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St. Louis Park-Mandatory Code Compliance: This ordinance applies to all single and two family units, townhouses and condominiums. The present occupant or owner must make application for the certificate of Housing Maintenance Compliance. The initial inspection must be completed before a seller can accept a purchase agreement.

St Louis Park, MN Truth In Housing

To schedule an inspection, either the homeowner or the owner's agent must complete an application form and submit the application fee. An appointment for a 45 minute inspection should be available within three to four days. Forms are available by calling 952-924-2588 or stopping by City Hall, 5005 Minnetonka Boulevard.

During the inspection, a City inspector will check the roof, foundation, exterior, electrical system, plumbing, and heating and cooling system for compliance with the City's housing requirements. If the inspector finds that the home complies with the housing code, you will receive a Certificate of Compliance.

If the inspector finds code violation, work orders are issued for the needed repairs. After the corrections are completed, a City housing inspector will return for a follow-up inspection to verify that all repairs meet code. Once this is done, a Certificate of Compliance is issued. Sellers must obtain a Certificate of Compliance before the sale, transfer of title, or change of occupancy.

A house must comply with the code that was in effect at the time the home was constructed. Corrections must be made if the deficiency was a violation of the code when the home was built or if the deficiency poses a safety hazard. Life-safety hazards must be corrected, even if the deficiency was not a code requirement when the home was constructed. Many items, such as ceiling heights, floor area and window size, are exempt from the code if they are considered "built-in deficiencies" and do not present a safety hazard.

If the structure complies with the housing code, the city manager will issue a certificate to the present owner or occupant. This certificate is then filed with the city. The prospective buyer shall not take occupancy of the dwelling before the certificate has been filed with the city. The Certificate of Housing Maintenance Compliance is valid for one year from the date of issuance. For more information call 952/924-2588.

Selling your residental property
Inspections at the time of sale are aimed at protecting the community's overall housing stock and avoiding unsafe conditions and major deterioration. The City of St. Louis Park requires property inspections whenever a property is sold or ownership is transferred. To ensure you are ready for closing, apply for your inspection before or immediately after you place your property up for sale. A Property Maintenance Certificate MUST be presented to the buyer and title company when the property transfer occurs at closing.

To schedule an inspection, the homeowner or the owner's agent may either call the Inspections Department at (952) 924-2588 or come to St. Louis Park City Hall (second floor - Inspections Department). City Hall is located at 5005 Minnetonka Boulevard (three blocks east of Highway 100). You may also apply on-line. (Click on Permits & Forms.)

The fee for the housing inspection includes the initial inspection and any follow-up inspections that may be needed. Inspection appointments are typically available within one to three days. A City inspector will visit your property to check that the siding, roof, garage and interior complies with the City's property maintenance code. A typical inspection takes about 45 to 60 minutes. Fees are

• $195 house or townhome
• $115 condo
• $275 duplex

If the inspector finds no code violations, a Property Maintenance Certificate is issued.

If code violations are found, work orders are issued for the needed repairs. In most cases, corrections must meet the code requirements that were in place when the building was constructed. If a portion of the home was remodeled, the remodeled section must comply with the building code that was in effect when the remodeling occurred. (Exception: smoke detectors are required in all buildings, no matter when constructed.)

In most cases, the seller makes the code corrections. However, buyers may obtain a temporary property maintenance certificate if they sign an agreement acknowledging the work orders and agreeing to make all required code work within a specific time period. Buyers and sellers must use the City's Agreement Form and pay a $50 service fee. In addition, sufficient funds must be put in escrow to cover the cost outlined in the agreement. A City representative must also sign off on the agreement.

After repairs have been completed, a City housing inspector will return for a follow-up inspection to verify that all work meets code. Once this is done, a Property Maintenance Certificate is issued. Certificates are good for one year.