Inver Grove Heights, Minn., Mun. Code Ch. 13 (2026) § 4-13-2
DEFINITIONS
Operative Text
For purposes of this chapter the following terms below have the meanings given them: APPLICANT: The owner of a dwelling or dwelling unit. BUILDING CODE: The Minnesota State Building Code CHIEF BUILDING OFFICIAL: The chief building official of the city. CITY CODE: The Inver Grove Heights City Code. DWELLING: A building or a portion of a building designed for residential occupancy. The term includes single-family dwellings, including twin homes and duplexes, multiple family dwellings, and manufactured homes. DWELLING UNIT: A single-family dwelling or a discrete portion of a dwelling designed for occupancy by one (1) family. When rented, a dwelling unit shall be considered a rental dwelling unit. FAMILY: An individual, or two (2) or more persons related by blood, marriage or adoption, or a group of not more than four (4) persons not so related, living together and maintaining a common residence. HOTEL OR MOTEL: A hotel or motel as defined in Section 10-2-2 . HOUSING OFFICIAL: The city administrator or designee shall be the housing official for the administration of this chapter. The city administrator or designee shall have the authority to designate additional staff to assist with enforcement of this chapter, and said designee shall have the authority and duties of the housing official under this chapter. LET, RENT, OR LEASE: The terms let, rent, or lease, shall mean to grant the use and possession of a dwelling or dwelling unit to any person other than the record owner of the dwelling or dwelling unit, whether or not compensation is paid for such use. MANAGER OR PROPERTY MANAGER: An individual who is responsible for maintenance and operation of the rental dwelling and compliance with the requirements of this chapter. MULTIPLE FAMILY DWELLING: Any residential structure containing three (3) or more dwelling units. OWNER: Any person or entity that alone, jointly, or separately with others is the legal owner of real property. PERSON: A natural person and any partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, limited partnership, corporation, or other similar business entity. PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE OR INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE: The 2021 International Property Maintenance Code published by the International Code Council. RENTAL: A dwelling or dwelling unit that is let to any person. REPAIR: To restore to a sound, acceptable state of operation, serviceability or appearance. RESIDENCE: A dwelling or dwelling unit used as a person's fixed, permanent and principal home for legal purposes. ZONING CODE: Title 10 of the city code. (Ord. 1517, 11-10-2025)
Section 4-13-2 of Inver Grove Heights Ch. 13 establishes the shared vocabulary that governs the entire rental licensing chapter. Key terms such as 'dwelling,' 'dwelling unit,' 'owner,' 'rental,' and 'housing official' are given precise meanings here so that all subsequent rules in the chapter are interpreted consistently. For example, the definition of 'let, rent, or lease' is notably broad, covering any grant of use and possession to a non-owner regardless of whether money changes hands.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Inver Grove Heights should familiarize themselves with the definitions in § 4-13-2, since these terms set the boundaries for who and what is covered by the rental licensing requirements. The definition of 'owner' encompasses individuals, corporations, LLCs, and similar entities, meaning compliance obligations can attach to a wide range of ownership structures. The 'housing official' is identified as the city administrator or designee, who holds authority over administration and enforcement of the chapter.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
The definitions in Inver Grove Heights Ch. 13 § 4-13-2 establish who qualifies as an 'owner,' what counts as a 'rental,' and what properties fall under the chapter's protections. Because 'let, rent, or lease' includes arrangements even without monetary compensation, a broad range of living situations may be covered by the chapter's requirements. Tenants who have questions about whether their housing situation falls within these definitions may find it helpful to contact a local tenant-rights organization or the city's housing official for general information.
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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