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1. How do I contact a City department?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

2. Where can I find the answers to my frequently asked questions?

Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.

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1. Where is the Parks and Recreation office?

The Parks and Recreation office is located at the Rosemount National Guard Training and Community Center, 13885 S. Robert Trail. (Highway 3), Rosemount, MN 55068. Use the east entrance and proceed downstairs to our offices on the lower level.

2. Where is the Community Center/Arena?

The Community Center/Arena is located at the Rosemount National Guard Training and Community Center, 13885 S. Robert Trail. (Highway 3), Rosemount, MN 55068.

3. How do I register for a recreation program?

Registration forms are available in the quarterly Rosemount City News and Parks & Recreation Activities Brochure (delivered to all Rosemount residents), or by calling 651-322-6000 to request a form, or on our website. (Sorry, no phone registrations are accepted.)

Register IN PERSON at the Parks and Recreation Office during business hours (8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday), or
MAIL IN your registration with full payment to the Parks and Recreation Department, 13885 S. Robert Trail, Rosemount, MN 55068, or
Use the DROP BOX located at Rosemount City Hall, upper level parking lot (near the front doors of City Hall) at 2875 – 145th St. W., Rosemount, or
Fax your registration form to 651-322-6080, or
ONLINE (Visa or Mastercard) - Online registration is here! When you register online, it’s done in “real time” – 24 hours a day – so it is the quickest and easiest way to register. Other registrations may not be processed until the next business day. Here’s how it works:
Go to the homepage of this website.
Look for the box on the right side of the home page that says “Parks & Recreation Online Registration.”
Click on the link.
Follow the prompts to the online registration page.
When you are ready to register, simply begin by keying in your user name or password or by setting up a new membership with us.
The program will walk you through the rest of the registration process.

4. How do I reserve a park shelter or pavilion?

Open and enclosed park shelters in the City of Rosemount may be reserved for a nominal fee. Open shelters may be reserved by residents for $25 plus tax per day ($35 plus tax for nonresidents). Enclosed shelters are $80 plus tax per day for residents ($130 plus tax for nonresidents). To reserve your spot, call the Parks and Recreation Department at 651-322-6000.

5. Do I need to be a Rosemount resident to register for a Parks and Recreation program?

No, you do not need to be a resident to register.

6. How do I register my child for youth sports?

Rosemount Parks and Recreation offers sports programs for ages 3, 4, and 5 who have not been in kindergarten.

For children kindergarten age and older, please contact Rosemount Area Athletic Association (RAAA) at www.rosemount-aaa.org or call their Hot Line - 952-423-7222

To register your child for Hockey, contact Rosemount Area Hockey Association (RAHA) at www.rosemounthockey.org.

7. Where is the skate park/BMX area?

The Rosemount Skate Park is located just north of the Rosemount Community Center in Schwarz Pond Park at 13787 Dodd Blvd. The most convenient access to the skate park is south on Dodd Blvd from Connemara Trail. This facility is intended for use by skate boarders and in-line skaters of all abilities. Adjacent to the Skate Park is an area for BMX bikes. The hours of operation are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Users of the Skate Park and BMX area are strongly encouraged to use helmets, kneepads, and other protective gear while enjoying these facilities. There is no charge for use of the Skate Park or BMX area.

8. Does Rosemount have senior adult programs?

Rosemount Seniors meet at the Steeple Center, 14375 South Robert Trail. Hours are 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday –Friday, excluding major holidays. A variety of programs are offered. For more information about senior adult activities, contact Stephanie Baumann at (651) 322-6016.

9. Why can I not hit golf balls in a park, especially if no one is there?

Golf balls left behind in the grass can easily be picked up by the large mowers used by City maintenance crews and become dangerous high speed projectiles that may cause serious damage or injury.

When a person is hitting a golf ball, the ball travels over a great deal of space and anyone who happens to be within that space is at danger of being hit. Even the most skilled golfers will occasionally hit an errant shot and that can be very dangerous to anyone in that path. If people feel unsafe in a park because a golfer is trying to play there, the park is less likely to be used for its intended purpose.

10. Whom should I contact if I see something in a park that requires repair or attention?

With the large number of parks the City has, it is not possible for staff to visit each on a daily basis. Should you see a park facility or amenity that requires repair or attention, please contact the Parks Supervisor at 651-322-6005 and make a report. Providing complete and timely information will help facilitate a prompt repair.

11. Does Rosemount have an off leash dog area?

The Off Leash Dog Area in Rosemount is operated by Dakota County Parks. The park is located south of County Road 46 (160th Street East) on Blaine Avenue.

Daily permits are available on site; annual permits are available through the Dakota County Parks website at www.co.dakota.mn.us/parks, or by calling 952-891-7000.

12. What are Rosemount’s park hours?

Rosemount Parks are open from 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. with the exception of Erickson Park which is open until 11 p.m.

13. Is alcohol allowed in the parks?

Alcohol is allowed in all areas of Erickson Park. Alcohol is also allowed in other City parks with shelters, by permit only, provided that consumption and possession of beer and wine is limited to areas within 50 feet of the shelter. Permits may be obtained through the Parks and Recreation Department. No glass bottles are allowed in Rosemount Parks.

14. It’s cold out -- why are the outdoor ice rinks not ready?

The ground where water is sprayed for flooding the rinks must be completely frozen to a depth close to one foot to prevent the water from penetrating the ground. This generally takes until early to mid-December. Once the ground is frozen it will generally take up to two weeks of continual cold weather to create a good ice surface.

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1. When and why are hydrants flushed?

All hydrants are flushed in the spring to ensure that water lines are working properly, and to remove iron deposits from the lines. Hydrant flushing occurs after the first street sweeping operation in order to minimize the amount of winter salt and sand that is washed into the storm sewer system.

2. I just moved into a newly-built home and there is standing water in my yard. Who is responsible for fixing it?

Although a City representative performs a final grade inspection for each new home to ensure compliance with the approved grading plan for the development, the City is not responsible for landscaping or other changes made by the builder or homeowner after the inspection has been completed. All grading issues should be directed to the home builder.

3. My property is adjacent to a storm water pond and I don’t like all the tall grass and wildflowers surrounding it. Can I mow it down and do my own landscaping?

These areas around storm water ponds are intended to have a natural landscape that serves several important purposes:

• The vegetation provides a layer of protection for the water, consuming harmful nutrients (such as fertilizer runoff) before they reach the water surface and contribute to algae formation.
  
• The vegetation prevents erosion from compromising the slopes of the pond.
  
• The vegetation creates a uniform landscape along the sides of the pond, providing an aesthetic amenity for the neighborhood.
  
• The vegetation provides a natural habitat shelter for waterfowl.

For these reasons, property owners are encouraged to leave the buffers around storm ponds in their natural state.

4. Do I need a permit for a new driveway? Can I make my driveway wider at the street?

You do NOT need a permit if you are simply re-surfacing or replacing your existing driveway. You DO need a permit if you are making your driveway bigger in any way. The maximum width for a driveway is 22 feet at the right-of-way for residential, 32 feet at the right-of-way for commercial.

5. Is it OK to dig in my yard to plant trees and shrubs?

Before you dig, call Gopher State One Call at (651) 454-0002. They will arrange for utility companies to mark the buried utility lines in your yard. It’s a free call, and it could save your life. Please call 48 hours in advance of digging. Also, you should review your property survey to determine the location of easements on your property. Depending on the type of easement, there may be restrictions on improvements that can be made in the easement.

6. Are there any restrictions on what types of trees I can plant, or where I can plant them?

While the City appreciates and values the aesthetic benefit that trees provide, it is strongly recommended to avoid planting trees along the boulevards (the area between the curb and the sidewalk), or within the right-of-way (generally 30 feet in each direction from the center of the street). 

Trees planted in the right-of-way cause numerous problems such as:

• reduced visibility for motorists and pedestrians 
• structural damage to streets, sidewalks, bike paths, and underground utilities 
• excessive leaf shedding in the fall, creating hazardous slippery conditions

The City reserves the right to trim or remove trees in the right-of-way that are obstructing signs or causing hazardous conditions for pedestrians or vehicles. As a general rule, all trees should be planted at least 20 feet from the edge of the curb and outside the public right-of-way or any public easements. In addition, care should be taken to plant at least 15 feet from any existing structure (sidewalk, driveway, house, hydrant, power lines, water shut-off valve, etc.) in order to avoid costly damage from heaving roots. These distances are minimums; the more clearance provided, the less likely it is that future problems or conflicts will develop. 

The following is a list of acceptable trees from the City’s landscape ordinance: 

• Black cherry 
• Cedar 
• Fir 
• Hickory
• Linden 
• Maple (except Silver Maple)
• Oak
• Pine 
• Spruce 
• Walnut

Due to their large root structure, insect problems, and/or susceptibility to storm damage, the City strongly discourages the planting of the following trees in yards: 

• Silver Maple 
• Box Elder 
• Russian Olive 
• Poplar species 
• Willow 
• Ash

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1. My mailbox was damaged by a snowplow. Who is responsible?

Mailboxes that have been directly hit by a snowplow will be repaired at the City’s expense as soon as time and weather permit. In certain cases, immediate repairs will be made in order to avoid mail delivery disruptions. Please email the Public Works Department or use our Reporting Tool to report a damaged mailbox. Please note: the City is not responsible for mailboxes knocked over by snow rolling off the plows. To avoid potential damage to your mailbox, please make sure it is installed according to the City specifications.

2. Why is my street always the last one to get plowed?

Certain roads in our community fall under County or State jurisdiction. These roads include:

• County Road 33 (Diamond Path)
  
• County Road 42
  
• County Road 38 (McAndrews Road)
  
• County Road 46 (160th Street)
  
• Hwy 3 (South Robert Trail)
  
• Hwy 52
  
• Hwy 55

All other City streets (excluding those in private developments) are plowed by the Rosemount Public Works Department according to the following priorities:

1. Main thoroughfares
2. Streets providing access to schools and commercial businesses
3. Low volume residential streets
4. City parking lots and ice rinks, and certain sidewalks and trails

In most cases, plowing will commence after snowfall exceeds two inches and will continue until all streets are cleared of snow and ice. Generally, for snowfall events that begin after 6:00 P.M., plowing will begin the following morning at 2:00 A.M.

Visit the Maps page to see the priority plowing map, the trail and sidewalk plowing map, and other City maps.

3. Who is responsible for damage done to my yard during winter snow plowing?

Upon review by Public Works personnel, damaged sod will be repaired at the City’s expense as soon as time and weather permit. The City is not responsible for damage to irrigation systems, landscaping, or other items located within the City right-of-way. To report sod damaged by a snow plow, please call the Public Works Department at (651) 322-2022.

4. Who is responsible for clearing snow from the sidewalk/trail that’s adjacent to my property?

The Public Works Department is responsible for clearing snow and ice from certain sidewalks and trails after a snowfall exceeding two inches. Sidewalk and trail plowing occurs only after all City streets have been cleared of snow and ice. The  Snowplowing Policy includes a map of all sidewalks and trails that will be cleared by City staff. Sidewalks and trails not shown on the map are the responsibility of the homeowner and should be cleared of snow and ice within 48 hours of the end of the snowfall event. See the trail and sidewalk plowing map and other City maps.

5. How can I sign up for Text Alerts when plowing starts?

Citizens can register to receive a text message or email when the city begins snowplow operations. 

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1. What is stormwater runoff?

Stormwater runoff occurs when precipitation from rain or snow-melt flows over the ground. Impervious surfaces like driveways, sidewalks and streets prevent stormwater from naturally infiltrating into the ground.

2. Why do I need to be concerned about stormwater runoff?

Stormwater runoff can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt and other pollutants during a rainfall or snowmelt event. The runoff can flow into a storm sewer or directly to a lake, stream, river or wetland. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into nearby surface waters.

Polluted stormwater runoff can have many adverse effects on plants, fish, animals and people. Sediment can cloud the water and make it difficult for aquatic plants and habitat to survive. Excess nutrients can cause algae blooms. When algae die they sink to the bottom and decompose in a process that removes oxygen from the water. Fish and other aquatic organisms cannot exist in water with low dissolved oxygen levels.

Household hazardous wastes like insecticides, pesticides, paint, solvents, used motor oil and automotive fluids can poison aquatic life. Surface water pollution in these forms can pose a health hazard to animals and people.

Polluted stormwater often affects drinking water sources such as ground water or other surface water features from which the potable supply is drawn. This, in turn, can affect human health and increase drinking water treatment costs.

3. My property is adjacent to a storm water pond and I don’t like all the tall grass and wildflowers surrounding it. Can I mow it down and do my own landscaping?

These areas around storm water ponds are intended to have a natural landscape that serves several important purposes:

• The vegetation provides a layer of protection for the water, consuming harmful nutrients (such as fertilizer runoff) before they reach the water surface and contribute to algae formation.
  
• The vegetation prevents erosion from compromising the slopes of the pond.
  
• The vegetation creates a uniform landscape along the sides of the pond, providing an aesthetic amenity for the neighborhood.
  
• The vegetation provides a natural habitat shelter for waterfowl.

For these reasons, property owners are encouraged to leave the buffers around storm ponds in their natural state.

4. Who’s in charge of stormwater management?

Stormwater management and surface water quality is an issue that every community is faced with today. Polluted stormwater continues to affect our lakes, streams, rivers and natural water resources. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has been delegated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II permit. This permitting program requires local governments to develop a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) that incorporates structural, procedural and operational practices that help prevent contamination of stormwater prior to discharge into nearby surface waters.

The City of Rosemount has developed its very own Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) designed to meet the specific needs and issues within the community.

5. What are Best Management Practices (BMPs)?

Best Management Practices (BMPs) are schedules of activities, prohibitions of practices, maintenance procedures and other management practices intended to prevent or reduce the pollution of local and regional surface waters. BMPs also include treatment requirements, operating procedures, and practices to control plant site runoff, spillage or leaks, sludge or waste disposal, or drainage from raw material storage.

6. What Is Nonpoint Source Pollution?

Nonpoint source pollution comes from various land use practices, air pollutants and daily human activities. Unlike specific points such as factory discharge pipes, nonpoint source pollution comes from many different spots.

Nonpoint source pollutants include nutrients such as phosphorous and nitrogen, leaking septic tanks, sediment, pesticides, salt, construction site erosion, forestry operations, animal waste, trace metals and toxic chemicals. Individually, these pollutants may not be a major concern, but taken as a whole, they can result in widespread water quality problems that will need to be addressed.

7. What do all the abbreviations mean?

The Stormwater Program for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) is designed to reduce the amount of sediment and pollution that enters surface and ground water from storm sewer systems to the maximum extent practical. Stormwater discharges associated with MS4s are regulated through the use of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systems (NPDES) permits. NPDES permits are legal documents. Because the stormwater permit is a part of the NPDES program, the City of Rosemount must be aware of the national goals of restoring the integrity of the nation’s waters. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) requires owners and operators of MS4 systems to complete and produce a SWPPP to the MPCA for review and approval. The MS4 owner or operator is required to submit an annual report with the activities completed for the subsequent year.

In response to this new legislation, the City of Rosemount has developed a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) to address the issues associated with stormwater pollution. The plan is designed to prevent the spread of pollutants by applying Best Management Practices (BMPs) and Public Education which aim to reduce the concentration of common pollutants and eliminate the pollutant sources. The SWPPP is a collaboration of ordinance, policy and public education. The Surface Water Management Ordinance and Erosion Control Policy stipulate strict requirements relating to fertilizer application, wetland protection and erosion control application(s). Public education focuses on the lifestyle habits and practices of the community and identifies which habits and practices are influencing stormwater pollution. Efforts are focused on these particular issues.

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1. My street is in bad shape. When will it be repaired? Who decides when and where improvements are made?

The City has developed a comprehensive Pavement Management Program designed to protect and extend the useful life of the paved surfaces throughout the City. Read a complete explanation of the City’s Pavement Management Program and a listing of upcoming street improvement projects.

2. What can I do to get a traffic sign installed?

Traffic signs and pavement markings have very specific installation criteria and regulations. The City utilizes the Minnesota Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MMUTCD) to determine the need and appropriateness for a traffic signal to be installed. Before a sign can be installed, traffic conditions (both vehicular and pedestrian) are reviewed, sometimes requiring an extensive engineering analysis. Based on this review, if the necessary criteria are met, consideration might be given to install a traffic sign. Before requesting a sign installation, please consider that traffic signs (stop signs in particular) may actually contribute to a greater problem if used unnecessarily. National studies have shown that too many stop signs and/or unwarranted stop signs create a host of undesirable safety conditions, such as increased speeds between signs, decreased compliance, and increased incidence of rear-end collision. With that in mind, you may contact the Public Works Department at 651-322-2022 if you feel there is a justifiable need for a traffic sign in your neighborhood. If you have a specific traffic or safety concern (such as speeding or parking violations) you may contact the Rosemount Police Department at 651-423-4491.

• Video: counterproductive warning signs
• Video: why put stop signs on residential roads

3. Who do I contact if a streetlight is out?

Most streetlights are maintained by your electrical service provider. See a map of electrical service areas in Rosemount. If the streetlight is located in one of the green areas, contact the Public Works Department at (651) 322-2022. Otherwise, contact the appropriate service provider. 

• Xcel Energy
• Dakota Electric

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1. What is the hardness of our water in Rosemount?

17 grains per gallon

2. What causes low water pressure in my home?

A reduction in water pressure may be the result of your water softener not working properly. To check your softener, adjust the manual bypass valve so the water will not flow through the softener. If your pressure improves, your softener probably needs to be cleaned or serviced. If your water pressure does not improve, check the valves on the water line coming into your home to make sure they are open all the way. If pressure is still low, you may contact the Public Works department at (651) 322-2022.

3. What causes discolored water?

Iron and manganese, harmless minerals that occur naturally in well water, can cause discoloration. A malfunctioning water softener may also cause discoloration. In the spring, routine hydrant flushing may stir up deposits within the pipes, resulting in rusty/discolored water. This can be cleared up by turning on all the cold water faucets (including bath and shower) at the same time and letting them run for a few minutes to clear the lines. Discolored water is perfectly safe for consumption and bathing. You should avoid doing laundry until the discoloration clears up. If you have a load that was washed during the discoloration, do not put it in the dryer. You should rewash the items as soon as possible after you have flushed your faucets.  

4. Why does my water have an unpleasant (sulfur) odor? How can I get rid of that?

The most common reason for the odor is stagnant water in your plumbing system, particularly within the hot water heater. The best way to eliminate the odor is to purge your plumbing system by completely emptying your hot water heater. To accomplish this, turn on the hot water at all faucets in your home, including bath and shower faucets. When the hot water has completely drained, and there is a slight chlorine smell coming from the faucet farthest away from your home’s water intake pipe, your system has been cleaned and new water is now entering your home from the water main. This process may take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes, and use between 40 to 150 gallons of water, depending on the size of your hot water heater.

5. When and why are hydrants flushed?

All hydrants are flushed in the spring to ensure that water lines are working properly, and to remove iron deposits from the lines. Hydrant flushing occurs after the first street sweeping operation in order to minimize the amount of winter salt and sand that is washed into the storm sewer system. During flushing, it is normal to notice a temporary drop in water pressure and some water discoloration. Please see the water discoloration FAQ for more information. 

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1. What is wellhead protection?

Wellhead protection is a method of preventing contamination of a public water supply by effectively managing potential contaminant sources in the areas which contribute to the public water supply.

2. Does Rosemount have a Wellhead Protection Plan?

Yes. All public water suppliers are required by the Minnesota Department of Health to implement wellhead protection measures as specified in Minnesota Rule 4720. The City of Rosemount created its Wellhead Protection Plan in October 2003 and is currently completing a 10-year review and update of the plan.

3. Does Minnesota Rule 4720 affect private wells?

No. It only affects public water suppliers.

4. What is required of the public water suppliers as the regulated group?

All public water suppliers are required to manage an inner-wellhead management zone, a 200-foot radius surrounding a public water supply, by:

• Maintaining adequate isolation distances for newly-installed potential sources of contamination
  
• Monitoring existing potential sources of contamination
  
• Implementing wellhead protection measures for potential contaminant sources

In addition, owners and operators of a public water supply must prepare a Wellhead Protection Plan, which includes:

• A map showing the delineated wellhead protection areas
  
• A vulnerability assessment of the wells and the wellhead protection areas
  
• An inventory of potential sources of contamination within the wellhead protection areas
  
• A plan to manage and monitor existing and proposed potential sources of contamination
  
• A contingency strategy for an alternative emergency water supply

For additional information, please contact the Public Works Department at (651) 322-2022.

5. Does a public water supplier have to own all the property within management zone?

No.

6. Do contaminant source control measures need to be implemented before a wellhead protection plan is submitted to the Department of Health for approval?

No. The plan must identify the measures that will be used and when they will be implemented over a 10-year period.

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1. How can a customer set up a new account when purchasing a home?

You can sign up by filling out our Start Service Form. 

If you prefer, you can call Rosemount Utility Billing at 651-322-2099. You will be asked to provide your name, address, and phone number.

2. What help can the City provide for repairs?

The Public Works Department will repair water meters, and can shut off service if a plumber advises it’s necessary. There is no charge for meter repair visits by City employees during normal business hours. Fees are charged for other services.

3. Where and when can payments be made?

Along with payment by mail, the City has four places to drop off utility payments:

• In a drive-up box in the lower level parking lot just west of Rosemount City Hall, 2875 145th St. W.
• Near the front door of City Hall off the upper level parking lot.
• Dropbox in the upper level of City Hall. (Weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. excluding holidays)

In all cases, the City collects payments by 9 a.m. on the working day after the due date. Payments after 9 a.m. are late, and penalties will be imposed.

We accept cash, checks, VISA, and MasterCard payments in person at City Hall. Online payments can be made through Payment Service Network. ALL phone payments are made through PSN by calling 877-885-7986. There are no fees for online or phone payments at this time. Also, remember the Direct Pay option to eliminate payment hassles.

4. When are bills sent, and when is payment due?

Bills are mailed to property owners four times a year. The dates of the mailings depend on where the property is located.

• View utility billing dates.

The due date is the 20th (or the next working day after the 20th) of each of those months. The City deposits the checks it receives daily; it cannot hold post-dated checks. There is no grace period for late payments. To avoid a late fee, payments must be received by 4:30 pm on the due date.

5. Who’s responsible for paying utility bills?

In all cases, the property owner is considered the customer. Accounts are put in the owner’s name, and it is the responsibility of the owner to pay utility bills on time.

6. What’s the penalty for late payment?

Payments received after the due date must include a 6% penalty. The minimum penalty is $1 per account. Even if a payment is postmarked before the due date, the penalty will still be charged if the payment arrives after the due date. There is a one-time courtesy credit if requested during the current billing cycle.

7. How is billing handled when property changes hands?

If you are moving from your property, you must request a final reading. A minimum of a 24-hour notice to the City is required. The seller must provide a forwarding address and the name of the buyer before the final bill can be mailed. The City sets fees for the installation of new meters, disconnection of service, and reconnection. Those fees are reviewed annually; telephone 651-322-2099 for details.

8. Will the City shut off water service for non-payment?

The City of Rosemount will not stop utility service under current policy for failure to pay. Instead, the City will inform Dakota County and unpaid fees and penalties will be added to property tax bills as a special assessment. Notices will be sent to property owners with information about how to pay the balance due.

9. What if I suspect that my water meter is inaccurate?

A utility customer may request in writing that the City check the accuracy of a water meter. The City charges a fee for the testing. The fee is refunded if the meter is off by more than 5%. In that case, the City will install a new meter without charge and will adjust water billing. The adjustment will not extend back more than one billing period from the date that the City receives the written request. Costs of meter accuracy checks are set by the City Council. For more information on the current cost, telephone 651-322-2022.

10. Why is there a fee for storm water?

The City of Rosemount collects a storm water utility fee to finance drainage projects and related expenses to control water quantities and improve water quality. The fee helps fund the City’s Stormwater Management Plan. The fee is collected throughout the City to fund a Capital Improvement and Operating Budget. Money goes toward activities including planning, capital expenditures, personnel, equipment, and utility administration. Benefits from these comprehensive efforts include flood control, enhanced surface water quality, and community education. The fee charged for each property is based on a number of considerations. Factors include the amount of runoff that the property generates. Calculations are made based on how much of the surface area allows rain water to soak into the ground, compared with how much is impervious. The calculation also takes into account how quickly water can soak into the ground, and what the slope of the land is. Rates are set based on categories for specific land uses.

11. How did the City decide what fee to charge my property?

The City uses a hydrology modeling system to calculate what effect rain will have based on the way your property is used. Agricultural land generates less runoff than a retail parking lot. So rates are lower for agricultural uses, and higher for land that holds a lot of pavement.

12. My property does not contribute any runoff into the City’s storm water system. Why do I have to pay a fee?

Funding provides storm water drainage and flood control throughout the community. Even in areas where there are no storm water sewers, the City has to create roadside ditches, culverts and storm water ponds. The City must maintain, inspect, and expand these features. They benefit property owners outside the boundaries of the storm sewer system.

13. I own land in the rural area of Rosemount, and I don’t see any signs of City culverts or ponds. What benefit do I get for my payments?

The fee policy that applies to every parcel in the City is set up to account for the level of services provided. The services do not always appear in the immediate area of a given property. Services can expand to City streets, parks, and recreation areas. The services also preserve natural resources that benefit all land owners in Rosemount.

14. How can I learn more about the way fees are set?

The City of Rosemount’s Stormwater Utility Fee Policy is available for review at the request of property owners. Please present a copy of your current statement when you inquire.