Cloquet, Minn., City Code ch. 10 §§ 10.3, 10.7 (2026) § 10.3.05
Space and Occupancy Requirements
Operative Text
Cloquet, Minn., City Code ch. 10 §§ 10.3, 10.7 (2026) § 10.3.05
10.3.05 Space and Occupancy Requirements.
Subd. 1. Basic Facilities. No person shall occupy as owner-occupant, or let to another for occupancy, any
dwelling unit for the purpose of living, sleeping, cooking, or eating, therein which does not comply with the
following requirements.
A. Sanitary Facilities. The following minimum sanitary facilities shall be supplied and
maintained in sanitary, safe working conditions.
1. Water Closet. Every dwelling unit shall contain within its walls, a room,
separate from the habitable rooms, which affords privacy and which is equipped
with a water closet.
2. Lavatory. Every dwelling unit shall contain a lavatory, which, when a closet is
required, shall be in the same room with said water closet.
3. Bathtub or Shower. Every dwelling unit shall contain a room which affords
privacy to a person in said room and which is equipped with a bathtub or
shower.
4. Kitchen Sink. Every dwelling unit shall contain a kitchen sink apart from the
lavatory required under section 10.3.05 Subd. 1(A)4.
B. Water and Sewer System. Every kitchen sink, lavatory basin, bathtub, or shower and
water closet required under the provisions of Section 10.3.05 Subd. 1 (A) shall be
properly connected to either a public water and sewer system or to an approved private
water and sewer system. All sinks, lavatories, bathtubs and showers shall be supplied
with hot and cold running water.
1. Water Heating Facilities. Every dwelling unit shall be supplied with water
heating facilities which are installed in an approved manner, properly
maintained, and properly connected with hot water lines to the fixtures required
to be supplied with hot water under this section. Water heating facilities shall be
capable of heating water to such a temperature as to permit an adequate amount
of water to be drawn at every required kitchen sink, lavatory, basin, bathtub,
shower, and laundry facility or other similar units, at a temperature of not less
than 130 degrees Fahrenheit at any time needed.
C. Heating Facilities. Every dwelling and multi-family dwelling shall have heating
facilities and the owner of the heating facilities shall be required to see that they are
properly installed, safely maintained, and in good working condition, and that they are
capable of safely and adequately heating all habitable rooms, bathrooms and toilet rooms
located therein, to a temperature of at least an average of seventy (70) degrees Fahrenheit
with an outside temperature of ten (10) degrees below zero (0). The owner shall maintain
a minimum average room temperature of seventy (70) degrees Fahrenheit in all habitable
rooms including bathrooms and toilet rooms when rented, at all times on the basis of ten
(10) degrees below zero (0) outside.
1. Operation of Heating Facilities and Incinerators. Every heating or water
heating facility and incinerator shall be installed and shall operate in accordance
with the requirements of the building code or the air pollution control ordinances
of the municipality.
D. Rubbish Storage. Every dwelling, multi-family dwelling and dwelling unit shall be
supplied with approved containers and covers for storage of rubbish, and the owner,
operator or agent in control of such dwelling or multi-family dwelling shall be
responsible for the removal of such rubbish.
E. Garbage Storage or Disposal Facilities. Every dwelling, or multi-family dwelling and
every dwelling unit shall be supplied with an approved garbage disposal facility; which
may be an adequate mechanical garbage disposal unit (mechanical sink grinder) in each
dwelling unit, or an incinerator unit, to be approved by the building official in the
structure for the use of the occupants of each dwelling unit or an approved outside
garbage can.
Subd. 2. Installation and Maintenance. No person shall occupy as owner-occupant, or let to another for
the occupancy, any dwelling, multi-family dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming house, or rooming unit for the
purpose of living, sleeping, cooking or eating therein which does not comply with the following
requirements.
A. Facilities and Equipment. All required equipment and all building space and parts in
every dwelling and multi-family dwelling shall be constructed and maintained so as to
properly and safely perform their intended function in accordance with the provisions of
the building code.
1. Maintained Clean and Sanitary. All housing facilities shall be maintained in a
clean and sanitary condition by the occupant so as not to breed insects and
rodents or produce dangerous or offensive gases or odors.
B. Plumbing Fixtures. In buildings and structures used for human habitation, water lines,
plumbing fixtures, vents and drains shall be properly installed, connected and maintained
in working order and shall be kept free from obstructions, leaks and defects and capable
of performing the function for which they are designed. All repairs and installations shall
be made in accordance with the provisions of the building code or plumbing code of the
municipality.
C. Plumbing Systems. In buildings and structures used for human habitation, every
plumbing stack, waste and sewer line shall be so installed and maintained as to function
properly and shall be kept free from obstructions, leaks and defects to prevent structural
deterioration or health hazards. All repairs and installations shall be made in accordance
with the provisions of the building code or plumbing code of the municipality.
D. Heating Equipment. Every space heating, cooking, and water heating device located in
a dwelling or multi-family dwelling shall be properly installed, connected and maintained
and shall be capable of performing the function for which it was designed in accordance
with the provisions of the building code.
E. Electrical Outlets and Fixtures. Every electrical outlet and fixture as required in
section 10.3.05 Subd. 4 shall be installed, maintained an connected to the source of
electrical power in accordance with the provisions of the building code or electrical code
of the municipality.
1. Correction in Defective System. Where it is found, in the opinion of the
building official, that the electrical system in a building constitutes a hazard to
the occupants or the building by reason of inadequate service, improper fusing,
insufficient outlets, improper wiring or installation, deterioration or damage or
for similar reasons, he/she shall require the defects to be corrected to eliminate
the hazard.
Subd. 3. Occupancy Requirements. No person shall occupy or let to another for occupancy, any dwelling
unit for the purpose of living therein which does not comply with the following requirements.
A. Minimum Ceiling Heights. Habitable rooms in existing building except as provided in
section 10.3.03 Subdivision 4, shall have a clear ceiling height of not less than seven and
one-third (7 1/3) feet, except that in attics or top half-stories the ceiling height shall be
not less than seven (7) feet over not less than one-third (1/3) of the area when used for
sleeping, study or similar activity. In calculating the floor area of such rooms only those
portions of the floor area of the room having a clear ceiling height of five (5) feet or more
may be included.
B. Required Space in Dwelling Units. Every dwelling unit shall contain a minimum gross
floor area of not less than one hundred fifty (150) square feet for the first occupant, and
one hundred (100) square feet for each additional occupant. The floor area shall be
calculated on the basis of the total area of all habitable rooms.
C. Required Space in Sleeping Rooms. In every dwelling unit, every room occupied for
sleeping purposes by one (1) occupant shall have a minimum gross floor area of at least
seventy (70) square feet. Every room occupied for sleeping purposes by more than one
(1) occupant shall contain at least fifty (50) square feet of floor area for each occupant
thereof.
D. Access Limitation of Dwelling Unit to Commercial Uses. No habitable room,
bathroom or water closet compartment which is accessory to a dwelling unit shall open
directly into or shall be used in conjunction with a food store, barber or beauty shop,
doctor’s or dentist’s examination or treatment room, or similar room used for public
purposes.
E. Location of Bath and Second Sleeping Room. No residence building or dwelling unit
containing two (2) or more sleeping rooms shall have such room arrangement that access
to a bathroom or water closet compartment intended for use by occupants of more than
one (1) sleeping room can be had only by going through another sleeping room; nor shall
the room arrangement be such that access to a sleeping room can be had only by going
through another sleeping room or a bathroom or water closet compartment. No bathroom
shall be so located that access thereto is solely through a kitchen.
F. Occupancy of Dwelling Units Below Grade. No dwelling unit partially below grade
shall be used for living purposes unless:
1. Floors and walls are watertight;
2. Total window area, total openable area and ceiling height are in accordance with
this code; and
3. Required minimum window area of every habitable room is entirely above the
grade of the ground adjoining such window area.
Subd. 4. Light and Ventilation. No person shall occupy as owner-occupant, or let to another for
occupancy, any dwelling, multi-family dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming house or rooming unit for the
purpose of living therein which does not comply with the following requirements.
A. Natural Light in Habitable Rooms. Every habitable room shall have at least one (1)
window of approved size facing directly to the outdoors or to a court. The minimum total
widow area, measured between stops, for every habitable room shall be ten (10) percent
of the floor area of such room, except in kitchens when artificial light may be provided in
accordance with the provisions of the electrical code ordinance. Whenever walls or other
portions of the structure face a window of any room and such obstructions are located
less than three (3) feet from the window and extend to a level above that of the ceiling of
the room, such a window shall not be deemed to face directly to the outdoors nor to a
court and shall not be included as contributing to the required minimum total window
area for the room.
B. Light in Non-Habitable Work Space. Every laundry, furnace room, and all similar
non-habitable work spaces located in a dwelling or multi-family dwelling shall have one
(1)supplied electric light fixture available at all times.
C. Light in Public Halls and Stairways. Every public hall and inside stairway in every
dwelling or multi-family dwelling shall be adequately lighted at all times with an
illumination of at least five (5) lumens per square foot in the darkest portion of the
normally traveled stairs and passageways.
D. Electrical Outlets Required. Where there is electric service available to the building or
structure, every habitable room of a dwelling or multi-family dwelling shall contain at
least two (2) separate and remote outlets, one (1) of which may be a ceiling or wall-type
electric light fixture. In kitchens three (3) separate and remote wall-type electric
convenience outlets or two (2) such convenience outlets and one (1) ceiling or wall-type
electric light fixture shall be provided. Every public hall, water closet compartment,
bathroom, laundry room or furnace room shall contain at least one (1) electric light
fixture. In addition to the electric light fixture, in every bathroom and laundry room,
there shall be provided at least one (1) electric outlet.
E. Adequate Ventilation. Every habitable room shall have at least one (1) window which
can be easily opened or such other device as will adequately ventilate the room. The total
openable window area in every habitable room shall be equal to at least forty-five (45)
percent of the minimum window area size required in section 10.3.05 subdivision 4(A),
except where mechanical ventilation is provided.
F. Ventilation and Light in Bathroom and Water Closet. Every bathroom and water
closet compartment shall comply with the light and ventilation requirements for habitable
rooms as required by sections 10.3.05 subdivision 4(A) and (D), except that no window
shall be required in bathrooms or water closet compartments equipped with an approved
ventilation system.
Subd. 5. Minimum Requirements for Fire Safety. No person shall occupy as owner-occupant, or shall
let to another for occupancy, any dwelling, multi-family dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming house, rooming
unit, lodging house or lodging unit which does not comply with the applicable provisions of the fire
prevention sections of building ordinances of the municipality and the following additional requirements
for safety from fire.
A. Storage of Flammable Liquids Prohibited. No dwelling, multi-family dwelling,
dwelling unit, or rooming unit shall be located within a building containing any
establishment handling, dispensing, or storing flammable liquids with a flash point of one
hundred ten (110) degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
B. Cooking and Heating Equipment. All cooking and heating equipment, components,
and accessories in every heating, cooking and water heating device shall be maintained
free from leaks and obstructions, and kept functioning properly so as to be free from fire,
health, and accident hazards.
All installations and repairs shall be made in accordance with the provisions of the
building code, or other laws or ordinances of the municipality applicable thereto.
Portable cooking equipment employing flame is prohibited.
Subd. 6. Responsibilities of Persons. Occupants of dwellings, multi-family dwellings, and dwelling
units, and owners or operators of rooming houses shall be responsible for maintenance thereof as provided
in this code.
A. Cleanliness. Every occupant of a dwelling unit shall keep that part of the dwelling unit
and premises thereof which he/she occupies, controls, or uses, in a clean and sanitary
condition.
B. Disposal of Rubbish. Every occupant of a dwelling unit shall disposes of all his/her
rubbish in a clean and sanitary manner by placing it in the rubbish containers required by
section 10.3.05 Subdivision 1(D).
C. Disposal of Garbage. Every occupant of a dwelling unit shall dispose of his/her
garbage in a clean and sanitary manner by placing it in the garbage disposal facilities, or
if such facilities are not available, by removing all non-burnable matter and securely
wrapping such garbage and placing it in tight metal garbage storage containers as
required by section 10.3.05 subdivision 1(E) of this code; or by such other disposal
method as may be required by applicable laws or ordinances of the municipality.
D. Use and Operation of Supplied Plumbing Fixtures. Every occupant of a dwelling unit
shall keep the supplied plumbing fixtures therein clean and sanitary and shall be
responsible for the exercise of reasonable care in their proper use and operation.
E. Installation and Care of Plumbing Fixtures Furnished by Occupant. Every
plumbing fixture furnished by the occupant of a dwelling unit shall be properly installed
and shall be maintained in good working condition, kept clean and sanitary, and free of
defects, leaks or obstructions.
Subd. 7. Rooming Houses. Every person who operates a rooming house, or who occupies or lets to
another for occupancy any rooming unit in any rooming house, shall comply with the provisions of every
section of this code, except as provided in the following sections.
A. Water Closet, Hand Lavatory, and Bath Facilities. At least one (1) water closet,
lavatory basin, and bathtub or shower properly connected to an approved water and sewer
system and in good working condition shall be supplied for each four (4) rooms within a
rooming house wherever said facilities are shared.
All such facilities shall be located within the residence building served and shall be
directly accessible from a common hall or passageway and shall be not more than one (1)
story removed from any of the persons sharing such facilities. Every lavatory basin and
bathtub or shower shall be supplied with hot and cold water at all times. Such required
facilities shall not be located in a cellar.
B. Minimum Floor Area for Sleeping Purposes. Every room occupied for sleeping
purposes by one (1) occupant shall contain at least seventy (70) square feet of floor area,
and every room occupied for sleeping purposes by more than three (3) persons shall
contain at least fifty (50) square feet of floor area for each occupant thereof.
C. Bed Linen and Towels. The operator of every rooming house shall supply bed linen
and towels therein at least once each week, and prior to the letting of any room to another
occupant. The operator shall be responsible for the maintenance of all supplied bedding
in a clean and sanitary manner.
D. Shades, Drapes, etc. Every window of every rooming unit shall be supplied with
shades, drawn drapes, or other devices or material which when properly used will afford
privacy to the occupant of the rooming unit.
E. Sanitary Conditions. The operator of every rooming house shall be responsible for the
sanitary maintenance of all walls, floors, and ceilings, and for the sanitary maintenance of
every other part of the rooming house; and he/she shall be further responsible for the
sanitary maintenance of the entire premises where the entire structure or building within
which the rooming house is contained is leased or occupied by the operator.
F. Sanitary Facilities. Every water closet, flush urinal, lavatory basin and bathtub or
shower required by section 10.3.05 subd. 7(A) shall be located within the rooming house
and within a room or rooms which:
1. Afford privacy and are separate from the habitable rooms;
2. Are accessible from a common hall and without going outside the rooming
house or through any other room therein.Source: Legislative text reproduced verbatim
Plain English
Section 10.3.05 of the Cloquet City Code establishes comprehensive minimum standards that all dwelling units, multi-family dwellings, and rooming houses must meet regarding sanitation, space, heating, lighting, ventilation, and fire safety. The provision sets specific requirements such as minimum floor areas per occupant, hot water temperatures of at least 130°F, interior heating capable of maintaining 70°F when outside temperatures drop to -10°F, and adequate natural light and electrical outlets in habitable rooms. Both owners and occupants share defined responsibilities — owners must supply and maintain required facilities and equipment, while occupants must keep their units clean and use supplied fixtures properly.
Written by anthropic/claude-sonnet-4.6 · Reviewed on November 13, 2026
Plain English — not legal advice.
For Property Managers
Property owners and managers operating under § 10.3.05 generally ensure that every rental unit is equipped with a functioning toilet, lavatory, bathtub or shower, and kitchen sink — all connected to an approved water and sewer system — before any occupancy begins. Compliant operators maintain heating systems capable of sustaining an average of 70°F in all habitable rooms, bathrooms, and toilet rooms during cold weather, and water heaters that deliver at least 130°F at all required fixtures. Operators also verify that units meet the minimum floor area requirements (150 sq ft for the first occupant, 100 sq ft for each additional), that electrical outlets and lighting meet the counts specified in Subd. 4, and that rubbish and garbage disposal facilities are provided and maintained in accordance with Subd. 1(D) and (E).
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
For Tenants
Under § 10.3.05, tenants in Cloquet have the right to occupy a dwelling unit that meets baseline standards for sanitation, heat, hot water, space, lighting, and fire safety — and a landlord who fails to provide these conditions may be in violation of the city's housing code. Tenants who believe their unit falls short of these requirements — such as inadequate heat, missing sanitary facilities, or insufficient floor area — may consider documenting the conditions and contacting the City of Cloquet's building or housing official, who has authority to inspect and require corrections under this provision. Local tenant-rights organizations or legal aid services can help tenants understand the range of options available, including raising a housing code violation as a defense in relevant proceedings.
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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References Out
Rules and statutes cited by this regulation
Minn. Stat. § 10.3.05
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Minn. Stat. § 10.3.03
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Related Rules
§ 244.260
Compliance required
§ 14.567
ADOPTED BY REFERENCE
§ 244.340
Sewer and water connections