Rochester, MN Homelessness & Encampment Rules: Encampment Sanitation (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted
- Ord. No. 4528, March 18, 2024
- Notice period
- Up to 48 hours before cleanup
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor, up to 90 days/$1,000
- Priority zone
- Within 100 ft of city parks
- Priority zone
- Within 250 ft of schools, childcare
- Daytime services
- Facility open 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Summary
Rochester prohibits camping on any city-owned land or right-of-way without specific authorization under Code § 8-15-3, adopted March 18, 2024. The city may remove campsite materials and personal property, but must first give notice and a window, generally up to 48 hours, for people to access shelter. Violations are a misdemeanor enforced under conditions set out in § 8-15-4.
(a)No person may camp in or upon any city land or right-of-way, unless otherwise specifically authorized, subject to the enforcement requirements in paragraph 8-15-4 below.(b)Any camping or campsite materials or personal property associated with a camping area that is in violation of this ordinance may be removed or cleaned up by the city or its designated contractors. The city will continue to utilize encampment protocols that will provide notice (verbal or in writing), and a reasonable period of time (generally a maximum of 48 hours) for persons to access available services and seek shelter options.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 8 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Section 8-15-3 bars camping "in or upon any city land or right-of-way" unless specifically authorized. "Camp" is defined in § 8-15-2 as setting up or remaining at a "campsite": any tent, lean-to, shack, vehicle, bedding, sleeping bag, stove or fire placed to establish a temporary place to live. When a campsite violates the ordinance, the city or its contractors may remove or clean up the materials and any associated personal property, but only after the encampment protocol runs: notice, verbal or written, followed by a period of time, generally a maximum of 48 hours, for the person to access shelter and other services.
Prosecution is not automatic. ), that law enforcement confirmed and documented overnight shelter was actually available; a person previously trespassed from shelter is deemed to have shelter available. Section 8-15-5 directs officers to prioritize enforcement in six kinds of locations: in or within 100 feet of a city park; within 250 feet of a preschool, elementary or secondary school, or licensed childcare center; sidewalk corridors and bus shelters used for pedestrian travel or transit access; within 250 feet of an electric substation or generation facility; within 250 feet of a water pumping or storage facility; and areas posted no-trespassing by city staff.
Violations & Fines
A violation is a misdemeanor under Minn. Stat. § 609.02, subd. 3, punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. Prosecutors cannot proceed unless the person was told about shelter and daytime services, warned the conduct was illegal, and, for nighttime contacts, confirmed to have overnight shelter actually open to them; someone already trespassed from shelter counts as having shelter available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Rochester remove my tent from city property?
Is camping on Rochester city land a crime?
Where does Rochester enforce the camping ban first?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rochester
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