Bloomington, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 15 § 15.105
EXCEPTIONS (Bloomington Buildings and Structures Code)
Operative Text
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein contained, no security measures and locking devices may be installed or maintained if prohibited by the Uniform Building Code, incorporated by reference in this code in § 15.01 of this chapter, unless an automatic fire extinguishing system is installed which is in accord with Chapter 38 of said Uniform Building Code and unless the Director of the Department of Community Development finds that hazards or dangers created or contributed to thereby will be obviated or reduced to such an extent that the building is as safe to occupants as it would have been without such burglary security measures. (1958 Code, § 40.14) (Ord. 67-71, passed 12-28-1967; Ord. 2002-1, passed 1-14-2002)
Bloomington, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 15.105 establishes an exception to the general rules on security measures and locking devices in buildings. Even if a property owner wishes to install or maintain such devices, they are prohibited from doing so if the Uniform Building Code (incorporated by reference in § 15.01) forbids it — unless two conditions are both met: an automatic fire extinguishing system compliant with Chapter 38 of the Uniform Building Code is in place, and the Director of the Department of Community Development determines that any hazards created by the security measures are sufficiently reduced so the building remains as safe as it would be without them. In effect, burglary security measures can only override a Uniform Building Code prohibition when both the sprinkler system requirement and the Director's safety finding are satisfied.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 15.105, property owners and managers in Bloomington who wish to install or retain security measures or locking devices that would otherwise be barred by the Uniform Building Code must ensure two things are in place: a compliant automatic fire extinguishing system meeting Chapter 38 of the Uniform Building Code, and a formal finding from the Director of the Department of Community Development that the safety hazards posed by those devices are adequately mitigated. Operators generally document both the fire suppression system's compliance and the Director's written determination before proceeding with any such installation. Maintaining records of these approvals helps demonstrate ongoing compliance with § 15.105 should questions arise during inspections or tenant complaints.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 15.105 of Bloomington's Code of Ordinances means that security devices or locking mechanisms in your building cannot be installed or kept in place in violation of the Uniform Building Code unless specific safety conditions have been officially verified. Tenants who believe security measures in their building may create fire-escape hazards or otherwise conflict with the Uniform Building Code can raise the requirements of § 15.105 — including whether the required fire extinguishing system and Director's safety finding are in place — as a concern with the Bloomington Department of Community Development. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with local housing codes can help residents understand what documentation or approvals should exist under this provision.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 15, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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