Ordinances
City considering several changes to animal ordinance
The City of Albert Lea is considering a major philosophical shift in regulating dogs and cats, replacing the current limit of 2 dogs and 2 cats per household with a focus on quality of care and preventing nuisance conditions.
The city is considering the changes for the following reasons:
- Improve clarity and enforceability
- Support responsible pet ownership
- Address concerns about nuisances, feral cats and dangerous dogs
- Align local regulations with state law and modern best practices
- Equip animal control with tools needed to protect public health and safety
The proposed changes include:
- Eliminating the limits on the number of dogs and cats. Instead, residents may have more pets as long as they do not create noise, odor or safety problems. Pet-owners must also maintain sanitary conditions.
- Clarifying where kennel operations may operate.
- Prohibiting the feeding of feral cats unless it’s part of a program to trap and neuter stray cats.
The changes would also:
- Strengthen the city’s enforcement powers.
- Clarify several definitions, including for service animals.
- Strengthen the rules on dangerous dogs.
Several other Minnesota cities similar in size to Albert Lea have no limits on the number of dogs and cats, including:
- Bemidji
- Faribault
- Marshall
- Northfield
- Winona
- Worthington
The Albert Lea City Council will vote on introducing the ordinance changes at its May 11 meeting with the final adoption scheduled for its May 26 meeting. The council meets at 7 p.m. May 11 in the council chambers on the top floor of City Hall, 221 E. Clark St. The meeting is open to the public and available online.
For all the changes, see the ordinance document.
For more information:
City Clerk Daphney Maras
507-377-4335
New rules adopted for vehicle repairs on public streets
The city approved an update to its traffic laws to clarify that major vehicle work—including repairs, assembly, or taking a car apart—is prohibited on public streets, alleys, and other city property. These changes are designed to protect public safety, prevent traffic obstructions, and keep city property clean and undamaged. Under the new rules, drivers are still permitted to perform minor tasks like adding gas or oil, and may carry out emergency repairs specifically needed to move a broken-down vehicle. These restrictions do not apply to city or government employees performing official maintenance work.
Local ordinances require two readings for enactment. The City Council conducted the first reading on April 13, 2026, and the second on April 27, 2026.
New backflow prevention rules adopted
The City approved an update to its water service ordinances to establish a formal backflow prevention program, which is vital for keeping our community’s drinking water clean and safe. These new rules are designed to prevent contaminated water from flowing backward into the public supply, a safety measure that primarily impacts larger commercial and industrial properties as well as locations with outdoor irrigation systems. For most residents, these requirements will only apply if you have a “testable” backflow device already required by the plumbing code. City staff recommends approval of this amendment to ensure the long-term health and safety of our local water utility.
Local ordinances require two readings for enactment. The City Council conducted the first reading on April 13, 2026, and the second on April 27, 2026.