Brooklyn Park, Minn., Mun. Code Ch. 117 (2026) § 117.42
DEFINITIONS
Operative Text
For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
APARTMENT. A community, complex, or building having a common owner and containing 16 or more living units.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE.
Document issued by the city, stating that the building has been inspected and is in compliance with applicable property maintenance codes and ordinances.
CITY MANAGER
. The City Manager or the City Manager's designated agent
DWELLING. A building or one or more portions thereof occupied or intended to be occupied for residence purposes; but not including rooms in motels, hotels, nursing homes, boarding houses, trailers, tents, cabins or trailer coaches.
GENERAL HOUSING UNIT. A dwelling other than an apartment, including but not limited to a townhouse, condominium, double bungalow, residential zero lot line (split double), single family or tri-plex.
LET FOR OCCUPANCY or TO LET. To permit possession or occupancy of a dwelling or living unit by a person who is not the legal owner of record thereof, pursuant to a written or unwritten lease, or pursuant to a recorded or unrecorded agreement whether or not a fee is required by the agreement.
LIVING UNIT. A single unit providing complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation.
OCCUPANT. Any person living or sleeping in a dwelling; or having possession of a space within a dwelling.
OPERATE. To let for occupancy or to let.
OPERATOR/MANAGER. Any person who has charge, care or control of a structure or premises which is let or offered for occupancy.
OWNER/LICENSEE. Any person, agent, operator, firm or corporation having a legal or equitable interest in the property; or recorded in the official records of the state, county or municipality as holding title to the property; or otherwise having control of the property, including the guardian of the estate of any such person, and the executor or administrator of the estate of such person if ordered to take possession of real property by a court, or any person representing the actual owner.
PERSON. An individual, corporation, firm, association, company, partnership, organization or any other group acting as a unit.
RENT. To let for occupancy or to let.
RENTAL DWELLING. Any apartment or general housing unit let for occupancy.
SMALL APARTMENT
. A community, complex, or building containing four or more or fewer than 16 living units.
STRUCTURE. Anything constructed or erected on, or connected to the ground.
('72 Code, § 455:10) (Am. Ord. 1983-421(A), passed 5-9-83; Am. Ord. 1996-795, passed 1-22-96; Am. Ord. 2001-956, passed 8-13-01; Am. Ord. 2002-975, passed 6-10-02; Am. Ord. 2002-987, passed 12-16-02; Am. Ord. 2004-1021, passed 11-15-04; Am. Ord. 2005-1036, passed 5-23-05; Am. Ord. 2007-1068, passed 2-20-07)Brooklyn Park Ch. 117 Rental Dwellings § 117.42 establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout the rental dwelling subchapter, setting precise meanings for terms like 'apartment' (16 or more units under common ownership), 'general housing unit' (smaller residential structures such as single-family homes or townhouses), and 'rental dwelling' (any apartment or general housing unit let for occupancy). These definitions determine how the subchapter's requirements apply to different property types and parties. The distinctions drawn here — particularly between apartments, small apartments, and general housing units — can affect which specific rules and obligations apply to a given property.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Brooklyn Park should familiarize themselves with the definitions set out in § 117.42, as the category into which a property falls — whether an 'apartment' of 16 or more units, a 'small apartment' of 4 to 15 units, or a 'general housing unit' — determines which regulatory obligations apply under the subchapter. Compliant operators generally ensure that their properties are correctly classified and that anyone exercising 'charge, care or control' of a rental property understands their role as an 'operator/manager' under this section. Keeping accurate records of unit counts and ownership structure helps support proper classification under § 117.42.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Brooklyn Park Ch. 117 Rental Dwellings § 117.42 defines who qualifies as an 'occupant,' what constitutes a 'living unit,' and what types of properties fall under the subchapter's protections, which can be relevant when determining whether a particular housing arrangement is covered by the city's rental dwelling rules. Tenants living in structures that meet the definition of a 'rental dwelling' — including both larger apartment complexes and smaller general housing units — may be entitled to the protections established elsewhere in Ch. 117. Those with questions about whether their housing situation falls within these definitions may find it helpful to contact the City of Brooklyn Park directly or reach 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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