Columbia Heights, Minn., Mun. Code Ch. 5A (2026) § 5A.211
ELECTRICAL
Operative Text
(A) Facilities required . Every occupied building shall be provided with an electrical system in compliance with the requirements of this section. (B) Service . The size and usage of appliances and equipment shall serve as a basis for determining the need for additional facilities in accordance with the Minnesota State Building Code. As a minimum, existing dwelling units shall be served by a three-wire, 120/240 volt, single-phase electrical service having a rating of not less than 60 amperes. (C) Electrical system hazards . Where it is found that the electrical system in a structure constitutes a hazard to the occupants or the structure by reason of inadequate service, improper fusing, insufficient receptacle and lighting outlets, improper wiring or installation, deterioration or damage, or for similar reasons, the Code Official shall require the defects to be corrected to eliminate the hazard. (D) Equipment . All electrical equipment, wiring and appliances shall be installed and maintained to the Minnesota State Building Code. (E) Receptacles . Every habitable space in a dwelling shall contain at least two separate and remote receptacle outlets. Every kitchen and laundry area shall contain at least one grounded-type receptacle or a receptacle with a ground fault circuit interrupter. Every water closet compartment and bathroom shall contain at least one receptacle with ground fault circuit interrupter protection. (F) Lighting fixtures . Every interior stairway, toilet room, kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, boiler room, furnace room and public hall, shall contain at least one electric lighting fixture. (G) Elevators, dumbwaiters and escalators . Elevators, dumbwaiters and escalators shall be maintained to sustain safely all imposed loads, to operate properly, and to be free from physical and fire hazards. The most current certificate of inspection shall be on display at all times within the elevator or attached to the escalator or dumbwaiter; or the certificate shall be available for public inspection in the office of the Building Operator. In buildings equipped with passenger elevators, at least one elevator shall be maintained in operation at all times when the building is occupied. Buildings equipped with only one elevator shall be permitted to have the elevator temporarily out of service for testing or servicing. (H) Duct systems . Duct systems shall be maintained in a clean condition, free of obstructions and shall be capable of performing the required function. (Ord. 1532, passed 11-26-07) Penalty, see § 5A.702
Columbia Heights Ch. 5A Rental Housing § 5A.211 establishes minimum electrical standards for occupied residential buildings. Every dwelling unit must be served by at least a 60-ampere, 120/240-volt electrical system, with sufficient outlets in each habitable room, grounded or GFCI-protected receptacles in kitchens, laundries, and bathrooms, and at least one lighting fixture in key common areas. Where the Code Official identifies an electrical hazard—whether from deterioration, improper wiring, or inadequate service—the provision requires that the defect be corrected. Elevators, escalators, and duct systems in covered buildings must also be kept in safe, functional condition with current inspection certificates accessible to occupants.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to Columbia Heights Ch. 5A Rental Housing § 5A.211 generally maintain electrical systems that meet or exceed the 60-ampere, 120/240-volt minimum, ensure each habitable room has at least two separate receptacle outlets, and install GFCI protection in kitchens, laundries, and bathrooms. Compliant operators keep all wiring, equipment, and appliances installed and maintained in accordance with the Minnesota State Building Code, and promptly address any defects flagged by the Code Official as hazardous. Buildings with elevators typically keep current inspection certificates posted inside the elevator or available in the building office, and ensure at least one elevator remains operational whenever the building is occupied.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in Columbia Heights rental housing are entitled to electrical systems that meet the standards set out in § 5A.211, including adequate amperage, properly placed outlets, GFCI protection in wet areas, and working lighting in stairways, bathrooms, kitchens, and common halls. If an electrical hazard or deficiency is observed—such as damaged wiring, missing outlets, or a non-functional elevator without a posted inspection certificate—tenants may report the condition to the Columbia Heights Code Official, who has authority under § 5A.211 to require corrections. Tenants may also wish to document conditions in writing and consult a local tenant-rights organization to understand the range of options available under § 5A.702, which addresses penalties for violations.
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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