Grand Rapids, Minn., Mun. Code ch. 28 (2026) § 28-78
Administrative Modification
Operative Text
Whenever there are practical difficulties or unnecessary hardships in carrying out the strict enforcement of this chapter, the building official, and similarly the housing appeals board, may waive or modify compliance standards, providing there is otherwise substantial compliance with these provisions, and such waiver or modification will not be detrimental to the public health and safety of the occupants of the rental unit(s) and, without impairing the intent of this chapter. HISTORY Adopted by Ord. 21-02-01 on 2/22/2021
Grand Rapids Rental Housing Code § 28-78 establishes a formal relief mechanism within the rental housing regulatory framework. When strict application of the code's requirements would create practical difficulties or unnecessary hardships, the building official or the housing appeals board has authority to waive or modify specific compliance standards. Any such relief is conditioned on the property otherwise substantially meeting the code's requirements, and the modification must not endanger the health or safety of rental unit occupants or undermine the chapter's overall intent.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 28-78, property owners or managers who encounter genuine practical difficulties in meeting a specific code requirement have a recognized avenue to seek administrative relief from the building official or the housing appeals board. Operators who pursue this path typically document the nature of the hardship, demonstrate that the property is otherwise in substantial compliance with the Rental Housing Code, and show that any proposed modification would not compromise occupant health or safety. Maintaining thorough records of the property's condition and the steps taken to achieve compliance generally supports a credible modification request under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 28-78 of the Grand Rapids Rental Housing Code allows city officials to waive or modify certain code requirements, but only when the property is otherwise in substantial compliance and occupant health and safety are not put at risk. Tenants should be aware that this provision is not a blanket exemption from landlord obligations — the chapter's core protections remain intact even when a modification is granted. Tenants who believe a waiver or modification has been improperly applied, or that their health and safety are affected, may contact the Grand Rapids building department, consult the housing appeals board process, 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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