Owatonna, Minn., Mun. Code Ch. 115 (2026) § 115.01
DEFINITIONS
Operative Text
For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. DWELLING UNIT. (1) A residential building or portion thereof wholly or partly used or intended to be used for living, sleeping, cooking or eating purposes by human occupants, rented or offered for rent by any person to any other person for use for residential purposes. DWELLING UNIT means and includes apartments, single-family dwellings or manufactured (mobile) homes. DWELLING UNIT does not include rest homes, convalescent homes, nursing homes, hotels, motels, dormitories or facilities licensed by the state as institutional occupancies. (2) The annual dwelling unit license and inspection fee shall be in an amount duly established by the Council from time to time. No license shall be issued under this section until the appropriate license fee shall be paid in full. FIRE CHIEF. The Chief of the Owatonna City Fire Department or authorized designee. (1992 Code, § 457:00) (Ord. 1316, passed 5-20-2003)
Section 115.01 of Owatonna Ch. 115 establishes the foundational definitions used throughout the subchapter governing fair housing and manufactured homes. A 'dwelling unit' covers residential buildings or portions thereof—including apartments, single-family homes, and manufactured (mobile) homes—that are rented or offered for rent for residential purposes, but explicitly excludes rest homes, nursing homes, hotels, motels, dormitories, and state-licensed institutional occupancies. The section also establishes that dwelling unit licenses carry a fee set by the City Council, which must be paid in full before a license is issued, and identifies the Fire Chief as the head of the Owatonna City Fire Department or their designee.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 115.01 of Owatonna Ch. 115, operators of residential rental properties—including apartments, single-family homes, and manufactured homes—are subject to the subchapter's licensing requirements. Compliant operators generally ensure that the annual dwelling unit license fee, as established by the Owatonna City Council, is paid in full before a license is issued or renewed. Operators of facilities such as nursing homes, hotels, or state-licensed institutional occupancies should note that those property types fall outside the definition of 'dwelling unit' under this section and are therefore not covered by this subchapter.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 115.01 of Owatonna Ch. 115 defines the types of residential rental properties—apartments, single-family homes, and manufactured (mobile) homes—that are protected under this subchapter, which is relevant to understanding whether a particular rental arrangement falls within its scope. Tenants living in covered dwelling units may have rights tied to the licensing and inspection framework established by this subchapter, including the requirement that landlords hold a valid, fee-paid license. Tenants who have questions about whether their rental qualifies as a 'dwelling unit' under § 115.01, or about their landlord's licensing status, may consider reaching out to the City of Owatonna or a local tenant-rights organization for general information.
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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