Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-4-11
Grading and drainage (Rochester Housing Code)
Operative Text
Premises shall be graded and maintained to prevent the erosion of soil and to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water thereon, or within any structure located thereon. Exception: Approved retention areas and reservoirs.
Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-4-11 establishes that the land and grounds of a property must be shaped and kept in a condition that stops soil from washing away and prevents standing water from pooling on the land or inside any building on it. Approved retention areas and reservoirs are specifically exempted from this requirement. The rule applies to the ongoing maintenance of the property, not just its initial construction or setup.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-4-11, compliant property operators generally ensure that lot grading directs water away from structures and that drainage systems are kept clear and functional over time. Routine inspections of the grounds after heavy rain can help identify low spots, eroded areas, or places where water tends to collect. Documented maintenance records and prompt remediation of drainage problems are practices commonly associated with meeting this standard.
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 § 7-4-11 gives tenants a basis to raise concerns when soil erosion or standing water on the premises goes unaddressed, as these conditions may indicate a violation of the property's maintenance obligations. Tenants who observe persistent pooling water near or within a structure, or significant soil erosion on the grounds, may consider documenting the conditions with photographs and written notices to the landlord. General enforcement paths can include filing a complaint with Rochester's local code enforcement office or reaching out to a tenant-rights organization for guidance on available options.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.