Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-4-4
Definitions (Rochester Housing Code)
Operative Text
Unless otherwise expressly stated, the following terms shall, for the purpose of this chapter, have the meanings indicated in this section. Dangerous structure means a structure, which is potentially hazardous to persons or property, including, but not limited to: (1) A structure, which is in danger of partial or complete collapse; (2) A structure with any exterior parts which are loose or in danger of falling; or (3) A structure with any parts, such as floors, porches, railings, stairs, ramps, balconies or roofs, which are accessible and which are either collapsed, in danger of collapsing or unable to support the weight of normally imposed loads. Secured by other than normal means a building secured by means other than those used in the design of the building. Unoccupied means a building, which is not being used for a legal occupancy. Unsecured means a building or portion of a building, which is open to entry by unauthorized persons without the use of tools or ladders. Vacant building means a building or portion of a building, which is: (1) Unoccupied and unsecured. (2) Unoccupied and secured by other than normal means. (3) Unoccupied and a dangerous structure. (4) Unoccupied and condemned. (5) Unoccupied and has multiple housing or building code violations. (6) Condemned and illegally occupied. (7) Unoccupied for a period of time over 365 days and during which time the enforcement officer has issued an order to correct nuisance conditions.
Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-4-4 establishes the key definitions used throughout Rochester's vacant building chapter. A 'vacant building' covers a range of situations beyond simple abandonment, including structures that are unoccupied and unsecured, unoccupied and structurally dangerous, condemned, or carrying multiple code violations. A 'dangerous structure' is one that poses hazards through risk of collapse, falling exterior parts, or load-bearing elements that cannot safely support normal use. These definitions set the foundation for how the city identifies and regulates problem properties.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers should be aware that under Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-4-4, a building can be classified as 'vacant' under several distinct conditions—not only when it is empty and open to entry, but also when it is unoccupied with outstanding code violations, condemned, or secured by non-standard means. Compliant operators generally maintain buildings so that all access points use standard security measures, structural elements remain sound, and code violations are promptly addressed to avoid triggering the vacant building designation. A property left unoccupied for more than 365 days while subject to an enforcement officer's nuisance order also qualifies as vacant under this section, making ongoing maintenance and code compliance especially important.
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 § 7-4-4 defines what constitutes a 'dangerous structure' and a 'vacant building,' which are relevant to tenants who may be living in or near properties with structural hazards or outstanding code violations. If a tenant believes their building meets one of these definitions—such as having collapsed or load-bearing elements in danger of failure—they may consider contacting Rochester's code enforcement office to report conditions or raise the issue with a local tenant-rights organization. Understanding these definitions can also be relevant when a tenant faces displacement due to a condemnation order or a building being classified as vacant under this section.
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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