Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-4-17
Defacement of property (Rochester Housing Code)
Operative Text
No person shall willfully or wantonly damage, mutilate or deface any exterior surface of any structure or building on any private or public property by placing thereon any marking, carving or graffiti. It shall be the responsibility of the owner to restore said surface to an approved state of maintenance and repair.
Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7-4-17 prohibits anyone from intentionally damaging, mutilating, or defacing the exterior surface of any structure—whether on private or public property—through markings, carvings, or graffiti. Beyond the prohibition on defacement itself, the rule places an affirmative obligation on the property owner to restore the affected surface to an approved state of maintenance and repair. The provision applies broadly, covering both private individuals and public entities as potential violators.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7-4-17, property owners bear direct responsibility for restoring any exterior surface that has been defaced by graffiti, carvings, or other markings, regardless of who caused the damage. Compliant operators typically document graffiti promptly upon discovery, arrange for timely removal or restoration to an approved maintenance standard, and keep records of remediation efforts. Staying current with the city's definition of 'approved state of maintenance and repair' helps ensure that restoration work meets local code expectations.
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 § 7-4-17 makes clear that defacing exterior surfaces of any structure is prohibited, and that the property owner—not the tenant—holds the legal responsibility for restoring defaced surfaces to an approved condition. If graffiti or exterior damage appears on a rental property and the owner fails to address it, tenants may have grounds to raise the owner's maintenance obligations under this provision when engaging with local code enforcement. Tenant-rights organizations in Rochester can help renters understand how this provision interacts with broader habitability and maintenance standards.
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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