Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-5-13
Minimum room widths (Rochester Housing Code)
Operative Text
A habitable room, other than a kitchen, shall be not less than seven feet (2,134 mm) in any plan dimension. Kitchens shall have a minimum clear passageway of three feet (914 mm) between counter fronts and appliances or counter fronts and walls.
Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-5-13 establishes minimum dimensional standards for rooms in residential dwellings. Any habitable room that is not a kitchen must measure at least seven feet in its narrowest horizontal direction. Kitchens are held to a different standard: they must maintain at least three feet of clear passageway between counter fronts and either appliances or walls.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of residential rental properties in Rochester should verify that all habitable rooms—excluding kitchens—meet the seven-foot minimum width requirement set out in Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-5-13 before renting or renovating a unit. Kitchen layouts must preserve a clear three-foot passageway between counter fronts and opposing appliances or walls. Compliant operators typically document room dimensions during inspections and ensure that any remodeling work does not reduce spaces below these thresholds.
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 § 7-5-13 gives tenants a basis to raise concerns if a habitable room is narrower than seven feet or if a kitchen passageway falls short of three feet. Tenants who believe their unit does not meet these standards may consider documenting the dimensions and contacting Rochester's local code enforcement or housing inspection office to request an inspection. Tenant-rights organizations in the area can also help explain what options are generally available when a unit may not comply with minimum room-width requirements.
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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