Minneapolis, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 12 § 244.310
Basement water closet (Minneapolis Housing Code)
Operative Text
A water closet may be located in a basement when required for a legal dwelling unit or shared bath unit within such basement. A water closet may be located in a basement when such water closet is supplementary to water closets required by the housing maintenance code. (Code 1960, As Amend., § 70.040; 82-Or-106, § 10, 6-11-82)
Minneapolis Code § 244.310 addresses when a toilet (water closet) may be placed in a basement. Under this rule, a basement toilet is permitted in two situations: when it is required to serve a legal dwelling unit or shared bathroom located in that basement, or when it serves as a supplementary fixture beyond what the housing maintenance code already mandates. The provision does not prohibit basement toilets outright but sets the conditions under which they are allowed.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators managing properties in Minneapolis should be aware that § 244.310 permits basement water closets only under specific circumstances — either to serve a legally recognized basement dwelling or shared bath unit, or as a supplementary fixture. Compliant operators generally ensure that any basement toilet installation meets one of these two qualifying conditions and is consistent with the broader housing maintenance code requirements. Documenting the purpose and classification of basement plumbing fixtures can help demonstrate compliance during inspections.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
If you live in a basement dwelling unit in Minneapolis, § 244.310 establishes that a toilet serving your unit is a recognized and permitted fixture under the code. Tenants who believe their basement unit lacks required plumbing fixtures, or that existing fixtures do not meet code standards, may consider contacting Minneapolis's housing inspection or code enforcement office to request an inspection. Tenant-rights organizations in Minneapolis can also help explain how this provision interacts with broader housing maintenance code protections.
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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