Princeton, Minn., City Code title 3 ch. 358 (2026) § 358.03
Definitions
Operative Text
358.03 Definitions. In general, terms shall have the plain meaning given in everyday usage, however the following terms shall, for the purposes of this Article, have the following meanings: Agent. A person designated by the owner of a rental dwelling to act on behalf of the owner. City. The City of Princeton, Minnesota. Major life/safety issues. Hazardous conditions that, in the judgment of the Fire Chief or other code enforcement official, pose an imminent risk to the life and safety of tenants and other occupants. Multi-unit buildings (duplexes, triplexes, and apartments) – These are considered multi-unit buildings. If the building and all units are owned/operated by a single party a fee will be charged for the building and a fee will be charged for each individual unit in the building. Multi-unit dwellings (townhomes, condominiums, duplexes, and triplexes) – Each individual unit is independently owned and operated; each unit is considered a single-family dwelling for the purposed of calculating fees. Nuisance call. Any instance where law enforcement officers are called to a property in response to a valid complaint related to a violation of state or local laws or ordinances. Permanent rental. A house, duplex or apartment complex that serves as a full-time rental and is not used by a nonprofit organization or the living quarters for the owner or any dependents they claim on their federal tax return. Rental dwelling. Any structure or portion thereof, including but not limited to living facilities not governed by state licensing requirements, which are designated or used for residential occupancy by one or more persons who are not the owner. Single family dwelling – Dwellings that were permitted as a single-family home but may be renting out a portion of the dwelling such as a basement or a mother-in-law apartment. Tenant. Any person, excluding the owner or operator, living in a rental dwelling. Valid complaint. A violation that is visible at the time of inspection or proven by credible, substantial evidence to the satisfaction of the City. Wherever the terms "dwelling," "dwelling unit," "premises," and "structure," are used in this Article, they shall be construed as though they were followed by the words "or any part thereof". Wherever the designation "Fire Chief" is used in this Article, it shall be construed as though it were followed by the words "or their designee".
Section 358.03 of Princeton, MN City Code Title 3, Chapter 358 establishes the working vocabulary for the city's long-term residential rental licensing program. Key terms such as "rental dwelling," "tenant," "nuisance call," and "valid complaint" are given specific meanings that govern how the rest of the ordinance is interpreted and applied. Distinctions are drawn between multi-unit buildings under single ownership, independently owned multi-unit dwellings, and single-family dwellings, because these classifications affect how licensing fees are calculated. The definitions also clarify that references to the "Fire Chief" include authorized designees, and that property-related terms cover any part of a structure.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Princeton, MN City Code § 358.03 should be aware that the ordinance's definitions directly shape licensing fee obligations and compliance requirements. For example, whether a building is classified as a multi-unit building under single ownership or as independently owned multi-unit dwellings determines whether fees are assessed per building plus per unit, or per unit as a standalone dwelling. Operators should also note that a "nuisance call" under § 358.03 is triggered by any law enforcement response to a valid complaint about a state or local law violation, which can have downstream consequences under other sections of Chapter 358.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 358.03 of Princeton's rental licensing ordinance, tenants are defined as any person living in a rental dwelling who is not the owner or operator, which establishes who is protected by the ordinance's broader provisions. The definition of "major life/safety issues" — hazardous conditions posing an imminent risk to life and safety — is relevant to understanding what conditions may trigger code enforcement action by the Fire Chief or a designee. Tenants who believe conditions in their rental dwelling rise to this level may consider contacting Princeton's code enforcement office or consulting a local tenant-rights organization to understand what options exist under Chapter 358.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.