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WATERCRAFT

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances tit. 18, ch. 495
in effect

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 495.10 Purpose, intent and application.

495.10. - Purpose, intent and application. As authorized by Minnesota Statutes Sections 86B.201, 86B.205, and 459.20, as now in effect and as hereafter amended, this chapter is enacted for the purpose and with the intent to control and regulate the use of waters located within the boundaries of the city, to promote its fullest use and enjoyment by the public; to insure safety for persons and property in connection with the use of said waters; to harmonize and integrate the varying uses of said waters; and to promote the general health, safety and welfare of the citizens. (93-Or-058, § 1, 4-30-93)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 495.20 Adoption and incorporation by reference of Minnesota Waters and Watercraft Safety Laws, and Boat and Water Safety Rules Promulgated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

495.20. - Adoption and incorporation by reference of Minnesota Waters and Watercraft Safety Laws, and Boat and Water Safety Rules Promulgated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The Minnesota Waters and Watercraft Safety Laws, and Minnesota Statutes, Section 86B.001 to 86B.815, as they now exist and are hereafter amended and the State of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minn. Rules Parts 6110.0100-.2300 as the same now exist and are hereafter amended, are hereby adopted, incorporated herein by reference, and made a part hereof as if set forth in their entirety. At least three (3) copies of said Waters and Watercraft Safety Laws and Boat and Water Safety Rules and Regulations, so adopted, shall be marked as official copies and filed in the office of the city clerk along with this chapter. (93-Or-058, § 1, 4-30-93; 94-Or-095, § 1, 7-15-94)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 495.30 Violations of the Minnesota Waters and Watercraft Safety Laws, and Boat and Water Safety Rules Promulgated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

495.30. - Violations of the Minnesota Waters and Watercraft Safety Laws, and Boat and Water Safety Rules Promulgated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Any person violating the Minnesota Waters and Watercraft Safety Laws, and the Boat and Water Safety Rules and Regulations promulgated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, adopted and incorporated herein by reference, shall be subject to the penalties and punishment hereinafter provided. (93-Or-058, § 1, 4-30-93)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 495.40 Restricting speed in certain areas of the Mississippi River.

495.40. - Restricting speed in certain areas of the Mississippi River. (a) In the area between River Mile 854.8 (Plymouth or 8th Avenue Bridge) and River Mile 853.0 (Burlington Northern Bridge #9) all watercraft shall be operated at no greater than slow-no wake speed. A watercraft may be operated in excess of this speed only to prevent endangering the craft or its occupants. (b) In all other areas of the Mississippi River entirely in Minneapolis, no watercraft shall be operated at a speed in excess of forty (40) miles per hour between sunrise and sunset, nor in excess of twenty (20) miles per hour between sunset and sunrise the following day. This restriction specifically applies to the area between River Mile 857.6 (the head of commercial navigation) and River Mile 854.8 (Plymouth or 8th Avenue Bridge), and between River Mile 853.0 (Burlington Northern Bridge #9) and River Mile 850.5 (Railroad Bridge immediately upstream from Lake Street). (c) Competition or exhibition events on the Mississippi River which are taking place entirely within the City of Minneapolis may be temporarily exempted from speed limit restrictions by permits specifying the event and describing the time during which such restrictions shall not apply, the area over which such restriction shall not apply, and the watercraft to which such restrictions shall not apply. Permits must be obtained from the Minneapolis City Council or from such other entity as provided by ordinance. They may provide specific conditions of operation which are required to be met to maintain the exemption. (93-Or-058, § 1, 4-30-93; 94-Or-095, § 2, 7-15-94)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 495.50 Enforcement.

495.50. - Enforcement. The primary enforcement of this chapter shall be the responsibility of peace officers of the City of Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Park Board, and the Hennepin County Sheriff's Department. Other licensed peace officers including conservation officers of the department of natural resources of the State of Minnesota are also authorized to enforce this chapter. Additionally, this chapter may be enforced by the issuance of citations and such other means as permitted by law by special deputies duly appointed and sworn by the Hennepin County Sheriff. (93-Or-058, § 1, 4-30-93; 94-Or-095, § 3, 7-15-94)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 495.60 Exception.

495.60. - Exception. All authorized resource management, emergency and enforcement personnel, while acting in the performance of their assigned duties are exempt from the foregoing restrictions. (93-Or-058, § 1, 4-30-93)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 495.70 Signs and buoys.

495.70. - Signs and buoys. The Minneapolis Department of Public Works or their designee shall place signs at each public launching facility according to Minnesota Rules 6100.1500. Signs shall outline the speed restrictions established by Section 495.40. The department of public works or their designee may place other signs and/or buoys as they think necessary or prudent to give notice of the provisions of this chapter. (93-Or-058, § 1, 4-30-93)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 495.80 Penalties.

495.80. - Penalties. Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than seven hundred dollars ($700.00) or by imprisonment of not more than ninety (90) days, or both. (93-Or-058, § 1, 4-30-93)
Source: City of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Code of Ordinances, City Charter and Park and Recreation Board Code of Ordinances (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/mn/minneapolis/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=MICOOR_TIT18TRCO_CH495WAFetched: 11/2/2026

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