Inver Grove Heights, Minn., Mun. Code Ch. 13 (2026) § 4-13-9
INSPECTIONS
Operative Text
A. For the purpose of safeguarding the health and safety of the general public and of the occupants of rental dwellings, and to determine compliance with this chapter, the housing official and/or the chief building official (authorized officer) may conduct inspections of licensed dwellings and dwelling units to determine the condition of the dwellings and dwelling units. For the purpose of making the inspection, the authorized officer is authorized to enter the premises and inspect the building in which rental dwelling units are located and all rental dwellings and rental dwelling units at all reasonable times. 1. Notice: Prior to making the inspection, the authorized officer will inform the owner or property manager of the rental dwelling or dwelling unit to be inspected of the date and time of the inspection by personal service or posting on the door to the premises notice of the inspection, or regular mail postmarked not less than five (5) days prior to the time the inspection is made. 2. Access: After the written notice has been given, the owner, occupant or manager of the rental dwelling or dwelling unit must give the authorized officer free access to the building and rental dwellings and dwelling units for the purpose of the inspection. 3. Emergency Access: The authorized officer must be allowed immediate entry: a. At any time when in the opinion of the authorized officer an actual emergency tending to create an immediate danger to public health or safety exists; or b. At any time when the inspection has been requested by the owner, the property manager, or a resident of the dwelling or dwelling unit. B. Application For Warrant: Upon a refusal of any owner, occupant or property manager to permit the authorized officer access to a dwelling, dwelling unit or premises to make an inspection, the authorized officer may make application to the appropriate court for an order or warrant directing the inspection. C. Interference With Official Duties: It is unlawful for any person to prevent, delay or interfere with representatives of the city while they are engaged in the performance of their official duties under this chapter. (Ord. 1325, 10-24-2016; amd. Ord. 1517, 11-10-2025)
Inver Grove Heights Ch. 13 Rental License § 4-13-9 establishes the framework under which city housing and building officials may inspect licensed rental dwellings to assess health, safety, and code compliance. Inspections generally require advance written notice to the owner or property manager at least five days before entry, though immediate access is permitted in genuine emergencies or when requested by the owner, manager, or a resident. Blocking or interfering with an authorized officer carrying out these duties is expressly prohibited, and officials may seek a court order if access is denied.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 4-13-9, compliant rental operators typically acknowledge inspection notices promptly and ensure that the property is accessible to the authorized officer at the scheduled time. Operators generally maintain current contact information with the city so that the required five-day advance notice — whether delivered in person, posted on the door, or sent by regular mail — reaches the right party without delay. Refusing entry or obstructing an inspection can lead to the city seeking a court-ordered warrant, so cooperative access is a standard part of responsible license management.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 4-13-9 gives residents a direct role in the inspection process: a tenant's own request to the city can trigger an authorized officer's right to immediate entry, bypassing the standard five-day notice requirement. Tenants should be aware that once proper written notice has been given, the law requires that the authorized officer be granted free access to the unit. Residents who have concerns about inspection procedures or believe their rights under this provision have not been respected may contact the city's housing or building office, 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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