Minneapolis, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 12 § 244.1570
Grading and drainage (Minneapolis Housing Code)
Operative Text
All premises shall be graded and maintained so as to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water on said premises or within any building or structure located thereon, and every premises shall be continuously maintained in a sanitary, erosion-free, and dust-free condition by suitable landscaping with grass, trees, shrubs, or other planted ground cover, or by paving with asphalt, concrete, or by such other suitable means as shall be approved by the director of regulatory services. Where a premises is occupied or shared by fewer than three (3) dwelling units, the continued maintenance of the premises in the above conditions shall also be the responsibility of the occupants. Whenever a premises is not in compliance with this section and presents an immediate hazard to public health and welfare, the director of regulatory services shall give fifteen (15) days' notice to the owner or owners or the agent of such owners and occupant or tenant of premises in the city to correct the violation. In the event said violation is not corrected, the director of regulatory services shall take the necessary actions to secure compliance with this section. Premises shall be considered hazardous when it becomes a potential source of filth and cause of sickness, when stagnant water or dust is left to accumulate or stand on the premises, or when erosion of the soil causes the same to spill over onto the sidewalk, street or the adjoining property. (Code 1960, As Amend., § 81.030; Ord. of 6-28-74, § 1; Pet. No. 252271, § 34, 5-11-90; 2013-Or-161 , § 38, 12-6-13)
Minneapolis Code § 244.1570 requires that all properties be graded and maintained to prevent stagnant water from pooling on the land or inside any building, and that the grounds be kept sanitary, free of erosion, and free of dust through landscaping or approved paving. When a property falls out of compliance and poses an immediate hazard to public health, the director of regulatory services may issue a 15-day notice to the owner and occupant to correct the problem. If the violation is not resolved within that window, the city may step in directly to bring the property into compliance.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 244.1570, compliant property owners and managers generally ensure that site grading directs water away from structures and neighboring parcels, maintain ground cover or approved paving to control erosion and dust, and respond promptly to any notice issued by the director of regulatory services. For properties with fewer than three dwelling units, the ordinance places shared maintenance responsibility on occupants as well, so lease terms often reflect that obligation. Keeping records of landscaping work, drainage improvements, and any correspondence with the city can help demonstrate ongoing compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 244.1570 gives tenants in properties with fewer than three dwelling units a shared responsibility—alongside the owner—for keeping the grounds free of stagnant water, erosion, and dust. If conditions on the property create a health hazard, the director of regulatory services can issue a formal notice requiring correction, which tenants may reference when communicating concerns to a landlord. Tenants who believe a property is out of compliance may consider contacting Minneapolis regulatory services to report the condition or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization to understand 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 September 15, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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