Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-3-38
Closing of vacant structures (Rochester Housing Code)
Operative Text
If the structure is vacant and unfit for human habitation and occupancy, and is not in danger of structural collapse, the code official is authorized to post a placard of condemnation on the premises and order the structure closed up so as not to be an attractive nuisance. Upon failure of the owner or owner's authorized agent to close up the premises within the time specified in the order, the code official shall cause the premises to be closed and secured through any available public agency or by contract or arrangement by private persons and the cost thereof shall be charged against the real estate upon which the structure is located and shall be a lien upon such real estate and shall be collected by any other legal resource. A vacant building or structure must comply with section 4-6-4 .
Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-3-38 addresses vacant structures that are unfit for habitation but not at risk of collapse. Under this rule, a code official may post a condemnation placard and order the property closed to prevent it from becoming an attractive nuisance. If the owner fails to act within the specified timeframe, the city may arrange for the closure itself and recover those costs as a lien against the property. Vacant buildings must also meet the requirements of section 4-6-4.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners with vacant, uninhabitable structures in Rochester should be aware that Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-3-38 authorizes the code official to order such buildings closed and posted with a condemnation placard. Compliant operators generally respond promptly to any closure order within the stated deadline, since failure to do so can result in the city arranging the work and placing the associated costs as a lien on the property. Owners should also ensure that any vacant building meets the separate requirements outlined in section 4-6-4 to avoid compounding compliance issues.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Neighbors and community members should know that Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-3-38 gives the city's code official authority to act against vacant, uninhabitable structures that could pose safety concerns, such as those that may attract unauthorized entry. If a vacant building in your area appears to be an attractive nuisance or has been posted with a condemnation placard, concerns can generally be reported to the local code enforcement office for follow-up. Tenant-rights organizations or local housing advocacy groups can provide additional context about how this provision and the related requirements of section 4-6-4 are applied in practice.
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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