Madison Lake, Minn., Mun. Code Ch. 100 (2026) § 150.21
DEFINITIONS
Operative Text
For the purpose of this subchapter, certain terms, phrases, words, and their derivatives shall be construed as specified in either this subchapter or as specified in the Building Code. Where terms are not defined, they shall have their ordinary accepted meanings within the context with which they are used. Webster’s Third New International Dictionary of the English Language, Unabridged , copyright 1981, shall be considered as providing ordinary accepted meanings. Words in the singular include the plural and the plural the singular. Words used in the masculine gender include the feminine and the feminine the masculine. BUILDING CODE. The Uniform Building Code promulgated by the International Conference of Building Officials, as adopted by this jurisdiction. EFFICIENCY DWELLING UNIT. A dwelling unit, containing only 1 habitable room and meeting the requirements of § 150.22. HEALTH OFFICER. The legally designated head of the Department of Health of this jurisdiction. HOT WATER. Hot water supplied to plumbing fixtures at a temperature of not less than 110°F. MECHANICAL CODE. The Uniform Mechanical Code promulgated jointly by the International Conference of Building Officials and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, as adopted by this jurisdiction. NUISANCE. The following shall be defined as nuisances: (1) Any public nuisance known at common law or in equity jurisprudence; (2) Any attractive nuisance which may prove detrimental to children whether in a building, on the premises of a building, or upon an unoccupied lot. This includes any abandoned wells, shafts, basements, or excavations; abandoned refrigerators and motor vehicles; or any structurally unsound fences or structures; or any lumber, trash, fences, debris, or vegetation which may prove a hazard for inquisitive minors; (3) Whatever is dangerous to human life or is detrimental to health, as determined by the Health Officer; (4) Overcrowding a room with occupants; (5) Insufficient ventilation or illumination; (6) Inadequate or unsanitary sewage or plumbing facilities; and/or (7) Uncleanliness, as determined by the Health Officer. PLUMBING CODE. The Uniform Plumbing Code promulgated by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials. (Ord. 148, passed 9-11-1989)
Madison Lake Ch. 100 Rental Dwellings § 150.21 establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout the rental dwellings subchapter, ensuring that key terms like "nuisance," "hot water," "efficiency dwelling unit," and referenced codes carry consistent, defined meanings. When a term is not explicitly defined here, it defaults to its ordinary meaning as found in Webster's Third New International Dictionary (1981) or the relevant adopted code. The definitions also clarify that gendered and singular or plural word forms are interchangeable throughout the subchapter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Madison Lake Ch. 100 Rental Dwellings § 150.21 generally familiarize themselves with each defined term, since these definitions govern how compliance is measured across the entire subchapter. Compliant operators pay particular attention to the broad definition of "nuisance," which encompasses conditions ranging from overcrowding and poor ventilation to abandoned structures that could attract children. Understanding that the Health Officer holds authority to determine certain nuisance conditions—such as uncleanliness or dangers to human life—helps operators maintain properties that meet the subchapter's standards.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Renters in Madison Lake benefit from § 150.21 because it sets clear baseline definitions that apply to all rental dwelling regulations in the subchapter, including what constitutes a "nuisance" and what qualifies as adequate "hot water" (at least 110°F). Conditions such as overcrowding, poor ventilation, or unsanitary plumbing are explicitly classified as nuisances under this provision, which can be relevant when raising concerns about a rental unit's habitability. Tenants who believe their unit contains conditions meeting these definitions may consider contacting the local Health Officer, filing a complaint with the appropriate municipal authority, or reaching out to a tenant-rights organization for general guidance.
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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