Columbia Heights, Minn., Mun. Code Ch. 5A (2026) § 5A.602
SECURE UNFIT AND VACATED STRUCTURES
Operative Text
(A) Closing of vacant structures . If the structure is vacant and unfit for human habitation and occupancy, and is not in danger of structural collapse, the Code Official is authorized to post a placard of condemnation on the premises and notify the owner, to order the structure closed up so as not to constitute a public nuisance. Upon failure of the owner to close up the premises within the time specified in the order, the Code Official shall cause the premises to be closed and secured through any available public agency or by contract or arrangement by private persons. Cost to close and secure structures shall be charged against the real estate upon which the structure is located and shall be a lien upon such real estate. (B) Notice . Whenever the Code Official has condemned a structure or equipment under the provisions of this section, notice shall be posted in a conspicuous place in or about the structure affected by such notice and served on the owner or the person or persons responsible for the structure or equipment. (C) Placarding . Upon failure of the owner or person responsible to comply with the notice provisions within the time given, the Code Official shall post on the premises or on defective equipment a placard condemning the structure or equipment and a statement of the penalties provided for occupying the premises, operating the equipment or removing the placard. (D) Placard removal . The Code Official shall remove the condemnation placard whenever the defect or defects upon which the condemnation and placarding action were based have been eliminated. Any person who defaces or removes a condemnation placard without the approval of the Code Official shall be subject to the penalties provided by this code. (E) Prohibited occupancy . Any occupied structure condemned and placarded by the Code Official shall be vacated as ordered by the Code Official. Any person who shall occupy a placarded premises or shall operate placarded equipment, and any owner or any person responsible for the premises who shall let anyone occupy a placarded premises or operate placarded equipment shall be liable for the penalties provided by this code. (Ord. 1532, passed 11-26-07; Am. Ord. 1695, passed 4-22-24) Penalty, see § 5A.702
Columbia Heights Ch. 5A Rental Housing § 5A.602 establishes a process by which the Code Official may condemn and close vacant structures that are unfit for human habitation but not at risk of structural collapse. Once a condemnation placard is posted and the owner is notified, the owner has a set period to close and secure the property; if they fail to do so, the city may step in and charge the costs as a lien against the property. Condemnation placards may only be removed by the Code Official after the underlying defects are corrected, and occupying or operating equipment in a placarded structure—or allowing others to do so—carries penalties under the code.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 5A.602, a compliant property owner responds promptly to any condemnation notice issued by the Code Official and closes or secures a vacant, unfit structure within the timeframe specified in the order. Operators who fail to act risk having the city arrange closure on their behalf, with all associated costs becoming a lien on the real estate. Responsible owners also refrain from allowing any occupancy of a placarded structure and do not remove or deface a condemnation placard without the Code Official's explicit approval.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 5A.602 protects the public by ensuring that vacant, unfit structures are properly closed and not available for occupancy. If a structure has been condemned and placarded, occupying it or operating placarded equipment exposes any occupant to penalties under the code. Tenants who have questions about a condemnation notice affecting a property they live in or are considering renting may contact the Columbia Heights Code Official's office or reach out to a local tenant-rights organization for general information about their 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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