DEPARTMENT: Parks
FILE TYPE: Regular Action
TITLE
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Public Hearing To Receive Comments On And Adopt Amended Park Ordinance 107
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RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 23-202 (May 23, 2023), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners adopted Dakota County Ordinance 107 to provide for the safe and peaceful use of parklands and trails, for the education and recreation of the public, for the protection and preservation of the property, facilities, and natural resources, and for the safety and general welfare of the public; and
WHEREAS, staff recommends amendments to Ordinance 107 for clarification on enforcement and better alignment with State guidelines, Met Council taskforce recommendations, and the recently adopted 2050 Parks Vision Plan; and
WHEREAS, areas for revision include language and activity description updates, permitting hunting on conservation easements, and expanded regulations and improved enforcement strategies for electric-powered and motorized devices; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing to consider the proposed amended Ordinance 107 was held during the August 4, 2026, Dakota County Board of Commissioner’s meeting; and
WHEREAS, amendments to County ordinances must be approved by the Dakota County Board of Commissioners.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby adopts the amended Dakota County Ordinance No. 107, Park Ordinance, as presented on August 4, 2026; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the amended Park Ordinance 107 shall be effective September 1, 2026.
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BACKGROUND
The existing Dakota County Park Ordinance 107 was enacted in 2023, and over the past two and a half years, staff has identified areas within the Ordinance that require clarification to allow for proper enforcement and better alignment with State guidelines, Met Council taskforce recommendations, and the recently adopted 2050 Parks Vision Plan.
All proposed amendments include input from both the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office and the Dakota County Attorney’s Office.
RECOMMENDATION
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Staff recommends approval of the proposed amendments to Dakota County Ordinance 107.
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FINANCIAL AND STAFFING IMPACTS
None.
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
23-202; 5/23/23
26-301; 7/7/26
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Amended Park Ordinance 107 for Public Hearing
Attachment: Presentation Slides
CONTACT
Department Director: Georg Fischer
Author: Niki Geisler