact details through the City of Mahtomedi website and ask about online payments and billing schedules.
- Electricity and natural gas: Providers vary by location. Confirm your electric and gas companies using provider address tools or by calling city hall for guidance. Start service a few business days before move-in and ask about budget billing and payment assistance if needed.
Trash and recycling
Solid waste and recycling are handled by approved haulers and programs listed by the city. Check the city site for your collection schedule, rules for extra bags, and how to arrange bulk pickup. Look for yard waste and seasonal leaf options, plus holiday changes. Start with the City of Mahtomedi website for current haulers and schedules.
Internet and TV
Internet and cable options depend on your exact address. Use provider address checks to compare speeds and pricing. If you are unsure where to start, call city hall for a list of common providers used in your area.
Schools and busing
If you have students, enroll through Mahtomedi Public Schools. The district site posts registration instructions, boundary maps, bus routes, and calendars. Visit Mahtomedi Public Schools to begin enrollment and contact the district office with questions.
Lakeside living essentials
Mahtomedi’s identity is tied to the water. Whether you want to fish, paddle, swim, or relax on shore, a few safety and stewardship steps make the experience better for everyone.
Public access and parks
Use the city site for information about parks, neighborhood beaches, trails, and seasonal facilities. For county-operated parks and trail systems, explore Washington County’s website. If you want specific lake details like public accesses and lake maps, use the Minnesota DNR’s LakeFinder tool at DNR LakeFinder.
Boating and fishing rules
Minnesota requires boat registration, safety equipment onboard, and compliance with wake and distance rules. If you plan to fish, you need a valid Minnesota fishing license, and you should review seasons and limits before heading out. The DNR is your main source for regulations and registration. Start with the DNR’s boating resources at Minnesota DNR Boating and review licensing and seasons through the site’s fishing pages.
Prevent aquatic invasive species
Aquatic invasive species harm lake ecosystems and boating access. Minnesota uses Clean, Drain, Dry practices and conducts inspections at certain sites.
AIS checklist before you leave any access:
- Clean: Remove all plants, mud, and debris from your boat, trailer, and gear.
- Drain: Empty bilges, livewells, and ballast tanks away from the water.
- Dry: Let equipment dry fully or follow DNR guidance if moving between lakes quickly.
- Never move water between lakes or transport bait water.
Review prevention rules and inspection guidance at the DNR Aquatic Invasive Species page.
Water quality and algae
Summer algae blooms can happen and may include harmful cyanobacteria. Before you swim or let pets in the water, check for advisories and practice caution if the water looks discolored, scummy, or has an odor. The Minnesota Department of Health and the MPCA post guidance and updates. Learn how to recognize and respond to blooms at MDH harmful algae information and MPCA harmful algal blooms.
Shoreline permits and docks
Shoreline structures often require permits and must follow city and county shoreland rules. Before you install or modify a dock or boathouse, confirm setbacks, sizes, and vegetative buffer requirements. Check the city’s planning and building pages and Washington County environmental services for current ordinances and the permit process. Start with the City of Mahtomedi website and the Washington County website for the correct departments.
Community connections
Wildwood Library highlights
The Wildwood Library is your go-to spot for free resources and community events. You can get a card with proof of address, and then access books, ebooks, public Wi‑Fi, printing, and interlibrary loan. Families appreciate storytime and summer reading programs, and there are meeting rooms by reservation. See hours, contact details, and the event calendar at the Wildwood Library branch page.
Parks, trails, and seasons
Mahtomedi offers neighborhood parks, picnic shelters, and paved trails, plus winter options like skating or seasonal programs. Use the city site for park maps and facility details, and Washington County for larger regional parks and trail systems. If you want to get involved in water stewardship, look for local lake associations and volunteer opportunities through city or county pages.
Safety and emergency contacts
For non-emergency police and fire, visit the city website to find department contacts and community safety resources. If you are building a neighborhood preparedness plan, look for local guidance on the city site. For public health and emergency alerts at the county level, start with the Washington County website.
Quick reference: who to call and where to look
- City hall and departments: permits, utility billing, parks and recreation, public safety. Start at the City of Mahtomedi website.
- County services: property taxes and assessments, public health, parks. Visit the Washington County website.
- Schools: enrollment, boundaries, transportation. Visit Mahtomedi Public Schools.
- Library: cards, programs, Wi‑Fi, printing, meeting rooms. See the Wildwood Library branch page.
- Lakes, boating, fishing, AIS: rules, safety, and licenses. Use the Minnesota DNR Boating and DNR AIS pages.
- Algae and water advisories: guidance and current info. Check MDH harmful algae information and MPCA harmful algal blooms.
Ready to settle in?
You have everything you need to get your accounts set up, enjoy the lakes safely, and plug into local resources. Keep the city and county pages handy for schedules, permits, and seasonal updates, and save the Wildwood Library page for everyday services and events. If you want local guidance on homes, investments, or property management tailored to Mahtomedi and the east metro, we are here to help.
Start your concierge consultation with Unknown Company.
FAQs
How do I start Mahtomedi water and sewer service?
- Contact city hall and follow the municipal utility billing steps. You will usually need proof of ownership or a lease and a photo ID. Start from the City of Mahtomedi website.
Who provides electricity and natural gas at my Mahtomedi address?
- Providers vary by block. Confirm using utility address lookup tools or call city hall for guidance and start service a few business days before move-in.
Where can I launch a boat near Mahtomedi, and what do I need?
- Use the city site for local access points and the DNR for statewide rules. Register your watercraft and carry required safety gear; see Minnesota DNR Boating.
How do I check for algae or water advisories before swimming?
- If water looks discolored or scummy, avoid contact and check guidance and updates at MDH harmful algae information and MPCA harmful algal blooms.
Where do I get a library card and what does it include?
- Visit the Wildwood Library branch page for card requirements, hours, and services. Cards typically provide access to books, ebooks, Wi‑Fi, printing, and events.
How do I dispose of bulk items or yard waste in Mahtomedi?
- Check the city website for approved haulers, bulk pickup options, and seasonal yard and leaf programs. Holiday schedules and rules for extra bags are posted on the City of Mahtomedi website.
Do I need a permit for a new dock at a lakeside home?
- Most shoreline structures require permits and must follow shoreland ordinances. Confirm requirements with city planning and Washington County environmental services through the city and county sites.
