Columbia Heights, Minn., Mun. Code Ch. 5A (2026) § 5A.209

(A) General . All plumbing fixtures shall be properly installed and maintained in working order, and shall be kept free from obstructions, leaks and defects and be capable of performing the function for which such plumbing fixtures are designed. All plumbing fixtures shall be maintained in a safe, sanitary and functional condition.


(B) Minimum requirements . Each dwelling unit must contain:


(1) A kitchen sink.


(2) A counter or table for food preparation, cabinets and/or shelves for storage or eating, drinking, cooking equipment and utensils, and of food that does not require refrigeration for safekeeping that shall be of sound construction covered with surfaces that are easily cleanable and that will not impart any toxic or deleterious effect to food.


(3) An operational and functioning stove for cooking food and a refrigerator for the safe storage of food which are properly installed with all necessary connections for safe, sanitary and efficient operation. Such stove or refrigerator need not be installed when a dwelling unit is not occupied and when the occupant is required to provide a stove or refrigerator on occupancy. If the occupant is required to furnish a stove or refrigerator, sufficient space and adequate functioning connections for the installation and operation of the stove and refrigerator must exist.


(4) A nonhabitable room which is equipped with a flush water closet in compliance with the Minnesota State Building Code. Such room shall have an entrance door which affords privacy. Said flush water closet shall be equipped with easily cleanable surfaces.


(5) A lavatory sink. Said lavatory sink may be in the same room as the flush water closet, or, if located in another room, the lavatory sink shall be located in close proximity to the door leading directly into the room in which said water closet is located. Said lavatory sink shall be equipped with easily cleanable surfaces.


(6) A nonhabitable room which is equipped with a bathtub or shower in good working condition. Such room shall have an entrance door which affords privacy. Said bathtub or shower shall be equipped with easily cleanable surfaces.


(C) Fixture clearances . Plumbing fixtures shall have adequate clearances for usage and cleaning.


(D) Plumbing system hazards . Where it is found that a plumbing system in a structure constitutes a hazard to the occupants or the structure by reason of inadequate service, inadequate venting, cross connection, backsiphonage, improper installation, deterioration or damage or for similar reasons, the Code Official shall require the defects to be corrected to eliminate the hazard. If at any time the waste side of the plumbing system backs up into a structure, thereby causing an unsanitary condition, the cause of the back up shall be investigated and abated. All surfaces and items contaminated shall be removed or cleaned and sterilized. The Building Official shall give final approval prior to occupancy of the contaminated space.


(E) Water . Every sink, lavatory, bathtub or shower, drinking fountain, water closet or other plumbing fixture shall be properly connected to a public water system. All kitchen sinks, lavatories, laundry facilities, bathtubs and showers shall be supplied with hot or tempered and cold running water in accordance with the Minnesota State Building Code.


(F) Contamination . The water supply shall be maintained free from contamination, and all water inlets for plumbing fixtures shall be located above the flood-level rim of the fixture. Shampoo basin faucets, janitor sink faucets and other hose bibs or faucets to which hoses are attached and left in place, shall be protected by an approved atmospheric-type vacuum breaker or an approved permanently attached hose connection vacuum breaker.


(G) Supply . The water supply system shall be installed and maintained to provide a supply of water to plumbing fixtures, devices and appurtenances in sufficient volume and at pressures adequate to enable the fixtures to function properly, safely, and free from defects and leaks.


(H) Water heating facilities . Water heating facilities shall be properly installed, maintained and capable of providing an adequate amount of water to be drawn at every required sink, lavatory, bathtub, shower and laundry facility at a temperature of not less than 110°F (43°C). A gas-burning water heater shall not be located in any bathroom, toilet room, bedroom or other occupied room normally kept closed, unless adequate combustion air is provided per the Minnesota State Building Code. An approved combination temperature and pressure-relief valve and relief valve discharge pipe shall be properly installed and maintained on water heaters.


(I) Sewer . All plumbing fixtures shall be properly connected to a public sewer system.


(J) Maintenance . Every plumbing stack, vent, waste, storm water pipes, and sewer lines shall function properly and be kept free from obstructions, leaks and defects.


(K) Storm drainage . Drainage of roofs and paved areas, yards and courts, and other open areas on the premises shall not be discharged in a manner that creates a public nuisance.


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