Bloomington, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 6 § 6.03
DEFINITIONS (Bloomington Fire Prevention Code)
Operative Text
The following words and terms shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. CONSTRUCTION PERMIT. A permit allowing the applicant to install or modify systems and equipment for which a permit is required pursuant to IFC § 105.7. FIRE ALARM SYSTEM. A system or portion of a combination system that consists of components and circuits arranged to monitor and annunciate the status of fire alarm or supervisory signal-initiating devices and to initiate the appropriate response to those signals. For purposes of this chapter, FIRE ALARM SYSTEM includes smoke and heat removal systems. FIRE CHIEF. The Chief of the Bloomington Fire Department. FIRE MARSHAL. The Fire Marshal for the City of Bloomington or a designated representative. FIRE MARSHAL PERMIT. Includes all the following permits identified in MSFC and this chapter as a construction permit , day care permit, hazardous material inventory statement, and operational permit . FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM. Approved devices, equipment and systems or combination of systems used to detect a fire, activate an alarm, extinguish, or control a fire, control or manage smoke and products of a fire, or any combination thereof. For purpose of this chapter, FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM includes fire sprinkler system, standpipe system, wet, dry, fire pump, kitchen hood suppression system, chemical and clean agent systems. FIREWOOD. Dry, clean wood such as "Presto Logs," charcoal, or cordwood used or intended for use as heating fuel inside a residence or for an outdoor recreational fire . FIREWOOD does not include wood that is green, with leaves or needles, rotten, wet, oil soaked, or treated with paint, glue, or other preservatives; construction debris; or refuse. FIREWOOD must be stored in accordance with § 10.57 of this city code. LIFE SAFETY SYSTEM. Components or combinations of equipment of a FIRE ALARM SYSTEM , FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM , and the requirements of an OPERATIONAL PERMIT . OPERATIONAL PERMIT. A permit allowing the applicant to conduct an operation or a business for which a permit is required pursuant to IFC § 105.6 for either a prescribed period or until renewed or revoked. OPEN BURNING. The burning of materials wherein products of combustion are emitted directly into the ambient air without passing through a stack or chimney from an enclosed chamber. OPEN BURNING does not include road flares, smudge-pots and similar devices associated with safety or occupational uses typically considered open flames, recreational fires or use of a portable outdoor fireplaces. For the purpose of this definition, a chamber shall be regarded as enclosed when, during the time combustion occurs, only apertures, ducts, stacks, flues, or chimneys necessary to provide combustion air and permit the escape of exhaust gas are open. PERSON. Any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, company, or organization of any kind. RECREATIONAL FIRE. A fire set for cooking, warming, or ceremonial purposes, which is not more than three feet in diameter by two feet high. STARTER FUELS. Dry, untreated, firewood , or charcoal fire starter. (Ord. 2023-6 , passed 3-20-2023)
Section 6.03 of Bloomington, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 6 establishes the official definitions that govern how key terms are interpreted throughout the city's fire code chapter. Words like "Fire Marshal Permit," "Recreational Fire," "Open Burning," and "Firewood" carry specific, bounded meanings that apply whenever those terms appear in the chapter. These definitions set the interpretive foundation for all related permit requirements, operational rules, and enforcement actions that follow in the code.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Bloomington should familiarize themselves with the defined terms in § 6.03, since terms like "Fire Protection System," "Life Safety System," and "Fire Marshal Permit" carry precise meanings that determine which permits and inspections apply to their buildings. A compliant operator generally ensures that any fire alarm, sprinkler, or suppression equipment on the premises meets the definitions outlined here, and that any stored firewood conforms to the specific characteristics described in § 6.03 and is kept in accordance with § 10.57 of the city code. Understanding these definitions helps operators correctly identify which operational or construction permits the Fire Marshal may require.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants in Bloomington can use the definitions in § 6.03 to better understand their rights and responsibilities related to fire safety in their residences. For example, the definition of "Firewood" clarifies what types of wood may be stored on the property, and the definition of "Recreational Fire" specifies the size limits for permissible outdoor fires. Tenants who believe fire safety systems in their unit do not meet the standards implied by these definitions may wish to contact the Bloomington Fire Marshal's 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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