Golden Valley, Minn., Code of Ordinances ch. 16, art. III § 16-55
Definitions
Operative Text
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: Annual Renewal Date: The date each year by when a rental license must be renewed, according to the schedule of fiscal years for rental licenses and fees established by the City Council pursuant to Section 16-24 . The City Council may establish a different annual renewal date for different types of rental dwellings and/or types of building in which rental dwellings may be located (e.g., single-family homes, duplexes, townhomes, condominiums, homes with services, etc.). Apartment Building: A building in which four or more rental dwellings are located and all such rental dwellings are owned by the same owner. Code Official: The City Manager or their designee. Dwelling Unit: A single dwelling space providing independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation. Operate: To charge a rental charge or other form of compensation for the use of a rental dwelling. Owner: The person owning or holding title to a rental dwelling as determined by an examination of record title to the property at the office of the County Recorder - Registrar of Titles. If more than one person owns or holds title to an individual rental dwelling, such persons shall collectively be an owner for purposes of this article. Qualifying Relative: Spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew. The relationship may be either by blood or marriage. The Code Official may require sufficient written proof to establish whether someone is a qualifying relative. Person: A natural person or legal entity. Property Manager: A person authorized to manage and/or operate a rental dwelling on behalf of an owner. Renewal License: A rental license that is a renewal of an existing rental license granted under this article, which renewal is granted to the same owner and for the same rental dwelling as the existing rental license. Rental License: The license required under this article, including any renewal thereof. Rental Dwelling: A dwelling unit in the City to which a tenant has been granted the right to use. A rental dwelling includes accessory structures such as garages and storage buildings and appurtenances such as sidewalks and retaining walls which are on the premises on which a rental dwelling is located. Tenant: Any person granted temporary use of a rental dwelling, other than the owner of the dwelling unit and/or qualifying relative of that owner, pursuant to a lease or other agreement, whether or not reduced to writing.
Golden Valley City Code ch. 16, art. III § 16-55 establishes the official definitions that govern the city's rental licensing framework. Key terms such as 'Rental Dwelling,' 'Owner,' 'Tenant,' 'Operator,' and 'Qualifying Relative' are given specific meanings that apply throughout Article III, and those meanings control how the licensing rules are interpreted and applied. Where the surrounding context of a provision suggests a different meaning, that context may override these definitions.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Golden Valley City Code ch. 16, art. III § 16-55, property owners and managers should be familiar with how the code defines terms central to their obligations, particularly 'Owner,' 'Operate,' 'Rental Dwelling,' and 'Annual Renewal Date.' Compliant operators generally ensure that anyone managing a property on their behalf is recognized as a 'Property Manager' under this section, and they track the renewal schedule set by the City Council for their specific dwelling type. Understanding that 'Rental Dwelling' includes accessory structures like garages and storage buildings helps operators apply licensing requirements to the full scope of what they rent.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Golden Valley City Code ch. 16, art. III § 16-55 defines who qualifies as a 'Tenant' under the city's rental licensing article — generally any person granted temporary use of a rental dwelling under a lease or agreement, excluding the owner and their qualifying relatives. This definition matters because it determines who is protected by and subject to the rules in Article III. Tenants who have questions about whether their living arrangement falls under these definitions may find it helpful to consult a tenant-rights organization or review the full article with a housing counselor.
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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