Minneapolis, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 12 § 244.160
Emergency orders (Minneapolis Housing Code)
Operative Text
Whenever the commissioner of health, the director of regulatory services or the fire marshal finds that an emergency exists in relation to the enforcement of the provisions of the housing maintenance code which requires immediate action to protect the health, safety or welfare of occupants of any dwelling or the public, (s)he may issue an order reciting the existence of such emergency and requiring that such action be taken as deemed necessary to meet the emergency, notwithstanding any other provisions of said code. However, when any such emergency shall be declared to exist the office declaring such emergency shall immediately report the same in writing to the city council. (Code 1960, As Amend., § 67.050; 82-Or-029, § 1, 2-12-82; 82-Or-044, § 1, 3-12-82; Pet. No. 252271, § 12, 5-11-90; 2013-Or-161, § 7, 12-6-13)
Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.160 authorizes designated city officials — the commissioner of health, the director of regulatory services, or the fire marshal — to issue emergency orders when an immediate threat to the health, safety, or welfare of dwelling occupants or the general public is identified. These orders can require action that overrides the normal procedural requirements of the housing maintenance code. Any time such an emergency is declared, the declaring office must promptly notify the city council in writing.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 244.160, property owners and managers should understand that city officials can bypass standard housing code procedures and issue binding emergency orders requiring immediate corrective action at a property. Compliant operators generally maintain properties in a condition that avoids triggering such declarations, keep lines of communication open with city inspectors, and respond promptly to any emergency order received. Because these orders carry the weight of immediate enforcement authority, operators typically document all steps taken to address the identified hazard.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 244.160 gives tenants a basis to understand that city officials have authority to act quickly when a dwelling poses an immediate threat — without waiting for the ordinary code-enforcement process to run its course. If occupants believe an emergency condition exists in their building, they may contact the Minneapolis Department of Regulatory Services, the commissioner of health, or the fire marshal to request an inspection or emergency review. Tenant-rights organizations in Minneapolis can also help residents understand how emergency order provisions interact with other housing protections available to them.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 15, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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