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Government Center building and plaza rules

The Hennepin County Government Center is a public building that accommodates a significant amount of public business. The Government Center building, north plaza and south plaza are used by members of the public every day. These locations are defined as public space and are open for individuals to use, gather or demonstrate. Hennepin County has adopted rules related to use of the Government Center building and plazas to ensure safety and well-being of all visitors and staff. 

Building hours

Monday through Friday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (except holidays)

Skyway level

Between Government Center and US Bank Building:

Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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What is not allowed on county property

Unless otherwise noted:

  • Conduct that violates Minneapolis city ordinance or state law
  • Littering, smoking, use of alcohol or other controlled substances, camping or sleeping
  • Tents, tarps, tables or any other structures
  • Affixing, draping or holding posters, banners or any visual props on or over permanent structures
  • Entering county fountains or pools
  • Generators, portable toilets, motor vehicles or trailers
  • Storing personal property, items, or possessions, or leaving these unattended
  • Gas, propane and charcoal grills; other open-flame devices; fires; and flammable and explosive fuel
  • Defacing any county-owned property, including but not limited to writing or drawing with chalk or other materials
  • Public art — defined as work in any media that is planned and executed with the specific intention of being sited or staged in the public domain, with the specific intention of being accessible to all — unless it is placed exclusively through the Facility Services and Communications departments
  • Interfering with county business, employees, clients or visitors, or obstructing the free flow of traffic in any way, which may include but is not limited to generating noise, intimidating behavior or offensive posters or slogans
  • Any and all other conduct, equipment or materials that are hazardous to public safety or results in, or could result in, damage to county property
  • Per Minnesota Supreme Court ruling, photography in any courtroom or area where courtrooms are located without permission from the court
  • Failure to comply with the requirement to wear a face covering in county buildings, as required by Resolution 20-0204 passed by the Hennepin County Board on May 19, 2020. The face covering must cover both mouth and nose and be secured to the head with ties or ear loops.

Further information related to Hennepin County’s rules related to the plazas can be found in the use of space by the Use of Space by the Public in County Facilities (PDF) policy and Resolution 11-049R1 (PDF) passed by the Hennepin County Board on November 8, 2011.

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