Andover, Minn., City Code title 9 ch. 8 art. A (2026) § 9-8A-16
Secure Unfit and Vacant Dwellings
Operative Text
9-8A-16: SECURE UNFIT AND VACANT DWELLINGS: The owner of any dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming unit or building which has been declared unfit for human habitation or which is otherwise vacant for a period of sixty (60) days or more shall immediately make the same safe and secure so that it is not hazardous to the health, safety, and welfare of the public and does not constitute a public nuisance. Any vacant dwelling open at doors, windows, or wall opening, if unguarded, shall be deemed to be a hazard to the health, safety, and welfare of the public and is a public nuisance within the meaning of this ordinance.
Section 9-8A-16 of the Andover, MN City Code establishes that any dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming unit, or building declared unfit for human habitation—or left vacant for 60 or more days—must be made safe and secure so it does not pose a hazard to public health, safety, or welfare. The provision specifically identifies open doors, windows, or wall openings in a vacant dwelling as automatic public nuisances if left unguarded. This rule applies regardless of the reason for vacancy and treats unsecured openings as hazards by definition under the ordinance.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 9-8A-16 of the Andover City Code, property owners who have a dwelling that has been declared unfit or that has sat vacant for 60 or more days are generally expected to promptly secure all entry points—doors, windows, and wall openings—to prevent the property from becoming a public nuisance. Compliant operators typically board, lock, or otherwise guard any openings so that the structure cannot be accessed by unauthorized persons or pose risks to surrounding residents. Maintaining documentation of when a property became vacant and what securing measures were taken can help demonstrate ongoing compliance with this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 9-8A-16 of the Andover City Code gives community members, including neighboring tenants, a basis to report vacant or unfit properties with unsecured openings to local code enforcement authorities in Andover. If a property you live near appears to have open or unguarded doors, windows, or wall openings and has been vacant for an extended period, that condition is defined as a public nuisance under this ordinance, which may trigger an enforcement response. Tenants who believe a property—including their own building—has been improperly left unsecured may consider contacting Andover's code enforcement office or a local tenant-rights organization to understand available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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