Mounds View, Minn., Mun. Code Ch. 119 (2026) § 119.002
DEFINITIONS
Operative Text
For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. DRUG-RELATED CRIMINAL ACTIVITY. Illegal manufacturing, sale, distribution, use or possession with the intent to manufacture, sell distribute or use of a controlled substance or any substance represented to be drugs, as defined in § 102 of the Controlled Substance Act, 21. U.S.C. § 8021. DWELLING, MULTIPLE. A building designed with three or more dwelling units exclusively for occupancy by three or more families living independently of each other. DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY. A building or portion thereof containing one dwelling unit. For the purposes of this chapter, a SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING UNIT includes a freestanding single family residence, a single dwelling in a cooperative, an individual condominium or townhouse, a single dwelling unit in a non-residential structure or a dwelling unit offered for rent in a duplex in which the owner occupies the other dwelling unit. DWELLING, TWO-FAMILY. A building or portion thereof containing two dwelling units and designed exclusively for occupancy by two families living independently of each other. DWELLING UNIT. Residential accommodation in any building or portion thereof including complete kitchen facilities, permanently installed, that contains living facilities, provisions for sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation, for not more than one family and not more than an aggregate of two roomers or boarders. ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. The Housing Code Enforcement Officer, or other person so designated by the city. GROUP HOME. A residential accommodation for a small group of unrelated people in need of care, support or supervision. RENTAL DWELLING. Any residential accommodation in any building or portion thereof containing dwelling units and offered for occupancy in exchange for monetary payment, service, property or other valuable consideration. RENTAL DWELLING UNIT. Residential accommodation in any building or portion thereof including complete kitchen facilities, permanently installed, that contains living facilities, provisions for sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation, and offered for occupancy in exchange for monetary payment. ROOMING HOUSE. Any residence building containing one or more rooming units in which space is let by the owner or operator to persons who are not related to the owner by blood or marriage. ROOMING UNIT. Any room or group of rooms forming a single habitable unit used or intended to be used for living and sleeping that does not contain permanently installed provisions for cooking. TENANT. Any person living or sleeping in a rental dwelling or having possession of a space within a rental dwelling. (Prior Code, § 1012.02) (Ord. 802, passed 02-25-2008; Ord. 915, passed 06-13-2016; Ord. 946, passed 07-09-2018)
Mounds View Ch. 119 § 119.002 establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout the city's rental housing chapter. It draws clear distinctions between property types — such as single-family, two-family, and multiple dwellings — and between occupancy arrangements like rental dwelling units, rooming units, and group homes. The definitions also identify who qualifies as a "tenant" and who serves as the "enforcement officer" responsible for administering the chapter's requirements.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 119.002, the category into which a property falls — single-family, two-family, or multiple dwelling — determines how the rest of Mounds View Ch. 119 applies to that property. Operators generally ensure that their properties are accurately classified and that any unit offered for rent meets the definition of a "rental dwelling unit," including permanently installed kitchen facilities. Understanding whether occupants qualify as tenants, roomers, or boarders under these definitions helps operators apply the chapter's rules correctly.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 119.002 of Mounds View Ch. 119 defines a "tenant" broadly as any person living, sleeping in, or having possession of a space within a rental dwelling, which can affect who is covered by the chapter's protections. Knowing how your living arrangement is classified — whether as a rental dwelling unit, a rooming unit, or another category — can be relevant when questions arise about applicable housing standards. Tenants who have questions about how these definitions apply to their situation may find guidance through the city's Housing Code Enforcement Officer or a local tenant-rights organization.
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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