Housing Code Board of Appeals
Mission Statement
The board has the duty to hear appeals of violation notices and emergency orders issued under the City’s Housing Code. The board can approve variances to the strict compliance to the Housing Code when a majority of the board deems it is not practical or feasible to meet the provisions of the Housing Code and when, in the judgment of the board, it is determined the existing condition or an alternative is in acceptable compliance with the spirit and intent of the code to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the dwelling occupants and the public.
Organizational Structure
The Rochester Housing Board of Appeals is an independent body consisting of citizen volunteers appointed to the Board by the Mayor with approval of the City Council. The Board consists of seven members; two members shall be employed in the public health sector or health professions; one member shall be a state licensed architect or engineer; and the other four members are selected from the public at large. Terms are for two years and are staggered.
The Board meets on the second Tuesday of the month if appeals have been submitted.
The Board meets at 2122 Campus Dr. SE. in Conference Room A/B.
Member Responsibilities
- The Board is responsible for conducting public hearings and voting on requests from property owners for variances to the Housing Code.
- The Board is supported by the staff of the Building Safety Department, other city staff where necessary, and by the City Attorney’s Office. The Building Safety Department is the primary support staff for the Board. The Building Safety Department processes the applications, notifies the appellants, supplies reports for the Board, and appears at the Board meetings. The Board members are supplied with an agenda and background information prior to the meeting date including staff recommendations.
Appointment Requirements
Must be a resident of Rochester and fulfill the requirements listed above.
For Further Information Contact
Building Safety Department
2122 Campus Drive SE
Rochester MN 55904
(507) 281-6133