Columbia Heights, Minn., Mun. Code Ch. 5A (2026) § 5A.212
FIRE SAFETY
Operative Text
(A) Scope . The provisions of the Minnesota State Fire Code and Minnesota State Building Code incorporated herein by reference, and city code shall govern the minimum conditions and standards for fire safety relating to all premises. (B) Systems . All systems, devices and equipment to detect a fire, actuate an alarm, or suppress or control a fire or any combination thereof shall be installed and maintained in an operable condition at all times in accordance with the Minnesota State Fire Code. (C) Smoke alarms . Smoke alarms in dwellings, apartment houses, hotels, and lodging houses shall be installed and maintained to the requirements of M.S. § 299F.362. (D) Carbon monoxide alarms . M.S. § 299F.50 requires approved carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in all single-family homes and multifamily apartment units with effective dates as follows. (1) All new construction single-family homes and multi-family dwellings where building permits were issued on or after January 1, 2007. (2) All existing single-family homes effective August 1, 2008. (3) All existing multi-family or apartment dwelling units effective August 1, 2009. (E) Carbon monoxide alarm requirements . The installation, maintenance, duties and exceptions for carbon monoxide alarms shall be as required by M.S. §§ 299F.50 and 299F.51. (F) Storage . All storage in mechanical, utility, boiler, fire suppression and laundry rooms shall conform to the requirements of the Minnesota State Fire Code for all nonresidential properties and all residential properties of three or more dwelling units. In occupancies that have separate storage rooms, storage shall be maintained in an orderly manner with aisle ways to all parts of the room. Where storage lockers are provided no storage is allowed outside of the lockers and the lockers are required to be locked at all times. In one- and two-family dwellings, storage shall be maintained in an orderly manner with a minimum 36-inch clearance from all fuel burning and electrical appliances. (G) Hazardous storage . Hazardous items such as, but not limited to, tires, flammable gas/liquid containers, power equipment with fuel, and explosives are not allowed to be stored in residential occupancies that are let for occupancy. Storage of these types of items in nonresidential occupancies shall meet the requirements of the Minnesota State Fire Code. (H) Extension cords . The use of extension cords and multi-plug type of adapters shall meet the requirements of the Minnesota State Fire Code. (Ord. 1532, passed 11-26-07) Penalty, see § 5A.702
Columbia Heights Ch. 5A Rental Housing § 5A.212 establishes minimum fire safety standards for all rental premises by incorporating the Minnesota State Fire Code and State Building Code. It requires that fire detection, alarm, and suppression systems remain operational at all times, and that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms be installed and maintained according to state law. Storage areas must be kept orderly with proper clearances, hazardous materials such as flammable liquids and explosives may not be stored in residential rental units, and extension cord use must comply with the fire code.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 5A.212, compliant rental property operators keep all fire detection, alarm, and suppression systems in working order and ensure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms meet Minnesota statutory requirements for their property type. They maintain storage rooms in an orderly fashion with required aisle clearances, prohibit hazardous items like flammable containers and tires from being stored in residential units, and verify that extension cord use on the property conforms to the Minnesota State Fire Code.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 5A.212 gives renters the right to expect functioning fire safety systems, properly installed smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and storage areas free of hazardous materials in their building. If these conditions are not met, tenants may report concerns to the Columbia Heights code enforcement authority, which can pursue penalties under § 5A.702. Tenant-rights organizations can help renters understand available options, including raising a code violation as a defense in relevant housing 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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