Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Minneapolis

Minneapolis, MN Public Conduct: Skateboarding Rules (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Streets/sidewalks
allowed if ridden prudently
Nicollet Mall/plazas
banned without permit
Permit authority
city council, § 440.20
General violation penalty
misdemeanor, § 1.30(a)

Summary

Minneapolis lets skateboarders and rollerskaters use public streets and sidewalks if ridden prudently and under control, but bans riding on the Nicollet Mall and other public plaza-like areas without a city council permit.

No person shall ride or propel rollerskates or skateboards upon the Nicollet Mall, or any other public plaza-like area regulated by the City of Minneapolis or other governmental unit, except in connection with an exhibition, commercial venture, organized play or similar organized event authorized by permit from the city council pursuant to Section 440.20 of the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances or as authorized by the appropriate governmental unit.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).

Full Breakdown

Minneapolis Code § 427.300(a) allows skateboarding and rollerskating on public streets, highways and sidewalks so long as the rider stays in prudent, careful control with reasonable regard for others' safety. Subsection (b) then bans riding rollerskates or skateboards on the Nicollet Mall or any other public plaza-like area the city or another governmental unit regulates, unless a city council permit issued under § 440.20 authorizes an exhibition, commercial venture, organized play, or similar organized event. This is a separate rule from § 244.1620, which bans skateboard ramps and structures in residentially zoned areas. General street/sidewalk skating carries no permit fee; the business-district ban is the restrictive piece.

Violations & Fines

Misdemeanor under the Code's general penalty, § 1.30(a): fine and/or imprisonment up to Minnesota misdemeanor maximums, with each day of continued violation a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skateboard on the Nicollet Mall?
Not without a city council permit under § 440.20. Section 427.300(b) bans skateboarding and rollerskating on the Nicollet Mall and other public plazas except for permitted organized events.
Is skateboarding on regular Minneapolis sidewalks legal?
Yes. Section 427.300(a) allows it on public streets and sidewalks as long as it's done prudently, under control, and with reasonable regard for others' safety.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Minneapolis

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsLoitering RulesSome RestrictionsLoud Party OrdinanceSome RestrictionsPublic Alcohol UseHeavy RestrictionsAggressive PanhandlingSignificant RestrictionsPublic UrinationHeavy RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Bird ProtectionHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome Restrictions

All Minneapolis rules

Compare Minneapolis to another location·View the Minnesota public conduct overview

Get notified when Skateboarding Rules in Minneapolis, MN changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.