Columbia Heights, Minn., Mun. Code Ch. 5A (2026) § 5A.601
HAZARDOUS BUILDING DECLARATION
Operative Text
In the event that a premises has been declared unfit for human habitation and the owner/tenant has not remedied the effects within a prescribed reasonable time, the premises may be declared hazardous and treated in accordance with the provisions of Minnesota Statutes. (A) Unsafe structures . An unsafe structure is one that is found to be dangerous to the life, health, property or safety of the public or the occupants of the structure by not providing minimum safeguards to protect or warn occupants in the event of fire, or because such structure contains unsafe equipment or is so damaged, decayed, dilapidated, structurally unsafe or of such faulty construction or unstable foundation, that partial or complete collapse is possible. (B) Unsafe equipment . Unsafe equipment includes any boiler, heating equipment, elevator, moving stairway, electrical wiring or device, flammable liquid containers or other equipment on the premises or within the structure which is in such disrepair or condition that such equipment is a hazard to life, health, property or safety of the public or occupants of the premises or structure. (C) Structure unfit for human occupancy . A structure is unfit for human occupancy whenever the Code Official finds that such structure is unsafe, unlawful or, because of the degree to which the structure is in disrepair or lacks maintenance, is unsanitary, contains a large accumulation of storage or debris which causes a dangerous increase to the fire load and prevents the normal use of equipment within the structure, vermin infested, contains filth and contamination, or lacks ventilation, illumination, sanitary or heating facilities or other essential equipment required by this code, or because the location of the structure constitutes a hazard to the occupants of the structure or to the public. (D) Unlawful structure . An unlawful structure is one found in whole or in part to be occupied by more persons than permitted under this code, or was erected, altered or occupied contrary to city code. (Ord. 1532, passed 11-26-07; Am. Ord. 1695, passed 4-22-24)
Columbia Heights Ch. 5A Rental Housing § 5A.601 establishes a framework for identifying and declaring buildings hazardous when they pose risks to occupants or the public. The provision defines four categories of concern — unsafe structures, unsafe equipment, structures unfit for human occupancy, and unlawful structures — each describing conditions that can trigger official action. When an owner or tenant fails to remedy a declared unfit condition within a reasonable time, the premises may be formally declared hazardous and handled under Minnesota Statutes.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 5A.601, compliant property operators in Columbia Heights generally maintain their buildings free of structural decay, faulty construction, unsafe equipment (such as defective boilers, electrical systems, or elevators), and conditions like vermin infestation or inadequate ventilation. When a Code Official identifies a deficiency, operators typically respond promptly within any prescribed remediation period to avoid a formal hazardous building declaration. Keeping occupancy levels within code-permitted limits and ensuring no unpermitted alterations have been made are also part of maintaining a lawful structure under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
§ 5A.601 recognizes that tenants living in structures with serious hazards — including structural instability, unsafe equipment, unsanitary conditions, or vermin infestation — may be protected by a formal hazardous building declaration process. Tenants who believe their home meets one of the defined categories (unsafe structure, unsafe equipment, unfit for occupancy, or unlawful structure) may consider contacting the Columbia Heights Code Official to request an inspection. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Minnesota housing law can help explain how a hazardous or unfit declaration under this provision may affect lease obligations and available remedies.
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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