Winona, Minn., City Code ch. 33A (2026) § 33A.07
Mechanical Requirements
Operative Text
33A.07 - MECHANICAL REQUIREMENTS
All dwellings, dwelling units, roominghouses, rooming units, residential retreat centers, bed and
breakfasts, and tourist homes let for occupancy to another shall comply with the following
requirements:
(a) Heating. Dwelling units and guestrooms shall be provided with heating
appliances capable of maintaining a room temperature of 68 degrees F at a point
3 feet above the floor and 2 feet from exterior walls in all habitable rooms,
bathrooms and water closet compartments. Owners shall turn on the heating
appliances when the outside temperature falls to 64 degrees F or below. Such
facilities shall be installed and maintained in a safe condition and in accordance
with their listings and the Building, Mechanical and Electrical Codes and all other
applicable laws. Clearances from combustible materials shall be maintained as
required by the Building and Mechanical Codes and their listing. Unvented fuel-
burning appliances are not permitted. All heating devices or appliances shall be
of an approved type.
(b) Electrical Equipment. All electrical equipment, wiring and appliances shall be
installed in compliance with the Electrical Code and maintained in a safe manner
in accordance with all applicable laws. All electrical equipment shall be of an
approved type.
Every habitable room shall be provided with at least one switched ceiling or wall
light and one duplex outlet or two duplex convenience outlets.
At least one receptacle outlet shall be installed in bathrooms and such outlet
shall be located within 36 inches of the outside edge of each lavatory basin. The
receptacle outlet shall be located on a wall or partition that is adjacent to the
lavatory basin location or installed on the side or face of the basin cabinet not
more than 12 inches below the top of the basin or basin countertop.
Outlets within 6 feet of a sink, lavatory or bathtub shall be Ground Fault
Interrupted (GFI) outlets.
Refer to the National Electrical Code for additional requirements for placement of
receptacle outlets, switches or fixtures.
At least one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in every
Chapter 33A – Page 16 Last updated 07/14/2021
CHAPTER 33A
habitable room, kitchen and bathroom.
EXCEPTIONS:
A. In other than kitchen and bathrooms, one or more
receptacles controlled by a wall switch shall be considered
equivalent to the required lighting outlet.
B. Lighting outlets shall be permitted to be controlled by
occupancy sensors that are in addition to wall switches, or
that are located at a customary wall switch location and
equipped with a manual override that will allow the sensor
to function as a wall switch.
Public hallways, corridors, stairways and other exit facilities shall be adequately
lighted pursuant to Section 33A.05(b) iv, v and vi of this chapter.
Outlets within 6 feet of a sink or bathtub shall be Ground Fault Interrupted (GFI)
outlets.
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, power tap or multi-plug adapter and shall, except
for approved multi-plug extension cords, serve only one portable appliance. The
opacity 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.
A clear and unobstructed means of access with a minimum width of 30 inches,
depth of 36 inches and a height of 78 inches shall be maintained from the
operating face of an electrical service panel, meter or switchboard. Tenants shall
at all times have free access to the service panel for their dwelling unit.
(c) Ventilation. Ventilation for rooms and areas and for fuel-burning appliances shall
be provided as required in the Mechanical Code and in this chapter. Where
mechanical ventilation is provided in lieu of the natural ventilation required by this
chapter, such mechanical ventilating system shall be maintained in operation
during the occupancy of any building or portion thereof.
Ord. No. 3978 11/03/2014 Ord. No. 4063 12/18/2017 Ord. No. 4151 06/07/21Winona City Code Ch. 33A § 33A.07 establishes minimum mechanical standards for all rental dwellings, rooming units, bed and breakfasts, and tourist homes in the city. Heating systems must be capable of maintaining at least 68°F in habitable rooms, bathrooms, and water closet compartments, and owners are required to activate heating when outdoor temperatures drop to 64°F or below. Electrical systems must meet code standards, including specific outlet types, GFI protection near water sources, adequate lighting in every habitable room and bathroom, and unobstructed access to electrical panels. Ventilation must be provided in accordance with the Mechanical Code and kept operational throughout occupancy.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of rental properties covered by § 33A.07 generally ensure that heating equipment is capable of reaching 68°F at the prescribed measurement points and is activated whenever outdoor temperatures reach 64°F or below. Compliant landlords keep all electrical wiring, outlets, and appliances installed to code—including GFI outlets within six feet of sinks or bathtubs, proper lighting in every habitable room and bathroom, and a clear 30-inch-wide access path to each electrical service panel. Ventilation systems, whether natural or mechanical, are maintained in working order throughout the period of occupancy, and unvented fuel-burning appliances are not used in any rental unit.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 33A.07, tenants in Winona rental housing have a right to adequate heat, safe electrical systems, and proper ventilation as defined by the city's mechanical requirements. If a unit lacks functioning heat, has unsafe wiring, missing GFI outlets near water sources, or a blocked electrical panel, these conditions may constitute violations of the city's rental property standards. Tenants who believe their unit does not meet the requirements of § 33A.07 may consider documenting the conditions, notifying the landlord in writing, and contacting the City of Winona's code enforcement or housing inspection office, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance.
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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