4 60 - Residential Property Maintenance Code§ 4.60
Golden Valley City Code Page 1 of 18
Section 4.60:
Residential Property Maintenance Code
Subdivision 1. Title
This ordinance shall be known as the Residential Property Maintenance Code (the
“RPMC”) of Golden Valley.
Subdivision 2. Scope
In order to insure the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of Golden Valley,
this Section 4.60 of the City Code requires certain minimum standards for all
residential dwellings or dwelling units.
Subdivision 3. Definitions
For the purposes of this Section, the following terms are defined as follows:
A. Accessory Structure: A structure subordinate to the principal use of the
land or a building on the same lot and serving a purpose customarily
incidental to the principal use or structure except as provided for essential
services.
B. Administrative Citation: An official notification of a violation of any
provision of this Section. Such citations require correction of the violation and
may impose administrative penalty or penalties upon the responsible party.
Source: Ordinance No. 349, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 9-15-06
C. Bedroom: A habitable room used or intended to be used by human beings
for sleeping purposes.
D. Common Area: Portions of a structure held in common for the exclusive use
of all renters or owners of individual dwelling units within said structure.
Source: Ordinance No. 319, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 2-10-05
E. Compliance Order: An official notification of violation of any provision of
this Section. Such orders shall require correction of the violation but shall not
impose administrative penalty or penalties upon the responsible party.
Source: Ordinance No. 349, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 9-15-06
F. Cord of Firewood: Means a unit of cut fuel wood, equal to one hundred
twenty-eight (128) cubic feet in a stack.
Source: Ordinance No. 357, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 1-12-07
§ 4.60
Golden Valley City Code Page 2 of 18
G. Dwelling or Dwelling Unit: A single, secure dwelling space providing
independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent
provisions for sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.
Source: Ordinance No. 339, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 12-16-05
H. Firewood: Wood or wood product used or intended for heating fuel in a
residence or for recreational fire. Painted or treated wood shall not be
considered firewood.
Source: Ordinance No. 357, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 1-12-07
I. Habitable Room: Any room or enclosed floor space for sleeping or living
purposes, excluding such closed places as closets, water closet
compartments, common areas, attics, or spaces used exclusively for storage.
Source: Ordinance No. 319, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 2-10-05
J. Multiple-dwelling Properties, Multiple-dwelling Buildings or Multiple-
dwellings: A property or building containing three (3) or more dwelling
units.
Source: Ordinance No. 339, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 12-06-05
K. Neat, Secure Stack: A stack of firewood that is piled in a regular, orderly
arrangement that is stable and reasonably resistant to collapse.
Source: Ordinance No. 357, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 1-12-07
L. Occupant: Any person living or sleeping in a building, or having possessions
of a space within a building.
M. Owner: The person (or entity) who owns or holds title to the property.
Source: Ordinance No. 349, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 9-15-06
N. Pest and Rodent Harborages: Any location in which pests or rodents are
predisposed to or would be able to live, nest, or seek shelter. In all instances,
an insect shall be considered a pest.
Source: Ordinance No. 319, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 2-10-05
O. Property: Residential property in any of the residential zoning districts.
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Golden Valley City Code Page 3 of 18
P. Residential: Activities within land areas used predominantly for housing.
Source: Ordinance No. 349, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 9-15-06
Q. Water Closet Compartment: Any space containing a wash basin and a
water closet. It may also, but is not required to include a bathtub, a shower,
or both.
Source: Ordinance No. 319, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 2-10-05
*Relettering Sources: Ordinance
No.339,349 & 357; 2nd Series
Effective Date: 12-16-05, 9-15-06 and
1-12-07
Subdivision 4. Responsibility
A. The owner or occupant of any residential property shall be responsible for all
provisions in this Section which are applicable thereto but only to the extent
that he/she has access thereto.
Source: Ordinance No. 349, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 9-15-06
B. With respect to rental properties:
Source: Ordinance No. 386, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 12-14-07
1. The owner shall be responsible for preventing the accumulation of
garbage and debris in all common areas. The owner and/or occupant shall
be responsible for preventing the accumulation of garbage and debris
within private, secured residences.
2. No person shall occupy any dwelling unit which does not comply with the
minimum standards provided in this Section.
Source: Ordinance No. 349, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 9-15-06
3. All property owners shall be responsible for providing garbage pickup and
water and sewer services.
Source: Ordinance No. 386, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 12-14-07
C. The owner shall be solely responsible for the prevention of pest and rodent
harborages throughout the entire structure and property.
D. No person shall occupy any dwelling unit which does not comply with the
minimum standards provided in this Section.
Source: Ordinance No. 319, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 2-10-05
§ 4.60
Golden Valley City Code Page 4 of 18
Subdivision 5. Minimum Exterior Standards
All residential properties shall meet or exceed the following minimum exterior
standards:
A. Structure. The foundation, exterior walls, exterior roof, and all appurtenances
thereto shall be kept in sound condition and repair. The foundation must
adequately support the building at all points. Exterior walls shall be
maintained and kept free from decay, dilapidation by cracks, tears or breaks
from deteriorated plaster, stucco, brick, wood, or other material that is
extensive and shows evidence of neglect. The protective surface on exterior
walls of a building above ground level must be maintained in good repair so
as to provide a sufficient covering and protection of the structural surface
underneath against its deterioration. Without limiting the generality of this
Subdivision, a protective surface of a building shall also be deemed to be out
of repair if:
1. The protective surface is paint which is blistered or peeled to an extent of
more than fifteen percent (15%) of the area of any plane or wall or other
area including windows, trims, cornices, railings, and other such areas;
2. More than ten percent (10%) of the pointing of any chimney or fifteen
percent (15%) of the pointing of any brick or stone wall is loose or has
fallen out; or
3. More than fifteen percent (15%) of the finish coat of a stucco wall is worn
through, chipped away, broken, or damaged, revealing the metal lathe or
any part of the underlying structure.
B. Accessory structures. Accessory structures must be structurally sound,
securable, and maintained in good repair and appearance. Exterior walls,
doors, and windows of accessory structures must be maintained in
accordance with the standards set forth for principal structures in Subdivision
5.A.
C. Windows and entries. Windows, exterior doors, and basement hatchways
shall be reasonably weather tight, watertight, rodent proof and securable;
and kept in sound working condition and good repair. Any operable window
shall be provided with a screen to prevent the entry of insects and rodents.
D. Gutters and downspouts. Existing gutters, leaders and downspouts must be
maintained in good working condition as to provide proper drainage of storm
water. In no case may storm water be channeled into the sanitary sewer
system. Storm water, ice, or snow may not be directed into, or channeled
across walkways or streets where it is likely to be a hazard to life or health.
E. Walks, drives, lawn steps and stoops. Walks, driveways, lawn steps, and
stoops shall be maintained in good repair.
§ 4.60
Golden Valley City Code Page 5 of 18
F. Landscaping requirements. Landscaping maintenance on all parts of the
property shall be in accordance with Section 10.51 of the City Code.
G. Driveway and Parking Area. The owner of any structure or property shall be
responsible for providing a driveway and parking area in accordance with
Chapter 11 of the City Code. Any such driveway or parking area shall at all
times be maintained in good repair.
H. Retaining Walls. All retaining walls, or similar structures shall be maintained
in good repair with proper anchorage and in safe condition. It shall be the
responsibility of the owner to repair or replace any retaining wall deemed not
to be in good repair by the City Manager or designee.
I. Signs. The owner or occupant of any structure or property shall be
responsible for maintaining signs in accordance with Section 4.20 of the City
Code. It shall be the responsibility of the property owner or occupant to
repair replace, or remove any sign deemed not to be in good repair.
J. Awnings. All awnings upon the property or attached to the structure(s) shall
be maintained in good repair. It shall be the responsibility of the property
owner to repair, replace, or remove any awning deemed not to be in good
repair.
K. Sanitation. All exterior property and premises shall be maintained in a clean,
safe and sanitary condition. The occupant and/or owner shall keep that part
of the exterior property which such occupant occupies or controls in a clean
and sanitary condition.
Source: Ordinance No. 349, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 9-15-06
L. Exterior Construction. All exterior construction shall be completed within the
time limits specified below from the date of issuance of the building permit.
Source: Ordinance No. 357, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 1-12-07
1. Projects up to a value of two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000):
twelve (12) months
2. Projects of value greater than two hundred fifty thousand dollars
($250,000): fifteen (15) months.
For purposes of this Subdivision “Value” shall be the same amount as that
determined by the Building Official for issuance of the building permit. The
City Manager or designee may grant an extension of a completion date if the
City Manager or designee finds that the project has been performed as
expeditiously as reasonably possible and in a manner to reasonably
accommodate the needs of persons residing in the neighborhood and that the
delay in completion of construction was beyond the reasonable control of the
§ 4.60
Golden Valley City Code Page 6 of 18
property owner or contractor. Applications for an extension must be
submitted no later than thirty (30) days prior to the expiration date.
M. Property Identification. The owner shall be responsible for providing property
identification in accordance with Section 4.06 of the City Code.
N. Storage, Collection and Disposal of Garbage, Refuse, Yard Waste and
Recyclables. The owner or tenant shall be responsible for storage, collection
and disposal of garbage and refuse, yard waste, and recyclables in
accordance with Section 10.40 of the City Code.
O. Fences. The owner shall be responsible for maintaining fences in accordance
with Section 11.72 of the City Code.
P. Decorative features. All decorative features of residential and accessory
structures including cornices, belt courses, corbels, terra cotta trim, wall
facings, and similar decorative features shall be maintained in good repair
with proper anchorage and in a safe condition.
Source: Ordinance No. 349, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 9-15-06
Q. Outdoor Wood Storage. The following are conditions for outdoor wood
storage.
1. Except for firewood and construction materials necessary for on-site work,
no wood or wood product shall be kept or stored upon a residential
premises.
2. Firewood may be stored upon a residential premises solely for use on the
premises and not for resale.
3. All firewood located upon a residential premises shall be stored as follows:
a. The firewood shall be cut/split to a uniform shape thirty (30) inches in
length or less, stored in neat, secure stacks, and prepared for use;
b. Each stack cannot exceed a cord of firewood. The height of a woodpile
over three (3) feet shall be no more than twice its width, but in no
event shall the height exceed five (5) feet;
c. Firewood stacks must have at least ten (10) feet of space from each
other;
d. The firewood shall not be in a deteriorating state;
e. No firewood shall be stored within three (3) feet of any side or five (5)
feet of any rear property line; except that if the wood is stored in an
§ 4.60
Golden Valley City Code Page 7 of 18
accessory structure the accessory structure shall meet all zoning
setback requirements;
f. No firewood shall be stored in the front yard.
4. All existing storage of wood shall be brought into compliance within thirty
(30) days of notification.
Source: Ordinance No. 357, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 1-12-07
*Subdivision 6. Rental and Multiple Dwelling Exterior Standards
All rental properties and multiple dwelling properties shall meet or exceed the
following minimum exterior standards:
Source: Ordinance No. 386, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 12-14-07
A. Snow and ice removal. Snow and ice must be removed from all sidewalks,
parking areas, and driveways on the property within twenty-four (24) hours
after the cessation of a snowfall of two (2) or more inches.
B. Security. For all structures containing five (5) or more dwelling units therein,
a secure, locked exterior entry door into any common area shall be provided
at all times for the purpose of entering and exiting said common area. Such
door and lock shall be maintained in good repair.
Source: Ordinance No. 349, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 9-15-06
C. Exterior lighting. All circulation and parking areas of any structure shall be
subject to the requirements in Section 11.73 Outdoor Lighting.
Source: Ordinance No. 365, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 3-23-07
D. All rental property owners shall be responsible for providing garbage pickup
and water and sewer services.
Subdivision 7. Rental and Multiple Dwelling Minimum Interior Standards
All rental property and multiple-dwelling properties shall meet or exceed the
following minimum interior standards:
Source: Ordinance No. 386, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 12-14-07
A. Structure. All interior walls, ceilings, floors and structural members shall be
kept in good repair. Floors shall be free of any loose, warped, protruding or
rotted materials. Interior walls and ceilings shall be free of holes and large
cracks, loose plaster, and blistered paint, and shall be kept in good repair.
B. Stairs. Every stairway shall be kept in a safe condition and in good repair.
Every flight of stairs, platforms or balconies shall be free of deterioration and
§ 4.60
Golden Valley City Code Page 8 of 18
maintained as originally approved. A stairway and its elements shall be
according to the State Building Code at the time that they were constructed.
Source: Ordinance No. 339, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 12-16-05
C. Interior doors. Every interior door shall fit reasonably well within its frame
and shall be capable of being opened and closed by being properly and
securely attached to jambs, headers, or tracks as intended by the
manufacturer of the attachment hardware.
D. Bedroom requirements. Every bedroom shall contain at least seventy (70)
square feet of floor area. No bedroom shall constitute the only means of
access to another bedroom.
E. Kitchen requirements. A kitchen in a dwelling unit shall include the following:
1. An operable sink connected to the public water and public sewer system
and providing at all times an adequate amount of heated and unheated
water; and
2. Cabinets and shelves for the purpose of the storage of food, food
preparation equipment, and dining utensils. Such cabinets and shelves
shall be maintained in good repair; and
3. Countertops made of an impervious, cleanable surface; and
4. A kitchen range and refrigerator, properly installed in a stationary manner
for the purpose of long-term use, and having all necessary connections
for safe, sanitary, and efficient operation. In no instance shall a kitchen
range include such temporary cooking appliances as a hot plate or
portable gas powered stove.
Source: Ordinance No. 319, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 2-11-05
F. Door Locks. Each door that is designed to provide the primary ingress and
egress for an individual dwelling unit shall be equipped with a lock that
provides a dead-locking bolt that cannot be retracted by end pressure,
provided, however, that such lock shall permit the door to be opened from
the inside without the use of a key or any special knowledge or effect.
Source: Ordinance No. 349, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 9-15-06
§ 4.60
Golden Valley City Code Page 9 of 18
G. Pest and Rodent Control. It shall be the responsibility of the occupant to
prevent the accumulation or placement of materials that may serve as food
supplies to pests or rodents. In all other instances, it shall be the
responsibility of the property or structure owner to prevent pest or rodent
harborages or infiltration of the structure by pests or rodents.
Source: Ordinance No. 319, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 2-11-05
Subdivision 8. Rental and Multiple Dwelling Mechanical Standards
All rental and multiple-dwelling properties shall meet or exceed the following
minimum mechanical standards:
Source: Ordinance No. 386, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 12-14-07
A. Ventilation. Every bedroom shall have at least one operable window. The
total area of the window shall be at least eight percent (8%) of the total floor
area of the bedroom. At least forty-five percent (45%) of the window shall be
required to be operable for opening and closing shall be at least forty-five
percent (45%) of the window.
Source: Ordinance No. 349, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 9-15-06
B. Water system.
1. Every dwelling unit shall contain its own bathtub or shower, lavatory,
water closet, and kitchen sink which shall be maintained in a sanitary,
safe working condition. Every such bathtub, shower, lavatory, water
closet, and kitchen sink shall be connected to a public water and public
sewer system.
2. Water heating facilities shall be properly installed, maintained and capable
of providing an adequate amount of water to be drawn at every required
sink, lavatory, bathtub, shower and laundry facility at a temperature of
not less than one hundred ten (110) degrees Fahrenheit.
C. Heating system. In all dwelling units, heating facilities shall remain in
operation from the months of October to April and shall provide a minimum
temperature of sixty-eight (68) degrees Fahrenheit in all rooms, as measured
at three (3) feet above the floor at the center of any such room. All heating
facilities shall provide common areas with sufficient heat to maintain a
temperature of sixty-five (65) degrees Fahrenheit at all times. Cooking
appliances shall not be used to heat any dwelling unit. Between the months
of October and April, any maintenance on a structure’s heating facilities shall
be considered an emergency repair and shall be given priority by the owner
of any such unit.
D. Electricity and Light.
§ 4.60
Golden Valley City Code Page 10 of 18
1. All common areas shall be adequately lit at all times. Adequate lighting
may include a combination of natural and electric light provided at an
intensity of not less than one foot candle at floor level to all parts thereof.
2. Every habitable room shall be provided with at least one operable floor or
wall-type electric convenience outlet for each sixty (60) square feet or
fraction thereof of total floor area, and in no case less than two such
electric outlets. Any electric outlet within five (5) feet of a water source or
outlet shall include an operable ground fault circuit interrupter. Every
water closet compartment shall be provided with at least one operable
wall-type outlet with a ground fault circuit interrupter.
E. Elevators. In buildings equipped with passenger elevators, at least one
elevator shall be maintained in operation at all times when the building is
occupied. This provision shall not preclude the occasional service or testing of
the elevators, except that no building with elevator service shall be without
such service for a period exceeding eight (8) hours.
F. Smoke Detectors. All smoke detectors shall be located and maintained in
operable condition in accordance with Section 10.22 of the City Code.
Source: Ordinance No. 319, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 2-11-05
Subdivision 9. Licensing of Rental Dwellings
A. No person shall operate, let or cause to be let, a rental dwelling without first
having obtained a license to do so from the City as herein provided. Upon
receipt of a properly executed application for licensing, or at any other time,
the City Manager or his/her designee may cause an inspection to be made of
the premises to determine whether the property is in compliance with the
City Code, the standards contained in this Section and the laws of the State
of Minnesota. Each such operating license shall be issued annually and shall
expire on the last day of February of the following year. License renewals
shall be filed at least thirty (30) days prior to license expiration date. Every
rental dwelling may be re-inspected after a renewal application is filed to
determine if the premises still conforms to all applicable ordinances and
codes.
Source: Ordinance No. 386, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 12-14-07
B. No operating license shall be issued or renewed unless the rental property
covered by this Section conforms to the provisions of this Section, the City
Code and the laws and regulations of the State of Minnesota.
Source: Ordinance No. 339, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 12-16-05
§ 4.60
Golden Valley City Code Page 11 of 18
C. The annual license fee shall be as provided by ordinance of the City. The City
shall establish licensing fees which will include a specific amount for each
dwelling building or address and an additional amount for each rental unit
contained therein. In addition to the annual license fees, the City may charge
for additional re-inspections necessary to determine whether violations have
been corrected or to restore a license for a rental dwelling which has had its
license revoked or suspended. In addition, the City may require a fee for
transfer of a license under the provisions of this Section.
Source: Ordinance No. 386, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 12-14-07
D. License application or renewal shall be made by the owner of the rental
property or a legally constituted agent or operator. Application forms may be
acquired from the Inspections Department and subsequently filed with the
Inspections Department. The applicant shall supply the following:
Source: Ordinance No. 349, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 9-15-06
1. Name, address, and telephone number of the dwelling owner; partners of
a partnership; corporate officers of a corporation. The City must be
notified in writing within five (5) days of any change of information
provided.
Source: Ordinance No. 386, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 12-14-07
2. Name, address, and telephone number of designated agent or operator.
The City must be notified in writing within five (5) days of any change of
information provided.
3. Name, address, and telephone number of vendee if dwelling is being
purchased through a contract for deed or mortgage (name of lender or
financial institution holding mortgage).
4. Legal description and address of dwelling.
5. Number of units in each rental dwelling and the type of units (one (1)
bedroom, two (2) bedroom, etc.) within each of such dwellings.
Source: Ordinance No. 386, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 12-14-07
6. The number of paved off-street parking spaces available (e.g. enclosed
parking spaces, exterior parking spaces, and handicap parking spaces).
7. Description of procedure through which tenant inquiries and complaints
are to be processed.
Source: Ordinance No. 339, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 12-16-05
§ 4.60
Golden Valley City Code Page 12 of 18
E. No operating license shall be issued or renewed for a nonresident owner of
rental dwelling unit(s) unless such owner designates in writing to the City
Manager or his/her designee the name of his/her resident agent or operator
who is responsible for maintenance and upkeep and who is legally
constituted and empowered to institute emergency repairs of the rental
dwelling property. The City Manager or his/her designee shall be notified in
writing of any change of resident agent.
F. The City Manager or his/her designee shall set up a schedule of periodic
inspections to ensure citywide compliance with this Chapter. The City
Manager or his/her designee shall provide reasonable notice to the owner or
operator of the date and time of the inspection. Every occupant of a rental
dwelling unit shall give the owner or operator thereof, or his/her agent or
employee, access to any part of such dwelling unit, or its premises, at
reasonable times for the purpose of effecting inspection, maintenance,
repairs, or alterations as are necessary to comply with the provisions of this
Ordinance. If any owner, operator, occupant, or other person in charge of a
rental dwelling fails or refuses to permit free access and entry to the
structure or premises under his/her control for an inspection pursuant to this
Ordinance, the City Manager or his/her designee may seek a court order
authorizing such inspection and the City may charge the owner or property
with the costs thereof.
*G. No operating license shall be transferable to another person or to another
rental dwelling without written approval of the City Manager or his/her
designee. A license issued hereunder is transferable providing that the new
owner, partners, or corporate officers submit to the City Manager or his/her
designee within five (5) business days after legally acquiring ownership of
the licensed rental dwelling(s), a License Transfer Form (supplied by the
City), along with the required transfer fee. Failure to submit the license
transfer form and the transfer fee shall result in the termination of the rental
license.
Source: Ordinance No. 386, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 12-14-07
H. License Suspension or Revocation.
1. Notification. Prior to suspension or revocation, the licensee (or his/her
designated agent) and all occupants of units potentially subject to
suspension or revocation, shall be notified in writing thereof by personal
service or first class mail at least twenty (20) days prior to a hearing on
the matter.
2. Hearing. A hearing shall be held before the Council or a hearing examiner
appointed by the Council. The hearing shall be conducted to meet the
licensee and occupant’s due process rights, including:
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Golden Valley City Code Page 13 of 18
a. Allowing interested parties the right of legal representation, the right
to present evidence, witnesses, and to cross-examine all adverse
witnesses, and
b. Making a complete record of all proceedings, including findings of fact
and conclusions of law.
Source: Ordinance No. 339, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 12-16-05
3. Suspension or Revocation. Every operating license issued under the
provisions of this ordinance is subject to suspension or revocation for the
entire rental dwelling or for individual rental dwelling units, by the City
Council, should the licensee fail to operate or maintain the licensed rental
dwelling(s) and dwelling units therein consistent with the provisions of this
Chapter, the City Code, and the laws and regulations of the State of
Minnesota.
Source: Ordinance No. 386, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 12-14-07
An operating license may also be suspended or revoked for any of the following
reasons:
a. The license was procured by misrepresentation of material facts, by
fraud, by deceit, or by bad faith.
b. The applicant or one acting in his/her behalf made oral or written
misstatements or misrepresentations or material facts in or
accompanying the application.
c. The licensee or applicant has failed to comply with any condition set
forth in any other permits granted by the City of Golden Valley.
d. The activities of the licensee in the licensed activity create or have
created a serious danger to the public health, safety, or welfare.
e. The licensed business, or the way in which said business is operated,
maintains or permits conditions that injure, annoy, or endanger the
safety, health, morals, comfort, or repose of any member of the
public.
Source: Ordinance No. 339, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 12-16-05
I. Whenever any dwelling unit has been denied a license, has had its operating
license suspended or revoked or is unfit for human habitation, it shall be
posted with a placard by the City Manager or his/her designee to prevent
§ 4.60
Golden Valley City Code Page 14 of 18
further occupancy. No person, other than the City Manager or his/her
designee, shall remove or tamper with any placard used for posting. The City
Manager or his/her designee will post on the placard the date that the
vacancy shall become effective. On or after the placard vacancy date, no
person shall reside in, occupy, or cause to be occupied any dwelling unit
which has been posted to prevent occupancy.
J. If it is determined that a rental dwelling unit is being operated without a valid
license, an immediate inspection shall be conducted. It shall be unlawful for
an owner, designated agent or operator, after notice sent first class mail, to
continue operation of a rental dwelling unit without submitting an application
for a license under this Chapter, along with the necessary license fee. Once
an application has been made, it shall be unlawful for the owner, or his/her
duly authorized agent, to permit any new occupancies of vacant, or
thereafter vacated rental units until such time as the license is issued.
K. If the rental dwelling is in compliance with all applicable ordinances of the
City and the laws and regulations of the State of Minnesota, a license shall be
issued to the present owner or his/her designated agent. If the City finds
that the circumstances of the occupancy following the issuance of the license
involve possible Code violations, substandard maintenance, or abnormal
wear and tear, the City may re-inspect the premises during the licensing
period.
Source: Ordinance No. 386, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 12-14-07
*Relettering Sources:
Ordinance No.339, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 9-15-06
Subdivision 10. Enforcement
A. The City Manager or his/her designee shall enforce all provisions of the RPMC
for all residential properties.
Source: Ordinance No. 349, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 9-15-06
B. Whenever a property, structure, or dwelling unit is out of compliance with
one of more of the provisions of the RPMC, the City Manager or his/her
designee shall issue a compliance order setting forth the violations and
ordering the owner, occupant, operator, or agent to address such violations
by either correcting them or proving them to be nonexistent to the
satisfaction of the City Manager or his/her designee. This compliance order
shall:
Source: Ordinance No. 386, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 12-14-07
§ 4.60
Golden Valley City Code Page 15 of 18
1. Be in writing;
2. Describe the location and nature of the violations
3. Establish a definite but reasonable time for the correction of such
violations; and
4. Be served upon the owner or his/her agent. Notice shall be deemed to be
properly served upon such owner or agent if a copy thereof is:
a. Served upon him/her personally;
b. Sent by regular mail to his/her last known address; or
c. Upon failure to effect notice through a and b as set out in this
Subdivision, posted at a conspicuous place in or about the property,
structure, or dwelling unit which is affected by the notice.
C. If the re-inspection reveals the violation has not been corrected as ordered,
an administrative citation shall be issued to the offender. A separate,
additional violation occurs on each day that an offender is out of compliance
with the RPMC.
D. In emergency situations where an imminent threat to the health, safety, or
welfare of residents arises due to a violation of this Section, the City Manager
or designee may require immediate compliance.
Subdivision 11. Administrative Citations
A. Administrative citations.
Source: Ordinance No. 349, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 9-15-06
1. An administrative penalty or penalties for a violation of the RPMC may be
assessed through an administrative citation according to the enforcement
procedure outlined in Subdivision 10 of the RPMC, issued by the City
Manager or designee. Such administrative penalty or penalties shall be
payable directly to the City.
Source: Ordinance No. 357, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 1-12-07
2. The Council shall establish by ordinance the amount of the administrative
penalty or penalties to be assessed for all administrative citations. These
administrative penalty or penalties shall not exceed the maximum penalty
for a misdemeanor violation under State law.
§ 4.60
Golden Valley City Code Page 16 of 18
3. Payment of any such administrative penalty or penalties shall not excuse
the failure to correct the violation nor shall it bar further enforcement
activity by the City.
4. Any administrative penalty or penalties paid pursuant to the RPMC shall
be refunded if it is determined, after an appeal hearing, that there was no
violation as charged in the administrative citation.
Source: Ordinance No. 349, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 9-15-06
5. Payment for any administrative citation shall be due twenty (20) days
after its issuance.
B. Content. All administrative citations shall contain the following:
1. The date of the violation;
2. The address or a definite description of the location where the violation
occurred;
3. The name, address, and other identifying information for the person being
cited;
Source: Ordinance No. 319, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 2-11-05
4. The provisions of the RPMC violated and a description of the violation;
5. The administrative penalty or penalties schedule for the violation;
6. A description of how, when, and where the administrative penalty or
penalties must be paid;
Source: Ordinance No. 349, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 9-15-06
7. A brief description of the appeal process;
Source: Ordinance No. 319, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 2-11-05
8. The name and signature of the citing enforcement official.
C. Recovery of administrative penalty or penalties resulting from administrative
citation. Property owners shall be notified yearly by U.S. Mail of any
outstanding administrative citations and that such citations will be assessed
against the property. Thirty (30) days after mailing such letter, the Clerk
shall file any outstanding administrative citations as special assessments
against each such property which shall become liens on such lots or lands.
§ 4.60
Golden Valley City Code Page 17 of 18
This shall be an additional remedy and not in lieu of any other penalty
provided for in City Code or state law.
D. Failure to pay administrative citation.
1. All Residential Property Owners. Failure to pay any administrative citation
shall constitute grounds for suspending or revoking any license or permit
held by the offenders.
2. Multiple Dwelling Properties. Failure to pay an administrative citation shall
constitute a separate, additional violation of City Code.
Source: Ordinance No. 349, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 9-15-06
Renumbering Source: Ordinance No.
339 & 349 2nd Series
Effective Date: 12-16-05 and 9-15-06
Subdivision 12. Appeals
A. Right of appeal. Any person aggrieved by a compliance order or
administrative citation may appeal the compliance order or administrative
citation to the Council. Such appeals must be in writing, must specify the
grounds for the appeal, must be accompanied by a filing fee, and must be
filed with the Clerk within ten (10) business days after service of the
compliance order or administrative citation. The filing fee shall be set by the
Council. Failure to file an appeal shall constitute a waiver of rights to contest
the compliance order or administrative citation and the imposition of the
administrative penalty or penalties.
Source: Ordinance No. 349, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 9-15-06
B. Decision. Upon at least five (5) business days notice to the appellant of the
time and place for the hearing the appeal, and within thirty (30) days after
said appeal is filed, the Council shall hold a hearing thereon, at which the
applicant may appear and present evidence as to why the compliance order
or administrative citation, or any portion thereof, should not be issued. The
Council may reverse, modify, or affirm, in whole or in part, the
administrative order or compliance order and shall order return of all or part
of the filing fee if the appeal is upheld. The Council may postpone a meeting
and hold a hearing at a later date, not to exceed sixty (60) days after the
appeal is filed, when it is necessary to do so.
Source: Ordinance No. 319, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 2-11-05
§ 4.60
Golden Valley City Code Page 18 of 18
Subdivision 13. Transfer of Ownership
Anyone securing an interest in the dwelling or dwelling unit which has received a
citation or compliance order shall be bound by the same without further service of
notice and shall be liable for all penalties and procedures under this Chapter.
Subdivision 14. No Warranty by City
By enacting and undertaking to enforce this Section of the City Code, neither the
City nor its Council, agents, or employees warrant or guaranty the safety, fitness or
suitability of any dwelling in the City and any representation to the contrary by any
person is a misdemeanor. Owners or occupants should take whatever steps they
deem appropriate to protect their interests, health, safety and welfare. In the case
of licensed rental property, a warning in substantially the foregoing language shall
be printed on the face of the license.
Source: Ordinance No. 349, 2nd Series
Effective Date: 9-15-06