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Stearns County, MN Building Safety: Carbon Monoxide Detectors (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing law
Ordinance 272, Section 6.8
Requirement
Functioning CO detector in every rental unit
Also required
Fire/smoke alarms per MN Uniform Fire Code
Enforcing official
Environmental Services Director
Max fine
$1,000 plus up to 90 days jail

Summary

Stearns County Ordinance 272 requires every rental dwelling unit to be supplied with a functioning carbon monoxide detector, on top of the fire and smoke alarm requirements of the Minnesota Uniform Fire Code.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Stearns County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

6.8 Fire and Carbon Monoxide Protection. All rental dwelling units shall be subject to the Minnesota Uniform Fire Code including the requirement for fire/smoke alarms and fire extinguishers. Additionally, all rental dwelling units shall be supplied with a functioning carbon monoxide detector.

View official code

Full Breakdown

8, 'Fire and Carbon Monoxide Protection,' of Ordinance 272 provides that all rental dwelling units are subject to the Minnesota Uniform Fire Code, including its requirement for fire and smoke alarms and fire extinguishers, and adds a county-level requirement on top of that code: every rental dwelling unit must be supplied with a functioning carbon monoxide detector. 1 is every rental unit in the unincorporated county and townships that have not adopted their own rental ordinance. 0 if the Director finds an immediate threat to public health.

Violations & Fines

A missing or dead carbon monoxide detector draws a written Compliance Order under Section 8.1 with a deadline to install or repair the unit, appealable to the Board of Adjustment within 30 days. Noncompliance is a misdemeanor under Section 10.1, carrying a fine up to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, or both, with each day of continued violation a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are carbon monoxide detectors required in Stearns County rentals?
Yes. Section 6.8 of Ordinance 272 requires every rental dwelling unit to be supplied with a functioning carbon monoxide detector, in addition to the fire and smoke alarm requirements the Minnesota Uniform Fire Code already imposes on rental housing.
Which rentals does the Stearns County carbon monoxide rule apply to?
Section 2.1 makes Ordinance 272 apply to rental dwelling units throughout the unincorporated county and in townships, except any city or township that has adopted its own rental housing ordinance, which then governs its own carbon monoxide and smoke alarm requirements.
What happens if a landlord fails to provide a working carbon monoxide detector?
An inspector finding no detector under Section 6.8 can trigger a Compliance Order under Section 8.1 with a repair deadline. Ignoring it is a misdemeanor under Section 10.1, punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and 90 days in jail, with each day counted as a separate offense.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Stearns County

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsBuilding PermitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSignificant RestrictionsLead PaintSome RestrictionsDoor Locking HardwareSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions

All Stearns County rules

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