Bemidji, Minn., Code of Ordinances ch. 10, art. II § 10-56
Emergency cases; summary action
Operative Text
Whenever a violation of this article poses imminent peril to life, health, or property, the building official may require immediate compliance, and if necessary take appropriate action to protect that life, health or property, including declaration that the rental unit(s) is hazardous and unfit for human habitation and treated consistent with the provisions of the housing code and Minn. Stat. Sec. 463.15, 463.16 relating to hazardous buildings. Notice of summary condemnation will be posted at the rental unit(s) or areas affected and will indicate the rental units or areas affected. No person will remove the posted notice other than the building official or their designated representative.
Under Bemidji Code of Ordinances ch. 10, art. II § 10-56, when a housing violation creates an immediate threat to life, health, or property, the building official is empowered to act without the usual notice-and-cure timeline. This can include declaring a rental unit hazardous and unfit for human habitation, consistent with Minnesota's hazardous-buildings statutes. A written condemnation notice must be posted at the affected unit or area, and only the building official or their designee may remove it.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Bemidji Code of Ordinances ch. 10, art. II § 10-56 gives the building official authority to bypass standard compliance timelines when a violation presents imminent danger. Operators who maintain properties in continuous compliance with the housing code reduce the circumstances under which emergency summary action could be triggered. If a condemnation notice is posted at a unit, only the building official or their authorized representative is permitted to remove it — tampering with the notice is itself a violation.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 10-56 of the Bemidji Code of Ordinances ch. 10, art. II is designed to protect occupants when a rental unit poses an immediate risk to life, health, or property. If a condemnation notice is posted at your unit, it signals that the building official has determined the space may be unfit for habitation, and tenants in that situation may have rights under both local ordinance and Minnesota law. Tenant-rights organizations or legal aid services can help residents understand what a summary condemnation means for their housing situation and what options may be available to them.
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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