HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.26.18 Work Session Packet City ofF armington Mission Statement
430 Third Street Through teamwork and
Farmington,MN 55024 cooperation, the City of
Farmington provides quality
services that preserve our proud
past and foster a promising
future.
AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP
February 26, 2018
6:00 PM
Farmington City Hall
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. APPROVE AGENDA
3. DISCUSSION ITEMS
(a) Architectural Service Proposal for Build Out of City Hall USDA Lease Space
(b) Outdoor Pool Demolition Update
(c) Updates to Mission Statement, Tag Line and Logo
(d) Accessory Dwelling Unit/Tiny Home Discussion
4. CITY ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE
5. ADJOURN
limR�/j) City of Farmington
430 Third Street
Farmington, Minnesota
\\:‘,1,4,\„......_ /
651.280.6800 -Fax 651.280.6899
+r.,, www.ci.farmington.mn.us
TO: Mayor, Councilmembers and City Administrator
FROM: Randy Distad, Parks and Recreation Director
SUBJECT: Architectural Service Proposal for Build Out of City Hall USDA Lease Space
DATE: February 26, 2018
INTRODUCTION
The city council previously approved at its February 5, 2018 meeting a lease agreement with the United
States Department of Agriculture(USDA)to lease a little more than 2,210 square feet of space on the
second floor of City Hall. This space is currently empty and will need to be designed and built-out for the
USDA according to their specifications.
DISCUSSION
Staff solicited and received a proposal from Wold Architects and Engineers (WAE)to provide design
services,prepare construction and bid documents, and provide construction management of the build out of
the space to be leased by the USDA. The proposal is attached for your review.
Staff solicited the proposal from WAE for the following reasons:
1. WAE originally designed and prepared the construction documents for City Hall, so working
knowledge and past experience with the City Hall building is a huge advantage over other architectural
firms,which will expedite the process of building out the space for the USDA.
2. There will not be any need for the city to have to provide blueprints and other documents to WAE
because they already have these documents, which will save on costs associated with staff not having
to provide these types of documents to another architectural firm.
3. The cost of WAE services will be recouped through the rent that it being charged to the USDA, so in
essence the city is not directly paying for the services provided.
4. Architectural costs were factored into the$113,500 cost to build out the space for the USDA and
WAE has identified in its proposal it will not exceed this amount.
5. WAE has had vast involvement and experience in the design and construction of governmental
buildings.
6. WAE provides both technical design and construction management experience for the project, which
staff does not have the technical expertise in these areas.
7. Given the specific stringent standards identified by the USDA for build out of the City Hall space, it
is important to have WAE involved, so specification in the lease agreement are being met during
the design and build out of the leased space.
The proposal submitted will allow city staff and the USDA to work directly with WAE staff on the design of
the leased space so it meets the design requirements set forth in the lease agreement.
BUDGET IMPACT
The cost of WAE's services was factored into the build out costs of the space to be leased by the USDA.
This cost will be recovered during the first 10 years of the lease agreement. It is recommended to use
General Fund reserve funds to pay for the up-front architectural and build out costs and then repay the
General Fund over the 10-year lease term.
ACTION REQUESTED
The city council is being asked to review and discuss the proposal submitted by WAE for the design and
construction of the City Hall space to be leased by the USDA. Then after discussion, the city council
should provide direction to staff about the next step(s)it would like to take with the WAE proposal.
ATTACHMENTS:
Type Description
D Backup Material Wold Architects and Engineers Proposal
February 1,2018
Randy Distad,Parks and Recreation Director
WO' , City of Farmington
430 Third Street
Farmington,MN 55024
O 1 9 6 8 Re: USDA Tenant Space Buildout
52
2 0 1 8 Commission No.9999
AR S
Dear Randy:
Thank you for reaching out to me about helping you with architectural and construction
management services for tenant improvements in the second floor expansion space for the
USDA. I have reviewed the provided documents on what is required and believe we can
provide what is required. I propose the following process:
• Kick-off design meeting with the City of Farmington and USDA users to discuss goals
and objectives for the project.
• Finalize the layout of the space and develop a Schematic Design concept and budget
for approval.
• Meet with USDA users on detailed design requirements and develop a Design
Development solution and budget for approval.
• Complete construction documents meeting all USDA and US Government
requirements and gain approval from Council for bidding.
• We will manage the public bidding process and recommendations to council for
award.
• We will provide construction oversight and management of selected contractor to
enforce contract requirements.
• We will also manage final completion through occupancy and follow up on any
warranty items that may come up after construction is complete.
I would suggest the following schedule.
1. Schematic Design—March 2018
2. Design Development—April 2018
3. Contract Documents—May 2018
4. Bidding/Contract Approval—June 2018
5. Construction—July 2018 through October 2018.
6. Occupancy—October 2018.
We typically establish a fixed fee at the project onset. All engineering and consultants are
included in our fixed fee. For this project that involves only renovation,I would propose a
fixed fee for new construction on 7.5%of agreed on cost of construction.
Wold Architects and Engineers PLANNERS
332 Minnesota Street,Suite W2000 ARCHITECTS
Saint Paul,MN 55101
woldae.com I 651 227 7773 ENGINEERS
Letter to Randy Distad
Page 2
WoI •
I understand that the total cost for renovation including design fees and buildout costs is
$113,500. In order to arrive at a construction budget,I would allocate approximately 20%for
O 1 9 6 8 design fees and for a small contingency for unknowns. I would suggest a construction budget
2 0 1 8 of$95,000,leaving$18,500 for fees and contingency. Our fixed fee would calculate as follows:
YEARS
$95,000(construction cost)x 7.5%=$7,125 Fixed Fee
Reimbursable expenses would be in addition to this fixed fee and are estimated to be
approximately$500.
Please call me if you have questions regarding this proposal.
Sincerely,
Wold Architects and Engineers
i
John McNamara I AIA,LEED AP
Partner
cc: Melissa Stein,Wold Architects&Engineers
Matt Mooney,Wold Architects&Engineers
City of Farmington
430 Third Street
Farmington, Minnesota
651.280.6800 -Fax 651.280.6899
r,4 www.ci.farmington.mn.us
TO: Mayor, Councilmembers and City Administrator
FROM: Randy Distad, Parks and Recreation Director
SUBJECT: Outdoor Pool Demolition Update
DATE: February 26, 2018
INTRODUCTION
The city council approved funding in the 2018 budget to complete demolition of the city's outdoor pool.
DISCUSSION
The following steps have been completed so far on the demolition of the outdoor pool:
• Asbestos testing in the bathhouse building and filtration room was completed in January and no
asbestos was found
• Preparation of the outdoor pool demolition specifications were completed through a team effort by
staff from Parks and Recreation, Engineering and Building Inspection Departments
• Specifications identify that demolition is requested to be completed between April 1 and June 1
• Demolition specifications were mailed directly to eight contractors experienced in demolition with
some of the contractors having prior experience with pool demolition
• Demolition specifications were placed on the city's website
• Notification was sent out via the city's website to the subscribers of the e-notification tool on the
city's website
• A pre-bid meeting was held at the outdoor pool on Friday, February 16, 2018 and three contractors
attended the meeting
The following steps for the outdoor pool demolition remain to be completed:
• Quotes for the pool demolition project are due on or before 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 2, 2018
• Staff will be seeking approval of a pool demolition contract at the city council's March 19, 2018
meeting
• Electrical service will be disconnected prior to the demolition commencing and will be completed
separately from the pool demolition contract
• Pool demolition and restoration of the site will occur between the dates of April 1 to June 1 but is
weather dependent
The bathhouse building is not planned for demolition but will remain for the following reasons:
• It has value to be used seasonally so restrooms with running water are available to groups who rent the
Evergreen Knoll Park shelter and to park users
• It has value for a portion of it to be utilized as a storage building
• It has value to be utilized for seasonal community recreational programs and events
BUDGET IMPACT
There was $74,733 approved in the 2018 budget to complete the demolition of the outdoor pooL Besides the
cost of the demolition work, electrical service will also need to be disconnected prior to the demolition
work. This is separate from the pool demolition work and will be completed by an electrician prior to
demolition commencing. The cost to disconnect the electrical service is included in the$74,733 budgeted for
the demolition project.
ACTION REQUESTED
The city council is being asked to have a discussion with staff about the pool demolition project to make
sure the action that is being taken aligns with the city council's goal of completing the demolition of the
outdoor pool in 2018.
�QEVkR�i� City of Farmington
b - p 430 Third Street
Farmington, Minnesota
651.280.6800 -Fax 651.280.6899
.,,pn�/ www.ci.farmington.mn.us
TO: Mayor, Councilmembers and City Administrator
FROM: Brenda Wendlandt, Human Resources Director
SUBJECT: Updates to Mission Statement, Tag Line and Logo
DATE: February 26, 2018
INTRODUCTION
The city council has expressed interesting in further developing the city's brand by updating the city's
mission statement, tag line and revisiting the issue to update the city's logo.
DISCUSSION
Staff will present information regarding our branding and current trends to help facilitate the discussion
about updating the city's brand including the mission statement, tag line, and logo
BUDGET IMPACT
TBD
ACTION REQUESTED
Provide further direction regarding updating the city's brand.
ofti/044 City of Farmington
430 Third Street
Farmington, Minnesota
651.280.6800 -Fax 651.280.6899
'+r.,, + www.ci.farmington.mn.us
TO: Mayor, Councilmembers and City Administrator
FROM: Tony Wippler, Planning Manager
SUBJECT: Accessory Dwelling Unit/Tiny Home Discussion
DATE: February 26, 2018
INTRODUCTION
The city council requested staff prepare information for a work session discussion on tiny homes.
DISCUSSION
There is a current growing movement for tiny home living. For advocates, a tiny home represents not only a
cheaper and more eco-friendly home, but an entirely different way of living(less things accumulated, more
freedom, more time with loved ones, and more time outside).
Zoning
Farmington like many communities does not have language within our zoning code to specifically address
tiny homes. Tiny homes are generally 100 to 400 square feet in size and can be temporary or permanent
structures. Tiny homes can be built on chassis with wheels and are generally temporary or seasonal living
quarters. Tiny homes built on chassis and wheels exceeding 400 square feet must comply with HUD's
manufactured housing program as a manufactured home. The city code defines a manufactured home as "a
structure, transportable in one or more sections,which, in the traveling mode, is eight(8)body feet or more
in width or forty(40)body feet or more in length, or when erected on site, is three hundred twenty(320)or
more square feet, and which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling with or
without permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air
conditioning, and electrical systems contained therein. The term includes any structure that meets all of the
requirements of this definition except the size requirements and with respect to which the manufacturer
voluntarily files a certification required by the United States secretary of housing and urban development and
complies with the standards established under United States Code, title 42." Currently manufactured homes
are listed as a conditional use within the city's R-3 (Medium Density Residential)zoning district.
Tiny homes with chassis and wheels are often legally considered recreational vehicles and must abide by
those zoning requirements. Section 10-6-25 of the City Code states that no person shall be allowed to camp
overnight in a recreational vehicle without first obtaining a permit from the zoning officer. A permit shall
allow for no more than three(3) consecutive nights of overnight camping within a residential or agricultural
district only. such vehicles will not be permitted to connect to the city sanitary sewer,but may connect to
city water. Additionally, there are requirements for parking of recreational vehicles on residential property,
specifically dealing with the type of surface they have to be located on(concrete or bituminous in the front
yard; concrete,bituminous or decorative landscape rock in the side or rear yard).
Building Code
According to the Minnesota Department of Labor& Industry, the 2015 Minnesota Residential Code defines
a dwelling as a single unit providing complete independent living facilities for one or more persons, including
permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation. The code includes requirements for
light, ventilation, heating, minimum room sizes, ceiling heights, sanitation, toilet,bath and shower spaces,
emergency escape and rescue openings, means of egress, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.
Attached, is a building code fact sheet regarding tiny homes that provides an overview with some of the
challenges these types of structures present from a building code perspective.
The 2015 Minnesota Residential Code states that every dwelling unit shall have at least one habitable room
of 120 square feet and all other habitable rooms (except kitchens)must be at least 70 square feet in size.
Additionally, habitable spaces must have a ceiling height of 7 feet. The building code does not expressly
address the construction of tiny homes, however, due to some of the requirements previously mentioned
they can be prohibited. The 2015 Minnesota Residential Coded defines a habitable space as a space within
a building for living, sleeping, eating or cooking. Bathrooms, toilet rooms, closets, halls, storage or utility
spaces and similar areas are not considered habitable spaces.
Accessory Dwelling Unit(ADU)
A tiny home can also be considered a type of accessory dwelling unit(ADU). An ADU is a general term for
a second small dwelling on the same grounds (or attached to)the primary dwelling unit or single-family
residence. An accessory dwelling unit can vary in size and can be permanent or temporary. Some exaples
of ADU's are:
• An opal ttuent over the garage.
• A permanent tiny house.
• A temporary mobile tiny house.
• Temporary health care unit. In the 2016 legislative session a bill was passed that requires cities to
allow temporary accessory dwelling units. The resulting legislation sets forth a short term care
alternative for a mentally or physically impaired person by allowing them to stay in a temporary
accessory structure on a relative's or caregiver's property. The law exempts applications for
temporary health care units from typical zoning authority as well as exceptions from building and
fire regulations. The law requires cities to approve the applications within 15 days. The law does
provide the cities with the opportunity to opt-out of the regulations through the passage of an
ordinance. The City opted-out by the adoption of Ordinance No. 016-715 by the City Council on
September 6, 2016.
Some advantages of accessory dwelling units include:
• A way to create mixed income neighborhoods without reducing property values.
• A way to increase density in urban and suburban areas without multifamily development. Little burden
on community services compared to property taxes generated.
• A way to provide private housing for the elderly, especially for an older family member. This enables
senior citizens to age in place.
• A way to provide private living space for an adult family member who perhaps just returned back from
college or is a young professional.
• Could be used as workforce housing.
• Could be used as student living for those attending college locally.
• Potential source of income for homeowners if ADU is rented.
• If the ADU is rented this could provide additional revenue for those aging in place and may provide an
opportunity for sharing chores and bartering for services which can enable older people to stay in their
homes longer.
• Increase affordable housing opportunities.
• Diversifies housing stock.
Some disadvantages of accessory dwelling units:
• Increased density within single-family neighborhoods.
• Potential for additional vehicles on a property or on-street parking.
• Additional garbage, recycling and waste from a potential increase in residents.
• Potential to reduce the number of affordable housing options in the city if the property values increase.
• Neighbors may feel encroached upon.
• Neighbors may raise concerns about negative impacts on property values.
• Potential utility hook-up concerns as the Minnesota state plumbing code requires buildings/structures
to be hook-up to public utilities if available.
• If located in a home owners association(HOA), there may be conflicts with the association bylaws
prohibiting the use.
If its the city council's ultimate desire to pursue ordinance changes the council may want to consider a more
comprehensive ordinance addressing the topic of accessory dwelling units (including tiny homes). Any
future ordinance regarding these uses should also consider the following:
Define Accessory Dwelling Unit.
• Often defined as internal, attached or detached to the primary residence in a single-family zoning
district. Referred to as accessory or subordinate to the primary residence and should differentiate
between temporary and permanent accessory structures.
• Specific terms may include definition of family or household.
Review authority.
• Typically requires some type of zoning review which may be administrative or through the conditional
use permit process.
• Requires a building permit to ensure life-safety matters are addressed.
• Fee required for review.
Establishes specific zoning districts.
• If ADU's are allowed within a city, generally only permitted within single-family zoning districts.
Establish minimum lot sizes.
• Minimum lot sizes should be considered for these types of uses. Code provisions can vary from city
to city some communities allow ADU's on properties as small as 5,000 square feet(St. Paul)and
some only allow them on properties that have a minimum size of 40,000 Square feet(Apple Valley).
Performance standards.
• Can specify type of living space allowed, for example attached, detached, within the living space
(basement or attic).
• Can indicate a maximum size often as a square footage cap,percentage of the primary residence or
percentage of the lot.
• Language may be included to specify the look of the ADU as a primary residence and property so it
appears as a traditional single-family dwelling.
• Parking requirements.
• May include language that no variances should be granted for building coverage requirements.
• Should specify that all building codes must be met.
• Can include language that states the property owner must live onsite.
• Can include language that the ADU cannot be rented.
• Language should be included regarding the installation of utilities.
BUDGET IMPACT
NA
ACTION REQUESTED
Discuss this information with staff.
ATTACHMENTS:
Type Description
D Backup Material Tiny Houses -Code Fact Sheet
4
71//411-Ask TINY HOUSES
CODE FACT SHEET
Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
OVERVIEW
"Tiny houses"have received a lot of attention and interest in recent years.The following information is provided to clarify
how these small structures are regulated by the Minnesota State Building Code.The Minnesota State Building Code is the
standard of construction that applies statewide for the construction of buildings(MS§3266.121) including tiny houses.
Some tiny houses are designed as trailers and referred to as park models or recreational park trailers that are on a chassis
with wheels.Tiny houses built like park models but without the chassis and wheels are often referred to as industrialized/
modular buildings and regulated accordingly.
Loosely defined,tiny houses range from about 100 to 400
-
square feet.The following describes how these houses
are regulated by building codes,zoning codes and the ,.
Department of Housing and Urban Development(HUD). e ,� < `-
Zoning requirements
Municipalities establish zoning ordinances to regulate land ,.... ,,
use,location,height,width,type of foundation,number of
I
_ I—.— = y `1
stories and size of buildings.These zoning ordinances vary by I I
municipality. 4 ( Am` . -11
slommit
Minimum building size varies from areas of 500 to 2,000
square feet.Jurisdictions may also require minimum lot sizes .
related to the house size.Sometimes there are minimum
house size requirements such as 24 feet by 24 feet or a The trend of tiny houses has received a lot of attention in recent
minimum dimension of 20 feet.Because of these varying years.This handout is provided to clarify how these small
requirements,the jurisdiction must be consulted for specifics. structures are regulated by the Minnesota State Building code.
Building codes
Tiny houses,like all other houses,are required to Other codes related to house construction include:
comply with building codes.Minnesota adopts the • 2015 Minnesota Energy Code
2012 International Residential Code(IRC)by reference • 2015 Minnesota Mechanical Code
with amendments.It is known as the 2015 Minnesota • 2015 Minnesota Electrical Code
Residential Code.The"code,'for the purpose of • 2015 Minnesota Rules Chapter 1303
constructing houses,means the 2015 Minnesota • Minnesota Plumbing Code
Residential Code.It is the standard that applies statewide.
The 2015 Minnesota Residential Code defines a dwelling regulated by the code.The code includes requirements
as a single unit providing complete independent living for light,ventilation,heating,minimum room sizes,
facilities for one or more persons,including permanent ceiling heights,sanitation,toilet,bath and shower spaces,
provisions for living,sleeping,eating,cooking and emergency escape and rescue openings,means of egress,
sanitation.By definition,a tiny house is a dwelling unit and smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.
Construction Codes and Licensing Division
MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF Web: Construction
Phone: (651)284-5012
LABOR & INDUSTRY This flier is an overview of guidelines for tiny houses in Minnesota and can be
provided in different formats by calling(651)284-5012 or 1-800-657-3944.
RECREATIONAL PARK TRAILER
Recreational park trailers,or park models,are tiny houses porches.
built on a chassis with wheels.These trailers are primarily
designed as temporary living quarters for recreational, A data plate must be attached to the recreational park
camping or seasonal use but not a year-round dwelling. trailers that includes:
These trailers are often constructed to ANSI standard • name and address of the manufacturer
(A119.5)and are self-certified by the manufacturer with • serial number or vehicle identification number(VIN)of
the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association(RVIA). the unit
• date of manufacture
The gross floor area for park models must not exceed • a statement that the unit is designed to ANSI A119.5.
400 square feet when set up.Recreational park trailers
exceeding 400 square feet must comply with HUD's Recreational park trailers or park models intended as
manufactured housing program as a manufactured home. permanent living dwelling units must be designed,
HUD defines the gross square footage as encompassing constructed and installed in accordance with the 2015
the full width and full length of the unit,including Minnesota Residential Code.
PREFABRICATED BUILDINGS
Minnesota Rules,Chapter 1360
Dwellings constructed as prefabricated buildings must comply with the requirements of Minnesota Rules Chapter 1360
and be designed and constructed in accordance with the 2015 Minnesota Residential Code.Review of building plans
and inspections are performed by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. The completed building requires a
Minnesota prefabricated building label.
Prefabricated building manufacturers are permitted to build three or fewer buildings per year.Construction of more than
three buildings is regulated by Minnesota Rules Chapter 1361 for industrialized/modular buildings.
A data plate must be attached to the dwelling that includes the following minimum information:
• design loads
• codes THE SLATE OF MINNESOTA�
DATE MANUFACTURED ,"tNEa, PLAN APPROVAL NO.
• IBC label numbers t11111111111
• serial numbers MFOR5E APPROVAL
• model designation Example prefab construction label-
• date of manufacture TATE SCALtO located under kitchen sink.
• name and address of manufacture THEMANUFACTURERCERTIFIESTHATTHIS
PREFABRICATED BUILDING HAS EELS CONSTRUCTED
• occupancy and type of construction. AND INSPECTED IN ACCORDANCE NATH THE
J I REOUOREMENTS OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
BUILDING CODE IN EFFECT ON THE DATE OF
IIA UFACTURE.CO NOT REMOVE
All on-site work is subject to local
jurisdiction and inspections according to the 2015 Minnesota Residential Code.
INDUSTRIALIZED/MODULAR BUILDINGS
Minnesota Rules,Chapter 1361;Industrialized Modular Building Commission(IMBC)
Dwellings constructed as modular buildings must comply with Minnesota Rules Chapter 1361 and the Industrialized
Modular Buildings Commission(IMBC).These modular dwellings must be designed and constructed in accordance with
the 2015 Minnesota Residential Code.Review of dwelling plans and in-plant inspections are performed by a certified
IMBC third-party agency.
Modular buildings must have IMBC construction labels on each building section or every 600 square feet of closed
panels.
A data plate must be attached to the dwelling that includes the following minimum information:
• design loads
• codes
Continued:Minnesota Rules,Chapter 1361;Industrialized Modular Building Commission(IMBC)
• serial numbers
• IBC label numbers Industrialized Buildings Commission
This label certifies that this building or building
• model designation component has been manufactured inaccordance Example IMBC label-located
with an approved building system and
• date of manufacture compliance assurance program under the auspices inside each home section.
• name and address of manufacture
andapprovalSeedaaplatof the Industrialized Buildings
Commission.See data plate.
• occupancy and type of construction. 03 000001
All on-site work is subject to local jurisdiction and inspections according to the 2015 Minnesota Residential Code.
HUD MANUFACTURED HOMES
"Manufactured home"means a single family dwelling in one or more sections,which in the traveling mode is 8 body feet
or more in width or 40 body feet or more in length,or,when erected on site,is 320 or more square feet,and which is built
on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling with or without a permanent foundation when connected
to the required utilities.
A data plate must be attached to the
dwelling unit to include the following as a
minimum:
• design loads Example HUD construction
• codes label-located on exterior of each
• label numbers section.,
• serial numbers
• model designation,
• date of manufacture
• name and address of manufacturer
Review of dwelling plans and in-plant inspections are performed by HUD-certified third-party agencies.All on-site work is
subject to the local jurisdiction and inspections according to the 2015 Minnesota Residential Code.
SITE-BUILT STRUCTURES
Tiny homes constructed on site are regulated by the Minnesota State Building Code.The
dwelling construction must comply with all the requirements of the 2015 Minnesota Residential
Code. RESIDENTIAL CODE
The 2015 Minnesota Residential Code can be viewed at
http://codes.iccsafe.org/app/book/toc/2015/Minnesota/Residential/index.html. "'`_'
SUMMARY
If the tiny house does not:
• have a chassis and axles,or
• have a HUD manufactured home label,or
• have a RVIA park model label,then
• it is either a prefabricated or industrialized modular building subject to Minnesota Rules Chapters 1360 or 1361 or
site-built subject to Minnesota Rules Chapter 1309.
NOTE:Any modular unit of closed construction built away from the site of occupancy must be labeled(Minnesota Rules,
chapters 1360 or 1361).
Closed construction means any building manufactured so that all portions cannot be readily inspected at the installation
site without disassembly,damage to,or destruction thereof(Minnesota Rules,Chapter 1360.0200 Subp.5).
2015 MINNESOTA RESIDENTIAL CODE
The following code references provide general code requirements related to dwelling construction.Knowledge of the
entire state code is necessary to obtain compliance.
General requirements
R202—Definition of dwelling unit and bathrooms,toilet rooms,laundry rooms through R311.3.3).
habitable space. and portions of basements containing R311.5.1 —Exterior landings must be
Dwelling unit:A single unit providing these spaces)must have a ceiling height positively attached to the primary
complete independent living facilities of 7 feet(see exceptions for measuring structure.
for one or more persons,including sloped ceilings). R311.6—Hallway must have a minimum
permanent provisions for living,sleeping, R305.1.1 —Basements without habitable width of 36 inches.R311.7—Stairways
eating,cooking and sanitation. space(hallways,bathrooms,toilet rooms, must have a minimum width of 36
Habitable space:A space in a building laundry rooms and portions of basements inches.R311.7.5—Stair treads must be 10
for living,sleeping,eating or cooking. containing these spaces)must have a inch minimum and stair risers 7.75 inch
Bathrooms,toilet rooms,closets,halls, minimum ceiling height of 6 feet,8 inches maximum.
storage or utility spaces and similar areas (see exceptions for beams and girders). R311.7.5.3—Stair nosings must be
are not considered habitable spaces. provided and compliant with this section.
R306—Sanitation R311.7.5.4—Composite wood or plastic
R301.1 Application. R306.1 —Every dwelling unit must have stair treads must comply with R507.3.
Buildings and structures shall be a water closet,lavatory and a tub or R311.7.6—A floor or landing is required at
constructed to safely support all loads, shower. the top and bottom of each stairway.
including dead loads,live loads,roof R306.2—Each kitchen must have a sink. R311.7.8—A handrail is required at stairs
loads,flood loads,snow loads,wind R306.3—All plumbing fixtures must having four or more risers(see all railing
loads and seismic loads prescribed in this be connected to a sanitary sewer or requirements).
code.The construction of buildings and approved private sewage system.
structures in this code shall result in a R306.4—All plumbing fixtures must be R314—Smoke alarms
structure that transfers all loads from their connected to an approved water supply. R314.3—Smoke alarms are required in
point of origin to the foundation. Kitchen sinks,lavatories,bathtubs, each sleeping room,in the immediate
showers,bidets,laundry tubs,and vicinity of the bedrooms and on each
R303—Light,ventilation and heating washing machines must have hot and additional story of the dwelling including
R303.1 —Habitable rooms shall have 8 cold water. basements and habitable attics.
percent of the floor area as natural light
and 4 percent of the floor area as natural R307—Toilet,bath and shower spaces R315—Carbon monoxide alarms
ventilation(see exceptions). R307.1 —Space required,see Minnesota R315.1 —A carbon monoxide alarm is
R303.3—Bathrooms shall have 3 square plumbing code for required plumbing required in every dwelling unit having
feet of natural light and 1.5 square feet of fixture clearances. fuel fired appliances or attached garage.
natural ventilation(see exception). R307.2—Bathtub and shower floors and
R303.4—Mechanical ventilation(see walls(bathtubs installed with shower MR 1322—2015 Minnesota Residential
Minnesota Rules 1322 and 1346) heads and in shower compartments) Energy Code
requirements. must have a nonabsorbent surface a The dwelling must comply with the
R303.5—Intake and exhaust openings minimum of six feet above the floor. Minnesota Energy Code.
(see Minnesota Rules 1346)requirements.
R303.9-Dwelling must be capable R310—Emergency escape and rescue MR 1346—2015 Minnesota Mechanical
of maintaining a minimum room openings Code
temperature of 68 degrees at three R310.1 —Basements,habitable attics and The dwelling must comply with the
feet above the floor and two feet from the every sleeping room must at least one Minnesota Mechanical Code.
exterior walls(excludes use of portable operable emergency escape and rescue
heaters). opening(door or window). MR 1303—Radon requirements
R310.1.1—Minimum opening area must The dwelling must comply with
R304—Minimum room areas be 5.7 square feet(see full code text for Minnesota Rules Chapter 1303 for either
R304.1—Every dwelling unit shall have at minimum height and width dimensions). passive or active radon control systems.
least one habitable room of 120 square
feet. R311—Means of egress MR 1315—Minnesota Electrical Code
13304.2—Other habitable rooms(except R311.1 —All dwellings must have a means All electrical service,wiring and fixtures
kitchens)70 square feet.R304.3— of egress. for the structure must comply with the
Habitable rooms(except kitchens)must R311.2—The egress door must have 2014 National Electrical Code.
have a minimum dimension of 7 feet. a clear width of 32 inches and a clear
height of 78 inches. MR 4715—Minnesota Plumbing Code
R305—Ceiling height R311.3—A floor or landing is required on The dwelling must comply with the
R305.1—Habitable space(hallways, each side of exterior doors(see 8311.3.1 Minnesota Plumbing code.