Bloomington, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 15 § 15.80
DEFINITIONS (Bloomington Buildings and Structures Code)
Operative Text
The following words and terms when used in this Division A shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. ACCESS KEY BOX. An armored tamper-proof box in which entry keys or access cards are placed for Fire Department and Police Department emergency use. CONTROLLED ACCESS BUILDING. A building with a locked entry security system requiring a key or a code in order to gain entry inside, including buildings where the main entrance door is unlocked but the vestibule door remains secured. GROUP R-1 OCCUPANCIES. A building, the primary use of which is for providing permanent or temporary congregate lodging for ten or more persons, as defined by the International Fire Code, as adopted in § 15.01 , including apartment buildings, condominium complexes, hotels and motels. (Ord. 2002-1, passed 1-14-2002)
Section 15.80 of Bloomington, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 15 establishes the official definitions for key terms used throughout Division A of the code. It defines an 'Access Key Box' as a secure, tamper-proof container holding emergency entry keys or access cards for use by Fire and Police Departments. A 'Controlled Access Building' is any building with a locked entry system—including those where only the inner vestibule door is secured. 'Group R-1 Occupancies' covers buildings primarily used for lodging ten or more people, such as apartment buildings, condominiums, hotels, and motels, as defined by the International Fire Code.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 15.80, property owners and managers operating controlled access buildings or Group R-1 occupancies should ensure their properties align with the definitions established in this section, as those definitions govern how related requirements throughout Division A apply to their buildings. Operators of buildings with any locked entry system—including vestibule-only secured entrances—should be aware their property qualifies as a 'Controlled Access Building' under this provision. Compliance-minded operators of lodging properties serving ten or more persons typically confirm whether their building meets the 'Group R-1 Occupancy' classification, since that designation triggers additional obligations elsewhere in Division A.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 15.80 sets out the foundational definitions that shape tenant protections and building requirements throughout Division A of Bloomington's code. Tenants living in apartment buildings, condominiums, or similar lodging facilities for ten or more people should be aware that their building likely qualifies as a 'Group R-1 Occupancy,' which carries specific regulatory implications under the broader ordinance. Tenants who believe their building is not being managed in accordance with the requirements tied to these definitions—such as those related to controlled access or emergency key box provisions—may wish to contact the City of Bloomington or consult a tenant-rights organization for guidance.
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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