Minneapolis, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 12 § 244.1575
Open excavations and areas (Minneapolis Housing Code)
Operative Text
No person shall maintain or allow to continue without approved guardrails any excavation, pit, area wall, stairwell or window-well which, due to its depth and/or location on a premises, constitutes a hazard to the health and safety in the opinion of the director of inspections. (78-Or-244, § 55, 11-22-78)
Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.1575 prohibits any person from leaving an open excavation, pit, area wall, stairwell, or window-well unguarded when the director of inspections determines that its depth or location makes it a hazard to health and safety. The rule requires that approved guardrails be in place to address such hazards. This applies to any person who maintains or controls a premises where such a condition exists.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 244.1575, compliant property operators routinely inspect their premises for open excavations, pits, stairwells, area walls, and window-wells that could pose depth- or location-related safety hazards. When such features exist, operators generally ensure that approved guardrails are installed before a hazard determination is made by the director of inspections. Keeping documentation of guardrail installations and any inspections can support a showing of ongoing compliance with this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 244.1575 gives the director of inspections authority to determine whether an unguarded excavation, pit, stairwell, or window-well on a premises constitutes a health or safety hazard. Tenants who observe such conditions without approved guardrails may report the concern to Minneapolis's inspections department, which has the authority to act on violations of this provision. Tenant-rights organizations in Minneapolis can also provide general information about how to document and report unsafe property conditions.
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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