Sartell, Minn., City Code title 4 ch. 8 (2026) § 4-8-10
Penalty, Violations and Termination of Rental License
Operative Text
4-8-10: PENALTY, VIOLATIONS AND TERMINATION OF RENTAL LICENSE
A. Penalty and Violations: It shall be unlawful for a person, firm, or corporation to be in conflict with
or in violation of any provisions of this Ordinance. Any person who fails to comply with any of the
requirements of this Ordinance shall be prosecuted within the limits provided by local and state
laws. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a
separate offense.
1. Penalty: A violation of any provision of this Ordinance is a misdemeanor and also subject to
an administrative citation in accordance with Title 1 of the City Code.
2. Violation: Whenever the Housing Inspector determines that a violation of this Ordinance has
occurred, notice shall be given to the licensee or person responsible for the violation. Such
notice shall be in writing, include a statement of the violation or violations and why the notice
is being issued, include a correction order allowing a reasonable time to make the repairs or
improvements and inform the licensee or person responsible of their right to appeal.
3. Re-inspection Fee: The Housing Inspector may re-inspect the rental property described in the
notice to certify that all corrections have been made.
a. First Re-inspection: One re-inspection will be allowed to certify that all corrections of any
violation(s) have been made.
b. Second Re-inspection: If the violation has not been corrected and the Housing Inspector
must return for additional re-inspections, a re-inspection fee as set forth by the City Fee
Schedule will need to be paid prior to the Housing Inspector returning to re-inspect the
property. Additional re-inspections will be subject to additional re-inspection fees.
B. Suspension and termination of rental license: The City may suspend or revoke a license or not
renew a license for part or all of a facility at any time the Housing Inspector can determine that
any owner, person, firm, corporation, or partnership subject to this Ordinance has failed to comply
with the provisions of this Ordinance by means such as:
1. False or misleading information given or provided in connection with the license application or
renewal.
2. Failure to correct violations in the time period prescribed.
3. Violations committed or permitted by the licensed owner and/or the manager, or tenant, of
any rules, codes, statutes, and ordinances related to, pertaining to, or governing the license
and the premises.
4. Failure to pay all real estate taxes and special assessments levied against the rental property
and/or other fines, fees, charges or other financial claims owed to the City or the State of
Minnesota.
5. Failure to allow an inspection of a rental property pursuant to Section 4-9-8.
6. Failure to provide updated application information during the license period.
7. Commission of a felony related to the licensed activity by the property owner or manager.
8. Violation of an owner’s duties under Minnesota statutes sections 299C.66 to 299C.71
9. Failure to comply with any part of this Ordinance.
a. Notification: A decision to suspend a license shall be effective immediately upon notice to
the licensee. A decision to revoke, deny or not renew a license will be preceded by
written notice to the applicant, or licensee. Notice shall be in writing, include a statement
of the violation or violations and why the license is being revoked, suspended, denied or
not renewed.
b. Request for Hearing: If a hearing is desired by the licensee, the licensed owner must
affirmatively request an evidentiary hearing in writing, to be received by the City
Administrator. If such written notice is received by the City Administrator prior to
expiration of the time specified for compliance, the City shall set a time for such hearing
and shall inform the owner of the time and place at which the City Council will meet to
consider such testimony as may be offered concerning the proposed violation. This
hearing shall be evidentiary in nature and conducted before the Sartell City Council,
which shall determine whether an ordinance or statutory violation did occur, warranting
revocation or suspension of the rental license. The determination of the City Council
shall be final and subject only to any rights of review or appeal to the State courts as
provided by statute. If a request is not made prior to expiration of the time specified for
compliance, the right to an evidentiary hearing is deemed waived.
c. Non-Compliance: In the event that a rental license is suspended by the Housing
Inspector, it shall be unlawful for the owner or the duly authorized agent or manager to
thereafter permit any new occupancy of vacant or thereafter vacated rental units until
such time as a rental license is restored. In the event compliance has not been
completed within the time provided, or a hearing has not been requested by the owner in
writing, the Housing Inspector shall recommend to the City and the City Council may
terminate the license. In the event that a rental license is revoked by the City Council, it
shall be unlawful for the owner or the duly authorized agent or manager to thereafter
permit any rental occupancy until such time as a rental license may be restored by the
City Council. When a rental license is revoked, the property shall be vacated as of the
effective date of the revocation and remain vacated until restoration of the license. In the
case of suspension, restoration shall occur automatically upon re-inspection if
compliance is completed prior to revocation. In the case of revocation, restoration of the
license shall occur only after the owner of the premises has made an application for a
new license, paid a new license fee and passed a property maintenance inspection. The
new license may then be issued upon completion of the revocation period.Section 4-8-10 of Sartell's Rental Property Licensing and Maintenance Ordinance establishes that violating any part of the ordinance is a misdemeanor offense, with each day a violation continues after notice counting as a separate offense. The City also has authority to impose administrative citations, charge re-inspection fees for repeated non-compliance, and suspend or revoke a rental license for a range of failures—including providing false information, failing to correct violations, or committing a felony related to the licensed activity. When a license is revoked, the affected rental property must be vacated and cannot be re-occupied until a new license is obtained through a formal application process.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators subject to § 4-8-10 of Sartell's Rental Property Licensing and Maintenance Ordinance generally maintain compliance by promptly correcting any violations identified in a written notice from the Housing Inspector within the prescribed correction period, since each additional day of non-compliance constitutes a separate offense. Compliant operators also ensure that all license application information remains accurate and up to date, that real estate taxes and city fees are paid, and that inspections are not obstructed. If a suspension or revocation action is initiated, § 4-8-10 provides a process for requesting an evidentiary hearing before the Sartell City Council, but that request must be submitted in writing to the City Administrator before the compliance deadline expires or the right to a hearing is waived.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 4-8-10 of Sartell's Rental Property Licensing and Maintenance Ordinance, tenants have an interest in knowing that a landlord's failure to maintain a valid rental license—or the revocation of that license—can result in a requirement that the property be vacated, which directly affects occupancy rights. If a rental license is revoked, the ordinance prohibits any new or continued rental occupancy until the City Council restores the license, meaning tenants may have grounds to raise licensing status as a relevant factor in housing-related proceedings. Tenants who believe their landlord is operating in violation of this ordinance can contact the City of Sartell's Housing Inspector to report concerns, or reach out to a local tenant-rights organization for general information about 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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