Minneapolis, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 12 § 249.20

Findings (Minneapolis Housing Code)

In Force
Verified 9/15/2026 · Next check 12/14/2026
MinneapolisHabitability & Repair

Operative Text

Minneapolis, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 12 § 249.20
The city council finds, determines and declares that buildings which remain vacant and unoccupied for any appreciable period of time become an attractive nuisance to children, a harborage for rodents, and invitation to derelicts, vagrants and criminals as a temporary abode, and an increased fire hazard, and increased risk of explosion due to the theft of internal piping, and that the unkept grounds surrounding such property invite the dumping of garbage and rubbish thereon; that such buildings are permitted to become dilapidated since such buildings are often economically obsolete and the owners of such buildings are unwilling to expend the necessary funds to repair or raze the buildings; that such buildings contribute to the growth of blight within the city, depress market values of surrounding properties to the detriment of the various taxing districts and require additional governmental services; that the use and maintenance of property in such condition and manner endangers the public safety and health, constitutes an unreasonable use and condition to the annoyance, discomfort and repose of a considerable number of the public, is detrimental to the public good and to the common welfare; and renders a considerable number of the public insecure in the use and enjoyment of their property, and thus may constitute a nuisance condition. Adequate protection of public health, safety and welfare, therefore, requires the establishment and enforcement of the means by which such nuisance conditions may be abated. (76-Or-102, § 1, 7-9-76; 78-Or-233, § 1, 11-9-78; 92-Or-110, § 1, 9-11-92; 2008-Or-073, § 1, 9-12-08)
Source: Legislative text reproduced verbatim
Plain English

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 249.20 sets out the city council's formal rationale for regulating vacant and unoccupied buildings. The provision identifies a range of public harms associated with prolonged vacancy — including fire hazards, rodent harborage, criminal activity, blight, and depressed surrounding property values — and concludes that these conditions can rise to the level of a legal nuisance. On the basis of these findings, the section establishes that public health, safety, and welfare require the city to have enforceable tools to abate such nuisance conditions.

Written by anthropic/claude-sonnet-4.6 · Reviewed on September 15, 2026

Plain English — not legal advice.

For Property Managers

Section 249.20 signals that Minneapolis treats long-term vacancy as a serious regulatory concern, not merely a private property matter. Operators who own or manage vacant buildings generally stay aware that the conditions described in this findings section — deteriorating structures, unkept grounds, and hazards to neighboring properties — form the legal foundation for the city's abatement authority. Understanding this legislative intent helps property owners anticipate why Minneapolis may require action on vacant structures and why proactive maintenance and timely disposition of vacant properties are consistent with compliant ownership.

General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.

For Tenants

Minneapolis Code § 249.20 reflects the city's formal recognition that vacant, blighted buildings harm surrounding residents and neighborhoods, including by depressing property values and creating safety hazards. Tenants or residents who believe a nearby vacant property is creating nuisance conditions consistent with those described in this section may have grounds to raise concerns with Minneapolis city authorities responsible for code enforcement. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Minneapolis housing law can help residents understand what enforcement pathways may be available under the broader ordinance framework that § 249.20 introduces.

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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Related Rules

§ 8.60.130
Severability
§ 15.12.010
Definitions
§ 15.12.240
Temporary housing

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