Common Residential Violations
Alley/sidewalk
Growth and vegetation that hangs over the edge of the public alley or public sidewalk must be cut and removed. A clearance of 7 feet over public sidewalks and 14 feet over public alleys is required.
For more information, see these fact sheets:
Clearance over alley
Clearance over sidewalks
Garbage and litter
Each property should have adequate trash containers, and the property should be free of trash, garbage and debris. If a nuisance condition exists and is not corrected in the time allotted, inspectors will order proper disposal and may authorize a contractor to correct the problem and assess the costs to the owner.
General Disrepair
Buildings that lack paint, have broken windows and rotting wood, broken steps or guardrails, and missing bricks in walls and chimneys.
Graffiti
Owners will be asked to paint over or remove graffiti marks painted on their property. Click for information on graffiti removal, or call the Graffiti Hotline, (612) 673-2090.
Grass/Weeds
Grass in taller than 8 inches is in violation of Minneapolis ordinance. If grass is taller than 8", an inspector may issue an order to the property owner giving them at least 3 days to cut it. If the violation is not corrected, inspectors may authorize a contractor to cut the grass and assess the costs and administrative fees to the owner.
Inoperable Vehicles
Inoperable or junk vehicles that have missing wheels or engines, broken windows, or out-of-date registrations may be considered nuisances and be subject to towing. A sticker, like the one below, is placed on the vehicle prior to towing, giving the reasons why the car may be towed and a date by which problems must be corrected.
Towed cars are taken to the Impound Lot, located at 51 Colfax Avenue North (2 blocks south of Glenwood Avenue and west of Lyndale Avenue). Call (612) 673-5777 with your license plate number to determine if your vehicle has been towed. Fees are charged for towing and daily storage.
Parking in Yard
Vehicles may not be parked in yards or on unpaved surfaces; vehicles must be parked within the garage or on a hard-surfaced driveway.
No more than two vehicles per dwelling unit, with proper driveway surface, may be parked outdoors on a property. Excess vehicles may be towed.
Missing or unreadable addresses
Visible and numeric house numbers are required for identification by emergency vehicles. Numbers must be on the front of the home and in the rear if there is an alley access.
Poor Housing Hygiene
Homes with extremely unhealthy conditions such as excessive or improperly stored garbage, rats, roaches, or other situations that may cause a health hazard.
Storage of Large Items
Property owners who store large appliances, tires, or used motor oils and petroleum products on their property may be issued an order. These activities are in violation of City ordinances. For disposal options, please call (612) 673-2917 or see the Solid Waste & Recycling website.
Unlicensed Businesses
Illegal businesses will be reported to Licenses and Consumer Services.
Last updated Sep. 27, 2011