Big Lake, Minn., Mun. Code § 915 (2026) § 915.04
Definitions
Operative Text
For the purpose of this section, the following definitions apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. Dwelling. A structure or portion thereof designed exclusively for residential occupancy, including boarding and lodging houses, a kitchen or cooking facility, but not including hotels and motels, except as otherwise expressly provided in this section. Dwelling, Single-Family. A building designed for and exclusively occupied exclusively by one family. Dwelling, Two-Family. A building designed exclusively for occupancy by two families in separate dwelling units. 1. Duplex. A two-family dwelling with one unit above the other. 2. Twinhome. A two-family dwelling with two units side by side. Family. An individual, or two or more persons each related by blood, marriage, adoption, or foster children, living together as a single housekeeping unit; or a group of not more than six persons not so related, maintaining a common household and using common cooking and kitchen facilities. Occupant. Any person (including owner or operator) living within a dwelling unit. Owner. Any person, firm, or corporation who, alone, jointly, or severally with others, shall be having charge, care control of any building within the city as title holder, employee or agent of the owner, or as trustee of guardian of the estate or person of the title holder. Also, any person, firm, or corporation who has the right to determine who occupies a single-family rental unit (even though that right may be subject to a lease or rental agreement), or a person, firm, or corporation who shall have the power to rent or let such premises to another for purposes of this Code. Person. Any individual, firm, partnership, association, corporation, company, or a joint venture or organization of any kind. Premises. A platted lot or part thereof or unplatted parcel of land, and adjacent right-of-way either occupied or unoccupied non-dwelling structure, including building accessory structures. Single-Family Rental Unit. A single-family dwelling leased to a non-owner of the property for any duration of time. Two-Family Rental Unit. A two-family dwelling leased to a non-owner of the property for any duration of time. Unit. Any dwelling unit as defined in this section.
Big Lake Section 915.04 establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout the single- and two-family rental housing rules. It defines key terms such as "dwelling," "family," "owner," "occupant," and the distinction between single-family and two-family rental units, including subtypes like duplexes and twinhomes. These definitions set the boundaries for who and what falls under the scope of Section 915, and they govern how all other provisions in that section are interpreted. Hotels and motels, for example, are explicitly carved out of the definition of "dwelling" unless the section says otherwise.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to Big Lake Section 915.04 should be familiar with how the code defines "owner" — a broad term that includes not just title holders but also agents, trustees, and anyone with the authority to determine occupancy or execute leases. Understanding whether a property qualifies as a single-family rental unit or a two-family rental unit under Section 915.04 is foundational to determining which obligations apply. Operators of duplexes and twinhomes should note that both fall under the two-family dwelling category, each with its own structural distinction recognized by the code.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in single- or two-family rental housing in Big Lake should be aware that Section 915.04 defines who counts as an "occupant" and what constitutes a "family" for purposes of the rental housing rules — definitions that can affect how occupancy limits and household composition are evaluated. The definition of "owner" is notably broad, meaning that a property manager or agent may carry the same responsibilities as a title-holding landlord under this section. Tenants who believe a landlord or agent is not meeting their obligations under Section 915 may wish to consult a local tenant-rights organization or contact the relevant city authority 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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