Columbia Heights, Minn., Mun. Code Ch. 5A (2026) § 5A.205
RUBBISH, GARBAGE, RECYCLING, AND COMPOSTING
Operative Text
(A) Accumulation of rubbish or garbage . All exterior property and premises, and the interior of every structure, shall be free from any accumulation of rubbish or garbage. (B) Disposal of rubbish . Every occupant of a structure shall dispose of all rubbish in a clean and sanitary manner as established by city code. Rubbish, garbage, recycling, yard waste, and appliances shall be placed in accordance with Chapter 8, Article III of the city code. (C) Rubbish, garbage, recycling, and composting . Rubbish, garbage, recycling, yard waste, and composting shall be regulated in accordance with Chapter 4, Article VII and Chapter 8, Article III of the city code, which is incorporated herein by reference. Exposure of unused refrigerators or containers to children shall meet the requirements of M.S. § 609.675. (D) Container storage . The storage of garbage and recycling, and their containers, is not allowed in any public area inside of structures unless specifically allowed by the Minnesota State Building Code and the Minnesota State Fire Code. (E) Screening . Screening shall conform to § 9.106 (C)(5) of city code, which is incorporated herein by reference. (Ord. 1532, passed 11-26-07; Am. Ord. 1578, passed 4-12-10; Am. Ord. 1592, passed 5-9-11) Penalty, see § 5A.702
Columbia Heights Ch. 5A Rental Housing § 5A.205 establishes that all rental property — both inside and outside — must be kept free of accumulated rubbish and garbage. Occupants are responsible for disposing of waste, recycling, yard waste, and appliances in a clean, sanitary manner consistent with city code. Container storage in public interior areas of structures is restricted, unused refrigerators or containers accessible to children must meet state safety standards, and any screening must conform to the referenced city code section.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 5A.205, compliant rental property operators generally ensure that all exterior and interior areas of their properties remain free of rubbish and garbage accumulation at all times. Operators typically provide adequate, properly screened waste and recycling storage that meets Minnesota State Building Code and Fire Code requirements, and they familiarize themselves with the disposal schedules and placement rules found in Chapter 8, Article III of the city code. Violations of § 5A.205 carry penalties as outlined in § 5A.702, so maintaining documented inspection routines can support a record of ongoing compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 5A.205 places a direct obligation on occupants to dispose of rubbish, garbage, recycling, and yard waste in a clean and sanitary manner consistent with Columbia Heights city code. Tenants also have an interest in ensuring that landlords maintain exterior and common interior areas free from garbage accumulation, as the provision applies to the entire property. Tenants who believe a property is out of compliance with § 5A.205 may consider contacting the Columbia Heights housing or code enforcement office, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization to understand 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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