Saint Paul, Minn., Legis. Code ch. 34 § 34.27
Administrative liability
Operative Text
No officer, agent or employee of the city shall be rendered personally liable for any damage that may accrue to persons or property as a result of any act required or permitted in the discharge of their duties under this chapter. No person who institutes, or assists in the prosecution of, a criminal proceeding under this Code shall be liable in damages therefor unless they have acted with actual malice and without reasonable grounds for believing that the person accused or prosecuted was guilty of an unlawful act or omission. Any suit brought against any officer, agent or employee of the city as a result of any act required or permitted in the discharge of their duties under this chapter shall be defended by the city attorney until the final determination of the proceedings therein.
Saint Paul Legislative Code ch. 34 § 34.27 establishes a liability shield for city officers, agents, and employees who carry out their duties under Chapter 34, meaning they generally cannot be held personally responsible for damages arising from those official acts. A similar protection applies to anyone who assists in a criminal prosecution under the Code, unless that person acted with actual malice and without reasonable grounds to believe the accused was guilty. When a lawsuit is filed against a covered city employee for such acts, the city attorney is required to defend them through the conclusion of the proceedings.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Saint Paul Legislative Code ch. 34 § 34.27, city inspectors and enforcement personnel acting within their Chapter 34 duties carry personal liability protections, which means property owners and managers should understand that legal challenges directed at individual city employees are generally defended by the city attorney. Compliant operators typically focus their interactions with city enforcement on the substance of code requirements rather than the conduct of individual officers. Awareness of this provision helps landlords understand the legal framework within which city enforcement personnel operate.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Saint Paul Legislative Code ch. 34 § 34.27 primarily governs the liability of city employees rather than tenant rights, but tenants should be aware that this provision shapes how enforcement actions under Chapter 34 are carried out and defended. Because city officers acting in good faith under the chapter are shielded from personal liability, tenants who believe enforcement has been conducted improperly may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider to understand what remedies, if any, may be available. Understanding this provision can help tenants set realistic expectations about the legal accountability of city personnel involved in housing inspections or code enforcement.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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