Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-5-4
Habitable spaces (Rochester Housing Code)
Operative Text
Every habitable space shall have not less than one window of approved size facing directly to the outdoors or to a court. The minimum total glazed area for every habitable space shall be eight percent of the floor area of such room. Wherever walls or other portions of a structure face a window of any room and such obstructions are located less than three feet (914 mm) from the window and extend to a level above that of the ceiling of the room, such window shall not be deemed to face directly to the outdoors nor to a court and shall not be included as contributing to the required minimum total window area for the room. Exception: Where natural light for rooms or spaces without exterior glazing areas is provided through an adjoining room, the unobstructed opening to the adjoining room shall be not less than eight percent of the floor area of the interior room or space, but a minimum of 25 square feet (2.33 m 2 ). The exterior glazing area shall be based on the total floor area being served.
Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7-5-4 establishes minimum natural light standards for every habitable space in a dwelling. Each such room must have at least one window facing directly outdoors or to a court, with total glazed area equal to at least eight percent of the room's floor area. Windows blocked by a wall or structure closer than three feet away that rises above the ceiling line do not count toward this requirement. An exception allows natural light to be borrowed from an adjoining room through an unobstructed opening of at least eight percent of the interior room's floor area, with a floor minimum of 25 square feet.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7-5-4, compliant operators ensure that every habitable space contains qualifying window area equal to at least eight percent of that room's floor area, with windows facing unobstructed outdoors or a court. When planning renovations or additions, operators account for the three-foot obstruction rule, which can disqualify windows that appear functional but are blocked by adjacent structures rising above ceiling height. Where a room lacks exterior glazing, operators relying on the adjoining-room exception verify that the connecting opening meets both the percentage threshold and the 25-square-foot minimum.
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 § 7-5-4 gives occupants of habitable spaces the right to a minimum level of natural light through qualifying windows or approved openings. If a room appears to lack sufficient glazed area, or if windows are effectively blocked by nearby structures, that condition may constitute a code violation that can be reported to the local housing or code enforcement authority. Tenants who believe their unit falls short of these standards may also consult a tenant-rights organization to understand available options, including raising the issue as a defense in relevant proceedings.
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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