Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-4-19
Unsafe conditions (Rochester Housing Code)
Operative Text
The following conditions shall be determined as unsafe and shall be repaired or replaced to comply with the International Building Code or the International Existing Building Code as required for existing buildings: (1) The nominal strength of any structural member is exceeded by nominal loads, the load effects or the required strength; (2) The anchorage of the floor or roof to walls or columns, and of walls and columns to foundations is not capable of resisting all nominal loads or load effects; (3) Structures or components thereof that have reached their limit state; (4) Siding and masonry joints including joints between the building envelope and the perimeter of windows, doors and skylights are not maintained, weather resistant or water tight; (5) Structural members that have evidence of deterioration or that are not capable of safely supporting all nominal loads and load effects; (6) Foundation systems that are not firmly supported by footings, are not plumb and free from open cracks and breaks, are not properly anchored or are not capable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load effects; (7) Exterior walls that are not anchored to supporting and supported elements or are not plumb and free of holes, cracks or breaks and loose or rotting materials, are not properly anchored or are not capable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load effects; (8) Roofing or roofing components that have defects that admit rain, roof surfaces with inadequate drainage, worn roofing material, or any portion of the roof framing that is not in good repair with signs of deterioration, fatigue or without proper anchorage and incapable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load effects; (9) Flooring and flooring components with defects that affect serviceability or flooring components that show signs of deterioration or fatigue, are not properly anchored or are incapable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load effects; (10) Veneer, cornices, belt courses, corbels, trim, wall facings and similar decorative features not properly anchored or that are anchored with connections not capable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load effects; (11) Overhang extensions or projections including, but not limited to, trash chutes, canopies, marquees, signs, awnings, fire escapes, standpipes and exhaust ducts not properly anchored or that are anchored with connections not capable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load effects; (12) Exterior stairs, decks, porches, balconies and all similar appurtenances attached thereto, including guards and handrails, are not structurally sound, not properly anchored or that are anchored with connections not capable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load effects; or (13) Chimneys, cooling towers, smokestacks and similar appurtenances not structurally sound or not properly anchored, or that are anchored with connections not capable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load effects. Exceptions: (1) Where substantiated otherwise by an approved method. (2) Demolition of unsafe conditions shall be permitted where approved by the code official.
Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-4-19 establishes a list of thirteen structural and exterior conditions that are officially classified as unsafe in buildings. When any of these conditions exist — ranging from weakened structural members and deteriorating foundations to faulty roofing, unstable balconies, and unsound chimneys — the building owner is required to repair or replace the affected components in accordance with the International Building Code or the International Existing Building Code. Two exceptions exist: the unsafe designation can be rebutted by an approved technical method, or the code official may authorize demolition of the unsafe condition instead of repair.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers in Rochester should conduct regular inspections of all thirteen categories of structural and exterior components identified in Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-4-19, including foundations, exterior walls, roofing, flooring, balconies, and chimneys. A compliant operator documents the condition of these elements, promptly schedules repairs or replacements that meet International Building Code or International Existing Building Code standards, and retains records of completed work. When a condition may not meet the standard, operators typically engage a licensed structural engineer or other qualified professional to provide an approved method substantiating compliance, or coordinate with the code official regarding permissible remediation options including demolition.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in Rochester rental properties have an interest in knowing that Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-4-19 designates specific structural and exterior defects — such as deteriorating foundations, unstable decks or balconies, defective roofing, and unsound chimneys — as legally unsafe conditions that must be corrected. If a tenant observes conditions that appear to match those listed in this provision, general enforcement paths include reporting the concern to the local code enforcement or building inspection office, which has authority to inspect and require repairs. Tenants may also consider consulting a tenant-rights organization to understand how documented unsafe conditions could be relevant to habitability claims or other remedies available under local and state law.
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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