Brainerd, Minn., City Code § 425 (2026) § 425.1004
Definitions
Operative Text
425.1004 Definitions. The following words and phrases when used in the Rental
Housing Code shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section:
Appropriate Action: The action which a reasonable license holder would take based
upon the facts and circumstances of each case as to prevent a reoccurrence of a
disorderly use.
Attic story: Any story situated wholly or partly in the roof, so designed, arranged, or built
as to be used for business, storage, or habitation.
Cleanliness: The condition of being free from readily noticeable dirt, soil, stain, left- over
food particles, or other material not intended to be a part of the object in question.
Communal: Used or shared by or intended to be used or shared by the occupants of
two or more rooming units.
Dwelling: Any building or structure, or portion thereof, except temporary housing, which
is wholly or partly used or intended to be used for living or sleeping by human
occupants. There are two principal types:
(1) Single Unit: A freestanding (detached) residence structure designed for or
occupied by one family only.
(2) Multiple Unit: Two (2) or more dwelling units in one structure.
Dwelling Unit: A residential building or portion thereof intended for occupancy by a
single-family but not including hotels, motels, boarding or rooming houses.
Efficiency Unit: A dwelling unit with one (1) primary room which doubles as a living
room, kitchen, and bedroom.
Emergency: Any condition or combination of conditions which in the opinion of the
County Health Authority, Housing Inspector, or the Fire Chief requires immediate action
for the protection of health, safety, or welfare of the occupants of a dwelling or of the
public.
Fire escape: An emergency means of egress. A fire escape shall not constitute a
required stairway.
Fire chief: The legally authorized Fire Chief or authorized representative.
Hazardous heating installations: All heating installations except those which conform
with the applicable laws regulating the installation of such space heating in effect now or
at the time of installation and which have been maintained in good repair and working
condition and are being used in a safe manner.
Hazardous plumbing: All plumbing except that which conforms with the applicable laws
regulating the installation of such plumbing in effect now or at the time of installation and
which has been maintained in good condition and which is free of cross connections
and siphonage between fixtures.
Hazardous wiring: All wiring except that which conforms with the applicable laws
regulating the installation of such wiring in effect now or at the time of the installation,
and which has been maintained in good condition and is being used in a safe manner.
Housing inspector: The legally authorized Housing Inspector of the City or authorized
representative.
IPMC: Stands for the most current version of “International Property Maintenance Code”
as adopted by the City of Brainerd.
Kitchen: A habitable room used or intended to be used for cooking or the preparation of
meals.
License Actions:
(a) Issue – Rental license granted by the City of Brainerd.
(b) Revoke – Take back, withdraw, annul, or cancel the license.
(c) Deny – Withhold or refuse to grant a license
Non-dwelling structure: Any structure, except a dwelling, used or intended to be used
for the shelter or enclosure of any animal or property of any kind.
Notice: Notification or warning of something, especially to allow preparations to be
made.
Plumbing system: The plumbing system of a building includes the water supply
distributing pipes; the fixtures and fixture traps; the soil, waste, and vent pipes; the
building drain and building sewer; the storm water drainage, with their devices and
appurtenances; and connections within the building and outside the building within the
property line.
Roomer: An occupant of a rooming house who is not a member of the family of the
operator or a member of the family occupying the dwelling unit.
Shared bath dwelling: A dwelling unit which does not contain a water closet and a hand
lavatory and a bathtub or shower for the exclusive use of the occupants of the unit.
Any other definitions may be found in the current version of the International Property
Maintenance Code adopted by the City of Brainerd
ARTICLE II. PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODESection 425.1004 of the Brainerd, MN City Code § 425 Rental Housing Code establishes the official meanings of key terms used throughout the Rental Housing Code, covering everything from property types like 'dwelling' and 'efficiency unit' to safety-related concepts like 'hazardous wiring,' 'hazardous plumbing,' and 'emergency.' These definitions set the interpretive foundation for all subsequent articles of the code, ensuring that terms are applied consistently across licensing, maintenance, and conduct provisions. Additional definitions not listed here are drawn from the most current version of the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) as adopted by the City of Brainerd.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Brainerd, MN City Code § 425 Rental Housing Code § 425.1004 benefit from understanding these definitions precisely, as terms like 'hazardous wiring,' 'hazardous plumbing,' and 'hazardous heating installations' directly inform what conditions may trigger inspection findings or license actions. Compliant operators generally ensure that all systems in their rental units conform to applicable installation laws and are maintained in good working condition, consistent with how these terms are defined in § 425.1004. Familiarity with definitions such as 'dwelling unit,' 'rooming unit,' and 'shared bath dwelling' also helps operators correctly classify their properties for licensing purposes under 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 properties subject to Brainerd, MN City Code § 425 Rental Housing Code § 425.1004 can use these definitions to better understand their rights and the standards that apply to their housing. For example, the definitions of 'hazardous wiring,' 'hazardous plumbing,' and 'emergency' clarify what conditions may warrant attention from the Housing Inspector or other city authorities. Tenants who believe conditions in their unit may fall under these defined hazard categories may consider contacting the Brainerd Housing Inspector or a local tenant-rights organization to learn about available options under § 425.1004 and the broader Rental Housing Code.
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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