The Civil Division provides day-to-day professional legal advice, representation, guidance and counsel to the Mayor and City Council, the City Administrator, the various operating departments within the City, and City boards and commissions. Civil Division attorneys (1) attend City Council meetings and meetings of various committees, boards and commissions; (2) draft ordinances, resolutions, contracts, deeds, leases, advisory opinions and other legal documents; (3) process claims brought against the City and its officers and employees; and (4) represent the City and its officers before state and federal judicial and administrative agencies in all civil litigation proceedings.
City Attorney
The City Attorney is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Rochester City Council.
The Rochester City Attorney’s Office is currently composed of six attorneys and five support staff members. The Office is divided into a Civil Division and a Criminal Division. Some of the attorneys are assigned to both divisions.
Duties & Responsibilities
The City Attorney is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Rochester City Council.
The Criminal Division prosecutes all petty misdemeanor, misdemeanor and some gross misdemeanor criminal cases occurring within the City. The City Attorney does not prosecute any felony cases. (The Olmsted County Attorney prosecutes all felony cases occurring anywhere in Olmsted County.) The City Attorney also provides assistance to victims of criminal offenses.
- We seek to constantly improve the quality and effectiveness of our legal services through communication and outreach with city officials.
- We seek to maintain a work environment that fosters teamwork, excellence, and professional development.
- We seek to remain knowledgeable concerning recent developments in municipal law.
- We seek to network with other municipal lawyers, in and out of Minnesota, to advance Rochester’s legal interests.
The City Attorney’s Office seeks to advance the City’s legal interests through services exemplified by respect, integrity and professionalism.
The Office of the City Attorney is responsible for all of the City’s legal business. As such, the City Attorney serves as the City of Rochester's legal advisor and representative. The City Attorney is the attorney for City officials and employees (for actions taken in the course of their public duties), City departments, boards and commissions.
The City Attorney cannot represent private citizens in their personal legal matters.
The City Attorney has a substantial criminal prosecution responsibility. The City Attorney prosecutes all petty misdemeanor, misdemeanor and some gross misdemeanor criminal cases occurring within the City. The City Attorney does not prosecute any felony cases. (The Olmsted County Attorney prosecutes all felony cases occurring anywhere in Olmsted County.)
Although the City Attorney’s Office has a significant duty to prosecute most criminal offenses occurring within the City of Rochester, the Office does not have any resources available to receive crime reports or to investigate criminal cases. Instead, the Office relies on the Rochester Police Department for crime reports and all criminal investigation services. If you wish to report a crime, you must contact the Rochester Police Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a marriage certificate, passport, birth certificate or driver's license renewal?
Please contact Olmsted County Property, Records, & Licensing for questions regarding driver's license renewals, marriage certificates, death certificates, or passport information at 507-328-7670 or on the Olmsted County website.
I want to build a fence on my property. Do I need a permit and what are the requirements?
Should you wish to build a privacy fence on your property, please contact the Planning & Zoning at 507-328-2311 to obtain the necessary permits and/or information.
How do I get a residential parking permit?
To obtain a residential parking permit, please contact the City Clerk's office at 507-328-2311.
Questions or concerns about neighbors and trees can be directed to the 311 non-emergency services department at (507) 328-2311.
Alternatively, the University of Minnesota Extension Service has a helpful fact sheet on tree law.
Who do I contact to complain about the condition of my neighbor's property?
Complaints about the condition of real property in the City of Rochester should be directed to the Community Development Department at 507-328-2311.
Contact
201 4th Street SE
Room 247
Rochester, MN 55904
Phone: 507-328-2100
Fax: 507-328-2727
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