Your City Works for You — Here's How to Make It Work Faster.
Report a pothole, pull a deck permit, dispute a water bill, or request public records — all without waiting on hold. Pick your task below and we'll walk you through it step by step.
City of Maplewood — Department Map
Common Tasks, Plain Language
Four of the most common reasons residents visit city hall — broken down into three steps each. No runaround.
Roads & Bridges
Report a Pothole or Road Hazard
Report a Pothole or Road Hazard
Most road repairs are scheduled within 5 business days of a confirmed report. Here's exactly what to do.
Locate the exact address or intersection
Stand near the hazard and note the nearest street address or cross-streets. A photo on your phone with location data enabled is even better — it removes all ambiguity for the crew.
Submit your report with one photo
Use the form below or call 311. Include: street name, direction of travel (northbound, etc.), and a description of the size. "About the size of a dinner plate, 3 inches deep" is perfect.
Track your request by confirmation number
You'll receive a confirmation number by email within minutes. Paste it into the Request Status portal to see when it's been inspected and when repair is scheduled.
Permits & Inspections
Pull a Permit for Your Backyard Deck
Pull a Permit for Your Backyard Deck
Most residential deck permits are approved within 10 business days. Bring the right documents and you'll avoid the most common delay.
Prepare your site plan (a simple sketch works)
You need a hand-drawn or printed sketch showing: deck dimensions, distance from property lines (minimum 5 ft), attachment method to the house, and estimated height off ground. No architect required for decks under 200 sq ft.
Complete the Residential Permit Application
Download Form RP-14 from the portal or pick one up at Window 3. Fill in the property address, project description, estimated cost, and contractor license number (or "Owner-Builder" if you're doing it yourself).
Submit and schedule your rough-frame inspection
Drop off or upload your application with the $75 filing fee. Once approved, you'll schedule a rough-frame inspection before decking goes down — the inspector checks footings and framing. Final inspection closes the permit.
Water & Sewer
Dispute a Stormwater or Utility Bill
Dispute a Stormwater or Utility Bill
A billing error or unexpected spike doesn't mean you owe it. Here's how to formally contest a charge — most disputes are resolved in 15 days.
Identify the charge you're disputing
Find your account number on the bill (top right corner). Identify the specific line item — stormwater assessment, consumption charge, or meter read fee. Screenshot or photograph that section of the bill.
Submit a Billing Dispute Form with your evidence
Use Form BU-7 (available online or at Window 1). Attach: a copy of the bill, any meter photos, and a written statement explaining why the charge is incorrect. A spike with no change in usage habits is valid grounds.
Attend a brief review call (optional but faster)
A billing specialist will contact you within 5 business days. You can resolve most disputes on that call. If you disagree with their finding, you have 30 days to escalate to the Utility Review Board — no attorney required.
Public Records
Request a Public Records Document
Request a Public Records Document
Under state FOIA law, most records must be provided within 5 business days. The process is straightforward — here's exactly what to ask for.
Identify the record type and date range
Common requests: inspection reports, permit histories, road maintenance logs, meeting minutes. The more specific your date range and property address, the faster the search. "All permits for 412 Elm St, 2018–2024" retrieves faster than "all permits ever."
Submit your FOIA request in writing
Email records@maplewood.gov or use the online form. Include: your name, contact info, specific record description, and preferred format (PDF or paper). You don't need to explain why you're requesting — that's your right.
Receive your records (most are free)
Standard digital records are provided at no charge within 5 business days. Physical copies cost $0.10/page. If your request requires more than 2 hours of staff time, you'll receive an advance cost estimate before any charges apply.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Answer two quick questions and we'll tell you exactly which department to contact, which window to go to, and what to bring.
What best describes your situation right now?
Maplewood Public Works — 2025
We track every request, measure every response, and publish the results — because accountability is part of the job.
Tell Us What You Need
Select your request type first — we'll show you exactly what to bring and which department handles it, before you fill out a single field.