Burnsville, Minn., Mun. Code ch. 3-15 (2026) § 3-15-2
Interpretation
Operative Text
This chapter is to be construed liberally in conjunction with the provisions of this Code to give effect to the policy, purpose, and objectives of this chapter, but is not to be construed to modify, amend or otherwise alter the provisions of this Code relating to health, safety, building or land use regulation. It is not the intention of the City to intrude upon a fair and accepted contractual relationship between tenant and landlord. The City does not intend to intervene as an advocate of either party, or to act as an arbiter. It is determined that certain conditions within existing buildings, lawful at the time of construction of the building, and not creating a hazardous condition, may not comply with the minimum requirements of this chapter. Such conditions are referred to as "built in deficiencies", and the Code official, in administering this chapter, may consider built-in deficiencies as being beyond reasonable correction and accept them as an alternate method of meeting the intent of this chapter. (Ord. 1276, 9-18-2012, eff. 1-2-2013) HISTORY Amended by Ord. 1585 on 4/28/2023
Burnsville's Chapter 3-15 on Rental Licensing (§ 3-15-2) establishes that the chapter should be interpreted broadly to fulfill its policy goals, but it does not override existing health, safety, building, or land-use rules. The City explicitly positions itself as a neutral party — not an advocate for landlords or tenants, and not a dispute arbitrator. The provision also recognizes a category called 'built-in deficiencies,' meaning structural conditions that were legal when a building was constructed and do not pose a hazard may be accepted by the Code official as an alternative way of satisfying the chapter's intent, even if they fall short of current minimum standards.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 3-15-2, property owners and managers should understand that Burnsville's rental licensing rules are read broadly to advance the chapter's purposes, but they do not replace or weaken other applicable codes covering health, safety, building standards, or land use. Operators of older buildings may find it useful to document conditions that were lawful at the time of construction and do not create hazards, as the Code official has discretion to classify such features as 'built-in deficiencies' and accept them as meeting the chapter's intent. Maintaining clear records of a building's construction history can support that kind of administrative determination under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 3-15-2 makes clear that Burnsville's rental licensing framework is designed to serve the public interest broadly, while the City explicitly declines to act as an advocate for either tenants or landlords in any dispute. Tenants should be aware that the City's Code official may allow certain older building conditions — labeled 'built-in deficiencies' — to stand without correction if they were legal when built and do not create a hazard, which can affect what remedies are available through the licensing process. Tenants who believe a condition goes beyond a built-in deficiency and poses a genuine safety concern may consider contacting the City's Code official directly, or reaching out to a local 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 November 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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