Minn. R. 1300 § 1300.0180
UNSAFE BUILDINGS OR STRUCTURES.
Operative Text
A building or structure regulated by the code is unsafe, for purposes of this part, if it is structurally unsafe, not provided with adequate egress, a fire hazard, or otherwise dangerous to human life. Building service equipment that is regulated by the code is unsafe, for purposes of this part, if it is a fire, electrical, or health hazard; an unsanitary condition; or otherwise dangerous to human life. Use of a building, structure, or building service equipment constituting a hazard to safety, health, or public welfare by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, obsolescence, fire hazard, disaster, damage, or abandonment is, for the purposes of this part, an unsafe use. Parapet walls, cornices, spires, towers, tanks, statuary, and other appendages or structural members that are supported by, attached to, or a part of a building and that are in deteriorated condition or otherwise unable to sustain the design loads that are specified in the code are unsafe building appendages. The building official shall order any building or portion of a building to be vacated if continued use is dangerous to life, health, or safety of the occupants. The building official shall have the authority to order disconnection of utility services to the building, structure, or system, regulated by the code, in case of an emergency to eliminate a hazard to life or property. The order shall be in writing and state the reasons for the action. All unsafe buildings, structures, or appendages are public nuisances and must be abated by repair, rehabilitation, demolition, or removal according to Minnesota Statutes, sections 463.15 to 463.26.
Minnesota Rule 1300, Section 1300.0180 defines what makes a building, structure, or its service equipment legally 'unsafe,' covering conditions such as structural deficiencies, inadequate exits, fire hazards, unsanitary conditions, and deteriorated appendages like parapets or cornices. Under this rule, a building official has authority to order occupants to vacate a dangerous structure and can direct utility disconnection in emergencies, with any such order issued in writing with stated reasons. Buildings or structures meeting the unsafe threshold are classified as public nuisances and must be addressed through repair, rehabilitation, demolition, or removal in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, sections 463.15 to 463.26.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to Minn. R. 1300 § 1300.0180 generally maintain buildings so that structural systems, egress paths, fire-safety features, and building service equipment remain in safe, code-compliant condition. Compliant operators routinely inspect appendages such as parapets, cornices, and tanks for deterioration, since these elements are explicitly covered by the unsafe-building definition. When a building official issues a written order under this section—whether to vacate occupants or disconnect utilities—operators typically respond promptly and document all remediation steps taken to abate the declared public nuisance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Minn. R. 1300 § 1300.0180 establishes that tenants living in buildings with structural hazards, inadequate egress, fire dangers, unsanitary equipment, or deteriorated appendages may be occupying a legally 'unsafe' structure. If a building official determines that continued occupancy is dangerous, this rule authorizes a written order to vacate, and tenants who receive such an order generally have rights and remedies under Minnesota law, including those found in Minnesota Statutes, sections 463.15 to 463.26. Tenants who believe their building meets the unsafe definition may consider contacting their local building department to request an inspection, or reaching out to a tenant-rights organization for information about 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 September 30, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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