HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrd. 267 - Housing Maintenance Code
CITY OF ANDOVER
COUNTY OF ANOKA
STATE OF MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO. 267
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A HOUSING MAINTENANCE CODE FOR THE
CITY OF ANDOVER.
An Ordinance repealing Ordinance No. 100 adopted Apri121, 1992.
The City Council of Andover hereby ordains as follows:
Section 1.
Purpose.
The purpose of this Ordinance is to protect the public health, safety a.l1d the general
welfare of the people Qfthe City. These objectives include, the follo\\ing:
1. To protect the character and stability of residential areas within the City;
2. To conect and prevent housing conditions that adversely affect or are likely to
adversely affect the life, safety, general welfare and health;
3. To provide minimum standards for heating and sanitary equipment and for iight
and ventilation necessa.ry to protect the healL1. and safety of occupants of
buildings;
4. To prevent the overcrowding of dwellings;
5. To provide minimum standards for the maintenance of existing residential
buildings and to thus prevent suhstandard housing and blight;
6. To preserve the value ofland and buildings throughout the City.
With respect to disputes between tenants and landlords, and except as otherwise
specifically provided by the terms of this ordinance, it is not the intention of the City
Council to intrude upon the accepted contractual relationship between the tenant and
landlord. The City Council does not intend to intervene as an advocate of either party,
nor to act as arbiter, nor to be receptive to complaints from tenant or landlord which are
not ordinance related. In the absence of such relevancy with regard to rental disputes, it
is intended that the contracting parties exercise such legal sanctions as are available to
them without the intervention of City government. In enacting this ordinance it is not the
intention of the City Council to interfere or permit interference with legal rights to
personal privacy.
Section 2.
Ap{llicabilitv of Ordinance.
This ordinance establishes minimum standards for maintaining dwelling units, accessory
structures and related premises. This ordinance is intended to provide standards for rental
housing and to provide standards to allow resolution of complaints regarding owner-
occupied housing.
Section 3.
Definitions.
The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation and enforcement of this
ordinance.
Accessorv Use or Structures a use or structure subordinate to, and serving the principal
use or structure on the same lot and customarily incidental thereto which is not used for
living or sleeping by human occupants.
Andover Buildinf! Code
the Minnesota State Building Code adopted by the City.
Buildinf! any structure having a roof which may provide shelter or
enclosure for persons, animals, or chattel, and when said structure is divided by party
walls without openings, each portion of such building so separated shall be deemed a
separate building.
Building Official the designated agent authorized by the City Council to
administer and enforce this ordinance.
Dwellinf! a building or one (1) or more portions thereof occupied or
intended to be occupied for residential purposes; but not including rooms in motels,
hotels, nursing homes, boarding houses, trailers, tents, cabins or trailer coaches.
Dwellinf! Unit
one (1) family.
a single fanlily dwelling or unit designed to accommodate
Familv
a.
An individual, or two (2) or more persons related by
blood, marriage or adoption living together, or
b. A group of not more than five (5) persons who need
not be related by blood, marriage or adoption, living
together as a single house keeping unit in a dwelling
unit, exclusive of usual servants.
Flush Water Closet a toilet with a bowl and trap made in one (1) piece, which is
connected to the City water and sewer system or other approved water supply and sewer
system.
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Garbaf!e animal and vegetable waste, resulting from the handling,
preparation, cooking, marketing or processing of food, or the nonconsumed waste
resulting from animals or humans consuming food.
Habitable Buildin~ any building or part thereof that meets minimum standards
for use as a home or place of abode by one (1) or more persons.
Habitable Room a room enclosed floor space used or intended to be used for
living, sleeping, cooking, or eating purposes, excluding bathrooms, water closet
compartments, laundries, furnace rooms, unfinished basements, (those without required
ventilation, required electric outlets and required exit facilities), pantries, utility rooms of
less than fifty (50) square feet of floor space, foyers, communicating corridors, stairways,
closets, storage spaces, and workshops, hobby and recreation areas in parts of the
structure below ground level or in attics.
Heated Water water heated to a temperature of not less than 110 degrees
Fahrenheit, or such lesser temperature required by government autllOrity, measured at
faucet outlet.
Kitchen a space which contains a sink with counter working space,
space for installing cooking with refrigeration equipment, and space for the storage for
cooking utensils.
Maintenance upkeep of property and equipment in a safe working
condition for which it was installed and/or constructed.
Multiple Familv Dwellinf!
dwelling units.
a dwelling or portion thereof containing two (2) or more
Occuvant any person (including owner operator) living, sleeping,
cooking and eating in a dwelling unit or living and sleeping in a rooming unit.
Overate
to charge rent for the use of a unit in a rooming unit.
Operator the owner or his/her agent who has charge, care, control, or
management of a building, or part thereof, in which dwelling units or rooming units are
let.
Owner any person, firm or corporation who alone, jointly, or
severally with others, shall be in actual possession of, have charge, care of, or
control of any dwelling, dwelling unit, or rooming unit within the City as owner,
employee or agent of the owner, or as trustee or guardian ofthe estate or person of the
title holder. Any person representing the actual owner shall be bound to comply with the
provisions of this ordinance to the same extent as the owner.
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Permissible Occupancy the maximum number of persons permitted to reside in a
dwelling unit or rooming unit.
Person an individual, firm, partnership, association, corporation,
company or joint venture or organization of any kind.
Plumbinf! all of the following supplied facilities and equipment in a
dwelling: gas pipes, gas burning equipment, water pipes, steam pipes, garbage disposal
units, waste pipes, water closets, sinks, installed dishwashers, lavatories, bathtubs, shower
baths, installed clothes washing machines, catch basins, drains, vents and any other
similar fixtures and the installation thereof, together with all connections to water, sewer
and gas lines.
Premises a platted lot or part thereof or unplatted parcel of land, and
adjacent right-of-way either occupied or unoccupied by any dwelling or nondwelling
structure, including such building or accessory structure.
Public Hall a hall, corridor or passageway for providing egress from a
dwelling unit to a public way and not within the exclusive control of one (1) family.
/lefuse
as defined and regulated in the Zoning Ordinance.
Rental Dwellinf!
a dwelling unit for hire.
Revair the construction or renewal of any part of an existing
building or its utilities, facilities or equipment for the purpose of its maintenance.
Rodent Harboraf!e
their habitat.
a place where rodents commonly live, nest, or establish
Roominf! Unit any room or group of rooms forming a single habitable unit
used or intended to be used for living and sleeping, but not for cooking and eating
purposes.
Safety the condition of being reasonably free from danger and
hazards which may cause accidents or diseases.
Substandard Dwellinf! any dwelling which does not conform to the minimum
standards established by City ordinances.
Suvvlied paid for, furnished by, provided by or under the control of
the owner, operator, or agent of a dwelling.
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Meaning of certain words. Whenever the words "dwelling", "dwelling unit",
"premises", or "structures" are used in this ordinance, they shall be construed as though
they were followed by the words "or any part thereof'.
Section 4.
Responsibilities of Owners and Occunants.
No owner or other person shall occupy or let to another person any dwelling, dwelling
unit or rooming unit unless it and the premises are fit for human occupancy and comply
with all applicable legal requirements of the State of Minnesota and the City, and as set
forth specifically in this Section.
Maintenance of Shared or Public Areas. Every owner of a dwelling containing two (2) or
more dwelling units shall maintain or shall provide for maintenance of the units shared
along with all public areas of the dwelling and premises thereof.
Housekeening of Occupied Areas. Every occupant of a dwelling, dwelling unit or
rooming unit shall properly housekeep the dwelling unit and premises thereof that he/she
occupies and controls.
Storage and Disposal of ~efuse. Every occupant of a dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming
unit shall store and dispose of all his/her refuse and garbage and any other organic waste
which might provide food for insects and/or rodents in a manner approved by the city.
The City requires that refuse and garbage be disposed of by a garbage hauler.
Responsibility for Storage and Disposal of Garbage and Refuse. Every o\vnerofa
multipie family dwelling shall supply facilities for the storage and/or disposal of refuse
and garbage. In the case of single or two-family dwellings, it shall be the responsibility
of the occupant to furnish such facilities as prescribed by the City ordinance.
Responsibility for Storm and Screen Doors and Windows. The owner of a rental
dwelling unit shall be responsible for providing, maintaining a..'ld hanging all screen and
storm doors and storm windows whenever the same are required under the provisions of
this ordinance.
Responsibility for Pest Extermination. Every occupant of a dwelling containing a single
dwelling unit shall be responsible for the extermination of vermin infestations and/or
rodents on the premises. Every occupant of a dwelling unit in a dwelling containing
more than one (1) dwelling unit shall be responsible for such extermination whenever
his/her dwelling unit is the only one infested. Notwithstanding, however, whenever
infestation is caused by the failure of the owner to maintain a dwelling in a reasonable
rodent-proof condition, extermination shall be the responsibility of the owner. Whenever,
infestation exists in two (2) or more of the dwelling units in any dwelling or in the shared
or public parts of any dwelling containing two (2) or more dwelling units, extermination
thereof shall be the responsibility of the owner.
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Rodent Harborages Prohibited in Occupied Areas. No occupant of a dwelling or dwelling
unit shall accumulate boxes, firewood, lumber, scrap metal or any other similar materials
in such a manner that may provide a rodent harborage in or about any dwelling or
dwelling unit Outside stored materials shall be stacked neatly in plies at least four (4)
inches of bare soil or ground.
Rodent Harborages Prohibited in Public Areas. No owner of a dwelling containing two
(2) or more dwelling units shall accumulate or permit the accumulation of boxes, lumber,
scrap metal or any other similar materials in such a manner that may provide a rodent
harborage in or about shared or public areas of a dwelling or premises. Materials stored
outside by the owner or permitted to be stored by the owner shall be stacked neatly in
plies at least four (4) inches above bare soil or ground.
Prevention of Food for Rodents. No owner or occupant of a dwelling unit shall store,
place or allow to accumulate any materials that may serve as food for rodents in a site
accessible to rodents.
Maintenance of Plumbing Fixtures and Facilities. The owner or occupant ofa dwelling
unit shall maintain all supplied plumbing fixtures and facilities therein.
Minimum Heating Capability and Maintenance. In every dwelling urltt or rooming unit
when the control of the supplied heat is the responsibility of a person other tharl the
occupant, a temperature of at least seventy (70) degrees Fahrenheit or such lesser
temperature required by government authority shall be maintained atfloor level, when the
outdoor temperature is twenty (20) degrees below zero Fahrenheit.
Removal of Snow and Ice. The owner of any rental dwelling shall be responsible for the
removal of snow and ice from parking lots and/or driveways, steps and walkways on the
premises. Individual snowfalls of three (3) inches or more or successive snowfall
accumulations to a depth of three (3) inches shall be removed from walkways and steps
within forty-eight (48) hours after cessation of the snowfall.
Minimum Exterior Lighting. The owner of a rental dwelling or dwellings shall be
responsible for providing and maintaining in good conditions paved and delineated
parking areas and driveways for tenants.
Maintenance of Drivewav and Parking Areas. The owner of a multiple family dwelling
or dwellings shall be responsible for providing and maintaining in good condition paved
and delineated parking areas and driveways for tenants.
Section 5.
Minimum Standards for Basic Eauipment and Facilities.
No person shall rent or let to another for occupancy, any dwelling or dwelling unit for the
purposes of living, sleeping, cooking and eating therein which does not comply with the
following minimum standards for basic equipment and facilities.
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Kitchen Sink. Provide a kitchen sink in good working condition which is properly
connected to an approved water supply system and which provides at all times an
adequate amount of heated and unheated running water under pressure and which is
connected to an approved sewer system per City ordinance.
Cabinets/Shelves. Provide cabinets and/or shelves for the storage of eating, drinking and
cooking equipment and utensils and of food that does not require refrigeration for
safekeeping; and a counter or table for food preparation. Said cabinets and/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 deleterious effect to food.
Cooking Facilities. Provide a stove or similar device for cooking food and a refrigerator
similar device for the safe storage of food at or below forty (40) degrees Fahrenheit,
which are properly installed with all necessary connections for safe, sanitary and .efficien.t
operation. Such stove, refrigerator or similar devices need not be installed when a
dwelling unit is not occupied and when which case sufficient space and adequate
connections for the installation and operation of said stove, refrigerator or similar device
must be provided.
Toilet Facilities. Within every dwelling unit there shall be a nonhabitable room which is
equipped with a flush water closet in compliance with the Minnesota State Plumbing
Code. Such room shall have an entrance door which affords privacy. Said flush water
closet shall be equipped with easily cleanable surfaces, shall be connected to an approved
water system that at all times provides an adequate amount of running water under
pressure to cause the heater closet to be operated properly, and all shall be connected to a
sewer system in compliance with City ordinance.
Lavatory Sink. Within every dwelling unit there shall be a lavatory sink. Said 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 said water closet is located. The lavatory sink shall be in good working
condition and shall provide at all times an adequate amount of heated and unheated
running water under pressure and shall be connected to an approved sewer system in
compliance with City ordinance.
Bathtub or Shower. Within every dwelling unit there shall be a nonhabitable room which
is equipped with a bathtub or shower in good working condition. Such room shall have
an entrance door which affords privacy. Said bathtub or shower may be in the same room
as the flush water closet, or in another room, and all shall be properly connected to an
approved water supply system and shall provide at all times an adequate amount of
heated and unheated water under pressure and shall be connected to an approved sewer
system in compliance with City ordinance.
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Section 6.
Stairways. Porches and Balconies.
Every stairway, inside or outside of a dwelling, and every porch or balcony shall be kept
in safe condition and sound repair. Stairs and handrails shall conform to the Andover
Building Code standards. Every porch, balcony or deck which is thirty (30) inches or
more above grade shall have a guardrail and shall be fIrmly fastened and maintained in
good condition. No flight of stairs shall have settled out of its intended position or have
pulled away from the supporting or adjacent structures enough to cause hazard. No flight
of stairs shall have rotting, loose or deteriorating supports. Excepting spiral and winding
stairways, the treads and risers of every flight of stairs shall be essentially uniform in
width and height. Stairways shall be capable of supporting a live load of 100 pounds per
square foot of horizontal projection.
Section 7.
Access to Dwellinl! Units.
Access to or egress from each dwelling unit shall be provided without passing through
any other dwelling unit.
Section 8.
Door Locks.
No O\'il1er shall let or rent to another for occupancy any dwelling or dwelling unit unless
all exterior doors Qfthe dwelling or dwelling units are equipped with safe, functioning
locking devices. Rental dwellings shall be furnished with door locks as follows:
1. For the purpose of providing a reasonable amount of safety and general welfare
for persons occupying multiple family dwellings with common areas, an
approved security system shall be maintained for each multiple family building to
control access. The security system shall consist of locking building entrance or
foyer doors, and locked doors leading from hallways into individual dwelling
units. Dead-latch type door locks shall be provided with releasable lever knobs
(or doorknobs) on the inside of building entrance doors and with key cylinders on
the outside of the building entrance doors. Building entrance doors latches shall
be of type that are permanently locked.
2. Every door that provides ingress or egress for a dwelling unit within a
multiple family building shall be equipped with an approved lock that has a
deadlocking bolt that cannot be retracted by end pressure, provided however, that
such door shall be openable from the inside without the use of a key or any special
knowledge or effort.
3. All multiple family dwellings in existence prior to April 21, 1992 which were not
previously required to have an approved security system, shall not be subject to
the requirements of Section 8( 1).
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Section 9.
Minimum Standards for Lie:ht and Ventilation.
No person shall occupy as owner, occupant or let to another for occupancy any dwelling
or dwelling unit for the purpose of living therein which does not comply with the
following minimum standards for light and ventilation.
Habitable Room Ventilation. Except where there is supplied some other device affording
ventilation and approved by the Building Official, every habitable room shall have at
least one (1) window facing directly outdoors which can be opened easily. The minimum
total of openable window area in every habitable room shall be greater often (10) percent
of the floor area of the room, with a minimum often (10) square feet.
Nonhabitable Room Ventilation. Every bathroom and water closet compartment, and
every laundry and utility room shall be provided with natural ventilation by means of
windows, or skylights having an area of not less than ten (10) percent of the floor area of
such rooms, with a minimum ofthree (3) square feet, except that no windows shall be
required if such rooms are equipped with a ventilation system which is approved by the
Building Official.
Electric Service. Outlets and Fixtures. Every dwelling unit and all public and common
areas shall be supplied with electric service, functioning over current protection devices,
electric outlets, and electric fixtures which are properly installed, which shall be
maintained in a safe working condition, and shall be connected to a source of electric
power in a manner prescribed by ordinance, rules and regulations of the City and by laws
of the State of Minnesota. The minimum capacity of such electric service and the
minimum number of electric outlets and fixtures shall be as follows:
1. A dwelling containing one (1) or two (2) dwelling units shall have at least
the equivalent of 100 ampere, three-wire electric service per dwelling unit.
2. Each dwelling unit shall have at least one (1) branch electric circuit for each
600 square feet of dwelling unit floor area.
3. Every habitable room shall contain one (1) electrical convenience outlet
for each twelve (12) lineal feet, or major fraction thereof, measured horizontally
around the room at the baseboard line, provided that in each one (1) ceiling-type
electric light fixture may be substituted for one (1) of the required electrical
convenience outlets.
4. Every water closet compartment, bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, and furnace
room shall contain at least one (1) supplied ceiling-type or wall-type electric
convenience outlet
5. Every public hall and public stairway in every multiple dwelling shall be
adequately lighted to provide at least ten (10) foot candles of illumination
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of all parts thereof at all times by means of properly located electric light
fixtures; provided that such electrical lighting may be omitted from sunrise
to sunset where there are windows or skylights opening directly to the outside and
where the total window or skylight area is at least one-tenth (1/10) of the
combined horizontal area of the floor and stairway of each such public hallway
and where such windows or skylight provided adequate natural light to all parts of
each public hallway. Every public hall and stairway in dwellings containing two
(2) dwelling units shall be supplied with convenient light switches, controlling an
adequate lighting system that will provide at least ten (10) foot candles of
illumination on all parts thereof, which may be turned on when needed.
6. A convenient switch or equivalent device for turning on a light in each dwelling
unit shall be located near the point of entrance to such unit.
Section 10. Minimal Thermal Standards.
No person shall occupy as owner, occupant or let to another for occupancy any dwelling
or dwelling unit, for the purpose of living therein which does not have heating facilities
which are properly installed and maintained in a safe and working condition and which
are capable of safely heating all habitable rooms, bathrooms and water closet
compartments in every dwelling unit located therein to a temperature of at least seventy
(70) degrees Fahrenheit or such lesser temperature required by government authority to
be maintained at floor level, when the outdoor temperature is twenty (20) degrees below
zero Fahrenheit.
Gas or electric appliances designed primarily for cooking or water heating purposes shall
not be considered as heating facilities within the meaning of this Section.
Portable heating equipment employing flame and the use of liquid fuel does not meet the
requirement of this Section and is prohibited.
No owner or occupant shall install, operate or use a space heater employing a flame that
is not vented outside the structure in an approved manner.
Section 11. General Requirements.
No person shall occupy as owner, occupant or let to another for occupancy any dwelling
or dwelling unit for the purpose of living therein which does not comply with the
following requirements:
Foundations. Exterior Walls and Roofs. The foundation exterior walls and exterior roof
shall be substantially water tight and protected against vermin and rodents and shall be
kept in sound condition and repair. The foundation element shall adequately support the
building at all points. Every exterior wall shall be free of structural deterioration or any
other condition which might admit rain or dampness to the interior portion of the walls or
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to the interior spaces of the dwelling. The roof shall be tight and have no defects which
admit rain and roof drainage and shall be adequate to prevent rain water from causing
dampness in the walls. All exterior surfaces, other than decay resistant materials, shall be
protected from the elements and decay by paint or other protective covering or treatment.
If approximately twenty-five (25) percent or more of the total exterior surface is
unpainted or lacks protective coating or is determined by the Building Official to be
deteriorated, the surface shall have a protective covering applied. If approximately
twenty-five (25) percent or more of the total exterior surface of the pointing of any brick,
block or stone wall is loose or has fallen out, the surface shall be prepared.
Windows, Doors. and Screens. Every window, exterior door and hatch way shall be
substantially tight and shall be kept in repair. Every window other than a fixed window
or storm window shall be capable of being easily opened and closed. Every window,
door and frame shall be constructed and maintained in such relation to the adjacent wall
construction as to completely exclude rain, vermin and rodents from entering the
building.
Floors. Interior Walls and Ceilings. Every floor, interior wall and ceiling shall be
protected against the passage and harborage of vermin and rodents and shall be kept in
sound condition and good repair. Every floor shall be free of loose warped, protruding or
rotting flooring materials. Every interior wall and ceiling shall be maintained in a tight
waterproof condition. Toxic paints or materials with a lasting toxic effect shall not be
used. Every toilet room and bathroom floor surface shall be capable of being easily
maintained.
Rodent Proof. Buildings found to be rodent infested shall be made rodent resistant. All
openings in the exterior walls, foundations, basements, ground or first floors and roofs
which have 1/2 foot diameter or larger opening shall be rodent proofed in an approved
maimer. Interior floors or basements, cellars and other areas in contact with the soil shall
be paved with concrete or other rodent impervious materiaL
Fence Maintenance. All fences supplied by the owner on the premises and all fences
erected by an occupant on the premises shall consist of metal, wood, masonry or other
decay resistant materials. Fences shall be maintained in good condition. Materials, other
than decay resistant varieties, shall be protected against decay by use of paint or other
preservatives.
Accessorv Structure Maintenance. Accessory structures shall be structurally sound and
be maintained in good repair. The exterior of such structures shall be made weather
resistant through the use of decay-resistant materials such as paint or other preservatives.
Safe Building Elements. Every foundation, roof, floor exterior and interior wall, ceiling,
inside and outside stair, every porch and balcony, and every appurtenance thereto, shall
be safe to use and capable of supporting normal structural loads.
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Facilities to Function. All equipment or utilities required under City ordinances and
every chimney and flue shall function effectively in a safe and working condition.
Grading and Drainage. Every yard, court, or passageway on the premises on which a
dwelling stands shall be graded and drained so as to be free of standing water that
constitutes a detriment to health and safety.
Yard Cover. Every yard of a premises on which a dwelling stands shall be maintained to
prevent dust and erosion.
Section 12. Maintenance Standards.
Every dwelling within the City shall conform to the Uniform Building Code.
Section 13. Maximum Densitv. Minimum Space. for Rental Units.
No person shall permit or let to be occupied any rental dwelling for the purpose of living
therein which does not comply with the following requirements:
1. Permissible Occuoancv of Dwelling Unit. The maximum permissible
occupancy of any rental dwelling unit shall be determined as follows:
A. For the first occupant, 150 square feet of habitable room floor space and
for every additional occupant thereof, at least 100 square feet of
habitable room floor space.
B. In no event shall the total number of occupants exceed two (2) times
the number of habitable rooms, less kitchen, in the dwelling unit.
2. One (1) Familv Per Dwelling Unit. Not more than one (1) family, except for
temporary guests, shall occupy a dwelling unit.
Section 14. Enforcement and Ins{lection Authoritv.
The Building Official shall administer and enforce the provisions of this ordinance when
reason exists to believe that a violation of the provisions of this ordinance has been or is
being committed. Inspections shall be conducted during reasonable hours and the
Building Official shall present evidence of his /her official capacity to the owner or
occupant in charge of the dwelling unit. The Building Official shall keep confidential all
evidence, exclusive of the inspection record, which he/she may discover or obtain in the
course of an inspection made pursuant to this Section and such evidence shall be
considered privileged.
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Section 15. Inspection Access.
If any owner, occupant, or other person in charge of a dwelling, dwelling unit, rooming
unit, or of a multiple dwelling fails or refuses to permit free access and entry to the
structure or premises under his control, or any part thereof, with respect to which an
inspection authorized by this ordinance is sought to be made, the Building Official may,
upon a showing that probable cause exists for the inspection and for the issuance of an
order directing compliance with the inspection requirements of this section with respect
to such dwelling, dwelling unit; rooming unit, or multiple dwelling, petition and obtain
such order from a court of competent jurisdiction.
Section 16. Unfit for Human Habitation.
Any dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming unit or portion thereof which is damaged,
decaying, dilapidated, unsanitary, unsafe, vermin or rodent infested or which lacks
provision for basic illumination, ventilation or sanitary facilities to the extent that the
defects create a hazard to the health, safety or welfare of the occupants or of the public
may be declared unfit for human habitation. Whenever any dwelling, dwelling unit or
rooming unit has been declared unfit, the Building Official shall order same vacated
within a reasonable time and shall post a placard on same indicating that it is unfit for
hlilllan habitation, and any operating license previously issued for such dwelling shall be
revoked pursuaIlt to law.
It shall be unlawf,ll for such dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming unit or portion thereof to
be used for human habitation until the defective conditions have been corrected and
written approval has been issued by the Building OfficiaL It shall be unlawful for any
person to deface or remove the declaration placard from any such dwelling unit
Section 17. Secure Unfit and Vacant Dwellings.
The owner of any dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming unit which has been declared unfit
for human habitation or which is otherwise vacant for a period of sixty (60) days or more
shall make the same safe and secure so that it is not hazardous to the health, safety and
welfare of the public and does not constitute a public nuisance. Any vacant dwelling
open at doors, windows, or wall opening, if unguarded shall be deemed to be a hazard to
the health, safety and welfare of the public and is a public nuisance within the meaning of
this ordinance.
Section 18. Hazardous Buildin!! Declaration.
In the event that a dwelling has been declared unfit for human habitation and the owner
has not remedied the defects within a prescribed reasonable time, the dwelling may be
declared a hazardous building and may be removed, razed or corrected pursuant to the
provisions of Minnesota Statutes, Section 463.15 to 463.26.
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Section 19. ComDliance Order.
Whenever the Building Official determines that and dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming
unit or portion thereof is in violation of this or any other ordinance, he/she may issue a
Compliance Order setting forth violations of the ordinance and ordering the owner,
occupant, operator or agent to correct such violations. This Compliance Order shall:
1. Be in writing.
2. Describe the location and nature of the violations of this ordinance.
3. Establish a reasonable time frame, not to exceed sixty (60) days, to correct such
violation and notify the owner of his appeal recourse.
4. Be served upon the owner, operator and occupant, or any of them, provided that
such notice shall be deemed to be properly served upon such owner, operator, or
occupant, if a copy thereof is:
A. Served to he/she personally; or
B. Sent by registered mail to hislher last known address;
C. Upon failure to effect notice through (a) or (b) as set out in this
section, service may be made pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 463.17,
Subd. 2, which reads as follows:
This order shall be served upon the owner of record, of his agent is in
charge of the building, and upon the occupying tenant, if there is one, and
upon all lien holders of record, in the manner provided for service of a
summons in a civil action. If the owner cannot be found, the order shall be
served upon him by posting it at the main entrance to the building and by
four weeks publication in the official newspaper of the municipality if it
has one, otherwise in a legal newspaper in the County."; or
D. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 145.22.
Section 20. Ril!ht to ADpeal.
When it is alleged by any person to whom a Compliance Order is directed that such
Compliance Order is based upon erroneous interpretation of this ordinance, or upon a
misstatement or mistake of fact, such person may appeal the Compliance Order to the
City Council. Such appeal, must be accompanied by a filing fee as designated by City
Council in cash or cashier's check and must be filed with the Building Official within
five (5) business days after service of the Compliance Order. The filing of an appeal shall
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stay all proceedings in furtherance of the action appealed from unless such stay would
cause imminent peril to life, health or property.
Section 21. Board of Ap{Jeal's Decision.
Upon at least five (5) business days notice to the appellant the time and place for hearing
the appeal and within thirty (30) days after said appeal is filed, the City Council shall
hold a hearing thereon. The City Council shall fmd that the order be reversed, modified
or affirmed in whole or in part.
Section 22. Restrictions or Transfer or Ownership.
It shall be unlawful for the owner of any dwelling, dwelling unit or rooming unit upon
whom a pending Compliance Order has been served to sell, transfer, mortgage or lease or
otherwise dispose thereof to another person until the provisions of the Compliance Order
have been complied with, unless such owner shall furnish to grantee, lessee or mortgagee
a true copy of any notice of violation or Compliance Order and shall obtain and possess a
receipt of acknowledgment. Anyone securing an interest in the dwelling, dwelling unit or
rooming unit who has received notice of the existence of a Compliance Order shall be
bound by same without further service of notice upon him/her and shall be liable to all
penalties and procedures provided by this ordinance.
Section 23. Pena~Jjes.
Any person who fails to comply with a Compliance Order after a right of appeal has
expired and any person who fails to comply with a modified Compliance Order within
the time set therein, upon conviction thereof, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Section 24. Execution of Compliance Orders bv Public Authoritv.
Upon failure to comply with a Compliance Order within the time set therein, and no
appeal having been taken, or upon failure to comply with a modified Compliance Order
within the time set therein, the criminal penalty established hereunder notwithstanding,
the City Council after due notice to the owner may by resolution cause the cited
deficiency to be remedied as set forth in the Compliance Order. The cost of such remedy
shall be a lien against the subject real estate and may be levied and collected as a special
assessment in the manner provided by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 429, for any reasons
set forth in Section 429.101, Subd. 1, and specifically for the removal and elimination of
public health or safety hazards from private property, but the assessment shall be payable
in a single installment. It is the intent of this Section to authorize the City to utilize
Section 429.101 of the Minnesota Statutes to promote the public's health, safety and
general welfare.
15
Section 25. Severability Clause.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance is for any reason
held to be invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of
this ordinance.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Andover on this 20th day of Julv. 1999.
CITY OF ANDOVER
ATTEST:
~ tJy/L
Victoria V olk, City Clerk
16
CITY OF ANDOVER
COUNTY OF ANOKA
STATE OF MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO. 267 SUMMARY
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A HOUSING MAINTENANCE CODE
FOR THE CITY OF ANDOVER.
STATUTORY AUTHORIZATION AND POLICY
Statutory Authorization
This ordinance is adopted pursuant to the authorization and policies contained in
Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 105, Minnesota Regulations, Parts 6120.2500-
6120.3900, and the planning and zoning enabling legislation in Minnesota
Statutes, Chapter 462.
Policy
The purpose of this ordinance is to provide minimum standards for the
maintenance of rental dwelling units in the City. The housing maintenance code is
hereby adopted to protect the character and stability of residential areas within the
City and prevent substandard housing and blight.
Jurisdiction
The provisions of this ordinance shall apply to the City of Andover.
Enforcement
The Building Official or his/her designees shall have the authority to enforce the
provisions of this ordinance.
Interpretation
Interpretation of the provision of this ordinance shall be held to be the minimum
requirements and shall be liberally construed in the favor of the governing body
and shall not be deemed a limitation or repeal of any other powers granted by State
Statutes.
Abrogation and Greater Restrictions
It is not the intent of this ordinance to repeal, abrogate, or impair any existing
easement, covenants or deed restrictions. However, where this ordinance imposes
greater restrictions, the provisions of this ordinance shall prevail. All other
ordinances inconsistent with this ordinance shall prevail. All other ordinances
inconsistent with this ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of the
inconsistency only.
A printed copy of this ordinance is available for inspection by any person during
regular office hours of the City Clerk and at the Andover Branch of the Anoka
County Library.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Andover on this 3rd day of August,
1999.
ATTEST:
CITY OF ANDOVER
~dtb
Victoria V olk, City Clerk
. t RJc/{L