Complaints about the condition of real property in the City of Rochester should be directed to the Building Safety Department at 507-328-2600.

If you have questions about anything associated with your case, our office has two Victim Witness Liaisons with our office.   You may contact either of them by calling (507) 328-2179 or (507) 328-2128 and they would be happy to answer your questions about the criminal case process.  

Please contact Olmsted County Property, Records, & Licensing for questions relating to driver's license renewals, marriage certificate, death certificate, or information on obtaining a passport at 507-328-7670 or http://www.co.olmsted.mn.us/prl/Pages/default.aspx.

To obtain a residential parking permit, please contact the City Clerk's office at 507-328-2900.

Prior to conviction, a county jail or detention facility must notify a victim of a violent crime of the offender's release.  All victims, regardless of the crime, are strongly encouraged to register with VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) program to request automatic release notification.  Following conviction, victims of inmates in a county facility must make a request for release notification to that facility and can also register with VINE.  Victims of inmates in a Department of Corrections facility must register with the Minnesota CHOICE program for release notification.

A public defender will not be appointed on a petty misdemeanor case.  You have the right to hire a private lawyer but do not have a right to a public defender.

You may apply for a public defender.  If you qualify financially, a public defender will be appointed (except for a petty misdemeanor level charge.)   Some co-payment may be required.  You should apply for a public defender as soon as possible, by contacting Olmsted County Court Administration at 507-722-7264 or you may pick up an application on the 4th floor of the Olmsted County Government Center.

Assuming a guilty plea or conviction, a judge can take into consideration someone's financial circumstances.  One option frequently utilized is community work service in place of payment of a fine.   Community work service is credited toward a fine at the rate of $10/hour (e.g. $200 fine or 20 hours community work service.)  If the resolution involves a conviction there are fees and surcharges (usually $85) that must be paid in cash.  There is a minimal fee charged for the community work service program.

Payment plans are also an option.    If you are resolving your case directly with the prosecutor you can be given up to four months to pay a fine.  If you need a longer period of time a judge would need to approve that request. 

Attorneys from this office cannot give legal advice to citizens or defendant's calling with legal questions.   You have the right to consult with a private attorney or apply for a public defender.

Depending on your driving record, the prosecutor may be willing to resolve your case in a manner that does not cause you a new driver's license issue.  This resolution would require you to remain law abiding for a period of time along with payment of a fine.

While the City would certainly encourage steps to safer driving, we are not able to offer any type of diversion sentence tied to a "safe driving class".  Additionally, absent exceptional circumstances the prosecutor will NOT be able to keep the ticket off of your record.

 One exception under the law is for a speeding ticket of 65 mph or less, either in a 60 or a 55 mph zone.  Such an offense would NOT be reported to your driving record.  

Should you wish to build a privacy fence on your property, please contact the Olmsted County Planning & Zoning Department  at 507-328-7100 to obtain the necessary permits and/or information.

http://www.co.olmsted.mn.us/planning/Pages/default.aspx

As a result of the COVID pandemic, court proceedings are operating a bit differently.     If you have received a traffic citation within the City limits of Rochester and you wish to resolve without having to come to court, please contact the City Attorney office at (507) 328-2100.     Administrative staff will take the appropriate citation information, along with your contact information.  Once a prosecutor has had the opportunity to review the citation, a prosecutor will contact you to discuss resolution options.     If you do not wish to resolve your citation, please contact District Court at 507-722-7264 and ask for a hearing to be scheduled.

Crime Victim Brochure

The University of Minnesota Extension Service has a helpful fact sheet on tree law that can be found at:

http://www.myminnesotawoods.umn.edu/2008/12/minnesota-law-and-trees/

As a matter of policy, the Prosecutor does not routinely drop charges; therefore, a victim should be certain of his/her actions when pursuing charges.   Only the Prosecutor can drop charges against a defendant; however, you should let the Prosecutor's office know if you no longer wish to proceed with the case.  While the Prosecutor will take your wishes into consideration, the Prosecutor must also take into consideration the safety of the community and other factors when making a decision to drop charges or proceed with the case. 

The City Attorney's office represents the City, its elected officials and staff, City departments and the City's boards, commissions and authorities in civil matters.    The attorneys in the office are not allowed to represent private citizens in any type of proceeding.  In criminal prosecutions the City Attorney's office represents the State of Minnesota.

Yes,  Please contact the Victim Witness Liaisons at (507) 328-2179 or (507) 328-2128 to schedule a meeting. 

It depends.  Most crime victim cases can be resolved without the need for testifying or going to court.  Every case is different.  You should consult with the Victim Witness Liaisons if you have concerns.

According to Minnesota law, all electrical work must be carried out by licensed electrical contractors and their employees. However, under certain conditions, homeowners may perform electrical work on their own home. Such work must be performed by the owner, the dwelling cannot contain more than two units, and all work must be inspected to ensure compliance with relevant codes. For more information, view the Electrical for Homeowners Handout.

Note: A building permit does not include trades work.  Trades work, such as electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work, require separate permits. 

To determine whether a permit is required for your project, please refer to our Permit Requirements Guide. For details on the permit process, visit the Permits webpage. If you're unsure whether your project requires a permit, please contact our department before starting any work at buildingsafety@rochestermn.gov or 507-328-2600 during office hours.

Even if a building permit is not required, a zoning certificate may still be necessary to ensure that the property or land use is in compliance with local zoning laws and regulations. A zoning certificate is essential for property sales, leases, and development.  For more details, visit the Planning Applications webpage or contact our department at communitydevelopment@rochestermn.gov or 507-328-2600 during office hours.

If the retaining wall is less than 4 feet in height, no permit is required.  

For details on the permit process, visit the Permits webpage. If you're unsure whether your project requires a permit, please contact our department before starting any work at buildingsafety@rochestermn.gov or 507-328-2600 during office hours.

Even if a building permit is not required, a zoning certificate may still be necessary to ensure that the property or land use is in compliance with local zoning laws and regulations. A zoning certificate is essential for property sales, leases, and development.  For more details, visit the Planning Applications webpage or contact our department at communitydevelopment@rochestermn.gov or 507-328-2600 during office hours.

Above ground swimming pools with a capacity of less than 5,000 gallons do not require a permit. This includes most pools less than 16 feet in diameter. 

For details on the permit process, visit the Permits webpage. If you're unsure whether your project requires a permit, please contact our department before starting any work at buildingsafety@rochestermn.gov or 507-328-2600 during office hours.

Even if a building permit is not required, a zoning certificate may still be necessary to ensure that the property or land use is in compliance with local zoning laws and regulations. A zoning certificate is essential for property sales, leases, and development.  For more details, visit the Planning Applications webpage or contact our department at communitydevelopment@rochestermn.gov or 507-328-2600 during office hours.

Fences that are 6 feet or less do not require a building permit as long as it does not interfere with the line of sight for vehicles. Fences may be built up to the property line, but not over the property line. Fences cannot be built in a drainage easement. Please contact the Community Development's Planning & Zoning Division at 507-328-2600 if you are planning to build a fence or wall in a front yard, or along a road, driveway, sidewalk, or an alley. For more information on fence permitting, please view the Fences, Walls, and Hedges guide.

Visit the Permits webpage for more details on the permit process, including fees, inspections, and how to apply.

Detached garages and sheds must meet both building codes and zoning requirements for setbacks, height, square footage, etc.  Sheds under 200 square feet do not require building permits but do require zoning certificates.  Any garages or sheds over 200 square feet require a building permit. For more information on the permit process for garages, please view the Homeowner's Guide to Garages (detached).  If you're unsure whether your project requires a permit or have questions about building code requirements, please contact our department before starting any work at buildingsafety@rochestermn.gov or 507-328-2600 during office hours.  

Even if a building permit is not required, a zoning certificate may still be necessary to ensure that the property or land use is in compliance with local zoning laws and regulations. A zoning certificate is essential for property sales, leases, and development.  Please contact our department at communitydevelopment@rochestermn.gov or 507-328-2600 during office hours with a sketch or a site plan outlining the proposed location of the garage or shed to discuss the zoning requirements with a planner.  For more details on zoning certificates, visit the Planning Applications webpage.

Yes - we will verify that the new portions of the deck meet current codes. Please refer to the Decks Handout for additional information. 

For details on the permit process, visit the Permits webpage. If you're unsure whether your project requires a permit, please contact our department before starting any work at buildingsafety@rochestermn.gov or 507-328-2600 during office hours.

While walk-ins are welcome, our Planners are happy to schedule an appointment with you to discuss any planning and zoning questions or concerns.  By scheduling ahead, you may reduce any possible wait time you may experience as a walk-in. Planners are typically available to meet during normal business hours and can be contacted via email or via phone at 507-328-2600. The Community Development Department is co-located with Public Works in the Development Services and Infrastructure Center at 4001 W River Pkwy NW, Suite 100, Rochester, Minnesota 55901.

No, a building permit does not include trades work.  Trades work, such as wiring/electrical, heating/mechanical, and plumbing work, require separate permits. 

Visit the Permits webpage for more details on the permit process, including how to apply, fees, and inspections.

Initial inspections for new rental properties are typically scheduled during the application process for a new Rental Housing Certificate.  After the initial inspection, the rental property requires routine inspections.  The frequency of the routine inspections is determined according to a property incentive system.  The system scores properties based on the number of violations found during  inspection, and results in an inspection cycle of either every three years, every two years, or every year.  Routine Inspections may be scheduled upon payment of fees, and in advance of your Certificate's expiration date.  Request an inspection by submitting an Inspection Request form or calling (507)328-2600 during office hours.

Note: only the property owner or manager may escort the Housing Inspector through the rental property.

Some properties may have site plans on file at the Development Services & Infrastructure Center. Please contact Community Development at 507-328-2600 to request a copy of a site plan. You may also be able to determine the approximate location of your property lines by looking up the Subdivision Plat or Interactive Zoning Map. If you are unable to find the survey markers in the ground at your property, you can hire a licensed land surveyor. Community Development does not keep any surveys on file.

The Community Development Department is located at 4001 West River Parkway NW, Suite 100, Rochester, Minnesota 55901. You can reach us via email or phone at 507-328-2600 during office hours. We're here to assist you in any way we can.

Property lines are determined by a survey. Do not assume that a fence is a reliable marker for the location of a side or rear property line. You may be able to determine the approximate location of your property lines by looking up the Subdivision Plat or Interactive Zoning Map. If you are unable to find the survey markers in the ground at your property, you can hire a licensed land surveyor to mark your property lines.

To obtain a Rental Property Certificate, submit an Rental Property Application.  After an application has been received:

• The application is reviewed and zoning requirements are verified by city teammates, who will notify the applicant when they can proceed with scheduling an inspection.
• The applicant must schedule an on-site inspection with Community Development's Housing Inspection team, which will verify compliance with the Housing Code.
  • If deficiencies are found during the inspection, the violations must be corrected.  When corrections are completed, a re-inspection is conducted to verify compliance.  

As a part of the initial application process, all landlords or their property managers must complete either a Landlord Public Safety Seminar or Phase I of the Crime Free Multi-Housing Programs.  Once this requirement is fulfilled and submitted to the Community Development Department, this portion of the certification process is valid for life (requiring renewal fees and inspections to remain active) and covers all present and future rentals. 

Once the Rental Property Application has been completed, the inspection has been approved, and the Landlord requirements are met, a Rental Property Certificate is issued for the property. 

Once your rental is registered with the city, you will receive notification of renewal fees due and a request for an inspection approximately 90 days before your certificate expires. You must call Community Development to schedule an inspection before the expiration date, allowing enough time to complete any corrections and re-inspections before the rental housing certificate expires. When the renewal fee has been paid and the inspection approved, the Rental Property Certificate can be issued.

Please submit photo and videos of corrections using the Rental housing Picture or Video Submission Guide, which includes a link to our online form.  Please read all of the instructions before submitting your pictures or videos, as incorrect or incomplete submissions will not be accepted.

A building setback is the distance the building is setback from a street, alley, property line or road.  Building setbacks are set up by land developers and local Planning and Zoning Offices and are different for every subdivision.  If you take notice of a typical neighborhood, all the houses line up (for the most part) in the front.  This is because of the building setback line.  Building setback lines exist for many reasons.  They prevent building structures from being built too close to one another, prevent fire from spreading to buildings or homes that are too close together, and serve as utility easements for local power or water companies to gain access to properties where they have their meters.  Older neighborhoods typically have shorter building setbacks because walking was the primary means of getting from place to place and as result, local governments wanted to keeps distances shorter. 

To determine the building setbacks for your property, please contact Community Development via email or phone at 507-328-2600.

The Community Development Department is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (except on holidays).

Congratulations! Rochester is filled with rich history, much of which is characterized by our beautiful buildings. For information and resources on historic preservation, please visit our Heritage Preservation webpage.

If you are trying to research a historic property, please visit the Olmsted County History Center website at www.olmstedhistory.com.

According to Chapter 7-5-1 of the Rochester Code of Ordinances, it is mandatory for anyone who rents out a dwelling to obtain a Rental Property Certificate or Rental Housing Certificate. A dwelling is considered rental when someone other than the owner, or their relatives, occupies the dwelling whether money is exchanged or not. This includes single family homes when the owner does not occupy the home, but does not include hotels, motels, rooming houses, nursing homes, and hospitals which are licensed by other agencies. Renting without a certificate is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1000 fine, 90 days in jail, or both.

To ensure compliance with the Housing Code, the rental property requires routine inspections. The frequency of the routine inspections is determined according to a property incentive system.  The system scores properties based on the number of violations found during  inspection, and results in an inspection cycle of either every three years, every two years, or every year.  

Note: Rental certificates must be transferred within 30 days of a property being sold.

Community development is the process of making a community a better place to live, work, and grow. This can involve improving things like housing, roads, and public services.  Community Development often involves collaboration between residents, local government, businesses, and other groups to create strategies that support long-term development and improve the overall well-being of the community.

Rochester's Community Development Services include:

• Building & Development ensures compliance to building codes through permitting, plan review, and inspections to protect the safety and integrity of buildings, their occupants, and the surrounding environment.
• Economic Development focuses on increasing economic activity and improving quality of life by attracting businesses, investing in infrastructure, and providing workforce development programs.
• Heritage Preservation maintains Rochester's cultural identity and promotes tourism and economic development through the conservation of cultural and natural heritage sites, artifacts, and traditions.
• Housing, Rental, & Neighborhood Services aims to attract and support housing investment in Rochester and expand access to safe, affordable housing by regulating rental housing, enforcing housing & zoning code compliance, and administering programs.
• Planning & Zoning promotes community health, safety, and welfare by ensuring land use and development are consistent with community goals, values, and priorities. Planning is the process of developing and implementing policies, while zoning is a legal mechanism to enforce those policies.
• Sustainability focuses on the use of economic, social, and environmental resources to prevent depletion of natural resources or harm to the environment and society, ensuring we can meet present needs without compromising future generation's ability to meet their own needs.
• Urban Design develops the city's physical and social environment to create functional, attractive, and sustainable urban spaces that meet the needs of those who live and work in Rochester.

Planning is the process of developing and implementing policies for community and neighborhood growth; City planners ensure the way in which buildings, roads, and parks develop are both attractive and convenient for residents.

Zoning is the legal mechanism which helps enforce policies for the physical development and use of land. It dictates where residential, industrial, recreational, or commercial activities can take place, helping to protect investment in property.

First adopted in 1967, City Council developed Rochester's Housing Code to protect individual and community health, safety, and well-being.  Every dwelling in Rochester, including owner-occupied and rental properties, must comply with the minimum standards and maintenance set forth in the Code.  The Code is administered and enforced by Community Development's Building Safety Division, and addresses the following areas: structural integrity, fire safety, overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and site conditions.

Below are direct links to the Housing Code in the Rochester Code of Ordinances:

• Chapter 7-1  Definitions

• Chapter 7-2  Preface

• Chapter 7-3  Administration and Enforcement

• Chapter 7-4  General Requirements

• Chapter 7-5  Light, Ventilation and Occupancy Limitations

• Chapter 7-6  Plumbing Facilities and Fixture Requirements

• Chapter 7-7  Mechanical and Electrical Requirements

• Chapter 7-8  Fire Safety Requirements

• Chapter 7-9  Rental Unit Registration

• Chapter 7-10  Short Term Rental Housing Platforms

Note: An Updated Housing Code took effect in January 2023.  This update better aligns Rochester with the International Property Maintenance Code. To learn more, read the Housing Code Update Summary.

The Rochester Multi-Housing Association (RMHA) is a coalition of property owners, managers, and others associated with the housing industry for Rochester and the surrounding area. The association works together to navigate current events, problems, trends, and other issues affecting the industry with the goal of growing and succeeding in an ever-changing market.

Visit Community Development's Reports webpage to access the following permit reports: 

• Monthly Reports: a one-page summary of key planning and permit information.
• Summary Reports: a two-page summary of completed permits, categorized by application type.
• Detail Reports: a multi-page list of each permit by application type, including details such as valuation, address, subdivision, owner name, contractor name, and application number.
• Detail Report Spreadsheets: a spreadsheet that lists each permit by various searchable and sortable categories, such as permit type, date of issue, parcel, address, quadrant, valuation, work description, contractor, and owner. 

For information about permit and application requests, please visit:

• Citizen Access (www.rochestermn.gov/citizenaccess) to search specific addresses and permit records
• AgencyCounter (www.rochestermn.gov/agencycounter) to view a interactive map/dashboard

The Unified Development Code (UDC) is a set of rules that governs how Rochester can be developed. It includes things like zoning, building codes, and environmental protection requirements. The UDC is designed to ensure that new development fits with the surrounding area, meets minimum safety standards, and promotes sustainability.

Visit the Unified Development Code Webpage at www.rochestermn.gov/UDC to view the UDC, updates to the UDC, and related ordinances.

The City of Rochester has a Zoning Compliance Liaison, who can be reached via phone at 507-328-2955.

The Olmsted County Planning Department has experts in both flood plains and watershed areas. Their department can be reached by phone at 507-328-7100 or via email at planningweb@co.olmsted.mn.us.

Log in and click "My Account" on the upper left side of the page.

Strong, persistent rotation in the cloud base.

Whirling dust or debris on the ground under a cloud base -- tornadoes sometimes have no funnel!

Hail or heavy rain followed by either dead calm or a fast, intense wind shift. Many tornadoes are wrapped in heavy precipitation and can't be seen.

Day or night - Loud, continuous roar or rumble, which doesn't fade in a few seconds like thunder.

Night - Small, bright, blue-green to white flashes at ground level near a thunderstorm (as opposed to silvery lightning up in the clouds). These mean power lines are being snapped by very strong wind, maybe a tornado.

Night - Persistent lowering from the cloud base, illuminated or silhouetted by lightning -- especially if it is on the ground or there is a blue-green-white power flash underneath.

• Who is sending the alert
• What is happening
• Who is affected
• What action to take

Rochester Alert is a free emergency notification system.  Local police, fire, and emergency management will alert you in time of emergency or disaster.

You may wish to alter or have a back-up plan for any outdoor activities or travel.  When a severe thunderstorm, tornado or flash flood watch is in effect, it means you should look for signs of dangerous weather and maintain access to the latest information.  Sometimes a severe thunderstorm, tornado or flash flood can happen so quickly that warnings can't be issued in time. 

• Presidential Alerts - Issued during a national emergency
• AMBER Alerts - Issued for the abduction of a child in your area
• Imminent Threat Alerts - Issued for extreme weather or harmful events that threatening life or property in your area

In a house with a basement: Avoid windows. Get in the basement and under some kind of sturdy protection (heavy table or work bench), or cover yourself with a mattress or sleeping bag. Know where very heavy objects rest on the floor above (pianos, refrigerators, waterbeds, etc.) and do not go under them. They may fall down through a weakened floor and crush you. Head protection, such as a helmet, can offer some protection also.

In a house with no basement, a dorm, or an apartment: Avoid windows. Go to the lowest floor, small center room (like a bathroom or closet), under a stairwell, or in an interior hallway with no windows. Crouch as low as possible to the floor, facing down; and cover your head with your hands. A bath tub may offer a shell of partial protection. Even in an interior room, you should cover yourself with some sort of thick padding (mattress, blankets, etc.), to protect against falling debris in case the roof and ceiling fail. A helmet can offer some protection against head injury.

Please email Michon Rogers, Executive Assistant, at mrogers@rochestermn.gov or call (507) 328-2700 to schedule a month!  

Mayor Norton makes every attempt to attend as many community events and activities as her schedule allows. Please send your event/activity information in any of the following ways: 

Email (preferred): Michon Rogers, Executive Assistant, at mrogers@rochestermn.gov
Telephone: (507) 328-2700
U.S. Mail: Mayor’s Office, City Hall, 201 4^th Street SE, Rochester, MN 55904 

Please send invitations at least 30 days in advance (the sooner the better)! 

We look forward to hearing from you!

Please email the proclamation language to Michon Rogers, Executive Assistant, at mrogers@rochestermn.gov. Please allow a two week turnaround time.

Mayor Norton maintains an open-door policy and is available to meet with community members. However, her busy meeting schedule and attendance at community events doesn’t always accommodate walk-in visitors. To ensure time with the Mayor, please email Michon Rogers, Executive Assistant, at mrogers@rochestermn.gov or call (507) 328-2700 to schedule a meeting with the Mayor.

No, per city ordinance Sec. 11-6-23:

(b) No person shall park any of the following described vehicles on any street, alley or city-owned public parking lot for more than one hour:

(1)Trucks or motorhomes having an overall length of more than 23 feet, or overall width of more than eight feet.

(2)Dump trucks, tractors, truck-tractors, trailers, boats and boat trailers, semi-trailers or any heavy machinery.

(3)Any truck, trailer or semi-trailer which is being used for the transportation of livestock or has been used for the transportation of livestock and has not been cleaned.

(4)Any vehicle, truck, trailer or semi-trailer which is being used for the display of advertising.

This restriction means it is not eligible for a permit.

For more information please visit: Chapter 11-6 Parking Regulations  or contact the Office of the City Clerk at 507-328-2900.

The answer to this depends upon how long visitors will be staying at your home. A temporary permit cannot be purchased for more than 30 days at a time.

If a visitor is coming to your home for less than 14 days:

1. Create an account on parking permit portal: https://rochestermn.thepermitportal.com/
2. Select "Buy Permit" and enter required information. (Parking Zone, Address, Vehicle info, upload documents)
3. Call City Clerk's Office: 507-328-2900 and let staff know you have selected a temporary parking permit. 

If a visitor is staying between 14 and 30 days, they must purchase a Temporary Parking Permit for $18.

1. Create an account on parking permit portal: https://rochestermn.thepermitportal.com/
   • If an account is already created, select "Buy Permit" and enter required information

2. Select "Buy Permit" and enter required information. (Parking Zone, Address, Vehicle info, upload documents)

3. Once permit is approved, you will receive an email to pay for the temporary permit

 For questions or assistance please call City Clerk's Office: 507-328-2900

You can sign up for monthly parking by going to the City parking website, under General Information, Monthly Parking.  There you will find a phone number to call (507) 282-4545 and a web link for online set up.

There is a $33 per year per vehicle permit fee for all new and renewal parking permits. 

Temporary Residential Parking Permits cost $10 and are valid for 30 days. 

City Ordinances include several guidelines for parking.

Chapter 11-6 of the Rochester Code of Ordinances contains the City's parking regulations.

Sec. 11-6-10. - Prohibited Stops:
No person shall park a vehicle, whether attended or unattended, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a police officer or traffic control device, in any of the following places:
(1) On a sidewalk or on an improved boulevard between a sidewalk and a roadway;
(2) In front of a public or private driveway or alley or within five feet of the intersection of any public or private driveway or alley with any street;
(3) Within an intersection;
(4) Within ten feet of a fire hydrant located on or near any public street. This distance is measured by taking a direct line to the nearest street and measuring ten feet in either direction. All other fire hydrants will be measured as having a no parking zone within a ten foot circumference of the hydrant itself;
(5) Within ten feet of any curb side mailbox, public or private;
(6) On a crosswalk;
(7) Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection;
(8) Within 30 feet upon the approach of any flashing school signal, stop sign, traffic control signal, or school sign at the side of a roadway;
(9) Within a designated or marked Bus Stop or taxicab stand;
(10) Within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing;
(11) Within 20 feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station and, on the side of a street opposite the entrance to any fire station, within 75 feet of said entrance when properly sign-posted;
(12) Alongside or opposite any street excavation or obstruction when such stopping, standing, or parking would obstruct traffic;
(13) Upon any bridge or other elevated structure upon a street except the Fourth Street Southeast Bridge over the Zumbro River and the East Center Street Bridge over the Zumbro River;
(14) So as to block a fire escape or the emergency exit from any building;
(15) At any place where temporary signs prohibit parking, stopping or standing as long as such signs are in place;
(16) At any place where official signs or markings prohibit stopping, standing or parking;
(17) On a street or alley when directed or ordered to proceed by any person or police officer invested by law with authority to direct, control or regulate traffic.

Under Rochester City Ordinance, vehicles with a state issued disability plate or tag may:

• Park free at any metered space up to 4 hours in 1 hour, 90 minute, 2 hour, and 3 hour metered zones.
• Receive a 50% discount when parked in a cashiered municipal ramp as an hourly customer.

• Public Parking - General Information
• Residential Permit Parking
  • Purchase a Permit
  • Petition to Create or Expand Residential Parking Permit Zone
• Citations
• Snow Events

You are required to present Proof of Residency and Vehicle Registration in order to apply for a Residential Parking Permit (RPP). This should be done at the City Clerk's Office in City Hall.

The following are acceptable documents for Proof of Residency:

• Valid Drivers License with current address
• OR, current electric/phone/cable bill
• OR, lease agreement

Vehicle Registration must have:

• License Plate Number
• Make, Model, Year of Vehicle

In the City of Rochester, parking meters are enforced from 8:00 AM-5PM Monday-Friday, with the exception of the following days:

•             New Year’s Day (January 1)

•             Memorial Day

•             Independence Day-July 4

•             Labor Day

•             Thanksgiving Day

•             Christmas Day (December 25)

Information about how to report a malfunction is printed on all parking meters in the City. If a meter is not operating correctly, please notify the City at the time you first park and discover the malfunction. Call 507-328-2900 and be prepared to provide the specific meter number (NOT the zone number), a description of the issue, and your license plate number. 

If you already loaded money into the meter, you may remained parked for the duration of the meter time limit. A parking technician will be dispatched to check on the meter, and if a malfunction is noted, any ticket issued to you will be voided. Tickets issued as the result of an unreported meter malfunction cannot be voided. Falsely reporting a broken meter will not result in ticket dismissal. 

Please note that issues with reloading additional time in excess of the posted time limits on a parking meter is not a malfunction. City ordinance requires you move your vehicle at least one block after the time limit on a meter expires.

For general questions about your parking ticket (NOT to contest your ticket), please submit your question through the website.

If you believe the citation was issued in error, you can request an administrative review of the citation by submitting an electronic review request form. Once this form is submitted online, it is reviewed by parking enforcement and administration.

If you wish to contest the citation in District Court including for any reason other than an error in issuance, please review the back of the citation for instructions on the process to plead not guilty in District Court. If you have a question regarding court, please call 507-722-7279.

More information about parking citations is available on the Pay a Parking Ticket information page. 

The 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. no parking restriction is to allow the street maintenance division to sweep, flush, empty trash cans and remove snow (in the winter months) during off hours. This is to ensure Rochester’s streets are clean for the next day. If you plan on staying downtown after 2 a.m. you are encouraged to park in the City parking ramps.

Regarding the 9 a.m. restriction on 1st Ave SW on Saturdays -it is respect to businesses in the area. Since meters are not enforced on Saturdays many of the on-street spaces fill up with all day employees leaving no curb spaces for customers and visitors. The extended restriction until 9 a.m. past the work start times helps leave some spaces open for customers.

The Recreation Center is not a work-out gym, or a community center.  

We offer pre-paid passes that can be used in place of paying the $6 fee each time you participate in one of the scheduled events.   

Passes are a great way to save money if you plan to swim, skate or play pickleball multiple times per week.  Passes (sometimes called memberships) do not grant special access or differing hours from the schedule that is set for open skate, open hockey, open swim, lap swim, pickleball, or any other public event.

To view the pass options (click here)

Please select the following link for instructions relating to Recreation Center Accounts and Online Reservations.

(click here) Making Online Reservations

The Recreation Center has two pools!

 - 50 METER COMPETITION POOL

- SMALL WARM WATER POOL

The competition pool ("50 Meter Pool") is an Olympic-length swimming pool designed by Myrtha that meets all AAU and FINA standards with a pool size of 50 meters in length and eight or 16 swimming lanes.  Included in this area are two 1-meter and two 3-meter diving boards. The pool has two movable bulkheads that allow for numerous pool setups.  The pool area has seating for 1,294.  The temperature is kept between 81°F - 82°F.    The pool has a depth range of 3.5ft to 13.8ft.

The smaller pool ("warm water pool") is a 25 yard, four-lane leisure pool. This pool is used for recreational swimming, warm-up, and cool-down when racing dual-pool or long courses in the competition pool.  The temperature is kept at 88°F.  The pool has a depth range of 3.6ft to 4.6ft.  Additionally, the pool is equipped with an ADA Lift Chair, as well as a ramp for easy access to the water.

Please see Chapter 48 of the City Ordinances to determine what is considered acceptable or not.

We are committed to a community policing approach – establishing connections with members of the community in order to create, maintain and build trust and relationships. 

These are a few of the programs RPD leads or participates in: 

• Safe City Nights:  The Safe City Nights program was designed to provide opportunities for community members, in all wards of the City of Rochester, to become familiar with the RPD members who serve them over a meal rather than just during times of trouble or need. The initiative was launched in 2019 with the intention that positive relationships are built, nurtured, and strengthened between the community and RPD. In total, over 5,400 people attended the six gatherings.
  
  
• Lights on Program: In 2019, we partnered with a non–profit agency that provided the RPD with vouchers to give members of the community that we find with vehicle light issues.  Instead of a ticket, the community member in need received a voucher to get their lights repaired.
  
  
• New Americans Academy: In partnership with Rochester Fire Department, Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office, Olmsted County Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, Victim’s Services, Intercultural Mutual Assistance Association, Hawthorne Education Center and others held a New Americans Academy.  This academy was made up of four workshops designed to give community members not born in the United States an opportunity to learn about local law enforcement and the criminal justice system. The intent of the program was to enhance communication, understanding and trust between law enforcement officers and Rochester’s immigrant community.
  
  
• Police Assisted Recovery Program (PAR): The Police-Assisted Recovery project seeks to find new pathways to help people stay out of jail and access drug treatment services. Collaborating on this project are the Rochester Police Department, Zumbro Valley Health Center, Doc's Recovery House, Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge, EmPower CTC, and Olmsted County Adult Behavioral Health. In 2019, PAR was the recipient of Mayo Clinic’s Shared Value Award. 
  
  
• Police Activities League program (PAL):  PAL is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to reducing juvenile crime and violence by giving kids a safe place to play, positive role models, and creative activities to engage in—all with no charge.  We currently sponsor a football and baseball team. Our goal is to develop and nurture strong communities and relationships between police officers, children, and families.
  
  
• Shop with a Cop:  Shop with a Cop provides a fun filled day for a number of children in need throughout Rochester, while creating positive relationships with law enforcement.  The children chosen to participate in the program are identified by schools, youth organizations, and social services agencies. On the day of the event, uniformed officers from various local and state offices volunteer their time to be with the children shopping.  Each child will shop for their family as well as a child from the community where the police officer serves.
  
  
• Bike and Kids Bike Program:  This is a newer program within the past three years.  We go into communities where resources may be limited and interact with people, encouraging kids to bring their bikes to officers who can do repairs on those bikes.  In addition, we give bikes and helmets to those who may not have one.
  
  
• National Night Out (NNO):  NNO is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.
  
  
• Public speaking: RPD speaks to clubs, organizations and at public gatherings when asked.  Examples include-Barber Shop Talk, Human Rights Commission, RNeighbors, Meadow Park Neighborhood, Somali Elders, Rotary Club etc.

Lastly, free grocery delivery during the COVID pandemic was provided by the RPD Community Service Officers and Cub Foods, as a partnership offered to help keep at-risk, home-bound, and elderly citizens safe during the Governor Walz’s Stay at Home Order.

In the City of Rochester, in addition to the City Council and Mayor, we use two community led committees to help provide input for the law enforcement system.  We have a 3-member Police Civil Service Commission that reviews and recommends new hires and promotions.  We also have a 7-member Police Policy Oversight Committee that reviews and recommends policy and may review citizen complaints.

The Rochester Police Department’s hiring criteria is established and managed by the Police Civil Service Commission.  The process included numerous steps, each of which evaluates a candidate’s character, understanding of 21^st Century Policing concepts, as well as work and personal history.  For the last two years we have focused much less on previous police experience and much more on the character of the candidate.  This character based process includes:

• Initial resume and screening to identify any background issues in either the work or personal life.
• A testing assessment to evaluate a candidate’s attitudes, values and background.
• A second interview to explore deeper the candidates values and understanding of our values, as well as, seek clarity on any issues identified in the testing assessment.
• A thorough background investigation that includes review of all personnel records and personal interviews with all past employers.  (These backgrounds are forwarded to the Civil Service Commission for a determination on a pass or fail basis)
• A complete psychological examination to determine a candidate’s fitness to perform the duties of Police Officer in the City of Rochester.
• An interview with the Chief to provide an additional review of the candidate.
  
  
  
  

We have not yet signed on to #8cantwait– but when the new policies (currently under revision and awaiting final review) are adopted, I am confident we will meet all 8 requirements. Currently we have a solid six of the eight in place and one of them, chokeholds, has not be used in practice for many years.  A change was made on June 9, 2020 to prohibit the use of neck restraints/carotid control unless deadly force is authorized.  This is currently under further review by the Police Policy Oversight Committee.

Here is the RPD’s current response to the #8cantwait: 

Bans Chokeholds and Strangleholds:

RPD policy allows for a carotid control hold/vascular neck restraint for restraining a violent or combative individual subject only in cases where deadly force would be authorized.  RPD officers are trained to use this technique only when deadly force is authorized.

Require de-escalation:

RPD Policy - Crisis Intervention Incidents: Officers are required to use conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques to stabilize an incident as appropriate. When determining the necessity of a use of force, an officer’s attempt to de-escalate the incident is expected and will be evaluated. In addition, de-escalation techniques are a required part of training in RPD policy. RPD has adopted the ICAT training model for de-escalation and has been practicing and training the concept for 3 years.

Require Warning Before Shooting:

RPD Policy - Deadly Force: requires a verbal warning before using deadly force when feasible.

Exhaust All Other Means Before Shooting:

RPD Policy - Deadly Force: states an officer may use deadly force:

• To protect him/herself or another from what he/she reasonably believes would be an imminent threat of death or serious great bodily harm
• To stop a fleeing subject when the officer has probable cause to believe that the person has committed, or intends to commit, a felony involving the infliction or attempted infliction of great serious bodily injury or death, and the officer reasonably believes there is an imminent risk of great serious bodily injury or death to any other person if the subject is not immediately apprehended.

These are the only circumstances where an officer is justified to shoot. The ICAT model trains officers to exhaust all means before using deadly force, including tactical repositioning, considering distance and cover to allow more time for a peaceful resolution. 

Duty to Intervene

RPD Policy - Duty to Intercede: This policy as well as the MN Police Code of Conduct (Principle Two, section 2, F) require officers to intervene and take appropriate action. Officers are also required to report such conduct to a supervisor.

Ban Shooting at Moving Vehicles

RPD Policy - Shooting at/or From Moving Vehicles: This policy requires officers to “move out of the path” of an approaching vehicle and only allows for shooting at a moving vehicle in order to prevent death or great bodily harm consistent with when deadly force would be authorized.

Require Use of Force Continuum

RPD has adopted a more robust critical decision-making model applied to use of force.  Our model and training is based on force options weighing the State Statute standard of “objectively reasonable standard”, “totality of circumstances”, and “necessity” at the time force is implemented.  Incorporating necessity into use of force is a higher standard than the traditional use of force continuum. 

Requires Comprehensive Reporting

Comprehensive reporting is required throughout the policy manual, from crime incidents to vehicle accidents.  The reporting of use of force incidents, (Reporting The Use of Force) requires that any use of force by a member of this department shall be documented promptly, completely and accurately in an appropriate report.  All use of force reports are individually reviewed by supervisors.

I have called the Police Policy Oversight Committee together on June 9, 2020 to fulfill my commitment to President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper Alliance Pledge for Mayors to review their policies and seeking review and recommends in the next 90 days.  The state laws limit citizen boards from investigation, funding of fact and discipline.  They can however make recommendations regarding the merit of a complaint as an advisory to the Police Chief and Mayor.

With the goal of being a welcoming, compassionate and just city, we entered into an agreement to undergo a citywide assessment using the Intercultural Cities Initiative using the Intercultural Cities Index (ICI) – an international measurement developed and used through the Council of Europe. Rochester is the first city in the United States to participate in this opportunity.  The overall goal is to help us make evidence-based judgements of the impact and outcomes of our policies and resource investment.  We worked with a number of community partners, including the Diversity Council (DC). Dee Sabol of the DC is the lead on this collaborative city-wide project which seeks to survey our community about its awareness and intersection with diverse communities and cultures.  The survey has been completed and we await the results which measure us against international communities across the globe.

Rochester has been involved with the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) for the last two years. The GARE team has been working to train our city staff about principles and policies that specifically address racism in city government.  That training is expected to expand this year - although the pandemic has caused a delay. We hope this will allow us to look out our own city policies and policy-making with an eye always on race, equity and inclusion.

Like most communities, we have a ways to go to create a fair and just city, but we recognize the need and are seeking solutions that work for our community while partnering with a wide variety of non-profits and businesses. Efforts at increased community engagement are occurring throughout the City with the addition of Polco, an online feedback opportunity and through utilizing neighborhood groups to understand what is happening in the community. One of our key means of involving the community directly is through our boards and commissions. We have

been striving to create diverse boards so that input and resulting policy decisions reflect our entire community.  To encourage this, the City has supported the Ready to Lead program.

Lastly, while not directly a City function, I have worked with Olmsted County Public Health on their work looking at the social determinants of health.  That work has influenced my “healthy community” and “sustainability” initiatives we have been working to kick off this year that are centered on equity as a core value. The Sustainability Council has begun to meet and we hope for a citywide plan by next year.

The RPD is fully committed to improving the way we serve our community.  When Chief Franklin started in the role in 2018, he brought with him a philosophy based on President Obama’s 21^st Century Policing Task Force. 

In addition to the mandated requirements by the State of Minnesota, we go above and beyond what is required, with a view to constant improvement and continuing professional development.   

RPD officers must successfully complete 48 hours of law enforcement related continuing education every three years. Officers must maintain documentation to prove successful completion of their required credits. The documentation is sent to the MN State POST Board that oversees Peace Officer licenses.

Active officers must complete use of force training every year.  This training must be based on the employing agency’s use of force policy and the learning objectives provided by the POST Board.

Active officers must complete an eight hour course in emergency vehicle operations and in the conduct of police pursuits every five years. This training must be based on the employing agency’s pursuit policy and the learning objectives provided by the POST Board.

On January 25, 2018, the Minnesota POST Board approved learning objectives for training in crisis intervention and mental illness crises, conflict management and mediation and recognizing and valuing community diversity and cultural differences, to include implicit bias, as required by Minn. Stat. 626.8469. These objectives were developed through the board’s training committee with the assistance of subject matter experts and other interested parties, and vetted against state and national resources

Here is a link to the Crisis Intervention/De-Escalation Objectives that the State mandates we train every 3 year license cycle: (16 hours)

Here is a link to the Conflict Management/Mediation Objectives that the State mandates we train every 3 year license cycle: (16 hours)

Here is a link to the Implicit Bias/Community Diversity/Cultural Differences that every Officer must receive every 3 year license cycle: (16 hours) every 3 years

For the past 2 years, RPD has used Quantico Police Training to provide the mandated Implicit Bias/Community Difference/Cultural Diversity training.  Despite this mandated training being offered on-line and locally, the Rochester Police Department elected to exceed the POST standard and contract with Quantico Police Training in order to provide RPD employees with in-person comprehensive instruction led by nationally recognized leaders and law enforcement trainers in these topics.    

RPD officers are required to complete all of this training within their 3 year license cycle. Here at Rochester PD we exceed what the MN Post Board mandates we train.

RPD officers are mandated to annually complete an additional 3 hours of online Use of Force training developed by the League of MN Cities (Patrol Online)

Crisis Intervention Training is a well-known 40 hour training program that gives officers hands-on de-escalation training CIT training is a part of the culture here at RPD and has been since 2007

• 40 hour CIT Training is provided annually
• 80% of officers have received the CIT Officer certification
• The goal is 100%
• officers are empowered to take the time to de-escalate incidents without using force
  
  
  

RPD Training also provides Integrating Communications, Assessment, and Tactics (ICAT) Training

• ICAT Training is 16 hours of training
• Developed by the Police Executive Research Forum in collaboration with the US Department of Justice in 2016
• Integrated into annual Use of Force Training attended by 100% of sworn officers
• Each newly hired RPD officer gets 2 full days (16 hours) of ICAT Training prior to beginning field training
• RPD officers receive Training on responding to emotionally disturbed people, people armed with weapons other than firearms, and to constantly assess and re-assess their need to use force
• RPD officers are encouraged to try and slow things down when they can, bring less lethal options to incidents that have the potential for deadly force, and keep their emotions in check so that they can make rational decisions.

The Police Oversight Committee (PPOC) is made up of members of the community who review RPD policies and procedures. The PPOC is charged with reviewing RPD’s “use of force’ policies within the next 30 days.

RPD is currently in the process of reviewing and redrafting all policies.  This process began in 2019, when RPD contracted with a company to review update policies based on best practice and research.  The PPOC will review all of the new policies and provide input before they are finalized.  

The Police Civil Service is made up of three members: one black male, one white female, and one white male. 

The Police Policy Oversight Commission is seven members:  One NAACP appointee, one Human Rights Commission appointee (both people of color), and five Mayoral appointees of which there were two persons of color (one male and one female), two white people (one male & one female) and a judge (white male.)

Hiring for Diversity

Hiring for diversity has been a goal for both the Chief and I during the last year. Our focus has paid off with excellent hires, despite a shrinking applicant pool across the state and nation in the law enforcement profession.   Additionally, there are excellent officers throughout the department that have provided leadership and mentoring for the new hires.

Within the past two years, RPD has had two recruit hiring classes consisting of 7 officers and 10 officers, each comprised of 40% women and people of color.  

Much like a driver’s license, a Minnesota Peace Officer License contains a unique number, which follows an officer regardless of where they work.  This would include a record of where they have worked and if their license has ever been suspended or revoked. .  A Peace Officer from another state cannot be hired in Minnesota, without first obtaining a Peace Officer License, which provides an initial level of screening prior to the issuance of the license.  The Minnesota POST Board also maintains a record of all background investigations done on licensees in Minnesota.

• Projects
  • Interactive map showing the major construction impacts to roads, pedestrian facilities and parking
  • Current & Future City Projects 
• Specs & Standards

These are examples of issues with construction sediment control.

These are examples of damaged and obstructed signs.  If the sign is a stop sign then it is considered an emergency.  Please call the emergency contact numbers provided on the main service request page.

These are examples of illegal dumping in waterways.
   

These are examples of storm water pond concerns.

These are examples of streambank erosion.
 

• Sanitary Sewer & Storm Sewer Backups
  • Call 507-328-2640 24/7 to report a sewer emergency.

• Traffic Concerns
  • Call 911 for emergencies.
  • Call the police non-emergency line at 507-328-6800 for non-emergency crashes, knock-downs, or other situations that require traffic control. Note: Signals flashing red are not emergencies

• Rochester Public Utilities (RPU)
  • Power outage: 507-280-9191
  • Watermain breaks, street light maintenance, and electrical lines: 507-280-1500 or 800-778-3421

• Additional contact information
  • Public Works Infrastructure Maintenance: 507-328-2450
  • Click here for Public Works contacts

• Public Parking - General Information
• Residential Permit Parking
  • Purchase a Permit
  • Petition to Create or Expand Residential Parking Permit Zone
• Citations
• Snow Events

• General Information
• City Licensed Contractors
• Excavation Permits
• Obstruction Permit
• Oversized Vehicle Permit
• Downtown Metered Parking Map

• Replacement and Maintenance
• Bikes in the Downtown Business District
• Sidewalk Snow Removal
• Report a Concern

• Common Street Maintenance Requests Q&A 
• Chip Seal Projects (Current and future)
• Maintenance Requests
• Mill & Overlay Projects (Current and future)
• Snow & Ice Removal
  • What to Expect
  • Central Business District

Apparently, whenever it is painted on the street!

A number of years back, the City of San Diego published some startling results of a very extensive study of the relative safety of  marked and unmarked crosswalks.  San Diego looked at 400 intersections for five years (without signals or four-way stops) that had a marked crosswalk on one side and an unmarked crosswalk on the other. About two and one half times as many pedestrians used the marked crosswalk, but about six times as many accidents were reported in the marked crosswalks!  Long Beach studied pedestrian safety for three years (1972 through 1974) and found eight times as many reported pedestrian accidents at intersections with marked crosswalks than at those without.  One explanation of this apparent contradiction of common sense is the false security pedestrians feel at the marked crosswalk.  Two painted lines do not provide protection against an oncoming vehicle and the real burden of safety has to be on the pedestrian to be alert and cautious while crossing any street.  A pedestrian can  stop in less than three feet, while a vehicle traveling at 25 MPH will require 60 feet and at 35 MPH approximately 100 feet.

Pedestrian crosswalk marking is a method of encouraging pedestrians to use a particular crossing.  Such marked crossings may not be as safe as an unmarked crossing at the same location.  Therefore,  crosswalks should be marked only where necessary  for the guidance  and control of pedestrians,  to direct them to the safest potential routes.

A common belief is that posting a speed limit will influence drivers to drive at; that speed.  The facts indicate otherwise.

Research conducted in many parts of this country over a span of several decades has shown that drivers are influenced more by the appearance of the highway itself and the prevailing traffic conditions than by the posted speed limit.

Minnesota's Basic Speed Law requires that:

"No person shall drive a vehicle on a ·highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing.  In every event speed shall be so restricted as may be necessary to avoid colliding with any person,  vehicle or other conveyance on or entering the highway in compliance with legal requirements and the duty of all persons to use due care."

In Minnesota, the maximum speed limit in an urban district is 30 miles per hour unless otherwise posted.  An urban district is defined as  the territory contiguous to and including any street which is built up with structures devoted to business, industry, or dwelling houses situated at intervals of less than 100 feet for a distance of a quarter of a mile or more.  Outside urban districts, the maximum speed limit for any passenger vehicle is currently 55 miles per hour.  These speeds are not always posted but all Minnesota motorists are required to know these basic 30 and 55 mile per hour speed laws.

Under Minnesota law, intermediate speed limits (except school speed limits) between 30 and 55 miles per hour may be established on any road, including county highways and city streets, only by the State Commissioner of Transportation.  The commissioner must establish the speed limit upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation. This investigation includes an analysis of roadway conditions,  accident records,  and the prevailing speed of prudent drivers.  If speed limit signs are posted for a lower limit than is needed to safely meet these conditions, many drivers will simply ignore the signs.  At the same time, other drivers will stay within the posted limits.  This generally increases the conflicts between faster and slower drivers, reduces the gaps in traffic through which crossings could be made safely and increases the difficulty for pedestrians to judge the speed of approaching vehicles.  Studies have shown that where uniformity of speed is not maintained,  accidents generally increase.

A stop sign is one of our most valuable and effective control  devices when used at the right place and under the right conditions.  It is intended to help drivers and pedestrians at an intersection decide who has the right-of-way.

One common misuse of stop signs is to arbitrarily interrupt through traffic, either by causing it to stop, or by causing such an inconvenience as to force the traffic to use other routes.  Where stop signs are installed as "nuisances" or "speed breakers," there is a high incidence of intentional violation.  In those locations where vehicles do stop, the speed reduction is effective only in the immediate vicinity of the stop sign, and frequently speeds are actually higher between intersections.  For these reasons, it should not be used as a speed control device.

A school crossing may look dangerous for children to use, causing parents to demand a stop sign to halt traffic.  Now a vehicle which had been a problem for 3 seconds while approaching and passing the intersection becomes a problem for a much longer period.  A situation of indecision is created as to when to cross as a pedestrian or when to start as a motorist.  Normal gaps in traffic through which crossings could be made safely no longer exist.  An intersection which previously was not busy now looks like a major intersection.  lt really isn't - it just looks like it.  It doesn't  even look safer and it usually isn't.

Most drivers are reasonable and prudent with no intention of maliciously violating traffic regulations; however, when an unreasonable restriction is imposed, it may result in flagrant violations.  In such cases, the stop sign can create a false sense of security in a pedestrian and an attitude of contempt in a motorist.  These two attitudes can and often do conflict with tragic results.

Well-developed, nationally recognized guidelines help to indicate when such controls become necessary.  These guidelines take into consideration, among other things, the probability of vehicles arriving at an intersection at the same time, the length of time traffic must wait to enter, and the availability of safe crossing opportunities.

An often heard neighborhood request concerns the posting of generalized warning signs with "SLOW-CHILDREN AT PLAY" or other similar messages.  Parental concerns for the safety of children in the street near home, and a misplaced, but wide-spread public faith in traffic signs to provide protection often prompt these requests.

Although some other states have posted such signs widely in residential areas, no factual evidence has been presented to document their success in reducing pedestrian accidents, operating speeds or legal liability.  Studies have shown that many types of signs attempting to warn of normal conditions in residential areas have failed to achieve the desired safety benefits.  If signs encourage parents and children to believe they have an added degree of protection, which the signs do not and cannot provide, a great disservice results.

Because of these serious considerations, Minnesota law does not recognize, and Federal Standards discourage, use of "Children at Play" signs.  Specific warnings for schools, playgrounds, parks and other recreational facilities are available for use where clearly justified.

Children should not be encouraged to play within the street travel ways.  The sign has long been rejected since it is a direct and open suggestion that this behavior is acceptable.

• Sidewalk Snow Removal
• Snow & Ice Removal
  • What to Expect
  • Central Business District
• Parking in Winter