St. Paul Park, Minn., Code of Ordinances ch. 18, art. IV § 18-61
Definitions
Operative Text
The following words, terms, and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: Dwelling: A building or one or more portions of a building occupied or intended to be occupied for residential purposes. Dwelling, multiple: A building designed with two or more dwelling units exclusively for occupancy by two or more families living independently of each other. Dwelling, single: A dwelling unit designed exclusively for occupancy by one family not attached to another dwelling. Dwelling unit: A residential building or portion thereof intended for occupancy by one family. Family: A person living alone or any of the following groups, provided that the members of the group live together as a single housekeeping unit and do not exceed the maximum occupancy limits of the city code and/or state building code: (1) An individual plus one or more person related by blood, marriage, adoption, guardianship or other duly-authorized custodial relationship, including foster children and bona fide domestic servants employed on a full-time basis by the family in the dwelling unit; or (2) Two unrelated people and any children related to either of them; or (3) One or more persons occupying a premises, subject to a limit of not more than three unrelated persons 18 years of age or older; or (4) Group residential facilities licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Let for occupancy or to let or let to rent: To permit possession or occupancy of a building or property, whether or not compensation is paid, by a person who is not the legal owner of record thereof, pursuant to a written or unwritten lease. Occupant or tenant: Any person living or sleeping in a dwelling unit, or having possession of a space within a dwelling unit. Owner: Owner means and includes all individuals, groups of individuals, or corporation interested in a property as fee simple owner, life estate holder, encumbrancer, or otherwise. Rental dwelling unit: Any room or rooms, or space, in any rental dwelling designed or used for residential occupancy by one or more persons who are not the owner or a member of the owner's family.
Section 18-61 of St. Paul Park Code of Ordinances ch. 18, art. IV establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout the rental housing article. It defines key terms such as 'dwelling,' 'dwelling unit,' 'family,' 'owner,' 'tenant,' and 'rental dwelling unit,' setting the boundaries for how each concept applies within the article. Notably, the definition of 'family' includes specific limits on the number of unrelated adults who may occupy a unit together, and the definition of 'let for occupancy' covers arrangements regardless of whether rent is exchanged. These definitions shape how all other provisions in the article are interpreted and applied.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in St. Paul Park should be familiar with the definitions established in ch. 18, art. IV § 18-61, as these terms govern the scope of the entire rental housing article. The definition of 'owner' is broad, encompassing fee simple owners, life estate holders, and encumbrancers, meaning various parties with property interests may carry compliance obligations. Compliant operators generally ensure that occupancy arrangements align with the 'family' definition, particularly the limit of no more than three unrelated persons aged 18 or older, and that any arrangement allowing non-owner occupancy—paid or unpaid—is understood to constitute 'letting' under this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants in St. Paul Park benefit from understanding the definitions in ch. 18, art. IV § 18-61, as these terms determine who qualifies as a tenant, what counts as a rental dwelling unit, and how occupancy rules are applied throughout the article. The definition of 'occupant or tenant' is inclusive, covering anyone living, sleeping, or holding possession of space within a dwelling unit. Tenants who believe a landlord is misapplying these definitions—for example, regarding who qualifies as a 'family' or what constitutes a rental arrangement—may find it useful to consult a local tenant-rights organization or review how these definitions interact with other provisions in the article.
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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