• What does it cover?
• Where does it apply?
• Who enforces it?
• Who can help me with a question?
• Where can I get a copy?
• Where can I learn more about it?
• What if I don't agree with an interpretation by my code official?

What does it cover?

This code covers the construction of detached one- and two-family dwellings as well as multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses). Examples of subjects regulated include soils, foundations, wall, floor and roof framing, smoke detectors, safety glazing, fire protection, structural design, snow loads, egress windows, stairways, handrails, building materials, weather resistance, and many others. Minnesota's residential code consists of the 2006 International Residential Code as published by the International Code Council (ICC) and the amendments to that document located in chapter 1309. 

Where does it apply?

The Minnesota State Building Code is the standard for construction statewide, however, the code is enforced by certain cities and townships (PDF).

Who enforces it?

Local building officials and their inspectors enforce this chapter of the code in those jurisdictions that administer the State Building Code.

Who can help me with a question? 

You can contact your local building official, one of their inspectors, or the Building Codes and Standards at the Department of Labor and Industry.

Where can I get a copy?

You can directly access the amendments, known as chapter 1309 of the State Building Code, by clicking on Chapter 1309 in parts or Entire Chapter 1309 . You can review this chapter of the code and the 2006 International Residential Code at the office of your local building official or Building Codes and Standards at the Department of Labor and Industry, and many local libraries. You can purchase chapter 1309 as part of the State Building Code from Minnesota's Bookstore. You can purchase the 2006 International Residential Code from Minnesota's Bookstore.

Where can I learn more about it?

Information about and training in the 2006 International Residential Code may be offered by various agencies and organizations. For information about the code or notice of any current training opportunities, contact the Builders Association of Minnesota (BAM), the Building Codes and Standards at the Department of Labor and Industry, or the International Code Council (ICC).

What if I don't agree with my code official?

You should first make sure you understand what the code says about the subject and how your local building official or their inspector is interpreting the applicable code section(s). To assist you with this, you may want to research the background of the provision(s) through your building official or staff from Building Codes and Standards at the Department of Labor and Industry. If you still disagree, you may be able to appeal the local building official's final decision to that municipality's board of appeals. This is a group of individuals that will meet, discuss, and vote on the matter. If that municipality does not have a board of appeals, you can submit a request to be heard by the State Appeals Board