Safety & Welfare
Rochester’s curfew ordinance is designed to protect the public, to protect minors, and to help parents control their children. Other ordinances preserve the peace and quiet. Graffiti removal preserves the appearance of the community and may assist in preventing the entrenchment of gangs.
Juvenile Curfew Regulations
Section 8-8-3 & 8-8-4
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:
- Under 16: 10:30 pm – 5 am
- Ages 16-17: 12 midnight – 5 am
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.
Noise
Section 8-7-8
No person shall make noise which unreasonably disturbs the peace and quiet of people nearby.
Section 8-7-8 (e )(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.
Sound Amplification Permit Required
Section 8-11-3
A Special Event Permit is required to hold a special event during which: amplified sound is used, a public way is closed, alcoholic beverages are provided, or a considerable number of citizens will be impacted.
Smoking
Section 5-19-32
Smoking is prohibited in public places; places of work; outdoor dining or bar areas; and within 15 feet of entrances, exits, open windows and ventilation intakes. For more information contact Olmsted County Public Health Services at (507) 328-7500.
Parties
Section 8-7-8 (c)
Between 11 pm and 7 am, no person shall attend any gathering of four or more persons which is noisy enough to disturb the peace and quiet of people nearby.
Construction
Section 8-7-8 (b)
Construction is prohibited during the following times:
- 10 pm through 7 am Monday through Saturday
- 10 pm Saturday through 12 noon Sunday
- 10 pm Sunday through 7 am Monday
Firearms
Section 8-7-10
With certain exceptions including possessing a permit to carry, no person shall discharge a firearm or transport an uncased firearm within the city limits. (See Section 8-7-11 for bow and arrow conditions).
Graffiti
Section 8-6-3
Placement of graffiti on any exterior surface on public or private property or possession of materials for placing graffiti is unlawful.
Fire Works
Section 5-16-1 & 5-16-2
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.
Recreational Fires (Bonfires)
Section 307.4.2 and 307.5
To reduce unnecessary fire calls, it is recommended that you call Fire Dispatch, 328-2830, prior to starting a recreational fire giving your name, address, and telephone number.
Door-to-Door Salespersons
Chapter 5-14
In general, persons selling, taking orders for, exhibiting or taking surveys for personal property goods, wares, merchandise or services must first register with the City Clerk. For exceptions see. Rochester Code Section 5.14.-3.