About the ENS

The Early Notification System (ENS) is a crucial part of Saint Paul's Citizen Participation Process, established by City Ordinance. The ENS legislation, found in Chapter 11 of the Appendix to the Administrative Code, requires city agencies—including various boards, commissions, and task forces—to inform neighborhood organizations and concerned citizens about all considered, proposed, planned, or implemented developments, legislative and policy changes, and enforcement actions that may impact neighborhoods and residents. This system ensures that notification through the ENS supplements, but does not replace, notices required by federal, state, county, and city laws and ordinances.

In recent years, the ENS system has been modernized to utilize digital communication, making it more efficient and accessible.

Find more information about the Citizen Participation Process here.

What Type of Information Can You Receive?

By signing up for the ENS, you can receive notifications about:

  • Proposed developments and construction projects in your neighborhood.
  • Legislative and policy changes that may affect your community.
  • Applications for various licenses and permits.
  • Zoning changes and variances.
  • Public hearings and meetings, including agendas and minutes.
  • Enforcement actions and city decisions impacting your area.
  • Updates on city planning, including parks, trails, and recreation centers.
  • Notifications about public land availability and redevelopment projects.

How to Sign Up for ENS Notifications

Stay informed about important city decisions and developments by signing up for ENS notifications.

Subscribe to ENS Notifications

ENS Ordinance

The ENS Ordinance ensures timely and adequate information exchange between city departments, boards, committees, commissions, task forces, the city council, city agencies, affected neighborhood organizations, and individual residents. This ordinance underscores the importance of local residents' views and concerns in the decision-making process for licenses, permits, land use changes, and zoning variances.

For more detailed information, refer to the full ENS Ordinance.

Last Edited: August 8, 2024