Owatonna, Minn., Mun. Code Ch. 151 (2026) § 151.02
SCOPE
Operative Text
The provisions of this code establish minimum standards for maintaining dwellings, accessory structures and premises. Such occupancies in existing buildings may be continued as provided in the International Building Code, with the following exceptions: (A) Where such structures are found to be substandard as defined in this code; (B) Where present and future licensed rental properties are not in compliance with this code or any other code, statute, ordinance or regulation and have not been granted a valid variance or deviation order or considered legally nonconforming; (C) Where continuation of such occupancy presents a clear danger to life, health, property, or public welfare. (1992 Code, § 460:02) (Ord. 1315, passed 5-20-2003; Ord. passed - -)
Owatonna Ch. 151 Rental Housing § 151.02 establishes the baseline scope of the city's rental housing code, setting minimum maintenance standards for dwellings, accessory structures, and their surrounding premises. Existing buildings may generally continue to be occupied under the International Building Code, but that allowance ends when a structure is deemed substandard, falls out of compliance with applicable codes or regulations without a valid variance, or poses a clear danger to life, health, property, or public welfare. The provision applies to both current and future licensed rental properties in Owatonna.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 151.02, compliant rental property operators in Owatonna maintain their dwellings, accessory structures, and premises at or above the minimum standards set by this code at all times. Operators typically ensure that any existing nonconforming conditions are either brought into compliance or covered by a valid variance or deviation order, since unlicensed noncompliance removes the protection of continued-occupancy status. Properties that fall into substandard condition or present a danger to life, health, or public welfare are subject to enforcement action regardless of how long they have been in operation.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 151.02 of Owatonna's Rental Housing Code gives tenants a baseline assurance that their dwelling, accessory structures, and premises must meet minimum maintenance standards, and that occupancy cannot lawfully continue if the property is substandard, noncompliant without a valid variance, or dangerous to life or health. Tenants who believe their rental falls into one of these categories may have grounds to raise a code violation as a defense in certain legal proceedings or to file a complaint with the appropriate Owatonna municipal authority. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid services can help renters understand what options are generally available under this provision.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.