Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-8-37
Clear space around connections (Rochester Housing Code)
Operative Text
A working space of not less than 36 inches (914 mm) in width, 36 inches (914 mm) in depth and 78 inches (1981 mm) in height shall be provided and maintained in front of and to the sides of wall-mounted fire department connections and around the circumference of free-standing fire department connections.
Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7-8-37 establishes minimum clear-space requirements around fire department connections at buildings. Specifically, a working area of at least 36 inches wide, 36 inches deep, and 78 inches tall must be kept open in front of and to the sides of wall-mounted connections, and a comparable clear zone must be maintained around the full circumference of free-standing connections. This ensures that firefighters can quickly access and operate these connections during an emergency without obstruction.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7-8-37, compliant property operators keep the designated working space around all fire department connections free of stored items, landscaping, signage, equipment, and other obstructions at all times. Regular inspections of both wall-mounted and free-standing connections are a common practice to confirm that the required 36-inch width, 36-inch depth, and 78-inch height clearances remain unobstructed. Documenting these inspections and promptly removing any encroachments helps demonstrate ongoing compliance with this provision.
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 § 7-8-37 establishes a right to live in a building where fire department connections are kept accessible, which is a component of overall fire safety. If a tenant observes that items or structures are blocking the required clear space around these connections, they may report the condition to the Rochester Fire Department or the city's code enforcement office. Tenant-rights organizations in the Rochester area can also provide general guidance on how to document and escalate fire-safety concerns under this provision.
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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