Wells, Minn., Mun. Code Ch. 150 (2026) § 93.07

(A) Every dwelling unit other than a long-term hotel dwelling unit or a rooming house dwelling unit shall have a room or portion of a room in which food may be prepared and cooked, which shall have adequate circulation area, and which shall be equipped with the following:


(1) A kitchen sink in good working condition and properly connected to water supply system which is approved by the City of Wells and which provides at al times an adequate amount of heated and unheated running water under pressure, and which is connected to a sewer system approved by the City of Wells;


(2) Cabinets or shelves for the storage of eating, drinking, and cooking equipment and utensils and of food that does not in ordinary summer condition require refrigeration for safe keeping; and a counter or table for food preparation; the cabinet or shelves and counter or table shall be of sound construction furnished with surfaces that are easily cleanable and that will not impart any toxic or harmful effect to food; and


(3) A stove, or similar device, for cooking food, and a refrigerator, or similar device, for the safe storage of food at temperatures less than 45°F but more than 32°F under ordinary maximum summer conditions, which are properly installed with all necessary connection for safe, sanitary, and efficient operation; provided that the stove, refrigerator, or similar devices need not be installed when a dwelling unit is not occupied and when the occupant is expected to provide same on occupancy.


(B) Within every dwelling unit, other than a long-term hotel dwelling unit or rooming house dwelling unit, there shall be provided a water closet, lavatory sink, and bathing facilities, equipped as follows:


(1) A non-habitable room which affords privacy to a person within the room and which is equipped with a flush water closet in good working condition. The flush water closet shall be equipped with easily cleanable surfaces, be properly connected to a water system that at all times provides an adequate amount of running water under pressure to cause the water closet to be operated properly, and shall be properly connected to a sewer system which is approved by the City of Wells. The room shall have an operable window or mechanical ventilation sufficient to provide the equivalent of 5 air exchanges per hour;


(2) A lavatory sink. The lavatory sink may be in the same room as the flush water closet, or, if located in another room, the lavatory sink shall be located in close proximity to the door leading directly into the room in which the water closet is located. The lavatory sink shall be in good working condition and properly connected to a water supply which is approved by the appropriate authority and which provides at all times and adequate amount of heated and unheated running water under pressure, and which is properly connected to a sewer system approved by the appropriate authority; and


(3) A room which affords privacy to a person within the room and which is equipped with a bathtub or shower in good working condition. The bathtub of shower may be in the same room as the flush water closet or in another room and shall be properly connected to a water supply system which is approved by the appropriate authority and which provides at all times an adequate amount of heated and unheated water under pressure, and which is connected to a sewer system approved by the appropriate authority.


(C) Every long-term hotel dwelling unit and rooming house dwelling unit shall have access to a water closet, lavatory sink, and bathing facilities equipped within the specifications of division (B) above. Each of these facilities may be available or used by no more than 2 long-term hotel or rooming house dwelling units.


(D) Every dwelling unit, long-term hotel dwelling unit, and rooming house dwelling unit shall have at least 2 means of egress leading to safe and open space at ground level, and which meet all requirements of Chapter 8 of the Uniform Housing Code. Every dwelling of a multiple dwelling shall have immediate access to 2 or more approved means of egress leading to safe and open space at ground level. Bedrooms located below the first floor shall be provided with an exterior door or window of the dimensions and construction as to be used as a means of emergency egress.


(E) Structurally sound hand rails shall be provided on any steps containing 3 or more risers. Porches, patios, or balconies located more than 30 inches higher than the adjacent area shall have structurally sound protective guardrails.


(F) Access to and from each dwelling unit, long-term hotel dwelling unit, and rooming house dwelling unit shall be provided without passing through any other dwelling unit, long-term hotel dwelling unit, or rooming house dwelling unit.


(G) No person shall let to another for occupancy any dwelling unit, long-term hotel dwelling unit, or rooming house dwelling unit unless all exterior doors and windows of the dwelling unit are equipped with appropriate, functioning locking devices.


(H) Every foundation, roof and exterior wall, door, skylight and window shall be reasonably weather-tight, water-tight and damp free, and shall be kept in sound condition and good repair. Floors, interior walls and ceilings shall be sound and in good repair. All exterior wood surfaces, other than decay resistant woods, shall be protected from the elements and decay by paint which is not lead-based paint or other protective covering or treatment.


(I) Every window, exterior door, and hatchway or similar device shall be so constructed to exclude insects during that portion of the year when there is a need for protection against mosquitoes, flies, and other flying insects.


(J) Accessory structures present or provided by the owner, agent, or tenant occupant on the premises of a dwelling shall be structurally sound and be maintained in good repair and free of insects and rodents, or the structures shall be removed from the premises. The exterior of the accessory structures shall be made weather resistant through the use of decay-resistant materials or the use of lead-free paint or other preservative.


(K) Every plumbing fixture and all water and waste pipes shall be properly installed and maintained in good sanitary working condition. All waste system clean-out plugs must be easily accessible.


(L) Every water closet compartment, bathroom and kitchen floor surface shall be constructed and maintained so as to be reasonably impervious to water and so as to permit the floor to be easily kept in a clean and sanitary condition.


(M) Every plumbing fixture and pipe, every chimney, flue and smoke pipe, every mechanical and electrical fixture and component, and every other facility, piece of equipment, or utility which is present in a dwelling unit, long-term hotel dwelling unit, or rooming house dwelling unit which is required under this chapter, shall be constructed and installed in conformance with the appropriate statutes, ordinances, and regulations of the Uniform Housing Code, City of Wells, and the State of Minnesota.


(N) No owner, operator, or occupant shall cause any service, facility, equipment, or utility which is required under this chapter to be removed from or shut off from or discontinued from any occupied dwelling unit, long-term hotel dwelling unit, or rooming house dwelling unit; except for the temporary interruption as may be necessary while actual repairs or alterations are in process, or during temporary emergencies when discontinuance of service is approved by the appropriate authority.


(O) Every dwelling shall be equipped with smoke detectors as required by Minnesota State Building Code.


(Ord. 231, passed 9-8-1997) Penalty, see § 10.99