Animals (Dogs and Cats)

Licensing

It is unlawful to harbor, own, or keep a dog or cat more than six months of age within the city unless the animal is licensed and has been vaccinated against rabies.  The license of a dog or cat must be evidenced by a tag provided by the city.  The tag must be affixed to a collar by a permanent metal fastener.  The owner or keeper of the dog or cat must see that the tag is continuously worn by the animal. 

Licenses can be obtained from City Hall at 4100 Lakeview Ave N and are good for two years, expiring annually on December 31.  Dog and cat tags are not transferable.  No refunds will be made on a dog or cat license fee paid because the animal leaves the city or dies before the expiration of the license period.  The cost for licensing a dog or cat is as follows:

Ø      $15 neutered/spade

Ø      $20 not neutered/spade

Ø      $10 multi-cat license (see keeping of cats limited)

Required Confinement

Dogs or cats may not be on an unfenced area or lot abutting upon a street, public park, public place, or upon other private land in the city without being effectively restrained from or entering beyond such unfenced area or lot.  Dogs or cats may not be on a street, public park, school grounds or public place in the city without being effectively restrained by chain or leash not exceeding six feet in length. 

A person having the custody or control of a dog or animal of the dog kind must clean up any feces of the animal and to dispose of such feces in a sanitary manner. 

Keeping of dogs limited

No person or group of persons may own or keep more than three dogs exceeding six months of age on the premises where they reside.

Keeping of cats limited

No person or group of persons may own or keep more than four cats exceeding eight months of age on the premises where they reside without having first obtained a Multi-Cat Residence License.

Application for the Multi-Cat Residence License shall be made to the City Manager. The City Manager shall administratively approve or deny the license. Licenses issued for Multi-Cat residences are good for two years expiring annually on December 31. Any resident who chooses to appeal the administrative denial of the Multi-Cat Residence License may appeal that decision to the City Council. The City Manager or City Council may impose conditions upon the granting of any Multi-Cat Residence License. The maximum number of cats allowed under a Multi-Cat Residence License is 12. Properties holding a Multi-Cat Residence License shall be maintained in a clean and healthful condition at all times, and shall be open to inspection by the City Manager at all reasonable times.

The owner or keeper of an animal shall not allow such animal to make noise so as to cause unreasonable annoyance, disturbance, or discomfort to any person.

Public Nuisance

Dogs or cats may not be kept in an unsanitary place or condition or in a manner that results in noisome odors or in such a way as to constitute a disturbance by reason of barking, howling, fighting, or other noise or in such a way as to permit dogs or cats to annoy, injure, or endanger persons or property. A dog or cat may not be tied or leashed or chained to the side of a house or to a fence, post, or other structure in a side lot, that is, the area between two houses running from the front to back of the longest principal building.

Curfew

The Robbinsdale Police Department enforces the Hennepin County curfew ordinance which specifies the following curfew restrictions.

Youth found in public or public-access areas may be issued a curfew ticket if not accompanied by a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult.  Public areas include, but are not limited to, streets, alleys, parks, parking lots, restaurants, retail stores, gas stations and schools.

Parents who allow children to stay out past curfew, or businesses that allow children to remain in businesses past curfew, can receive a misdemeanor ticket, which is punishable by fine up to $700.00 and/or 90 days in jail.

Fingerprinting

Fingerprinting services are provided by the police department to Robbinsdale residents for purposes related to adoption, licensing, immigration, and employment. There is a $20 fee for this service. Contact the Police Department at 763-531-1220 to schedule an appointment.

Gun Permits

Gun Permit applications can be downloaded from the Department of Public Safety Website or picked up at the Robbinsdale Police Department.  The police department only processes applications related to the purchasing of a firearm.  Permits to carry a firearm are processed at the county level.  If you live in Hennepin County, visit the Hennepin County Website or call 612-348-3755.

Requirements for Purchase Application Approval

-Be a resident of Robbinsdale.

-Complete the application fully, writing legibly and omitting no required information.

-Pass all background checks and conform to all restrictions set forth by Federal and Minnesota State Law.

Allow 10 business days to process the application. If you are approved, you will be required to pick the gun permit up at the Robbinsdale Police Department, and must provide a picture Minnesota Drivers License or Identification Card.  If you are not approved, you will be mailed a letter which explains the reason for denial.

A permit to purchase is valid for one year.  You do not need to renew your permit to continue to own firearms you have already purchased.

Lost Citations

We do not accept payments for citations. You must contact the Hennepin County Division II Courthouse at 612-543-2150. They can assist you with looking up your citation information. You have the option of paying the fine over the phone with a credit card. 

Noise Ordinance

Robbinsdale City Code 2005.15.  Subd. 1 - Parties: gatherings.  Between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. it is unlawful to participate in a party or gathering of people from which noise or music emanates in sufficient volume such as to unreasonably disturb the peace, quiet or repose of persons residing in a residential area.  The city council may, in its discretion, approve a request for extended hours for an event(s).  (Amended, Ord. No. 03-05).

Parking Information-Residential

Four and Six Hour Rule- Unless otherwise posted, no vehicle may park on a highway, street or alley in the city, or on property owned or leased by the city, for more than four consecutive hours between the hours of 12 o'clock a.m. and 8 o'clock a.m., nor for more than six consecutive hours at any time.

Trucks, Semi-Tractors, and Trailers- Commercial vehicles, semi-tractors, trailers, or trucks exceeding a gross vehicle capacity of 9,000 pounds or an overall length of 25 feet may not be parked or stored on a highway, street or alley in the city. Additionally, they may not be parked or stored off-street on any residential or commercially zoned property.

Off-Street Parking- Unapproved Surfaces- Passenger vehicles and trucks may not park on surfaces other than concrete, asphalt, or other city-approved surfaces. A grass covering does not constitute an acceptable surfacing material.

Recreational Vehicles (RV's)- Recreational vehicles include campers, camper trailers, watercraft, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles. RV’s exceeding a gross vehicle capacity of 9,000 pounds or an overall length of 25 feet may not be parked or stored on a highway, street or alley in the city.   RV’s may be parked or stored off-street, on or off unapproved surfaces, under the following conditions:

-RV’s cannot be parked in front yards if longer than 22 fee.

-RV’s cannot park any closer than 15 feet from a street curb or surface.

-RV’s cannot be parked any closer than 3 feet to a side or rear lot line if higher than 6 feet.

-RV’s over 22 feet long that are parked in a corner side yard must be parked perpendicular to the side lot line or screened by a 6 foot high fence or hedge or other landscaping acceptable to the city.

-RV’s higher than six feet may not be parked within 3 feet of a side or rear lot line or in a required side yard except corner side yards;

-The total area devoted to RV storage shall not exceed 300 square feet on any lot.

-RV’s greater than 30 feet in length require a Conditional Use Permit with the following additional requirements: The lot must be a minimum of 50 feet wide and the RV must be positioned and screened to minimize the impact to surrounding properties.

Junked Or Abandoned Vehicles- Passenger vehicles and trucks in an inoperative state or unlicensed or unregistered, or combination thereof, shall not be parked or stored in an outside location. Inoperative shall mean incapable of movement under their own power and in need of repairs or junk yard. 

Snow Removal- After a snowfall of at least two inches, parking is prohibited on public streets, highways, and alleys in the city and on prop­erty owned or leased by the city.  Parking may not resume on a street, highway or alley until it has been plowed and the snow removed to the curb line. Refer to the frequently asked questions section under "Snow Emergencies" or additional information.

Towing of Parked Vehicles- A vehicle in violation of the traffic and parking regulations of the city may be ordered removed from a public street, highway, alley, or property owned or leased by the city by a police officer to facilitate snow removal, street maintenance, the orderly flow of traffic, fire fighting or other lawful purpose.  Removal of a vehicle does not bar prosecution for a violation of traffic or parking regulations.  Refer to the frequently asked questions section under "Vehicle Impounds" for additional information.

Police Reports

To obtain a copy of a police or accident report, a request can be made by mail, e-mail, phone or in-person. The report will be released pursuant to Minnesota data practices laws. Reports eligible for release can be mailed, faxed or given to you directly. There is a charge of 25 cents per page for any report that is more than three pages. (e.g. A four-page report would cost $1.) It is helpful to provide us with details including date, time, incident location, and case number when requesting a report.

Property and Evidence Release

Property confiscated by, or given to, the police department is placed into our property and evidence room.  To retrieve your property you must make an appointment with one of our property clerks at 763-531-1220. 

Restraining Orders / Orders for Protection

The police department does not provide restraining orders. They are issued by the Hennepin County courthouse. Once the restraining order has been issued it must be served before it is considered to be in effect. At that point, if the order is violated, the police can act upon it.

If you need an order for protection or restraining order regarding a domestic assault or abuse issue, you may contact Project Peace at 763-533-0733, or call the Hennepin County Domestic Abuse Hotline at 612-348-5073.

Snow Emergencies

Following a snowfall of at least two inches, the City of Robbinsdale may declare a Snow Emergency.  Once declared, parking may not resume on a street, highway or alley until it has been plowed and the snow removed to the curb line.  To help facilitate the City’s snow plowing effort, the police department will begin ticketing and towing parked vehicles during this time.

How do I know if a Snow Emergency has been declared?

Call the Snow Emergency Hot Line at 763-531-1275.  Though local media (including KSTP-TV, KARE-TV, KMSP-TV, Cable 12 TV, WCCO-TV and WCCO Radio) are notified of Robbinsdale’s snow emergency, the stations do not guarantee the announcement will be broadcast. Also note that snow depths are measured in Robbinsdale and may not coincide with the snow depths reported at the Minneapolis Twin Cities Airport.

Where else can I park?

Robbinsdale does not have any approved snow emergency parking locations.  Residents are encouraged to coordinate with friends, family and neighbors to determine an alternate parking location during a declared snow emergency. 

What do I do if my vehicle is towed?

If your vehicle was towed by the Robbinsdale Police Department, it was towed by North Suburban Towing, located at 5170 West Broadway, Crystal, MN, 55429.  Their phone number is 763-535-2201. Most vehicles can be picked up after all requirements of the release (valid drivers license, proof of ownership and proof of insurance) are met at the impound lot. Unless the vehicle is subject to forfeiture, or some other special circumstance exists, vehicles are no longer released at the police department. If your vehicle was towed by the Minnesota State Patrol, you can reach them at 763-591-4680 for information.

Vehicle Accidents

You need to contact the police department if an injury is involved or if there is public property damaged in the crash. Police do not need to be contacted for minor property damage crashes. However, if you feel that an officer's presence is desirable, please call 911 and explain the situation to the dispatcher.

It is required that you file a report with the State of Minnesota if the total damage between both vehicles exceeds $1,000, or if someone is injured. These report forms are available at any police department and from the Department of Public Safety Website.

Vehicle Impounds

If your vehicle was towed by the Robbinsdale Police Department, it was towed by North Suburban Towing, located at 5170 West Broadway, Crystal, MN, 55429.  Their phone number is 763-535-2201. Most vehicles can be picked up after all requirements of the release (valid drivers license, proof of ownership and proof of insurance) are met at the impound lot. Unless the vehicle is subject to forfeiture, or some other special circumstance exists, vehicles are no longer released at the police department. If your vehicle was towed by the Minnesota State Patrol, you can reach them at 763-591-4680 for information. 

Vehicle Lock-Outs

The Robbinsdale Police Department does not respond to requests to open locked vehicles.  Unless there are extraordinary circumstances (such as a child or pet locked inside), anyone who calls the police department to open a locked vehicle will be referred to a local locksmith of their choosing.