5 rules for unincorporated Dakota County, Minnesota.
Verified from official government sources
Home business zoning in Dakota County is decided by your city under Minnesota's municipal zoning law, not by the county. Most cities allow home occupations in residential zones with conditions, and state law makes a licensed family day care a permitted single-family use.
Minn. Stat. 462.357, subd. 7
A group family day care facility licensed under Minnesota Rules, parts 9502.0315 to 9502.0445 to serve 14 or fewer children shall be considered a permitted single family residential use.
Dakota County sets no county-wide home business sign rule; sign size, placement, and lighting for a home occupation are governed by your city's zoning ordinance. Most cities allow only one small, non-illuminated nameplate sign, if any, in residential zones.
Cottage food is a statewide program, so Dakota County home cooks follow Minnesota's cottage food law. You may sell non-hazardous home-made foods after registering with the state, with gross receipts capped at $78,000 per calendar year.
Minn. Stat. 28A.152, subds. 1 and 2
An individual with gross receipts of $78,000 or less in a calendar year... must register annually with the commissioner. Registration is exempt from licensing.
Dakota County licenses in-home family child care on behalf of the state. A family day care may serve up to 10 children, and a group family day care up to 14, under state Rule 9502; licensed homes are a permitted single-family residential use.
Minn. R. 9502.0315
Family day care means day care for no more than ten children at one time of which no more than six are under school age. Group family day care means day care for no more than 14 children at any one time.
Home occupation permits in Dakota County are issued by your city, not the county. Whether you need a permit, and whether it is a permitted or conditional use, depends on your city's zoning ordinance under Minnesota law.
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