Roseville, Minn., Code of Ordinances ch. 1201 § 1201.14
Definitions
Operative Text
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this division, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: Family means one of the following: (1) Any group of people living together as a single housekeeping unit, all of whom are related by blood, marriage, or adoption plus children who are under foster care; (2) Up to four people not so related, living together as a single housekeeping unit; (3) Any group of people living together as a single housekeeping unit, if no more than two adult members function as the heads of the household group and the remaining members are dependent upon them for care and direction due to age, physical disability, a mental incompetency, or for other reasons; (4) Any individual, who is the owner, living and maintaining a common household and using a common cooking and kitchen facility. Local agent means the owner's representative who resides in any of the following state counties: Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, or Washington, and is authorized by the owner to make or order repairs or services for the property if in violation of the city or state codes. Owner means a person, agent, firm, or corporation having a legal or equitable interest in the property. In any corporation or partnership, the term owner includes general partners and corporate officers. Rent includes money or services in exchange for occupation of the unit. Residential rental property means any building, structure, room, enclosure, or mobile home with one to four units, including the real property upon which it is located and which surrounds it, which is rented or offered for rent as living quarters. The term "residential rental property" does not mean on-campus college housing, hospital units, nursing home units, multiple rental property over four units or hotels or motels with daily rental units, all of which shall be specifically exempt from registration under this division. Short-term rental means a non-owner-occupied dwelling unit rented for a period of 30 consecutive days or less. Rentals less than seven consecutive days are prohibited between October 1 and May 1, and rentals less than ten consecutive days are prohibited between May 1 and October 1. The use of recreational vehicles, campers or other similar vehicles as rentals is prohibited. Short-term rentals are governed by division 4 of this chapter, requiring a license. Unit means all or a portion of a residential rental property that is arranged, designed, used, or intended to be used as separate living quarters and which is leased to an individual or group.
Roseville Code of Ordinances ch. 1201 § 1201.14 establishes the working definitions for key terms used throughout the city's residential rental regulations. Among the most consequential definitions: "family" is defined broadly to include related individuals, groups of up to four unrelated people sharing a household, dependent-care arrangements, and sole owner-occupants; "residential rental property" covers one-to-four-unit buildings but explicitly excludes on-campus college housing, hospitals, nursing homes, larger multi-unit buildings, and hotels or motels. "Short-term rental" is defined as a non-owner-occupied unit rented for 30 consecutive days or fewer, with seasonal minimum-stay restrictions and a prohibition on recreational vehicles used as rentals.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Roseville's rental code should be familiar with the definitions in ch. 1201 § 1201.14, as these terms govern how the division's requirements apply to their properties. A compliant operator designates a "local agent" who resides in one of the seven listed metro-area counties and holds authority to order repairs or services when code violations arise. Owners of short-term rentals in particular should note that the definition triggers licensing requirements under division 4 of the chapter, and that seasonal minimum-stay rules restrict rentals of fewer than seven or ten consecutive days depending on the time of year.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in Roseville rental housing benefit from understanding the definitions set out in ch. 1201 § 1201.14, because those definitions determine whether a given property and living arrangement fall under the city's rental regulations. For example, the broad definition of "family" may affect how occupancy rules are applied to a household, and the definition of "unit" clarifies what constitutes a separately protected living space. Tenants who believe their housing situation is being mischaracterized — or that a landlord lacks a properly authorized local agent — may wish to contact the City of Roseville directly or consult a tenant-rights organization to understand available options.
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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