Bloomington, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 15 § 15.166
TANKS AND VEHICLES (Bloomington Buildings and Structures Code)
Operative Text
No part of the contents of any privy, privy box or septic tank shall be transported within or through the city unless it is removed and transported by means of an air-tight apparatus, pneumatic or otherwise, so as to prevent the contents from being agitated or exposed to open air in the process of removal or transportation. Any tank, vehicle or other apparatus used in transporting the contents must be maintained and operated in such a manner as to avoid the emission of offensive fumes or the spilling or loss of any unsanitary or offensive substance. The name of the licensee or registered trade name shall be in a conspicuous place on the vehicle. (1958 Code, § 59.02) (Added by Ord. 123, passed 3-2-1948; Ord. 179, passed 5-13-1952; repealed and new Division added by Ord. 135, passed 4- -1958; Ord. 68-28, passed 4-15-1968; Ord. 71-23, passed 4-12-1971; Ord. 79-2, passed 1-22-1979; amended by Ord. 2009-2, passed 2-2-2009; Ord. 2014-14, passed 10-13-2014)
Bloomington, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 15.166 governs how the contents of privies, privy boxes, and septic tanks may be moved within or through the city. The rule requires that such waste be transported only in airtight equipment that prevents agitation or exposure to open air, and that the vehicle or apparatus be operated so as to avoid offensive fumes, spills, or loss of unsanitary material. Additionally, the name of the licensed operator or their registered trade name must be visibly displayed on the transport vehicle.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Bloomington, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 15.166, property owners who arrange for the removal of privy or septic tank contents are expected to hire only licensed operators who use properly sealed, airtight transport equipment. Compliant operators keep their vehicles free of fume emissions and prevent any spilling or leakage of waste materials during transit. The transport vehicle must also display the licensee's name or registered trade name in a conspicuous location, so operators should verify that any contractor they engage meets this requirement before work begins.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Bloomington, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 15.166 establishes standards that protect residents from unsanitary conditions and offensive odors associated with the transport of privy and septic tank waste. If a tenant observes a vehicle transporting such waste without visible operator identification, emitting offensive fumes, or spilling material, these conditions may constitute a code violation. Tenants who believe this provision is being violated can report concerns to the City of Bloomington's relevant code enforcement or public health office, or consult a tenant-rights organization for guidance on 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 September 15, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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