Owatonna, Minn., Mun. Code Ch. 151 (2026) § 151.09

(A) Handrails. Handrails shall be continuous on one side of a stairway and shall be between 34 and 38 inches in height. Where a handrail has been removed it shall be replaced in compliance with the Building Code. A stairway shall be equipped with a handrail where a safety hazard exits.


(B) Exit hardware. Doors shall open from the inside without the need of special knowledge, effort or tools. Doors within common egress paths may not be equipped with hasps/padlocks, multiple locks, or double keyed deadbolt locks. Night latches, deadbolts, or security chains are acceptable within an individual dwelling unit.


(C) Lighting in common hallways.


(1) Generally. All public hallways, stairs and other exit ways shall be adequately lighted at all times. The level of light shall be maintained at an intensity of one foot candle at floor level. One foot candle can be approximated by having enough light to allow normally sighted people to see their own feet. In lieu of continuously operating electrical lighting it shall be acceptable to have motion activated lighting systems, provided such systems are instantaneously activated by movement anywhere within the public hallway, stair and other exit way.


(2) Exception. In duplexes and single residences conveniently located self-illuminated light switches controlling an adequate working lighting system which may be turned on when required may be substituted for full-time lighting.


(D) Exit signs and emergency lights. Exit signs and emergency lights must be maintained in sound working condition.


(E) Fire doors. Fire doors when provided must be sound, positive latching and self-closing. Fire doors shall be of solid construction of approved materials.


(F) Exit ways. Exit ways shall be free and clear of obstructions including storage, furniture, decorations, garbage, snow, or structural problems.


(G) Fire protection. Fire extinguishers shall be provided as follows:


(1) A 1A 10BC rated extinguisher shall be provided for each dwelling unit; or


(2) A 2A 10BC rated extinguisher shall be located within 75 feet of each dwelling unit door. No extinguisher shall be at a distance more than three steps up or down from the door of the dwelling unit. All fire extinguishers shall be accessible.


(G) Fire extinguisher maintenance.


(1) All fire extinguishers shall be checked monthly and logged to determine that they are present and under proper pressure.


(2) All fire extinguishers shall be inspected annually by a qualified person to determine that they are under proper pressure and that dry powder is not hard packed and that they are otherwise in good operating order. Annual inspections may be done by the owner with proper training or other qualified person.


(3) Every six years all ABC extinguishers shall be recertified by a professional service person.


(4) Proof of maintenance shall be evidenced by either a maintenance tag or maintenance log, or both.


(5) The qualified person may be either a commercial fire extinguisher maintenance firm or the owner with proper training.


(H) Smoke detectors.


(1) Single- or multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed and maintained regardless of the occupant load at all of the following locations:


(a) On the ceiling or wall outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms.


(b) In each room used for sleeping purposes.


(c) In each story within a dwelling unit, including basements but not including crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics. In dwellings or dwelling units with split levels and without an intervening door between the adjacent levels, a smoke alarm installed on the upper level shall suffice for the adjacent lower level provided that the lower level is less than one full story below the upper level.


(2) For dwellings built before 8-1-1989, detectors can receive their power from a battery supply. For dwellings built on or after 8-1-1989, detectors shall be connected to a centralized power source.


(3) Listed single- and multiple-station smoke alarms complying with UL 217 shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of this code and the household fire-warning equipment provisions of N.F.P.A. 72.


(4) A smoke detector shall be present and working in the basement, if the basement door opens to the main living area.


(5) The detectors may be battery operated or hard wired. Smoke alarms must be property maintained. Owners of dwelling units shall replace the batteries and battery smoke alarms at least annually or more often as necessary.


(6) Smoke alarms shall be tested at least once monthly. Smoke alarms shall be replaced every ten years.


(1992 Code, § 460:09) (Ord. 1315, passed 5-20-2003; Ord. passed - -)