Minneapolis, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 12 § 244.980
Ventilation shafts (Minneapolis Housing Code)
Operative Text
No ventilation shafts or ducts shall exhaust or terminate within a building. All such shafts or ducts shall lead to the outside. (Code 1960, As Amend., § 75.100)
Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.980 establishes that ventilation shafts and ducts in buildings must discharge air to the exterior of the structure. No shaft or duct is permitted to exhaust or terminate at an interior point within the building. This rule is designed to ensure that air moved through ventilation systems exits the building entirely rather than recirculating within enclosed spaces.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Minneapolis Code § 244.980, compliant property operators ensure that every ventilation shaft and duct in their buildings is routed so that it terminates outside the structure. Routine inspections of HVAC and exhaust systems help confirm that no duct terminates internally, whether in a wall cavity, attic, crawlspace, or common area. Operators who discover an internally terminating duct during maintenance or renovation generally address the routing before the system is returned to service.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Minneapolis Code § 244.980 gives occupants a basis to raise concerns if ventilation shafts or ducts in their building appear to exhaust into interior spaces rather than to the outside. Tenants who observe signs of improper ventilation—such as moisture buildup, odors, or visible duct terminations inside the building—may consider reporting the condition to Minneapolis's housing inspection or code enforcement office. Tenant-rights organizations in Minneapolis can also help residents understand how to document and report potential violations of this provision.
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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