Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-3-46
Imminent danger (Rochester Housing Code)
Operative Text
When, in the opinion of the code official, there is imminent danger of failure or collapse of a building or structure that endangers life, or when any structure or part of a structure has fallen and life is endangered by the occupation of the structure, or when there is actual or potential danger to the building occupants or those in the proximity of any structure because of explosives, explosive fumes or vapors or the presence of toxic fumes, gases or materials, or operation of defective or dangerous equipment, the code official is hereby authorized and empowered to order and require the occupants to vacate the premises forthwith. The code official shall cause to be posted at each entrance to such structure a notice reading as follows: "This Structure Is Unsafe and Its Occupancy Has Been Prohibited by the Code Official." It shall be unlawful for any person to enter such structure except for the purpose of securing the structure, making the required repairs, removing the hazardous condition or of demolishing the same.
Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-3-46 grants the code official authority to order immediate evacuation of any building or structure that poses an imminent threat to life — whether from structural failure, hazardous materials, toxic fumes, or dangerous equipment. Once an evacuation order is issued, a notice must be posted at every entrance declaring the structure unsafe and off-limits. After that point, entry is unlawful except for those performing authorized work such as securing, repairing, or demolishing the structure.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-3-46, property owners and managers should be aware that the code official holds broad authority to order immediate vacation of a premises when life-threatening conditions are identified. Compliant operators generally maintain buildings free of structural hazards, dangerous equipment, and toxic materials so that emergency orders are never triggered. When a notice is posted at a property entrance under this provision, only personnel performing authorized remediation, securing, or demolition work are permitted to enter.
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 § 7-3-46 establishes that tenants may be required to vacate a building immediately if the code official determines that conditions — such as structural instability, explosive fumes, or toxic materials — endanger life. If you receive or observe an evacuation notice posted under this provision, general enforcement paths include contacting the Rochester code enforcement office to understand the scope of the order and the timeline for repairs. Tenant-rights organizations in Minnesota can also help occupants understand their options regarding relocation assistance or other remedies when a building is declared unsafe.
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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