Sartell, Minn., City Code title 4 ch. 8 (2026) § 4-8-6

4-8-6:           PROPERTY MAINTENANCE STANDARDS: Any rental unit or portion thereof, or the
premises on which the same is located, which does not comply with the conditions referenced in this section to
an extent that endangers the life, limb, health, property, safety or welfare of the public or the occupants
thereof, shall be deemed and hereby declared to be an unsafe structure, equipment or use. Failure to
comply with any of these standards and conditions shall be adequate grounds for the denial, refusal to
renew, revocation or suspension of a rental license.

    A. Space and Occupancy Standards.

        1. Maximum Occupancy Requirements: The total number of occupants may not exceed three
           (3) occupants per the first sleeping room and two (2) occupants for each additional
           sleeping room thereafter.
        2. Ceiling Heights: Habitable rooms or spaces shall have a ceiling height of not less than 6 feet 4
           inches, including beams, girders, ducts, or other obstructions. Hallways, corridors, bathrooms,
           toilet rooms, kitchens, storage, and laundry rooms shall be permitted to have a ceiling
           height less than 6 feet 4 inches, including obstructions if approved by the Housing
           Inspector. If any room in a building has a sloping ceiling, the prescribed ceiling height for
           the room is required in only one-half the area thereof. In calculating the floor area of such
           rooms, only those portions of the floor area with a clear ceiling height of five (5) feet or more
           shall be included.
        3. Room Area: Every living room shall contain at least 120 square feet and every bedroom or
           sleeping room shall contain at least 70 square feet.
        4. Width: No habitable room other than a kitchen shall be less than seven (7) feet in any
           dimension.
        5. Kitchen: Every dwelling unit shall have a room or portion of a room in which food may be
           prepared and/or cooked, which shall have adequate circulation area, and which shall be
           equipped with the following:

            a. A kitchen sink that is in good working condition, constructed of nonabsorbent materials and
               properly connected to a water supply system which is approved by the appropriate
               authority, and which provides at all times an adequate amount of heated and unheated
               running water under pressure, and which is connected to a sewer system approved by the
               City.
            b. A stove, or similar device, for cooking food, and a refrigerator, or similar device, for the safe
               storage of food at temperatures less than forty-five (45) degrees Fahrenheit but more than

thirty-two (32) degrees Fahrenheit under ordinary maximum summer conditions, which
              are properly installed with all necessary connections for safe, sanitary and efficient operation;
              provided that such stove, refrigerator, and/or similar devices need not be installed when a
              dwelling unit is not occupied and when the occupant is expected to provide same upon
              occupancy, and that sufficient space and adequate connections for the safe and efficient
              installation and operation of said stove, refrigerator and/or similar devices are provided.
         c.   A kitchen facility and/or cooking appliances, other than a microwave oven are not permissible
              in a dormitory or rooming unit.

     5. Lighting: All enclosed areas of the rental unit being used or occupied shall be provided with
        natural light by means of exterior glazed openings or shall be provided with artificial light by
        the building’s electrical system.

         a. Public hallways, corridors, stairways, and other exit facilities shall be lit at all times the
             building is used or occupied.

     6. Ventilation: Every habitable room shall be provided with either an approved mechanical
        ventilation system or natural ventilation. Natural ventilation may be by means of operable
        exterior openings such as a window, door, skylight, or other approved opening. Every
        bathroom must be provided with either a mechanical exhaust or an openable window.
     7. Sanitation: All sanitary facilities shall be installed and maintained in a safe and sanitary condition
        and in accordance with applicable requirements of the Minnesota State Plumbing Code.

         a. Rental Unit: All rental units must have access to a bathroom equipped with facilities
            consisting of a water closet, lavatory, and either a bathtub or shower.
         b. Bathroom Access: Where bathrooms are shared by rooming units or by occupants of a
            rental unit, the bathroom shall be located so that no occupant has to pass through another
            occupant's room to use the facility.
         c. Floor Coverings: Bathroom floors shall have a smooth, hard nonabsorbent surface such as
            vinyl tile, vinyl sheet goods, ceramic tile or sealed concrete. Floor surfaces shall be
            maintained in good condition so the floor can be maintained in a sanitary condition.

B. Mechanical/Heating:

     1. Rental units shall be provided with heating appliances capable of maintaining a room
        temperature of 64 degrees Fahrenheit at a point three (3) feet above the floor in all habitable
        rooms, bathrooms, and water closet compartments. Heating appliances shall be installed and
        maintained in a safe condition and in accordance with their listings. Un-vented fuel-burning
        appliances are not permitted. All heating devices or appliances shall be of an approved type.
     2. Every fuel-burning appliance shall discharge the products of combustion to the exterior through
        an approved factory-built chimney, masonry chimney or vent that is approved by the appliance
        manufacturer. Chimneys or vents shall be designed for the type of appliance being vented.
     3. Exhaust vents, pipes, ducts, conductors, fans, or blowers shall not discharge gases,
        steam, vapor, hot air, grease, smoke, odors or other gaseous or particulate wastes directly
        upon abutting or adjacent public or private property or that of another tenant or occupant.
     4. Hazardous Mechanical Equipment: Mechanical equipment that was installed in violation of
        code requirements in effect at the time of installation or mechanical equipment not installed in
        accordance with generally accepted construction practices in areas where no codes were in
        effect or mechanical equipment that has not been maintained in good and safe condition shall
        be considered hazardous and removed, replaced, or repaired.

C.   Electrical:

     1. The electrical service, lines, switches, outlets, fixtures, and fixture coverings, and supports in
        every building or structure shall be in good repair. Broken, loose, frayed, inoperative, defective,
        or missing portions shall be repaired or replaced. All unsafe conditions shall be corrected.

2. A clear and unobstructed means of access not less than 30 inches in width and full height of
        the floor space shall be maintained in front of and electrical service panel or meter.
     3. All electrical equipment, wiring and appliances shall be properly installed and maintained in
        a safe and approved manner. All electrical equipment shall be of an approved type.

         a. Extension Cords: Extension cords shall be used only with portable appliances and shall not
            be used as a substitute for permanent wiring. Extension cords shall be plugged directly
            into an approved outlet or approved multi-plug adapter and shall, except for approved multi-
            plug extension cords, serve only one portable appliance. The amp capacity of the
            extension cord shall not be less than the rated capacity of the portable appliance supplied
            by the cord and shall be grounded when serving a grounded appliance. Extension cords shall
            be maintained in good condition without splices, deterioration or damage. Extension cords
            and flexible cords shall not be attached to the structure, extend through walls, ceilings, and
            floors or under doors or floor coverings, or be subject to environmental or physical damage.
         b. Multi plug type adapters must be approved UL listed or other approved type: The amp
            capacity being drawn from the outlet through the adapter shall not exceed 80% of the
            supply circuit capacity. Where a single or duplex type outlet is serving multiple electrical
            appliances or devices an approved listed power strip with overload protection may be
            required.

     4. Every habitable room shall be provided with at least one switched ceiling or wall light fixture
        and one duplex outlet.

         a. Every water closet compartment, bathroom, laundry room and furnace room shall contain at
            least one electric light fixture and one convenience outlet.
         b. Outlets within six (6) feet of a sink or bathtub shall be Ground Fault Interrupted (GFI) outlets.

     5. Electrical wiring that was installed in violation of the Minnesota State Electrical Code
        requirements in effect at the time of installation or that has not been maintained in good condition
        or that is not being used in a safe manner shall be considered a hazardous or unsafe use and
        shall be repaired, replaced, or removed.

D.    Plumbing:

     1. All plumbing fixtures shall be an approved type, properly installed, free of leaks and maintained
        in a safe, sanitary, and functional condition.

         a. All plumbing fixture drains shall be connected to a sanitary sewer or to an approved
            private sewage disposal system.
         b. All water supply fixtures shall be connected to an approved system of water supply and
            provided with hot and cold running water necessary for its normal operation. All plumbing
            fixtures shall be of an approved glazed earthenware type or of a similarly nonabsorbent
            material.

     2. Plumbing System Leaks: Leaking drain or supply lines shall be repaired or replaced.
     3. Plumbing System Hazards: Where it is found that a plumbing system in a structure constitutes a
        hazard to the occupants or to the structure by reason of inadequate service, inadequate
        venting, improper installation, deterioration, or damage or for similar reasons, the code official
        shall require the defects or hazard to be corrected.
     4. Cross Contamination: The water supply shall be maintained free from contamination and all
        water inlets for plumbing fixtures shall be located above the flood-level rim of the fixture or
        provided with approved backflow prevention devices as required by the Minnesota State
        Plumbing Code. Hose bibs or faucets to which hoses are attached and left in place, shall be
        protected by an approved atmospheric-type vacuum breaker or an approved permanently
        attached hose connection vacuum breaker.

E.   Means of Egress:

     1. Rental units shall have access directly to the outside or to a common hallway, public
        corridor, exit passageway, or exit stair enclosure which provides access to an exterior exit
        door. An exit shall not pass through a hazardous area such as a furnace room, boiler room,
        storage room, private garage, or similar areas.
     2. Means of egress system shall be deemed as meeting the intent of this Ordinance, provided that
        the means of egress system or systems is evaluated by the Housing Inspector and judged to be
        equivalent to the means of egress system that was required by the Minnesota State Building
        and/or Fire Code that was in effect at the time the building was constructed. This includes, but is
        not limited to, number of exits, separation of exits, egress illumination, emergency egress
        illumination, exit signage, rated corridors, doors, hardware and egress travel distance.
     3. Obstruction of Egress: The means of egress shall not be obstructed in any manner and shall
        remain free of any material or matter where its presence would obstruct or render the means of
        egress hazardous. All egress routes shall be properly maintained in a safe manner.
     4. Security: When an exit door provides security from unlawful entry, the door shall be provided with a
        dead-bolt lock or approved locking device which is operable from the inside without the use of a
        key, special knowledge, or effort. Double cylinder dead bolt locks are permissible in accordance
        with MN Statute 326B.106 Subd.4 (g) on existing single family homes, individual dwelling units of
        townhouse buildings, and first floor duplexes used exclusively as a residential dwelling.
     5. Fire Department Key Box: Fire Department Key Box and building keys shall be maintained in
        accordance with the MN State Fire Code.

F.   Life Safety:

     1. Smoke Alarms: Smoke alarms shall be provided, powered, and maintained in
        accordance with the requirements of the Minnesota State Fire Code.

         a. Buildings constructed on or after 6-2-2015: Hardwired with battery back-up and
            interconnected in hallways outside sleeping rooms, in each sleeping room, on each level
            and in basements.
         b. Buildings constructed on or after 8-1-1989: Hardwired smoke alarms in hallways outside
            all sleeping rooms, on each level and in basements.
         c. Buildings constructed before 8-1-1989: Battery powered smoke alarms in hallways
            outside all sleeping rooms, on each level and in basements.
         d. Smoke alarms must be replaced when they exceed ten (10) years from the date of
            manufacture and remain operational at all times the building is used or occupied.

     2. Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Carbon Monoxide alarms must be provided in accordance with
        Minnesota Statute 299F.50 and the Minnesota State Fire Code. A minimum of one approved
        and fully operational carbon monoxide alarm must be installed within ten (10) feet of each
        room lawfully used for sleeping purposes. If sleeping rooms are located on separate floors or
        separate areas on the same floor, additional carbon monoxide alarms would be necessary
        within ten (10) feet of each sleeping room.

         a. Carbon Monoxide alarms must be properly maintained in accordance with the
            manufacturer’s requirements and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s
            installation requirements and MN Statute 299F.51.

     3. Emergency Escape Openings: Basements, habitable attics, and every sleeping room below
        the fourth story shall have at least one operable emergency escape and rescue opening.
        Where basements contain one or more sleeping rooms, emergency egress and rescue
        openings shall be required in each sleeping room but not in adjoining areas of the basement.
        Emergency egress and rescue openings must comply with the Building Code in affect at the
        time the building was constructed. In the event that there was no Building Code, or the date
        of construction is unknown, emergency egress and rescue openings must comply with the

requirements for existing buildings in the Minnesota State Fire Code as follows:

        a. Escape window openings shall have a minimum net clear opening area of 4.5 square
           feet,
        b. Opening height and width dimensions shall not be less than 20 inches.
        c. The maximum height from the floor to the windowsill opening shall not exceed 48 inches.
        d. Emergency escape windows are allowed under decks and porches provided the window
           opening is not obstructed and there is a clear unobstructed path not less than 36 inches
           in height from the window opening to a yard or court.
        e. Window Wells: The minimum horizontal area of the window well shall be nine (9) square
           feet with a minimum dimension of 36 inches. The area of the well shall allow the window
           to be fully opened. Window wells with a vertical depth of more than 44 inches shall be
           equipped with an affixed ladder or steps. Ladders or steps shall not encroach into the
           required dimensions of the well by more than 6 inches and shall not obstruct the window
           opening.

   4.   Fire Extinguishers: All rental units shall be equipped with a rechargeable fire extinguisher with
        a minimum rating of 2A 10BC. The extinguisher(s) shall be located in conspicuous locations
        along the normal path of travel where they will be readily accessible and immediately available
        for use in accordance with the Minnesota State Fire Code.

        a. Fire extinguishers shall be serviced at least annually or as required by the Housing
           Inspector. A tag with the name of the servicing company and the service date shall be
           affixed to the extinguisher and shall remain affixed until the next servicing.

   5. Fire Sprinkler and Alarm Systems: All existing fire sprinkler, standpipe and fire alarm system
      piping, wiring, panels, notification devices, detection devices, sprinkler heads and applicable
      equipment, components and system monitoring shall be operational and properly maintained in
      accordance with their original approval and applicable Minnesota State Fire Code requirements.
   6. Fire Resistive Construction: Existing fire resistive construction, assemblies, components, and
      associated hardware shall be properly maintained in accordance with their original approval
      and applicable Minnesota State Fire Code requirements.

G. General Building Requirements:

   1. Building Construction: Building construction, such as roofs, walls, floors, structural elements,
      and components shall be properly maintained in safe, sound and good working condition
      present no visual dangerous conditions to human life or property.
   2. Stairs/Decks: Every stair, ramp, landing, balcony, porch, deck, or other walking surface shall
      be maintained in sound condition and good repair.
   3. Handrails: Stairways with four or more risers or ramps steeper than 1/12 slope within rental
      units shall have a continuous, full-length, grip-able handrail located not less than 30 inches
      and not more than 42 inches measured vertically above stair nosing on at least one side of
      the stair. Existing handrails that are firmly fastened, maintained in good condition are allowed
      to remain as they are. Existing stairs not provided with any handrails shall have handrails
      installed as required for new construction.
   4. Guardrails: Unenclosed floors, platforms, open sides of stairways, landings, decks, balconies,
      porches, or occupied roofs which are more than 30 inches above grade or floor below shall
      be protected by a guardrail. Guards shall form a protective barrier not less than 42 inches
      high except for any the following:

        a. Guard within dwelling units shall not be less than 36 inches high.
        b. Guards on open stairs within dwelling units shall not be less than 34 inches measured
           vertically from the stair nosing.
        c. Existing guards of buildings designated as historic structures.
        d. Existing guards that are firmly fastened, maintained in good condition and constructed at

a height which was in compliance with the State Building Code when originally built are
       allowed to remain as they are.
    e. Opening limitations: Open guards shall have balusters or ornamental patterns such that a
       6-inch sphere cannot pass through any opening up to a height of 34 inches except for
       existing guards which were in compliance with the Minnesota State Building Code when
       originally constructed.

5. Windows: Windows shall be kept in sound repair, good condition, and weather tight.
   Emergency escape windows must also comply with the City Code.

    a. Operable windows shall be easily openable and capable of being held open by approved
       means.
    b. Window glazing shall be maintained from cracks and holes.
    c. Insect screens shall be free of tears and hole and in good working condition.

6. Doors: All door assemblies and hardware must be maintained in good condition, shall fit
    reasonably well within its frame and must be capable of being opened and closed
7. Refuse: The property owner or property manager shall provide an adequate number of
    refuse containers to contain the amount of refuse produced on the property or as required by
    local sanitation ordinance. Containers shall be rodent and animal proof with a tight fitting
    cover.
8. Storage Items: Flammable or combustible items and materials shall not be stored within
    three (3) feet of any fuel burning appliances. Storage of items shall be orderly and shall not block
    or obstruct exits. A minimum three (3) foot aisle shall be maintained to all exits, furnaces, water
    heaters, water meters, gas meters or other building service equipment.
9. Flammable and Combustible Storage: Fuel storage tanks such as LP tanks, gasoline
    containers and fueled equipment, including but not limited to motorcycles, mopeds, lawn-care
    equipment and portable cooking equipment, shall not be stored or repaired in an apartment
    building or rental unit except in a room constructed for that purpose in accordance with the
    Minnesota State Fire Code
10. Building Identification: Every building shall have the assigned street numbers displayed on
    the building in such a position as to be plainly visible and legible from the street or road
    fronting the property. Said numbers shall be no less than four (4) inches in height and shall
    contrast with the background on which they are displayed.
11. Exterior Finish: The exterior of a structure shall be maintained in good repair, structurally
    sound, and sanitary.

    a. All foundation walls shall be free from open cracks, holes and breaks and capable of
       supporting the imposed loads.
    b. All above grade exterior walls shall be free from holes, breaks, and loose or rotting
       materials; and maintained weatherproof and properly surface coated where required to
       prevent deterioration.
    c. All roofs shall be sound, tight, and not have defects that admit rain and must prevent
       dampness or deterioration in the walls or interior of the structure.

12. Built In Deficiencies; It is determined that certain conditions within existing buildings,
    lawful at the time of construction of the building, and not creating a hazardous condition,
    may not comply with the minimum requirements of the Property Maintenance Standards
    of this Chapter. Such conditions are referred to as “built in deficiencies”, and the code
    official, in administering this Ordinance, may consider built in deficiencies as being beyond
    reasonable correction and accept them as an alternate method of meeting the intent of
    this section.