Group Homes

Residential group homes exist in virtually every city across the country, including Apple Valley. Most of the time, group homes operate with no disruption to neighbors. The City of Apple Valley works with county and state officials to promote safe and peaceful neighborhoods. Concerns regarding group homes should be shared with the appropriate licensing organization. Learn more below.

What is a Group Home?

A group home is a living accommodation designed for people with disabilities to reside outside of an institutional setting. Typically, group homes are the chosen living option for people with disabilities who don't need complex medical care. Group home residents live with supervision and support, allowing them more independence while also receiving the extra support they need. Group homes can be located within single-family neighborhoods, or within more condensed multi-housing complexes. The size of group homes varies, but generally, they tend to be smaller than most long-term care facilities. They may offer shared spaces for residents, and bedrooms may be private or shared with a roommate. 

What is the City's Involvement with Group Homes?

While these properties are located in Apple Valley and we respond to emergencies, the city government has no role in licensing or overseeing them. It is the policy of the state that persons shall not be excluded by municipal zoning ordinances or other land use regulations from the benefits of normal residential surroundings.

Who Should I Contact with Concerns Regarding Group Homes?

Concerns should be directed to the entity that licenses the property. You can locate this public information on the websites below. You may have to search several databases as homes are licensed and supervised differently:

• The Minnesota Department of Human Services
• The Minnesota Department of Health

For Homes Licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health:

Quality-of-Life Concerns

If you experience quality-of-life issues with members of the home or employees, contact the operator of the home directly, as you would with any other neighbor, and share your concerns directly with them. While the provider cannot disclose information about their residents, they can likely work to problem-solve minor issues.

Care-Related Concerns

If you believe a resident is being neglected or have concerns about the level of care or staffing within a home, contact Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC) at 1-844-880-1574. MAARC takes reports on everything and forwards concerns to the appropriate oversight authorities.

When you file a MAARC complaint, the responsible agency for investigating is the Office of Health Facility Complaints. You can provide more information as needed here.

For Homes Licensed by the Department of Human Services:

Quality-of-Life Concerns

If you experience quality-of-life issues with members of the home or employees, contact the operator of the home directly, as you would with any other neighbor, and share your concerns directly with them. While the provider cannot disclose information about their residents, they can likely work to problem-solve minor issues.

Care-Related Concerns

If you believe a resident is being neglected or have concerns about the level of care or staffing within a home, contact Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC) at 1-844-880-1574. MAARC takes reports on everything and forwards concerns to the appropriate oversight authorities.

Additionally, Dakota County Social Services has a role in licensing these homes and complaints can be sent to AdultFosterCare@co.dakota.mn.us. The information will be passed to the assigned licensor.

Homes licensed by Dakota County also have a special (245D) license issued by the Department of Human Services. The 245D license addresses the provisions or quality of services in the home. The 245D licensing help desk can be reached at (651) 431-6624. Complaints will be forwarded to the appropriate agency for follow-up

Emergency Response and Code Violations

As always, if you observe criminal activity or believe the public is in danger, call 911. Our Community Impact Unit, with an embedded licensed social worker, reviews mental health calls in an effort to get residents connected to the appropriate services.  

If you have concerns about the condition of the property such as building code violations or property upkeep, contact Apple Valley Code Enforcement at (952) 953-2570 or report a code violation online.