Minn. Stat. § 326B § 326B.124
EXEMPTIONS.
Operative Text
(a) The commissioner may exempt a part of a historic building occupied by the state from the state or another building, fire, safety, or other code if the exemption is necessary to preserve the historic or esthetic character of the building or to prevent theft, vandalism, terrorism, or another crime. When the commissioner grants an exemption, the commissioner shall consider providing equivalent protection. A certificate of occupancy may not be denied because of an exemption under this section. (b) The house of representatives and senate chambers located in the State Capitol are exempt from any State Building Code and State Fire Code requirements pertaining to: (1) door locks; (2) exit sign placement at exit access doors; and (3) occupancy limit signs. The house of representatives and senate may install door locks within their chambers in the State Capitol that meet their needs. The house of representatives and senate may install exit and occupancy limit signs within the house of representatives and senate chambers located in the State Capitol that are minimal in size and historic in appearance as appropriate for each chamber. Any door lock or sign installed by the house of representatives or the senate under the authority provided in this paragraph is not subject to the approval of the commissioner.
Minn. Stat. § 326B.124 establishes two categories of exemptions from standard building, fire, and safety codes for certain state-occupied historic buildings. First, the commissioner has discretionary authority to waive code requirements when compliance would compromise a building's historic or aesthetic character or create security risks, provided equivalent protections are considered and no certificate of occupancy may be withheld solely on that basis. Second, the State Capitol's legislative chambers are specifically and automatically exempt from code requirements governing door locks, exit sign placement, and occupancy limit signs, with the legislature retaining independent authority to install such features in historically appropriate forms without commissioner approval.
Plain English — not legal advice.
This provision under Minn. Stat. § 326B.124 applies specifically to state-owned or state-occupied historic buildings rather than to private rental properties. Property owners managing historic buildings that are occupied by the state should be aware that code exemptions in this context flow through the commissioner's office and require a formal determination that preservation or security interests justify the waiver. Operators of such properties generally document the historic or security rationale supporting any exemption request and ensure that equivalent protective measures are considered and recorded.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Minn. Stat. § 326B.124 governs code exemptions in state-occupied historic buildings and the State Capitol's legislative chambers, so its direct impact on residential tenants is limited. Tenants residing in or near historically designated state properties should be aware that certain standard code requirements—such as those for exit signage or door locks—may be modified under this provision, though equivalent protections are meant to be considered when exemptions are granted. Those with concerns about safety conditions in affected buildings may consult a tenant-rights organization or contact the relevant state agency to understand what protections remain in place.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 30, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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