This booklet was assembled with the assistance of city employees, organized by RNeighbors associates, designed by volunteer Jillian Clark, and printing costs were provided by the City of Rochester. The online version is below, a PDF version can be downloaded from this website, and paper copies are available at City Hall, the Public Library, and the RNeighbors office.
These guidelines for neighborhood awareness are just one step towards making the Rochester community and its neighborhoods stronger. The next steps are up to you including greeting and meeting neighbors, setting examples of courtesy and respect to others, getting rid of litter, helping someone in need, volunteering, and participating in neighborhood activities.
This information is a general summary of select city ordinances and is not meant to be a complete account of each ordinance. Please keep in mind that ordinances are periodically amended.
For clarification, please call City Hall at (507) 328-2900 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or the Police Non-Emergency at (507) 328-6800, available 24 hours per day.
Access to a complete listing and description of all Rochester ordinances is available through the City of Rochester web page.
It is the policy of the people of this city and the city itself not to discriminate based on color, race, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability or family status.
Do you occasionally wish life were simpler, perhaps with “no rules?” There’s a restaurant chain that has promoted, “No Rules Just Right!” While this may work for a restaurant advertising that you can “Have it your way” with individual attention to customer requests, it doesn’t work as well when making your city “livable” for the majority. Life is simpler in a larger city when we do have some “rules” that benefi t us all. This booklet outlines our ordinances that are the rules of common courtesy and common sense.
This booklet is designed to be used as a guide to the basic ordinances. Having the booklet readily available will help you know, in general, what the city requires and what is not allowed.
The City has knowledgeable employees who are ready to help or explain rules beyond what’s printed within this booklet. If further details are needed or you have questions please feel free to call City Hall at (507) 328-2900.
So, who’s responsible for boulevard trees, how many dogs can you have in any household or can you operate your snowmobile within the City limits are just some of the questions answered in this booklet. Living within the “rules” will make life simpler for all.
Sincerely,
Ardell F. Brede, Mayor
City of Rochester
201 4th Street SE – Room 281
Rochester, MN 55904-3782
Phone: (507) 328-2700
Fax: (507) 328-2727
50.01-50.04
Permits Required for Work on Residential Buildings
Residents are required to obtain permits from Building Safety for remodeling work, including additions, decks, new windows and doors, garages, sheds over 120 square feet in area, pools over 5,000 gallons, retaining walls greater than 4 feet high and fences over six feet tall.
61.111
Zoning Certificates for Work not Requiring a Building Permit
A Zoning Certificate from the Rochester/Olmsted Planning Department is required for swimming pools, ponds, lakes or open tanks outside a completely enclosed building capable of holding water to a depth of 24 inches; for sheds less than 120 square feet in area and for widening of a driveway. The location of a new fence in close proximity to a street or driveway intersection should be reviewed with the Planning Department before installation.
106.4
Completion of Homes
A building permit expires after 180 days if no work is done during that period.
34.37, 74.03
Identification of Houses, Buildings, and Apartments
Every house and building must have address numbers that can be easily read from the street. The numbers must be on the front of the building, be as close to the main entrance as practicable, be at least 4 inches tall and contrast with the color of the building. Easily visible numbers and/or letters are also required on the entrance door to every apartment and rooming unit in any dwelling.
63.220
Sign Restrictions
Planning and Zoning (507) 328-7100
There are specific rules regarding the number of signs, construction criteria, placement, size, and location. If you have a question regarding a sign, call Rochester/Olmsted Planning Department.
63.224 subd. 4
However, any sign which advertises either the sale or rental of the building upon which the sign is located that does not exceed 24 square feet in area, four feet tall in height, or less, is exempt from the Rochester Sign Regulations. Advertising signs of any type are not permitted in the street boulevard or upon any public property.
34.01-34.17
Minimum Housing Standards
Building Safety (507) 328-2600
All residential dwellings must have: Properly functioning kitchen sink, bathroom sink, toilet, bathtub or shower, running hot and cold water, adequate and safely functioning heat and electricity, adequate number of windows and proper ventilation, garbage storage containers, and a safe way to exit the building.
38.01-38.153
Rental Property
Building Safety (507) 328-2600
All rental property within the City of Rochester must be registered with Building Safety *as meeting all safety requirements and have a current rental certificate.
37.01, 35.12
All rental property must be fit for human occupancy, and must be kept clean and safe.
38.154, 21.05
Rochester Crime Prevention Unit (507) 328-6890
Any owner of rental property may request that the Rochester Police Department conduct a criminal history/background investigation of a prospective tenant.
38.152
Disorderly Use
Police Non-Emergency (507) 328-6800
Building Safety (507) 328-2600
Landlords are responsible for taking appropriate action against tenants or tenant’s guests who are disorderly on the property. Disorderly use of the property ranges from loud music, assault (other than domestic), obscenity, overcrowding, unlawful sale of alcoholic beverages, gambling, and disorderly conduct, to indecent conduct, prostitution, participating in a disorderly house, drug offenses, and weapon offenses. Three violations of this ordinance can result in loss of the landlord’s rental certificate.
35.23, 35.24
Public Health or Safety Hazards
Building Safety (507) 328-2600
A person who creates, maintains, or allows to continue a property condition that poses a risk to public health or safety must fix the condition within 5 days of notification. If the owner or occupant does not do so within 5 days, authorized city personnel may enter the property and do so, then bill the property owner.
35.12
Every occupant shall keep the area which he or she controls clean and sanitary.
63.242 (1)
Exterior Storage
Building Safety (507) 328-2600
Planning and Zoning (507) 328-7100
In most residential areas, materials, machinery, and equipment must be stored within a building or be fully screened so as to not be visible from adjoining properties, except for the following when kept in good order: laundry drying and minor recreational equipment, construction and landscaping materials and equipment currently used on the premises, agricultural materials and equipment if intended for use on the property, off-street parking of passenger vehicles and pick-up trucks, and storage of firewood.
46.01-46.04
Boulevard Trees
Boulevard trees are generally planted by the city as finances would allow.
However the person who owns the property bordering the boulevard may obtain a planting permit from the Park Department and plant their own tree(s). The Park Department is responsible for the general maintenance and removal of dead boulevard trees. The bordering property owner is responsible for the ordinary care of the trees, such as watering, minor twig removal, and raking of leaves. Branches overhanging a pedestrian sidewalk should be no lower than 9 feet from the sidewalk and 14 feet clearance over the street.
118
Yard Trees
Removal of dead trees from property is the responsibility of the property owner. If the property owner uses a tree service firm, the property owner should check with the Park Department to make sure that the tree service is licensed as required.
48.03
Grass and Weeds in Yards and Boulevards
Grass and weeds in yards and boulevards are to be kept less than 10 inches high. If violations are found by the Park Department, a notice will be sent to the property owner. If the property owner fails to comply, the Park Department will have the property mowed and will bill the owner. Exemptions are listed in section 48-04.
48.05
Landscaping
Natural landscape permits are available and required from the Park Department if the proposed landscape includes planting of native grasses that exceed 10 inches in height.
47
Diseased Trees
Property owners are responsible for the removal of diseased trees. (i.e.: Dutch elm, oak wilt, etc.) If the trees are not removed within 10 days of notice, the park department will remove the trees and the costs will be billed or assessed to the property owner.
There is a proper place for all your waste. The proper place is not always the garbage can. Management of waste includes reduction, reuse, recycling, and disposal. Contact the Olmsted County Solid Waste Recycling Information Center at (507) 285-7039.
Property owners are responsible for either arranging for garbage removal through private companies or for removal and legally disposing of garbage from property on a regular basis.
63.242 (1)
Exterior Storage
Planning and Zoning (507) 328-7100
All waste, debris, or garbage must be kept in an enclosed building or container designed for that purpose.
141.09
Location of containers
Planning and Zoning (507) 328-7100
If there is an alley, garbage containers must be kept as near the rear of the property as possible. Containers stored within a house, garage, or other structure shall be made easily accessible each scheduled collection day.
141.23
Schedule and hours of collection
Planning and Zoning (507) 328-7100
Private companies collect garbage at least once a week. In residential areas, collection should occur between 7:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. In commercial and industrial areas, collection should occur between 6:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m..
141.32
Self Hauling
Garbage Disposal (self-haul) Facility (507) 328-7040
Any person disposing of refuse at a site operated by the city or county must pay a fee based upon the size of the vehicle hauling the refuse.
Recycling
Planning and Zoning (507) 328-7100
Residential customers of garbage removal companies must separate
recyclable materials from garbage. Recyclables include newsprint, glass, corrugated cardboard, aluminum cans, and scrap mixed paper. This is according to the County Waste Ordinance #10.
141.11
Hazardous waste
Olmsted County Public Works (507) 328-7070
Contact Minnesota Pollution Control Agency or Olmsted County Public Works Department.
Let’s keep them safe and open.
72.02, 72.04
Maintenance and Repair – Snow Removal
Public Works (507) 328-2400
Property owners whose property borders a public sidewalk shall keep the sidewalk in good condition, including removing rubbish, making repairs to the sidewalk when necessary and removing all snow and ice from sidewalks within 24 hours.
136.06
Piling of Snow
Public Works (507) 328-2400
No person shall push into or deposit snow or ice onto any public street or alley or pile snow at such height or locations so as to interfere with the view onto or from public streets or alleys.
73.10
Skateboarding and In-Line Skating
Police Non-Emergency (507) 328-6800
Prohibited in Certain Areas . Skateboarding, in-line skating, or roller skating is not allowed on any public sidewalk, in the Peace Plaza, any public parking lot, or in any public or private structure located within the central business district. However, skateboarding, in-line skating, and roller-skating is allowed on the bike paths along the Zumbro River.
73.11
Signs on Public Property
Planning and Zoning (507) 328-7100
Posting of any handbill, sign, flyer is prohibited on any public property or right of way and may be removed by any person. This includes garage sale signs.
The City of Rochester maintains over 90 parks covering more than 3500 acres. Swimming is available at two outdoor pools and one lake. The city also operates three 18-hole golf courses , 60+ miles of trails, 42 tennis courts, 35 horseshoe courts, 14 picnic shelters, 3 cross country ski trails, 56 playgrounds, 46 ball diamonds, 11 basketball courts, 18 sand volleyball courts, 1 archery range, 2 Frisbee golf courses and 2 dog parks.
45B.12
Dumping
Dumping rubbish or waste of any kind on any parkland property is strictly prohibited.
45B.13
Hours
In general, parks are open from 5:00 a.m. through 11:00 p.m. each day.
The Park Board may set different hours for individual parks indicated at all entrances.
45B.14
Golf Prohibited
Hitting golf balls is prohibited except at the city’s three municipal golf courses, the golf learning center, or where allowed by the Park Board.
45B.17
Alcoholic Beverages
It is against the law to have alcohol in a park in containers greater than 2 gallons (no kegs) without a special permit.
By following these rules bicyclists and motorists can share the road more safely and enjoyably. After all, bicycle safety is a two-way street.
106A.05-106A.07
Animal Licenses
All dogs, cats, and ferrets over the age of 4 months must be licensed and vaccinated. The animal must wear a metal identification tag when not indoors or on the property of the owner.
106A.03
Ownership Limits
No more than a total of 8 cats, ferrets or other domesticated animals over the age of 6 months may be kept within any household. The number of dogs is limited to 5.
106A.04
Wild Animals
Most wild animals and hybrids are prohibited within city limits.
106A.08
Care of Animals
All dogs and cats must be restrained by being enclosed within a residence, dwelling, business, or other structure, within a fence, on a leash or under control by command. Animals that are not restrained are considered “at-large.”
106A.09
Animal Waste
The owner of an animal is responsible for cleaning up their animal waste on public or private property.
106A.10
Noisy Dogs
No dog shall be permitted to unreasonably disturb the “peace and quiet.”
Lost pets
To reclaim a pet which has been lost or at large, or if you have any questions about pets and licensing, call:
Graffiti removal preserves the appearance of the community and may assist in preventing the entrenchment of gangs.
Contact the Police Non-Emergency line with any questions you may have on Safety and Welfare, at (507) 328-6800.
85A.14-17
Curfew Regulations
Children must not be on public streets, alleys, parks, playgrounds, public buildings or grounds, places of amusement, entertainment, refreshment, or vacant lots during the following restricted hours:
Exceptions: The child is with a parent, guardian, or other adult person who is primarily responsible for providing the child with food, clothing, and shelter; the child is on an emergency errand as directed by their parent, guardian, or other adult; the child is working; the child is traveling directly to and from work and home; or the child is traveling to and from an event officially designated as a school activity.
No parent, guardian, or other adult who is primarily responsible for the child’s food, clothing and shelter shall permit curfew violations. Owners and operators of places of amusement, entertainment or refreshment shall not allow a child to come in or stay there during the restricted hours unless the child is with a parent, guardian, or other adult.
85.10
Noise
No person shall make noise which unreasonably disturbs the peace and quiet of people nearby.
Subd.5 (1)
The play of any device for the production or reproduction of sound as to be plainly audible at a distance of fifty feet is evidence of a violation of this subsection.
Permits may be obtained through the City Clerk’s Office at 328-2900.
85.10.03
Parties
Between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., no person shall attend any gathering of four or more persons which is noisy enough to disturb the peace and quiet of people nearby.
85.10 subd.2
Construction
Construction is prohibited during the following times:
85.13
Firearms
With certain exceptions, no person shall discharge a fi rearm or transport an uncased firearm within the city limits. (see subd. 3 (H) for bow and arrow conditions)
85B.03
Graffiti
Placement of graffiti on any exterior surface on public or private property or possession of materials for placing graffiti is unlawful. Property owners are responsible for removing any graffiti from their property within 24 hours of notice.
55.04
Fire Works
Fireworks use is limited to small devices that do not leave the ground and that contain less than 75 grams of explosive mixture, such as sparklers.
Aerial fireworks and pyrotechnic displays are limited to those intended specifically for public viewing outdoors or as otherwise allowed by Chapter 33 of the Fire Code and Minnesota Statute 624.
130.03
Motorcycles
Police Non-Emergency (507) 328-6800
Motorcycles and motorized bicycles cannot be operated upon public sidewalks or pedestrian walkways, or in any public park, public school grounds, or any other public ground except on roadways.
137.02
Snowmobiles
Police Non-Emergency (507) 328-6800
No person shall operate a snowmobile upon any public street, roadway, or alley within the city limits.
134.10
Parking
Police Non-Emergency (507) 328-6800
No one may park a vehicle, whether attended or unattended:
Refer to the ordinance for additional conditions.
134.28
Certain areas have parking restrictions which are marked by signs, parking meters, etc. In areas without specific limitations, vehicles cannot be parked for more than 12 consecutive hours.
134.11 Subd. 3
Parking in the unpaved portion of a front yard in a residential neighborhood is not permitted.
55.02.7
Obstructing Fire Lanes & Hydrants
Police Non-Emergency (507) 328-6800
Obstruction of the fire department and fire department equipment is prohibited, including blocking or parking in fire lanes and obstructing a fire hydrant with snow or shrubbery.
62.278 subd. 7
Recreational vehicles (RV’s) may be parked in the rear yard. If the RV is less than 18 feet in length and 7 feet in height it may be parked in a side yard on a hard surface adjacent to the driveway. If the RV is over 18 feet in length or 7 feet in height, it can be parked on the driveway but there must be 20 feet between curb and the vehicle.
136.04 subd. 2
Snow Emergency
On occasion a snow emergency may be declared. Please do not park
your vehicle on the public streets until they have been plowed.
35.22 subd. 2, 85.22
Inoperable or Junked Motor Vehicles
Building Safety (507) 328-2600
Motor vehicles in an open area on residential or rental property must have current legal license plates, all essential parts that would make it operative and must not be rusted, wrecked, or partially dismantled.
62.278 subd. 7
No Current Plates
Planning and Zoning (507) 328-7100
Vehicles or trailers without current legal license plates on residential property must be stored or parked in a completely closed building.
85.21
Unsheltered Storage
Planning and Zoning (507) 328-7100
Except for junk or salvage yards, the unsheltered storage of old, unused, or stripped automobiles, machinery, implements, junk, or personal property no longer safely usable is considered a nuisance.
Home Ownership
If you are exploring the possibility of becoming a homeowner, the Community Housing Partnership (CHP) offers free home buyers education classes and one-on-one counseling. To pre-register or for more information about CHP’s programs and services, call (507) 328-7170. Check their website for additional information.
Building Safety
Refer to City's Building Safety website for information on acquiring permits, rental certificates, and downloadable brochures with tips on deck construction or basement refinishing.
Crime Free Multi-Housing
If you own, or are thinking about buying, rental property, you should take the Crime Free Multi-Housing class.
Home Security Surveys
A police department representative can evaluate the security of your home or apartment.
Operation Identification
The Operation Identification program has been proven to be dramatically effective in reducing burglary in cities where it has been properly implemented. Easily stolen valuables are marked with a unique number and a sticker is placed on windows near the front and rear doors of your home. Operation Identification is part of Minnesota Crime Watch.
Cop Talk Live coptalklive.com
Rochester cable access channel 10 Monday nights from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., watch and call in with questions.
Vacation House Check
Prior to going on vacation, call (507) 328-6890 to register.
Neighborhood Watch Program
You and your neighbors can help protect each other and make your
neighborhood even safer.
Crime Prevention Web Page coptalklive.com
Crime E-alerts, National Night Out, kids page, crime prevention tips, registration forms for all programs, and much more.
Fire Prevention Programs
To report any information pertaining to a suspicious or possible arson fire which may have been intentionally set please call 1-800-723-2020. Home safety inspections, fire safety education, and fire extinguisher classes are also available.
Rochester Public Library is dedicated to providing the community access to information, literature and ideas.
The Public Library also offers programs for all ages, and special services, such as reference, reader’s advisory, homebound delivery, bookmobile and Internet access.
The Public Library provides access to the city ordinances as well as Minnesota laws and regulations. Other general materials are available on topics such as landlord and tenant law, family law, contracts and small business laws. For more information on these and any topic of interest, visit or call the Reference Desk at (507) 328-2309, email a librarian, or Instant message IM a question to a librarian at rplmnInfo (yahoo AIM).
The library website also offers remote access to numerous subscription databases and newspaper and magazine articles including car repair manuals and genealogy resources. For a list and links to subscriptions visit the website.
The Public Library Bookmobile visits neighborhoods every other week and supplies all formats of materials. Visit the website for a map and interactive schedule.
If you live in the city of Rochester and are restricted to your home temporarily or permanently because of illness, disability or related issues, you may qualify for the Rochester Public Library Homebound Service. For more information please call (507) 328-2302 about the bookmobile and homebound services.
Be a partner in your neighborhood’s future. Participate in our community beginning in your neighborhood. Get to know your neighbors and join in activities that facilitate opportunities to communicate with each other. Start or participate in a neighborhood association, have a block party, and/or create a block crime watch network.
To assist neighborhoods in getting neighbors to promote safety, security, and the quality of life, Rochester supports very active Neighborhood Watch and Neighborhood Associations.
Neighborhood Watch
This is a neighborhood crime prevention program coordinated by the Rochester/Olmsted County Crime Prevention Unit.
Neighborhood Watch groups are generally organized by blocks or small areas where people can easily get to know one another to effectively report suspicious activity, and help one another. While its focus is individual and neighborhood safety and security, its benefits often extend to social activities and neighbors helping neighbors.
To learn more about Neighborhood Watch in your neighborhood or to start one, contact the Crime Prevention Unit at (507) 328-6890.
Neighbor on right: ___________________________________________
Neighbor on left: ____________________________________________
Neighbor across: ____________________________________________
Neighbor in back: ____________________________________________
In choosing a neighborhood project, focus on a specific issue that will demonstrate action and results.
Get the whole community behind the project by promoting the event as much as possible. This will provide lots of participation for you to establish a large membership base. If you are successful in achieving your goals or effecting change on a single issue, it demonstrates that your Association is an effective group. This establishes credibility for the organization, which is crucial for sustainability. Small projects build confidence and power to tackle more complicated issues facing your neighborhood.
Consider one of the following projects to bring your neighbors together:
Participants include homeowners, renters, and representatives from neighborhood businesses, churches, or schools. It may include any community member who has a vested interest in the well-being of the neighborhood, and lives within the defined boundaries.
A Neighborhood Association is the officially designated, recognized organization for a specific geographic location. Neighborhood Associations are the heart of neighborhood activities in Rochester. Each Association is self-governed by citizen-written bylaws that determine boundaries, the election and function of officers, and the frequency of meetings. Neighborhood Associations work to reflect the issues and needs of its members.
RNeighbors, Rochester’s Neighborhood Resource Center empowers and organizes neighbors so they can work together to build community, decrease crime, and generally strengthen their neighborhoods. RNeighbors assists in the process of starting NAs that can actively represent each Rochester neighborhood and foster a spirit of community.
One group working together has a stronger impact than many individual voices.
For additional information about Neighborhood Associations in Rochester or to get guidelines and support on how to start one, contact RNeighbors at (507) 529-4150 or go to their website.
