Sartell, Minn., City Code title 4 ch. 8 (2026) § 4-8-5
Unsafe Structures, Equipment and Use
Operative Text
4-8-5: UNSAFE STRUCTURES, EQUIPMENT AND USE: When a structure, portion of a
structure, or equipment is found by the Housing Inspector to be unsafe, or found to be used in an unlawful
way, such structure, equipment, or use shall be abated by repair, rehabilitation, demolition, or removal in
accordance with the Minnesota State Building Code and Minnesota Statutes, sections 463.15 to 463.26.
The Housing Inspector may order any building to be vacated if any portion of the structure, or equipment
or any use is dangerous to the life, health, or safety of the occupants. The Housing Inspector shall have
the authority to order the disconnection of utility services to the building, or equipment.
A. Unsafe Structure: An unsafe structure is one that if found to be dangerous to the life, health,
property, or safety of the occupants or public because of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation,
physical damage, unsanitary condition, or abandonment.
B. Unsafe Equipment: Unsafe equipment includes fixtures, appliances, heating and/or cooling
equipment, ventilation equipment, electrical equipment or systems, plumbing fixtures or systems,
decorative appliances, and equipment, elevators, or chair lifts, or building services which
constitute a fire, electrical, or health hazard or otherwise dangerous to human life.
C. Unsafe Use: Unsafe use is any use which constitutes a fire, health, or safety hazard to the
occupants or public.Section 4-8-5 of Sartell's Rental Property Licensing and Maintenance code establishes that structures, equipment, or uses found unsafe by the Housing Inspector must be corrected through repair, rehabilitation, demolition, or removal. The Inspector holds authority to order a building vacated when conditions pose a danger to occupants' life, health, or safety, and may also order utility disconnection. Unsafe conditions include deteriorated or abandoned structures, hazardous fixtures or mechanical systems, and any use that creates a fire, health, or safety risk.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 4-8-5, compliant rental operators in Sartell maintain structures and equipment—including heating, electrical, plumbing, and ventilation systems—in a condition that does not endanger occupants or the public. When a Housing Inspector identifies an unsafe structure, piece of equipment, or use, operators are generally expected to promptly abate the condition through repair, rehabilitation, or other approved means consistent with the Minnesota State Building Code. Operators should be aware that the Inspector may order vacating of the premises or disconnection of utilities if hazardous conditions are not resolved.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 4-8-5 gives Sartell's Housing Inspector the power to act when a rental unit's structure, equipment, or use is found dangerous—including ordering the property vacated or utilities disconnected. Tenants who believe their home has unsafe structural conditions, hazardous appliances, or dangerous uses may report concerns to the Sartell Housing Inspector for evaluation. Tenant-rights organizations can help renters understand available options, such as filing a complaint or raising a housing code violation as a defense in related 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 November 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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