Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-5-14
Minimum ceiling heights (Rochester Housing Code)
Operative Text
Habitable spaces, hallways, corridors, laundry areas, bathrooms, toilet rooms and habitable basement areas shall have a minimum clear ceiling height of seven feet (2,134 mm). Exceptions: (1) In one- and two-family dwellings, beams or girders spaced not less than four feet (1,219 mm) on center and projecting a maximum of six inches (152 mm) below the required ceiling height. (2) Basement rooms in one- and two-family dwellings occupied exclusively for laundry, study or recreation purposes, having a minimum ceiling height of six feet four inches (1,932 mm) with a minimum clear height of six feet four inches (1,932 mm) under beams, girders, ducts and similar obstructions. (3) Rooms occupied exclusively for sleeping, study or similar purposes and having a sloped ceiling over all or part of the room, with a minimum clear ceiling height of seven feet (2,134 mm) over not less than one-half of the required minimum floor area. In calculating the floor area of such rooms, only those portions of the floor area with a minimum clear ceiling height of five feet (1,524 mm) shall be included.
Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-5-14 establishes that most livable and functional spaces in a dwelling—including bedrooms, hallways, bathrooms, and finished basements—must have at least seven feet of clear ceiling height. The rule carves out several exceptions, such as lower clearances for basement recreation or laundry rooms in one- and two-family homes, structural beams that project slightly below the required height, and sloped-ceiling rooms where only a portion of the floor area must meet the full seven-foot standard. These exceptions are narrowly defined and tied to specific room uses and structural conditions.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of residential rental properties in Rochester should ensure that all habitable spaces, hallways, bathrooms, and similar areas meet the seven-foot minimum clear ceiling height required under Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-5-14. Compliant operators typically document how any exceptions apply—for instance, confirming that basement rooms used only for laundry, study, or recreation meet the six-foot-four-inch threshold, or that beams in one- and two-family dwellings are spaced and sized within the permitted limits. Keeping records of ceiling measurements and room-use designations can support compliance during inspections.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-5-14, tenants have a right to occupy spaces that meet minimum ceiling height standards, which are generally set at seven feet for habitable rooms, hallways, and bathrooms. If a rented space appears to fall short of these requirements—and does not qualify under one of the stated exceptions—tenants may consider documenting the conditions and contacting Rochester's local code enforcement or housing inspection office to request an evaluation. Tenant-rights organizations in the Rochester area can also help explain what options may be available when a unit does not meet minimum habitability 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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