Columbia Heights, Minn., Mun. Code Ch. 5A (2026) § 5A.203

(A) General . The exterior of a structure shall be maintained in good repair, structurally sound and sanitary so as not to pose a threat to the public health, safety or welfare.


(B) Protective treatment . All exterior surfaces, including but not limited to, siding, doors, door and window frames, cornices, porches, trim, balconies, signs (including pilon and monument), canopies, lighting, posts/poles, decks, retaining walls and fences shall be maintained in good condition. Exterior wood surfaces, other than decay-resistant woods, shall be protected from the elements and decay by painting or other protective covering or treatment. Rotting and deteriorated surfaces shall be replaced. Peeling, flaking and chipped paint shall be eliminated and surfaces repainted. All siding and masonry joints as well as those between the building envelope and the perimeter of windows, doors, and skylights shall be maintained weather resistant and water tight. All metal surfaces subject to rust or corrosion shall be coated to inhibit such rust and corrosion and all surfaces with rust or corrosion shall be stabilized and coated to inhibit future rust and corrosion. Oxidation stains shall be removed from exterior surfaces. Surfaces designed for stabilization by oxidation are exempt from this requirement. If any structure is removed or demolished for any purpose, all parts of the demolished structure are to be removed, including utilities, foundations and footings, unless those parts are to be reused for a new structure and is approved by the Building Official.


(C) Premises identification . Buildings shall have approved address numbers placed in a position to be plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. Where applicable, buildings shall also have approved address numbers placed in a position to be plainly legible and visible from streets and alleys to the rear of properties. These numbers shall be Arabic numerals of a contrasting color to their background. Numbers shall be a minimum of 4 inches (102 mm) high with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inch (12.7 mm).


(D) Structural members . All structural members shall be maintained free from deterioration, and shall be capable of safely supporting the imposed dead and live loads.


(E) Foundation walls . All foundation walls shall be maintained plumb and free from open cracks and breaks and shall be kept in such condition so as to prevent the entry of rodents and other pests.


(F) Exterior walls . All exterior walls shall be free from holes, breaks, and loose or rotting materials; and maintained weatherproof and properly surface coated where required to prevent deterioration.


(G) Rodent proof . Each part of every structure shall be rodent resistant. All openings in exterior walls, foundations, basements, ground or first floors or roofs shall be rodent-proofed in an approved manner.


(H) Roofs and drainage . The roof and flashing shall be sound, tight and not have defects that admit rain. Roofing materials that have deteriorated or are damaged shall be replaced. Roof drainage shall be adequate to prevent dampness or deterioration in the walls or interior portion of the structure. Roof drains, gutters and downspouts shall be maintained in good repair and free from obstructions. Roof water shall not be discharged in a manner that creates a public nuisance, or adversely affects adjoining premises.


(I) Decorative features . All cornices, belt courses, corbels, terra cotta trim, wall facings and similar decorative features shall be maintained in good repair with proper anchorage and in a safe condition.


(J) Overhang extensions . All overhang extensions including, but not limited to canopies, marquees, signs, metal awnings, fire escapes, standpipes and exhaust ducts shall be maintained in good repair and be properly anchored so as to be kept in a sound condition. When required, all exposed surfaces of metal or wood shall be protected from the elements and against decay or rust by periodic application of weather-coating materials, such as paint or similar surface treatment.


(K) Stairways, decks, porches and balconies . Every exterior stairway, deck, porch and balcony, and all appurtenances attached thereto, shall be maintained structurally sound, in good repair, with proper anchorage, capable of supporting the imposed loads and to the requirements of § 5A.204 (D).


(L) Chimneys and towers . All chimneys, cooling towers, smoke stacks, and similar appurtenances shall be maintained structurally safe and sound, and in good repair. All exposed surfaces of metal or wood shall be protected from the elements and against decay or rust by periodic application of weather-coating materials, such as paint or similar surface treatment.


(M) Handrails and guards . Every handrail and guard shall be installed and maintained per § 5A.204 (F).


(N) Window, skylight and door frames . Every window, skylight, door and frame shall be kept in sound condition, good repair and weather tight.


(O) Glazing . All glazing materials shall be maintained free from cracks and holes. Glazing that is replaced shall be replaced with safety glazing where required by the State Building Code.


(P) Openable windows . Every window, other than a fixed window, shall be easily openable and capable of being held in position by window hardware. Openable windows located in whole or in part within six feet (1828 mm) above ground level or a walking surface below, that provide access to a dwelling unit, rooming unit or housekeeping unit that is rented, leased or let shall be equipped with window sash locking devices.


(Q) Insect screens . During the period from May 1 to September 30, every openable window and other outside openings required for ventilation shall be supplied with approved tightly fitting screens of not less than 16 mesh per inch (16 mesh per 25 mm). Screens shall be maintained tight fitting and free of tears or holes. Screens shall not be required where other approved means, such as air curtains or insect repellent fans, are employed. Window units that have a permanent screen as part of the window unit are required to maintain the screen year round.


(R) Doors . All exterior doors, door assemblies and hardware shall be maintained in good working condition. Doors shall be maintained free of defects, holes, or damage, shall fit reasonably well within its frame, shall be capable of being easily opened and closed, and shall be properly and securely attached to jambs, headers or tracks as intended by the manufacturer of the attachment hardware. Locks at all entrances to dwelling units, rooming units and guestrooms shall tightly secure the door. Locks on means of egress doors shall be in accordance with the State Building Code and State Fire Code. All rated interior and exterior doors and assemblies, per the Minnesota State Building Code and Minnesota State Fire Code, shall be maintained at the intended rating. Doors and assemblies that need to be replaced due to damage or deterioration shall be replaced with doors and assemblies that meet the intended rating.


(S) Basement hatchways . Every basement hatchway shall be maintained to prevent the entrance of rodents, rain and surface drainage water. Basement hatchways that provide access to a dwelling unit, rooming unit or housekeeping unit that is rented, leased or let shall be equipped with devices that secure the units from unauthorized entry.


(T) Guards for basement windows . Every basement window that is openable shall be supplied with rodent shields, storm windows, screens or other approved protection against the entry of rodents.


(U) Building security .


(1) Doors, windows or hatchways for dwelling units, rooming units or housekeeping units shall be provided with devices designed to provide security for the occupants and property within. Doors providing access to a dwelling unit, rooming unit or housekeeping unit that is rented, leased or let shall be equipped with a deadbolt lock meeting specifications set forth herein. Such deadbolt locks shall have a lock throw of not less than one inch. For the purpose of this section, a sliding bolt shall not be considered an acceptable deadbolt lock. Such deadbolt locks shall be installed according to manufacturer's specifications and maintained in good working order. All deadbolt locks required by this section shall be designed and installed in such a manner so as to be operable inside of the dwelling unit, rooming unit or housekeeping unit only by the turning of a knob or a lever and without the use of a key, tool, combination thereof or any other special knowledge or effort.


(2) In buildings of four or more dwelling units, rooming units or housekeeping units that are rented, leased or let and where access to the individual dwelling units are gained through a common corridor or building entrance, an approved security system to control access shall be installed and maintained. The security system shall consist of locked building entrance or foyer doors. Dead-latch type door locks shall be provided with releasable lever knobs (or doorknobs) on the inside of building entrance doors and with key cylinders on the outside of the building entrance doors. Building entrance door-latches shall be of the type that is permanently locked. A communication system or device such as an intercom, telephone, audible bell or buzzer or other approved means of making contact with the individual dwelling unit tenants must be provided and maintained.


(Ord. 1532, passed 11-26-07) Penalty, see § 5A.702