Dakota County
Dakota County is the south metro county seated in Hastings, with a mix of suburbs and rural townships.
Dakota County official website
Jump to
Where to find things
- Recording Property DocumentsProperty records
Property Taxation & Records page on recording deeds and other documents.
- Office
- Dakota County Property Taxation & Records (Recording)
- Phone
- 651-438-4597
- records@co.dakota.mn.us
More options
- Electronic Certificate of Real Estate ValueThe state's record of reported sale prices and terms filed with deeds. Used for sales ratio studies and to research what a property actually sold for.
- MCRA County Recorder DirectorySearchable directory of every Minnesota county recorder and registrar of titles, with a downloadable PDF directory.
- Minnesota DEED Sites and Buildings Site FinderMinnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development statewide site finder. Search available business sites and buildings through the embedded LocationOne (LOIS) tool or open it in a new window. Contact DEED for site-selection assistance.
- Property Information SearchProperty owner · Property taxes
Search by address, PID, or owner for values, taxes, and property details.
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- Minnesota Business Filings SearchLook up a Minnesota business, LLC or corporation, including its registered agent and address, when a company name appears on a deed or tax record.
- Property TaxesHub for Minnesota property tax topics: how taxes are set, refunds, homestead, classification and where to contact your county.
- Land Use PlanningZoning
County planning office; most zoning and building permits are handled by cities and townships.
- Office
- Dakota County Planning
- Phone
- 952-891-7024
- planning@co.dakota.mn.us
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Explains Minnesota public drainage law: landowners share open ditches and tile lines, and a public drainage authority runs each one. The authority is a county board of commissioners, a joint county board, or a watershed district board of managers. Contact the county or watershed district that runs the ditch.
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- NRCS wetland determinations and conservation complianceFarm wetland rules for USDA program participants. Before you drain, fill or clear a wet area in a farm field, ask NRCS at your local USDA Service Center for a wetland determination.
- Board of Water and Soil ResourcesState agency overseeing soil and water conservation districts, watershed districts, the Wetland Conservation Act, buffers and conservation easements such as RIM.
- DNR Wetlands ProgramOverview of wetland types, rules and DNR programs in Minnesota, with links to regulations and maps.
- Shoreland and FloodplainFlood zones
County shoreland and floodplain regulations and maps.
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- FEMA Flood Map Service CenterOfficial source for flood insurance rate maps. Enter an address to see the current flood zone and download the FIRM panel and letters of map change.
- DNR Floodplain Management ProgramHow floodplain mapping and local floodplain ordinances work in Minnesota and where to get flood map help.
- Find a DNR Area HydrologistCounty-assigned DNR contacts for public waters, shoreland and public waters work permits. For local Wetland Conservation Act decisions, use the BWSR Wetland Conservation Act LGU contact directory.
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The official interactive GIS map for Dakota County. Open it to search a property and see its parcel and the other map layers the county publishes.
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- GLO Plat Maps, Minnesota 1848-1907Map viewer of the original government survey plats for every Minnesota township. Shows section lines, water and features as first surveyed.
- Septic SystemsSeptic systems
County septic (SSTS) permits, inspections, and compliance program.
- Office
- Dakota County Environmental Resources (septic)
- Phone
- 952-891-7008
- environ@co.dakota.mn.us
More options
- MPCA Septic SystemsState program page for septic (subsurface sewage treatment) systems: rules, homeowner guidance, compliance inspections and forms.
- Local Septic System ProgramsExplains that counties and some cities issue septic permits, and lists local SSTS program contacts.
- Minn. Rules Ch. 7080 Septic System RulesTechnical rules for individual septic systems in Minnesota.
- Minnesota Building Codes and LawsBuilding permits
The building codes Minnesota has adopted, including the residential code, plus the statutes and rules behind them and which local jurisdictions enforce them.
More options
- Minnesota Certificate of Occupancy RequirementsMinnesota Rules 1300.0220 describes certificate of occupancy requirements, exceptions and temporary occupancy. Read the state rule, then confirm its application to a particular building with the local building official. This does not certify that a building is approved for occupancy.
- Wetland Conservation Act ContactsCounty-by-county directory of local wetland regulatory contacts, with PDF and spreadsheet downloads. Find the county, city, SWCD or watershed representative who makes Wetland Conservation Act decisions. BWSR recommends this LGU directory as the starting point for questions about a specific property or project.
- BWSR Conservation EasementsPublic land
How Reinvest in Minnesota conservation easements work and how to check whether land is enrolled. Contact the local soil and water conservation district for parcel-level answers.
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- Lands and MineralsState mineral leasing, state land records and mineral ownership information, including how to research severed mineral rights and lease sales.
- Mineland ReclamationRules and records for reclaiming mined land in Minnesota, covering iron mining on the Iron Range and nonferrous mining sites.
- Dakota County SNAP food assistanceFood assistance (SNAP and EBT)
Local SNAP program information for Dakota County. Find application instructions and contact the county or regional agency about interviews, benefits, or an existing case.
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- Minnesota food assistanceOfficial Minnesota food-assistance program information, listed by USDA. Find application guidance and program contacts. Check the program for current eligibility, benefits, and EBT help.
- USDA food assistance state directoryChoose a state or territory for official food-assistance program websites, applications, and EBT contacts.
- Minnesota unemployment benefitsUnemployment benefits
Official Minnesota unemployment insurance information. Find the program’s instructions for claims, eligibility, and ongoing benefits. Use its own guidance to choose where to file.
More options
- USAGov unemployment benefits overviewFind the state unemployment program and official filing guidance through USAGov. Where you worked can determine where you should file.
- Minnesota Medicaid and CHIPHealth coverage (Medicaid and CHIP)
Find Minnesota Medicaid application information and health-coverage contacts. Check the program for eligibility, renewals, and children’s coverage.
More options
- HealthCare.gov Medicaid and CHIP application guideFind Medicaid and children’s health-coverage application guidance and the official agency for your state or territory.
- Minnesota energy bill assistanceHeating and utility bill assistance
Apply online for Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program. Review the state’s application instructions and privacy notice. For local help, use your county’s energy-assistance provider.
More options
- USAGov help with energy billsLearn about help with heating, cooling, and energy bills, and find the official LIHEAP and weatherization program contacts.
- Minnesota WIC programWIC nutrition help
WIC nutrition, food benefits, breastfeeding support, and clinic application contacts.
More options
- USDA WIC application and clinic guideWIC nutrition, food benefits, breastfeeding support, and clinic application contacts.
- Minnesota child care assistanceHelp paying for child care
Federal directory of Minnesota child care assistance, payment options, and links to the state program. Contact the local county or Tribal agency for application help.
More options
- ChildCare.gov help paying for child careChild care payment assistance, application instructions, and program contacts. Check current eligibility, funding, and waiting lists with the program.
- Dakota County housing vouchers and rent helpRent help and public housing
Find local help with rent, Housing Choice Vouchers or public housing, and who to contact. Check current eligibility and waiting lists with the agency.
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- Minnesota Housing rental assistanceLearn about rental help and public housing programs, how to apply, and who to contact. Check current eligibility and waiting lists with the program.
- HUD Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) and public housingLearn how Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) and public housing work, how to apply, and how to find your local public housing agency. Check current eligibility and waiting lists with your local agency.
- Dakota County emergency assistanceEmergency shelter and eviction help
Ask the county about emergency help with housing costs, shelter, homelessness services or avoiding eviction. Check current availability and eligibility with the county.
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- HUD Find ShelterSearch for nearby shelters, homeless services, food pantries and health clinics, or find your local homeless services network. Check current availability with each provider.
- Dakota County cash assistanceCash assistance (TANF)
Contact your local human services office about cash assistance for families, how to apply, and help with an open case. Check current eligibility and rules with the program.
More options
- Minnesota Family Investment ProgramLearn about cash assistance for families with children, how to apply, and who to contact about your case. Check current eligibility and rules with the program.
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash assistanceLearn how Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash help works and find the program that serves your state. Apply through your state or local office.
- Dakota County child supportChild support services
Contact your local child support office to open a case, establish paternity or a support order, or get help with payments and enforcement.
More options
- Minnesota child support servicesOpen a child support case, get help establishing paternity or a support order, and find payment and contact information.
- Child support helpLearn how to get help collecting child support and find the child support agency that serves your state or tribe.
- Dakota County services for older adultsSenior services and aging
Learn about Dakota County services for older adults and family caregivers, such as help at home, long-term care assessments, and who to contact. Check current eligibility and waiting lists with the county.
More options
- Eldercare LocatorFederal Eldercare Locator for finding local help for older adults and caregivers, such as meals, help at home, transportation, and your Area Agency on Aging. Search by ZIP code or call the listed number.
- Dakota County disability servicesDisability services
Learn about Dakota County disability services, such as case management, home and community-based waivers, assessments, and who to contact for intake. Check current eligibility and waiting lists with the county.
More options
- State vocational rehabilitation agencies directoryFederal directory of state vocational rehabilitation agencies that help people with disabilities get ready for, find, and keep jobs. Use it to find your state agency and how to contact it.
- Dakota County Veterans Service OfficeVeterans benefits help
Meet with the county veterans service officer for free help applying for VA and state veterans benefits, disability claims, pensions and survivor benefits. Call ahead to check office hours or set up an appointment.
More options
- Get help from a VA accredited representative or VSOFind a VA accredited representative or veterans service organization (VSO) who can help you file a VA claim or appeal at no cost. Your state and county veterans service offices can also help.
- Find unclaimed money from the governmentUnclaimed money
Learn how to search for unclaimed money held by state governments and federal agencies, such as old bank accounts, tax refunds, savings bonds and pensions. Searching is free, so be careful of anyone who asks for a fee.
- Minnesota driver licenses and state IDsDriver licenses and state IDs · Vehicle registration and titles
Minnesota driver licensing, identification cards, vehicle registration, and title services.
More options
- USAGov driver licensing and state ID guideOfficial guide to driver licenses and state identification, with links to state motor vehicle agencies.
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Official U.S. passport applications, renewals, document requirements, and acceptance facility information.
- USAGov Social Security benefits and replacement cardsSocial Security benefits and cards
Official guide to Social Security benefits, card replacement, and Social Security Administration services.
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Official Medicare enrollment, coverage, plan comparisons, and contacts for help with Medicare.
- Minnesota individual income taxIncome taxes and filing help
Minnesota individual income tax filing, refunds, payments, and help.
More options
- IRS income tax filing and assistanceOfficial federal income tax filing instructions, payment and refund information, and links to filing help.
- Minnesota CareerForce job search and career helpJobs and career training
Minnesota public career centers, job search help, and training resources.
More options
- USAGov job search and career training guideOfficial guide to public job training, career resources, and American Job Centers.
- USAGov federal student financial aid guideStudent financial aid
Official guide to FAFSA, federal student aid, and other ways to find help paying for education.
- Minnesota consumer protection officeConsumer complaints and scams
State consumer protection information, business complaints, and reporting contacts.
More options
- USAGov state consumer protection office directoryFind your state consumer protection office for business complaints and scam reporting.
- Minnesota emergency management and recovery contactsDisaster recovery assistance
State emergency management information and contacts for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Check the agency for available recovery programs.
More options
- USAGov disaster assistance application guideOfficial disaster assistance application information and links to FEMA and other recovery programs.
- USAGov legal aid and lawyer referral guideLegal aid and lawyer referrals
Find legal aid programs, lawyer referrals, and other sources of affordable legal help.
- USAGov federal, state, and local court directoryCourts and traffic tickets
Official guide to federal, state, territory, county, and municipal court websites.
- SBA business registration and startup guideStarting and registering a business
Official startup guide covering business registration, business structure, and federal and state tax IDs.
Dakota County offices
- One phone line for 6 offices
- Phone
- 651-437-3191
- Dakota County AttorneyCounty attorney: prosecutes crimes and advises the county board in Dakota County, Minnesota.
- attorney@co.dakota.mn.us
- Website
- Visit website
- Dakota County Administration CenterCounty main line.
- Address
- 1590 Highway 55, Hastings, MN 55033
- Website
- Visit website
- Dakota County Emergency ManagementEmergency management office for Dakota County, Minnesota: preparedness, hazard mitigation planning, evacuation and disaster recovery.
- Website
- Visit website
- Dakota County ExtensionUniversity extension office for Dakota County, Minnesota: soils, agriculture, horticulture, 4-H and natural resource education.
- tammym@umn.edu
- Website
- Visit website
- Dakota County SheriffCounty sheriff: law enforcement, civil process, jail and warrant records for Dakota County, Minnesota.
- sheriff@co.dakota.mn.us
- Website
- Visit website
- Dakota County Veterans ServicesCounty veterans service office: helps veterans and families file VA benefit claims in Dakota County, Minnesota.
- vets@co.dakota.mn.us
- Website
- Visit website
- Dakota County Office of the County ManagerCounty administration department and county manager. Direct administration office contact, separate from the county main switchboard.
- Phone
- 651-438-4418
- countyadmin@co.dakota.mn.us
- Address
- 1590 Highway 55, Hastings, MN 55033
- Website
- Visit website
- Dakota County Assessing ServicesValues and classifies property.
- Phone
- 651-438-4200
- assessing.services@co.dakota.mn.us
- Website
- Visit website
- Dakota County TaxationProperty tax billing and collection.Amy Koethe, Department Head
- Phone
- 651-438-4576
- taxation@co.dakota.mn.us
- Website
- Visit website
- Tax-forfeited propertyTax-forfeited land information and sales.
- Dakota County Survey OfficePlats, surveys, and section corners.
- Phone
- 952-891-7087
- surveyoffice@co.dakota.mn.us
- Website
- Visit website
- Dakota County Online Property Records and RecordEASE AccessAccess instructions and link to RecordEASE for searching recorded deeds, easements and other documents by legal description, grantor, grantee and document type…
- Survey Control & Breakdowns mapSurveyor's Office map of survey control, PLS points, and section breakdowns.
- Phone
- 952-891-7081
- gis@co.dakota.mn.us
- Website
- Visit website
- Online Property MapsCounty page listing the online property map applications.
- Dakota County GISInteractive county GIS map with parcels, aerial photos, contours, and many reference layers.
- Dakota County maps on GISFinderProperty lines, aerial photos, flood zones, wetlands and GIS data downloads.
- Dakota Soil and Water Conservation DistrictSoil and water conservation district serving Dakota County, Minnesota: conservation, erosion, wetland and shoreland assistance for landowners.Ashley Gallagher, District Manager
- Phone
- 651-480-7777
- swcd@co.dakota.mn.us
- Address
- 4100 220th St. West, Suite 102, Farmington, MN 55024
- Website
- Visit website
- Dakota County USDA FSA and NRCS officeThe Farm Service Agency office for Dakota County is at the Farmington Service Center, 430 3RD Street; Suite 250, Farmington, MN 55024. Call it to sign up for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and other farm programs, and for farm and tract records. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) works from the same office: ask it for wetland determinations, highly erodible land questions and conservation plans.
- Phone
- (651) 463-8626
- Address
- 430 3RD Street; Suite 250, Farmington, MN 55024
- Website
- Visit website
Other county departments (1)
- Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers OrganizationYou can learn about the Vermillion River watershed, find project and monitoring information, sign up for stewardship grants or volunteer opportunities, and contact the organization in Farmington.
- Website
- Visit website
Dakota County is part of the Twin Cities metro, which has its own regional maps and data.
Guides
- How property taxes work: who assesses, who collects
- How to find who owns a piece of land
- How to get help buying food: SNAP and WIC
- How to file for unemployment benefits
- How to get Medicaid, CHIP or Marketplace health coverage
- Help paying energy bills: LIHEAP and weatherization
- Help paying for child care
- Help with rent and housing: Section 8, shelter and eviction help
- Cash assistance for families: TANF, SSI and general assistance
- How child support works
- Help for older adults and people with disabilities
- How to get help with veterans benefits
- How to find unclaimed money in your name
Other Minnesota counties
Neighboring counties
About Dakota County
Dakota County is the south metro county seated in Hastings, with a mix of suburbs and rural townships. Assessing Services values all property, Property Taxation & Records handles taxes and recording, and the Survey Office keeps plats and section corners; most zoning and building permits are issued by cities and townships. County GIS runs the DCGIS map and Property Information search and shares free open data.
Cities and townships in Dakota County
- Apple Valley
- Burnsville
- Cannon Falls
- Coates
- Eagan
- Empire
- Farmington
- Hampton
- Hastings
- Inver Grove Heights
- Lakeville
- Lilydale
- Mendota
- Mendota Heights
- Miesville
- New Trier
- Northfield
- Randolph
- Rosemount
- South St. Paul
- Sunfish Lake
- Vermillion
- West St. Paul
- Castle Rock Township
- Douglas Township
- Empire Township
- Eureka Township
- Greenvale Township
- Hampton Township
- Marshan Township
- Nininger Township
- Randolph Township
- Ravenna Township
- Sciota Township
- Vermillion Township
- Waterford Township