Guidelines for Neighborhood Awareness
brought to you by:
Mayor Ardell F. Brede
201 4th Street SE – Room 281
Rochester, MN 55904-3782
Phone: (507) 328-2700
Fax: (507) 328-2727
Dear Rochester residents, friends and neighbors,
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 bene¿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
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
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ORDINANCES
1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Housing
4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yards and Trees
5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Garbage
6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sidewalks, Streets, & Alleys
6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Snow Removal
7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parks and Playgrounds
8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Animals
9-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Safety, Welfare, and Noise
11-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Motor Vehicles
RESOURCES
13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Housing
14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Crime Prevention Programs
14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fire Prevention Programs
15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Library
16-17 . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . RNeighbors and Neighborhoods
18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Telephone Numbers
19-20 . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Neighbors
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 clari¿cation, please call City Hall at 328-2900 between 8:00 a.m. and
5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or the Police Non-Emergency at
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 at:
http://www.rochestermn.gov/departments/attorney/ordinances/
A symbol such as 3 corresponds to departments and contact telephone
numbers on page 18 of this booklet.
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.
HOUSES AND APARTMENT BUILDINGS
Whether you rent or own your dwelling place, housing should be safe and
healthy. Here are some of Rochester’s regulations and standards:
REGULATIONS
50.01-50.04
Permits Required for Work on Residential Buildings 3
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 Certi¿cates for Work not Requiring a Building Permit
A Zoning Certi¿cate 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 3
A building permit expires after 180 days if no work is done during that
period.
34.37, 74.03
Identi¿cation of Houses, Buildings, and Apartments 3
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.
1
63.220
16
Sign Restrictions
There are speci¿c 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.
STANDARDS
34.01-34.17
Minimum Housing Standards 3
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 3
All rental property within the City of Rochester must be registered with
Building Safety *as meeting all safety requirements and have a current
rental certi¿cate.
37.01, 35.12
All rental property must be ¿t for human occupancy, and must be kept
clean and safe.
18
38.154, 21.05
Any owner of rental property may request that the Rochester Police
Department conduct a criminal history/background investigation of a
prospective tenant.
2
38.152
3
Disorderly Use 1
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 certi¿cate.
35.23, 35.24
3
Public Health or Safety Hazards
A person who creates, maintains, or allows to continue a property
condition that poses a risk to public health or safety must ¿x the
condition within 5 days of noti¿cation. 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)
3
16
Exterior Storage
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 ¿rewood.
Reminder: Before digging, call GOPHER STATE
ONE-CALL at 800-252-1166 for the location of
buried utilities!
3
YARDS
Property owners and the Park Department share responsibilities for the
natural beauty of our neighborhoods. Here is how the partnership works:
46.01-46.04
Boulevard Trees 15
Boulevard trees are generally planted by the city as ¿nances 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 15
Removal of dead trees from property is the responsibility of the property
owner. If the property owner uses a tree service ¿rm, the property owner
should check with the Park Department to make sure that the tree service
is licensed as required.
48.03
15
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.
4
GARBAGE
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 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 16
All waste, debris, or garbage must be kept in an enclosed building or
container designed for that purpose.
141.09
16
Location of containers
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 16
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
6
Self Hauling
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 16
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 13
Contact Minnesota Pollution Control Agency or Olmsted County Public
Works Department.
5
SIDEWALKS, STREETS AND ALLEYS
Let’s keep them safe and open.
72.02, 72.04
Maintenance and Repair – Snow Removal 17
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 17
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 1
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 16
Posting of any handbill, sign, Àyer is prohibited on any public property or
right of way and may be removed by any person. This includes garage
sale signs.
76.03
Subd 1 & 2
Waste Disposal 17
It is unlawful to place any human or animal excrement, garbage, or
objectionable waste on public or private property or on any area under
the jurisdiction of the city. This includes storm sewers.
6
PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS
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 15
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 15
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 15
It is against the law to have alcohol in a park in containers greater than 2
gallons (no kegs) without a special permit.
BICYCLES
The Minnesota Statutes include 8 Rules of the Road (listed at
www.sharetheroadmn.org). 1. Bicyclists may ride on all Minnesota roads,
except where restricted. 2. Bicyclists should ride on the road, and must
ride in the same direction as traf¿c. 3. Motorists must at all times maintain
a three-foot clearance when passing a bicyclist. 4. Bicyclists must obey
all traf¿c control signs and signals, just as motorists. 5. Motorists and
bicyclists must yield the right-of-way to each other. 6. Bicyclists should
signal their turns and should ride in a predictable manner. 7. Lights and
reÀectors are required at night. 8. Bicyclists should always wear helmets.
By following these rules bicyclists and motorists can share the road more
safely and enjoyably. After all, bicycle safety is a two-way street.
7
ANIMALS
2
While a dog may be our best friend, a variety of pets are permitted within
certain limitations.
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 identi¿cation 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:
• Animal Control
328-6960
• Paws and Claws
288-7226
• Police Non-Emergency
328-6800
8
SAFETY AND 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. Graf¿ti removal preserves the
appearance of the community and may assist in preventing the
entrenchment of gangs.
85A.14-17
Curfew Regulations 1
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:
Ages 16-17:
10:30 p.m. - 5:00 a.m.
12:00 midnight - 5:00 a.m.
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
of¿cially 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 1
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 ¿fty feet is evidence of a violation of this
subsection.
9
117.03
Sound Ampli¿cation Permit Required
Any person or group wishing to use sound ampli¿cation devices must
apply for and comply with the provisions of the sound ampli¿cation permit.
Permits may be obtained through the City Clerk’s Of¿ce at 328-2900.
85.10.03
Parties 1
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 1
Construction is prohibited during the following times:
10:00 p.m. through 7:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday
10:00 p.m. Saturday through 12:00 noon Sunday; and
10:00 p.m. Sunday through 7:00 a.m. Monday
85.13
Firearms 1
With certain exceptions, no person shall discharge a ¿rearm or transport
an uncased ¿rearm within the city limits.
(see subd. 3 (H) for bow and arrow conditions)
85B.03
Graf¿ti 1
Placement of graf¿ti on any exterior surface on public or private property
or possession of materials for placing graf¿ti is unlawful. Property
owners are responsible for removing any graf¿ti from their property within
24 hours of notice.
55.04
5
Fire Works 1
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.
Arial ¿reworks and pyrotechnic displays are limited to those intended
speci¿cally for public viewing outdoors or as otherwise allowed by
Chapter 33 of the Fire Code and Minnesota Statute 624.
10
MOTOR VEHICLES
Safe use and storage of motor vehicles is everyone’s responsibility.
OPERATION
130.03
Motorcycles 1
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 1
No person shall operate a snowmobile upon any public street, roadway,
or alley within the city limits.
134.10
Parking 1
No one may park a vehicle, whether attended or unattended:
on a sidewalk or boulevard between a sidewalk and a roadway;
within 5 feet of any public or private driveway; in a crosswalk or within 20
feet of a crosswalk at an intersection. 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 speci¿c 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 1
Obstruction of the ¿re department and ¿re department equipment is
prohibited, including blocking or parking in ¿re lanes and obstructing a ¿re
hydrant with snow or shrubbery.
11
134.23
Certain Types of Vehicles 1
The following vehicles shall not be parked on any street or alley for more
than one hour:
Trucks of capacity more than 3/4 ton; trucks or “motor Homes” having an
overall length of more than 20 feet; dump trucks; tractors; truck-tractors;
trailers; boats and boat trailers; semi-trailers; recreation vehicles (RV’s),
advertising or livestock vehicles or any heavy machinery.
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 3
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 16
Vehicles or trailers without current legal license plates on residential
property must be stored or parked in a completely closed building.
85.21
16
Unsheltered Storage
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.
12
RESOURCES
Property Improvements
The Olmsted County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (OCHRA)
administers several programs providing affordable ¿nancing (no interest,
deferred loans) to quali¿ed owner and rental properties. Call OCHRA at
507-328-7150 for more information.
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.
Their website can be found at:
http://www.co.olmsted.mn.us/departments/planning/rochester_olmsted_community_housing_partnership.asp
Building Safety
Refer to http://www.ci.rochester.mn.us/departments/bldgsafety/index.asp
for information on acquiring permits, rental certi¿cates, and downloadable
brochures with tips on deck construction or basement re¿nishing.
Clean Water Protection
Refer to http://www.rochesterstormwater.com.
Report water pollution concerns to 507-328-2440.
13
CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAMS
If you are interested in any of the following programs call the Rochester/
Olmsted County Crime Prevention Unit 328-6890 for more information.
Crime Free Multi-Housing 18
If you own, or are thinking about buying, rental property, you should take
the Crime Free Multi-Housing class.
Home Security Surveys 18
A police department representative can evaluate the security of your
home or apartment.
Operation Identi¿cation 18
The Operation Identi¿cation 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 Identi¿cation is part of Minnesota Crime Watch.
18
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 18
Prior to going on vacation, call 328-6890 to register.
Neighborhood Watch Program 18
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 5
To report any information pertaining to a suspicious or possible arson ¿re
which may have been intentionally set please call 1-800-723-2020. Home
safety inspections, ¿re safety education, and ¿re extinguisher classes are
also available.
14
PUBLIC LIBRARY
Rochester Public Library
101 2nd ST SE
328-2300
www.RochesterPublicLibrary.org
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 328-2309, email a librarian at
[email protected] 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 at www.RochesterPublicLibrary.org and click on the
“Reference and Magazines” tab.
The Public Library Bookmobile visits neighborhoods every other week
and supplies all formats of materials. Visit the website at:
www.RochesterPublicLibrary.org and click on the “Bookmobile” tab 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 328-2302 about the bookmobile and
homebound services.
15
NEIGHBORS AND NEIGHBORHOODS
Neighborhoods and the people who live, work, and visit in them are the
foundation and pride of the Rochester community. 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 bene¿ts 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 328-6890.
16
NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS
21
A Neighborhood Association (NA) is a group of community members
who organize to enhance the quality of life for their neighborhood.
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 de¿ned boundaries.
A Neighborhood Association is the of¿cially designated, recognized
organization for a speci¿c 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 of¿cers, and the frequency of
meetings. Neighborhood Associations work to reÀect 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 529-4150 or go to their homepage RNeighbors.org.
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
• RochesterFest is the third full week in June
• National Night Out is the ¿rst Tuesday in August
• Olmsted County Free Fair starts the last weekend in July
17
TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Emergency
Police/Fire/Medical .........................................................9-1-1
Non Emergency
1
Police Non-Emergency ....................................................328-6800
2
Animal Control .................................................................328-6960
3
Building Safety .............................................................…328-2600
4
Electric Outage (24 hour) .................................................280-9191
5
Fire Prevention Bureau ....................................................328-2800
6
Garbage Disposal (self-haul) Facility ...............................328-7040
7
Garbage and Recycling Information .................................328-7077
8
Hazardous Waste Information Line...................................328-7077
9
Hazardous Waste Facility..................................................328-7078
10 Housing Authority .............................................................328-7150
11
Mayor ...............................................................................328-2700
12 Neighborhood Associations (RNeighbors) .......................529-4150
13 Olmsted County Public Works ..........................................328-7070
14 Olmsted Waste to Energy Facility ....................................328-7030
15 Park Department ..............................................................328-2525
16 Planning and Zoning .......................................................328-7100
17 Public Works ....................................................................328-2400
18 Rochester Crime Prevention Unit......................................328-6890
19 Rochester Public Utilities (RPU)....................................... 280-1500
20 Waste Disposal Information ..............................................328-7070
21 RNeighbors ......................................................................529-4150
Other Numbers
City Clerk ..........................................................................328-2900
Civic Music........................................................................328-2200
Community Housing Partnership …………………………..328-7170
Mayo Civic Center.............................................................328-2220
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SIMPLE WAYS YOU CAN MAKE YOUR
NEIGHBORHOOD A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE
In choosing a neighborhood project, focus on a speci¿c 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 con¿dence and power to tackle more complicated issues
facing your neighborhood.
Consider one of the following projects to bring your neighbors together:
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Neighborhood clean up
Street improvements
Park improvements
Youth projects
Tree planting
Community garden
Crime watch program
Murals
Parades
Tool lending libraries
Paint swap
Neighborhood t-shirts
Candidate forums
Neighborhood cookouts
Welcome neighbors packet
Asset mapping
Yard of the month
Speakers on topics of interest to the neighborhood
Choose representatives to attend City Council and School
Board meetings
Back to school party
Neighborhood scrap book or video
Skills exchange (example: Ex-boxer in the neighborhood sets
up an afternoon boxing program for kids. The kids mow and
care for his yard.)
National Night Out celebration
Neighborhood newsletter, website, directory, or telephone tree
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KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOR LIST
Collect the names, address, and phone number of each house that
surrounds your home. A safe neighborhood is full of neighbors who know
each other.
Neighbor on right: ___________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Neighbor on left: ____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Neighbor across: ____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Neighbor in back: ____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This Ordinance Highlight 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 booklet can be used to answer many questions about
what to do and who to contact to get the information and assistance
needed about City ordinances and neighborhoods. We hope you ¿nd this
document helpful and will keep it handy for easy reference or to share
with a neighbor.
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. We welcome your suggestions on how we can help your
neighborhood take the next steps.
Learn more about Rochester neighborhoods online at:
www.RNeighbors.org.
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