Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-3-37
Dangerous structure or premises (Rochester Housing Code)
Operative Text
For the purpose of this Code, any structure or premises that has any or all of the conditions or defects described below shall be considered dangerous: (1) Any door, aisle, passageway, stairway, exit or other means of egress that does not conform to the approved building or fire code of the jurisdiction as related to the requirements for existing buildings. The minimum existing stair headroom for a rental dwelling is six feet four inches serving all levels containing habitable/occupied space. (2) The walking surface of any aisle, passageway, stairway, exit or other means of egress is so warped, worn loose, torn or otherwise unsafe as to not provide safe and adequate means of egress. (3) Any portion of a building, structure or appurtenance that has been damaged by fire, earthquake, wind, flood, deterioration, neglect, abandonment, vandalism or by any other cause to such an extent that it is likely to partially or completely collapse, or to become detached or dislodged. (4) Any portion of a building, or any member, appurtenance or ornamentation on the exterior thereof that is not of sufficient strength or stability, or is not so anchored, attached or fastened in place to be capable of resisting natural or artificial loads of one and one-half the original designed value. (5) The building or structure, or part of the building or structure, because of dilapidation, deterioration, decay, faulty construction, the removal or movement of some portion of the ground necessary for the support, or for any other reason, is likely to partially or completely collapse, or some portion of the foundation or underpinning of the building or structure is likely to fail or give way. (6) The building or structure, or any portion thereof, is clearly unsafe for its use and occupancy. (7) The building or structure is neglected, damaged, dilapidated, unsecured or abandoned so as to become an attractive nuisance to children who might play in the building or structure to their danger, becomes a harbor for vagrants, criminals or immoral persons, or enables persons to resort to the building or structure for committing a nuisance or an unlawful act. (8) Any building or structure has been constructed, exists or maintained in violation of any specific requirements or prohibition applicable. (9) A building or structure, used or intended to be used for dwelling purposes, because of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, decay, damage, faulty construction or arrangement, inadequate light, ventilation, mechanical or plumbing system, or otherwise, is determined by the code official to be unsanitary, unfit for human habitation or in such a condition that is likely to cause sickness or disease. (10) Any building or structure, because of a lack of sufficient or proper fire-resistance-rated construction, fire protection systems, electrical system, fuel connections, mechanical system, plumbing system or other cause, is determined by the code official to be a threat to life or health. (11) Any portion of a building remains on a site after the demolition or destruction of the building or structure or whenever any building or structure is abandoned to constitute such building or portion thereof as an attractive nuisance or hazard to public.
Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-3-37 establishes an eleven-category framework for classifying a structure or premises as 'dangerous.' The categories cover a wide range of physical and safety conditions, including compromised means of egress, structural instability, fire and health hazards, code violations, and abandonment. A property meeting any one of these conditions—not all of them—can be designated dangerous under this provision.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of rental properties in Rochester should be familiar with each of the eleven conditions listed in Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-3-37, since a property need only exhibit one to be classified as dangerous. Compliant operators routinely inspect egress paths, structural components, foundations, fire-protection systems, plumbing, and electrical systems, and they address deterioration, damage, or code violations before a code official makes a formal determination. Keeping records of inspections, repairs, and maintenance schedules is a common practice that supports demonstrating 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.
Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-3-37 gives tenants a basis to raise concerns when their dwelling exhibits conditions such as unsafe stairways, structural instability, inadequate ventilation, or fire and health hazards. Tenants who believe their unit or building meets one or more of the eleven 'dangerous' categories described in this provision may report those conditions to the local code enforcement office, which has authority to inspect and act on violations. Tenant-rights organizations in Rochester can help residents understand what documentation to gather and what general options may be available under this and related provisions.
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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