The purpose of an assembly license is to manage large gatherings in rural parts of Dakota County that are outside the city limits. It is required for gatherings with more than 300 people to keep everyone safe and healthy.
An "assembly" is a gathering of 300 or more people at a specific place and time for a reason. This includes events like concerts, races, political rallies, sports, or parties.
When a license is not required
A license is not required for any of the following:
- Assembly at a regularly established and permanently constructed facility for gathering, including, but not limited to, places of worship, stadiums, arenas, auditoriums, or coliseums
- Assembly within the incorporated limits of a city
- The Dakota County Fairgrounds, during the period of the Dakota County Fair
- Family celebratory assembly taking place entirely upon the premises of a family member
- Assembly held in Dakota County Parks
Permitted hours
An assembly shall not begin before 9 a.m. or go beyond 11:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays or 9 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays.
Trash, recycling and organics requirements
Large events must collect organics (food scraps) if they meet all the following criteria:
- The event has at least 300 attendees
- The event generates at least 1 ton (8 cubic yards) of trash per location
- The event generates food scraps in nonpublic food-preparation areas
For more information, read 
Ordinance 112 - Assemblage of Large Numbers of People at Shows or Exhibitions of Any Nature and Ordinance 110, Section 16 - Solid Waste Management.
License fees
Fee: $352, payable by cash, check payable to Dakota County, or credit card over the phone.
Late fee: A $195 late fee is required if the application is submitted less than 60 days before the date of the event.
Term: Limited to the dates listed on the application.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted at least 60 days before the date of the event or an additional late fee of $195 is required.
- Print the Application for Assemblage of Large Numbers of People Permit and fill it out.
- Print and fill out the:
Gather the following application materials:
- Completed license application
- Completed license applicant information form
- Completed certificate of compliance with Minnesota Worker's Compensation form
- Bond for a minimum amount of $10,000 and $3,000 made out to Dakota County.
- Certificate of Insurance for commercial general liability insurance for $1,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, death, or property damage naming Dakota County as an additional insured.
- License fee
- Mail the application materials to:
Dakota County Public Services & Revenue
1590 Highway 55
Hastings, MN 55033
The license certificate will be mailed to the applicant.