Apple Valley, MN Business Licensing & Operations: Towing Companies (2026)

Chapter 90 of the Apple Valley Code of Ordinances runs non-consent towing through a city-designated contractor. Under § 90.07(A), the City Council of Apple Valley, Minnesota, can by motion or resolution designate one or more official towing contractors, who serve at the pleasure of the Council on the terms and conditions it desires. Section 90.01 defines a towing contractor as a person under contract with the city under the chapter. The contractors must implement and comply with all storage, sale or disposal regulations in the chapter and with any policy duly adopted by the city. Under § 90.07(B), a towing contractor cannot solicit, directly or indirectly, the impounding or towing of vehicles under the chapter.

The tow itself starts with police. Section 90.02(A)(1) says that upon the order of any police officer, a motor vehicle deemed a public nuisance, abandoned, or driven by an individual who has been arrested and taken into custody can be removed and impounded. The Police Department tags the vehicle to show the disposition ordered and the reason, and the tag goes to the contractor with the tow sheet. The officer prepares an impound report, and under § 90.03(B) the contractor signs it to acknowledge receipt of the vehicle and property, sends a signed copy to the Police Department, and the signed report is filed there.

Owner protections are printed as well. If the owner or operator asks for a tow to a garage other than the contractor's, the owner advances a sum estimated to equal the minimum towing charge established by the towing contract, then pays the balance of the actual minimum towing charge on arrival and before release. Under § 90.04, the contractor notifies the registered owner and known lien holder within five days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, with the accrued towing charges and a schedule of storage charges. Release requires proof of ownership, valid Minnesota driving privileges and proof of insurance, given to the contractor, plus payment of all towing and storage charges. From sale proceeds, the contractor first recovers the cost of towing, preserving and storing the vehicle under § 90.06(B).