Cambridge, Minn., City Code ch. 97 (2026) § 97.16
Exterior Structure
Operative Text
§ 97.16 EXTERIOR STRUCTURE
The owner of any premises shall comply with the following requirements:
(A) Foundations, walls, roof and other exterior surfaces. Every foundation, exterior wall, roof and
all other exterior surfaces shall be maintained in a professional state of maintenance and repair.
(1) The foundation elements shall adequately support the building at all points.
(2) Every exterior wall shall be free of holes, breaks, loose or rotting boards or timbers and
any other conditions that might admit dampness to the interior portions of the wall or to the interior
spaces of structures.
(3) All exterior surfaces, other than decay-resistant woods, shall be protected from the
elements and decay by paint that is not lead-based paint or by other protective covering or
treatment.
(4) The roof shall be tight, impervious to water and have no defects that admit water or
dampness to the interior of the building. No building roof shall be used for storage of any materials
things or objects unless approved by the enforcement officer.
(B) Stairs, porches, decks and railings.
(1) Every outside stair, every porch and deck shall be constructed safely and capable of
supporting a load as determined in the Building Code and shall be kept in sound condition and good
repair. Every stairway, porch, deck or step that is more than 30 inches above grade shall have
guardrails and intermediate rails no more than nine inches apart and in accordance with the Building
Code or maintained in accordance with the Building Code in effect when originally constructed.
(2) Every flight of stairs that is more than three risers high shall have handrails in
accordance with the Building Code or maintained in accordance with the Building Code under which it
was originally constructed.
(3) Stairs, steps, porches, decks, handrails, balustrades and guardrails deemed hazardous
by the enforcement officer shall be corrected so as to be in compliance with the Building Code.
(C) Windows, doors and hatchways. Every window, exterior door and basement hatchway shall
be substantially tight and shall be kept in sound condition and repair.
(1) Windows shall be fully supplied with window panes that are without open cracks or holes.
(2) Sashes shall be in sound condition and fit reasonably tightly within the frame.
(3) Every window, other than a fixed window, shall be capable of being easily opened and
have hardware to hold it in the open position. Locking hardware shall be required on all windows up
to and including the second story and every other window that is accessible by an adjacent fire
escape, stairway, and the like.
(4) Every basement window that can open shall be supplied with a screen or hardware
cloth of not more than 16 mesh per inch that fits tightly and is securely fastened to the frame, or with
other materials affording equivalent protection. Basement windows required for egress can be
equipped with bars or hinged units with hasps and padlocks that can be easily opened from the
interior for emergencies. Basement windows not required for egress can be equipped with fixed bars.
(5) Every window required for ventilation, or other outside opening used for ventilation
purposes, shall be supplied with a screen of not less than 16 mesh per inch.
(6) Every exterior door and its hardware shall be in sound condition and fit within its frame.
(7) Every basement hatchway shall be so constructed and maintained as to prevent the
entrance of rodents, rain and surface drainage water into the structure.Cambridge, MN City Code § 97.16 establishes that property owners are responsible for keeping the exterior of their buildings—including foundations, walls, roofs, stairs, porches, windows, and doors—in sound condition and good repair. The rule sets specific standards for structural integrity, weather resistance, safety railings, and pest prevention, and prohibits the use of lead-based paint on exterior surfaces. Roof storage is not permitted unless an enforcement officer approves it, and any feature deemed hazardous by that officer must be brought into compliance with the Building Code.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 97.16, compliant property owners routinely inspect and maintain all exterior components—foundations, walls, roofs, stairs, porches, decks, windows, and doors—to ensure they meet the structural and weatherproofing standards described in the code. Operators generally verify that guardrails, handrails, and intermediate rails meet Building Code spacing and height requirements, that exterior surfaces are protected with non-lead-based paint or equivalent treatment, and that windows carry appropriate screens, locking hardware, and intact glazing. Keeping documentation of inspections and repairs can help demonstrate ongoing compliance if an enforcement officer conducts a review under § 97.16.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 97.16 of the Cambridge Housing Code gives tenants a basis to raise concerns when exterior elements such as a leaking roof, deteriorating walls, broken windows, missing railings, or inadequate door hardware are not maintained to the standards the provision describes. Tenants who observe such conditions may report them to the local code enforcement authority, which has the power to require the owner to correct deficiencies. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand how documented exterior defects may be relevant to broader housing code complaints or other remedies available under Cambridge, MN regulations.
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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