Jackson, Minn., Mun. Code Ch. 97 (2026) § 97.02
DEFINITIONS
Operative Text
For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. ACCESSORY STRUCTURE. Any building or structure not attached to the main building on the premises, including but not limited to fences, garages and sheds. ADJOINING ROOM. A room connected to a habitable room by a walk-through opening with no functional door between the two. AGENT. A person designated by the owner to represent the owner. CITY. City of Jackson, Minnesota. DWELLING UNIT. Any room or group of rooms intended to be used for living, sleeping, cooking, eating, toilet and bathing facilities. EGRESS. A safe means of escape. GFI OUTLET. A ground fault interrupter outlet that protects the user from electrical hazard. HABITABLE ROOM. A room intended for living, cooking, eating or sleeping purposes, excluding bathrooms, closets, laundries, serving and storage pantries, corridors, cellars and spaces that are not used frequently or for extended periods. HEATING DEVICES. Furnaces, baseboard or unit heaters or boilers. MULTI-FAMILY DWELLING. Any building containing two or more dwelling units. OWNER. Any partnership, corporation, agency, or person who, alone or jointly with others, has legal title to any rental unit, including the owner’s designated agent. QUALIFYING RELATIVE. A son, daughter, parent, grandchild, grandparent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew; and the relationship may exist through marriage. RENTAL LICENSE. A document required to operate a rental unit within the City. RENTAL UNIT. Any dwelling unit that is leased or sub-let by the owner to another party. SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING. Building containing one dwelling unit, specifically for one family. (Ord. 19, 6 th Series, passed 4-3-2007)
Jackson Ch. 97 Rental Housing Minimum Maintenance § 97.02 establishes the official vocabulary used throughout Chapter 97's rental housing rules in Jackson, Minnesota. Terms such as "dwelling unit," "habitable room," "rental unit," and "owner" are given precise meanings that govern how all other provisions in the chapter are interpreted. When a word appears in Chapter 97, its defined meaning here controls unless the surrounding context clearly calls for something different.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 97.02, property owners and their designated agents should be familiar with how key terms are defined, since those definitions shape compliance obligations throughout Chapter 97. For example, the definition of "owner" explicitly includes a designated agent, meaning responsibilities can attach to a representative acting on the owner's behalf. Operators of multi-family dwellings or single-family rentals alike should ensure their rental licenses and maintenance practices align with these foundational definitions.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 97.02 sets out the precise meanings of terms that determine what protections and standards apply to a rental unit in Jackson, Minnesota. Understanding definitions like "habitable room," "egress," and "rental unit" can help tenants recognize whether a space they occupy falls within the chapter's coverage. Tenants who believe their unit may not meet the standards implied by these definitions can contact the City of Jackson or a local tenant-rights organization to learn about available 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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