Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-8-6
Emergency escape openings (Rochester Housing Code)
Operative Text
Required emergency escape or rescue openings should be provided in all sleeping rooms in accordance with the most current building code in effect. The escape opening must provide: (1) A minimum 24-inch clear, opening height; (2) A minimum 20-inch clear, opening width; (3) A minimum five-square-foot clear opening; and (4) A finished sill height not more than 44 inches above the floor. Required emergency escape and rescue openings shall be operational from the inside of the room without the use of keys or tools. Bars, grilles, grates or similar devices are permitted to be placed over emergency escape and rescue openings provided that the minimum net clear opening size complies with the most current building code in effect and such devices shall be releasable or removable from the inside without the use of a key, tool or force greater than that which is required for normal operation of the escape and rescue opening.
Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-8-6 requires that every sleeping room in a residential dwelling be equipped with an emergency escape or rescue opening that meets specific size and accessibility standards. The opening must be at least 24 inches tall, 20 inches wide, and five square feet in area, with a sill no higher than 44 inches from the floor. Any bars, grilles, or grates covering such openings must be releasable from the inside without keys, tools, or excessive force, ensuring occupants can exit quickly in an emergency.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating rental units in Rochester should verify that every sleeping room complies with the dimensional and operational requirements set out in Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-8-6. Compliant operators routinely inspect escape openings to confirm they meet the minimum height, width, and area thresholds and that sill heights do not exceed 44 inches. Where security bars or grilles are installed over these openings, operators ensure those devices can be released from the inside without keys or tools, and that the net clear opening still meets current building code standards.
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 § 7-8-6, tenants in sleeping rooms have a right to emergency escape openings that are properly sized and operable from the inside without keys or tools. If a sleeping room lacks a compliant escape opening, or if bars or grilles prevent quick release from the inside, that may constitute a housing code violation that can be reported to Rochester's local code enforcement or housing inspection authority. Tenants who believe their unit does not meet these requirements may also consider reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization to understand available options.
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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