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Nicollet County adopts updated parks ordinance, including new rules on cannabis, drones and e-bikes
Summary
After a public hearing with no speakers, the Board adopted a new Nicollet County Parks Ordinance that repeals the county’s older park rules, adds prohibitions on cannabis use, drones and e-bikes, establishes hours and enforcement mechanisms, and directs staff to post the ordinance online and via QR codes.
Nicollet County commissioners on Aug. 12 adopted a new county parks ordinance and voted to repeal the older ordinance in full, formalizing updated rules for the county’s parks, trails and recreation areas.
Public Works presenter Seth described the ordinance as the product of several years of work and said it is intended to “promote orderly, safe, and enjoyable use of Nicollet County’s parks, trails, and recreation areas” while protecting natural resources.
The ordinance consolidates conduct rules (including prohibitions on disorderly behavior, vandalism and unauthorized fires), natural-resource protections, vehicle and traffic management (maximum posted speed generally 20 mph), recreational activity guidelines, operating hours (sunrise to sunset unless posted otherwise), permit requirements for special events, and a penalty structure. Seth said ebikes and snowmobiles are prohibited, camping is restricted unless authorized, and some park amenities remain first-come, first-served.
During discussion, a commissioner asked whether the county expects to staff the parks with a ranger or staffed office. Seth said routine maintenance staff are present at times but county staff do not foresee a full-time staffed presence unless park use increases. Board members discussed posting the ordinance; Commissioner Dean asked whether the county will provide a QR code at park kiosks and staff said it will.
A county attorney clarified how the ordinance treats cannabis: “The ordinance at 3.23, 3.24, and 3.25, prohibits the use of cannabis products in a public place or place of public accommodation,” the county attorney said, adding the ordinance also addresses being under the influence and other controlled substances and treats smoking and vaping in the same category for enforcement purposes.
Commissioners also highlighted that drone language is new — the prior ordinance was adopted in the 1970s and did not address drones — and that the updated ordinance will allow the county to apply contemporary enforcement tools, including warnings, written citations and, when warranted, law-enforcement response.
The board held a public hearing and recorded no public comments on the ordinance. The resolution adopting the ordinance sets an adoption notice date of Aug. 21. At roll call the board voted yes: Dehen, Helgut, Kolars, Zins and Janel.
County staff said they will post the ordinance on the county website and add a QR code to park kiosks so visitors may access the full ordinance text.
