Staples, Minn., City Code ch. 103, art. IV § 103-98
Accessory (non-dwelling) structures, etc
Operative Text
(a) Compliance required. No person shall construct, or allow or permit to exist on any premises any accessory (non-dwelling) structure, fence, or condition, which does not comply with the requirements set forth in this section and chapter 109 . Where there is a conflict between the two provisions, the more restrictive provision shall apply. (b) Construction, maintenance of accessory structures. Every foundation, exterior wall, roof, window, exterior door, basement hatchway, and every other entranceway of every non-dwelling structure shall be so constructed and maintained as to prevent the structure from becoming a harborage for rats. Each entranceway for persons or vehicles in any such structure on residential property shall have exterior doors. All such structures and exterior doors shall be kept in good workmanlike state of maintenance and repair. All exterior surfaces of non-dwelling structures shall be of a material manufactured or processed specifically for use in such a weather-exposed location. Non-dwelling structures shall not be used for the storage of garbage or rubbish unless such garbage or rubbish is placed in an approved container or stored in a manner so as not to constitute a health or safety hazard. (c) Grading and drainage. All premises shall be graded and maintained to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water on said premises or within any building or structure located thereon, and every premises shall be continuously maintained in a sanitary, erosion-free, and dust-free condition by suitable landscaping with grass, trees, shrubs, or other planted ground cover, or by paving with asphalt, concrete, or by such other suitable means as approved by the housing inspector. Whenever a premises is not in compliance with this section and presents a hazard to public health and welfare, the housing inspector shall give 15 days' notice to the owner or the agent of such owner and occupant or tenant of premises in the city to correct the violation. In the event said violation is not corrected, the housing inspector shall take the necessary actions to secure compliance. Premises shall be considered hazardous when it becomes a potential source of filth and cause of sickness, when stagnant water or dust is left to accumulate or stand on the premises, or when erosion of the soil causes the same to spill over onto the sidewalk, street or the adjoining property. (d) Open excavations and areas. No person shall maintain or allow to continue without approved guardrails any excavation, pit, area wall, stairwell or window well which, due to its depth and/or location on a premises, constitutes a hazard to the health and safety in the opinion of the housing inspector. (e) Fences and retaining w alls. Every fence and retaining wall on or adjacent to residential property shall be kept well mended and in good repair, consistent with the design thereof. (f) Occupancy prohibited. No person shall occupy, let or allow another to occupy an accessory (non-dwelling) structure for the purpose of living therein.
Staples City Code ch. 103, art. IV § 103-98 establishes standards for accessory (non-dwelling) structures, fences, retaining walls, grading, drainage, and open excavations on residential properties. These structures must be built and maintained to prevent rat harborage, kept in good repair, and fitted with proper exterior doors; garbage storage in such structures is only permitted in approved containers. The rule also prohibits using any non-dwelling accessory structure as a living space, and requires that premises be graded and drained to prevent stagnant water accumulation, with a 15-day notice period given before the housing inspector takes corrective action.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Staples City Code ch. 103, art. IV § 103-98, compliant property operators generally keep all accessory structures—sheds, garages, and similar buildings—structurally sound, fitted with exterior doors, and finished with weather-appropriate exterior materials. They also maintain fences and retaining walls in good repair, ensure proper grading and drainage to prevent standing water, and store any garbage only in approved containers within those structures. Operators are mindful that the housing inspector may issue a 15-day notice to correct violations related to grading and drainage hazards, and that allowing anyone to live in a non-dwelling accessory structure is expressly prohibited under this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Staples City Code ch. 103, art. IV § 103-98 gives tenants a basis to raise concerns when accessory structures on their residential premises are in disrepair, improperly drained, or otherwise out of compliance with the standards described in this section. If stagnant water, rat harborage conditions, broken fences, or unsafe open excavations exist on the property, tenants may report these conditions to the Staples housing inspector, who has authority to issue notices and take corrective action. Tenants who believe their rights under this provision are being affected may also wish to consult a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid resource for guidance on 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 November 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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