Frequently Asked Questions

The Farmington City Code is a huge compilation of laws (ordinances), and policies that have been adopted since 1872 when the city was incorporated. The city provides web access to the City Code Book, which is continually updated to reflect current Farmington City Council policies. The most recent ordinances are listed in the "pending" link before they are incorporated into the final copy. Before undertaking any action based on the specific content of this site, check with city hall at 651-280-6800 for the most current information.

Dog Licensing and Owner Responsibilities

Effective January 1, 2024, there is no longer a requirement for pet owners to license their dog with the City of Farmington. Microchip technology has become commonplace and is more effective than traditional metal licenses in reuniting lost pets with their owners. Owners are encouraged to maintain rabies vaccinations for their dog.

Dogs are required to be leashed or confined. Dogs running at large are subject to ticket and impoundment.

Corresponding Ordinance and City Code
ORDINANCE 023-777.

Keep Dogs on a Leash

Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times when not on the owner's property. Dogs cannot run unrestrained anywhere in the community except on the owner's private property or someone else's private property with permission. Even well-behaved dogs should be on a leash no longer than six feet.

There are several dog parks in the metro area. Visit Barks and Recreation: Twin Cities.

Disposal of Dog Waste

Owners must dispose of all dog waste and must have disposal equipment (scooper and baggies) in their possession at all times when walking dogs on public property such as parks, playgrounds, trails, and streets. When pet waste is not picked up, rain washes the waste and bacteria into our storm drains and then pollutes our waterway. Dispose of pet waste properly, preferably in the toilet. Then it gets "treated" as it should.

Barking Dogs

If a barking dog is disturbing the peace, the owner is subject to being ticketed. If a dog's barking has created neighborhood tension, it might be a good idea to discuss the problem with your neighbor. It's perfectly reasonable for dogs to bark from time to time, just as children make loud noise when they play outside. However, continual barking for long periods of time is a sign that the dog has a problem that needs to be addressed. Any dog violation may be reported to the Police Department at 651-280-6700 at any time of the day or night. In order to issue a ticket the officer must witness the violation and the offender is generally given a warning.

Dog Bites & Dangerous Dogs

Dog bites must be reported to the Police Department. The dog owner is required to show proof of rabies vaccination or the dog must be impounded for 10 days. In the event the dog bites a second time or demonstrates a propensity to attack, the dog may be declared a Dangerous Dog by the Police Department.

A dog declared Dangerous is required to meet a number of very strict requirements including confinement, insurance and signage. For more complete information contact the Police Department at 651-280-6700.

Lost Dog

Please call 911 and an officer will pick up the dog and take care of assisting with returning the dog to his/her home.

The City of Farmington's city ordinances prohibit the discharge of firearms within 1,000 feet of the city's urban service area. The areas that are highlighted on the Hunting Areas Map (PDF) fall within those parameters.

The Farmington City Code includes restrictions on sexual offender residence locations. View the information sexual offender residence location restrictions and the Location Map (PDF).

Farmington Police Department policies are listed on the department's page.

If you were involved in an accident in the City of Farmington and the Farmington Police Department was called to the scene, an officer may have completed a State Accident Report if the accident met certain guidelines. This report is usually available within two business days, and to provide the best customer service possible we will mail a copy of the completed report to each driver as soon as it is ready.

Request Police Reports (Data Requests)

• Data Request - Public (PDF)
• Data Request - Subject (PDF)
• Notice to Data Subjects (PDF)

Requests may take up to 10 business days to process.

To submit your request, you can:

1. Submit Online Records Request
2. Mail your request to Farmington Police Department Attn: Records Request 19500 Municipal Drive, Farmington, MN 55024
3. Drop off your request in person during Farmington Police Department lobby hours

Farmington Police Department Lobby Hours

Fall/Winter/Spring

Monday through Friday
8 am to 4:30 pm

Summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day)

Monday through Thursday
8 am to 4:30 pm

Friday
8 am to noon

To file a complaint against a police officer, please complete this form in its entirety and return it to the Farmington Police Department: Officer Complaint Form (PDF). Please be sure to sign the complaint and be as specific as possible.

Most of the time, no one witnesses the damage being done. However, sometimes people see what is going on and take no action.

If you witness damage being done to a city park, please call 911 immediately. The sooner the Police Department is notified, the greater the likelihood the perpetrator will be caught. Remember, a squad could be right around the corner!

If you notice damage has already been done to a city park, please report it using Farmington Fix.

Each year, damage costs taxpayers thousands of dollars in materials and labor.

The only fireworks that are legal in the State of Minnesota are non-explosive and non-aerial (such as sparklers, cones, and tubes that sparkle, snakes, and party poppers). Any fireworks that explode leave the ground, or shoot anything other than sparks into the air are illegal. You must be 18 years old to purchase fireworks and fireworks are not permitted on public property.

Visit the Consumer Fireworks Information from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website.

Visit the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension's website for information regarding the Permit to Carry.

The Minnesota Uniform Firearm Permit to Purchase/Transfer a handgun application is available at the Police Department and can also be downloaded below. Keep in mind that each applicant must turn in their application in person and produce their driver's license showing a valid City of Farmington address. Please make sure that you live within the city and don't simply have a Farmington mailing address before applying. Applications take up to a week to process and there is no charge for a permit to purchase.

View the Minnesota Uniform Firearm Permit to Purchase/Transfer Application Form (PDF).

If you would like to apply for a permit to carry a handgun, go to the Dakota County Sheriff's Department Permit to Carry page.

is unlawful for any juvenile age 17 years and under to be present in any public place within Dakota County between the hours listed below. If you have any questions regarding the curfew ordinance and the possible exceptions, please contact the Farmington Police Department or the Dakota County Attorney's Office.

Dakota County Juvenile Curfew Ordinance

Under 12 years of age

Sunday through Thursday
9 pm to 5 am

Friday and Saturday
10 pm to 5 am

Ages 12 to 14

Sunday through Thursday
10 pm to 5 am

Friday and Saturday
11 pm to 5 am

Ages 15 to 17

Sunday through Thursday
11 pm to 5 am

Friday and Saturday
Midnight to 5 am

Over-the-counter medications and prescriptions can pollute our waters and be harmful to humans, fish, and other wildlife when disposed of improperly - please do not flush medications down the toilet or place in the trash.

The Dakota County Sheriff, Attorney, and Environmental Management Offices, along with their law enforcement partners, have teamed together to offer the public a place to safely and anonymously dispose of medications in disposal receptacles.

Take prescription and over-the-counter medications to select law enforcement drop-off locations in Dakota County to safely and anonymously dispose of them. Medicines from households are accepted in any form, including prescription, over-the-counter, and pet medications.

Disposal receptacles are at these locations.

If you have questions regarding disposal after 4:30 pm and on weekends, please call Dakota911 (formerly Dakota Communications Center) at 952-322-2323 or 651-322-2323.

The following items are not accepted

• Needles and sharps
• Fever thermometers

These items are accepted for free, environmentally safe disposal at:
The Recycling Zone
3365 Dodd Road, Eagan
651-905-4520