Single Families

Single-family homes are subject to the City’s Property Maintenance Code and inspections of properties are performed on a regular or complaint basis.

NOTICE: The City of Columbia Heights has a moratorium on new rental licenses for single-family homes. Information on the moratorium can be found here.

Items listed below are some of the most common areas that are inspected:

Address numbers must be present.
- a contrasting color to the background.
- minimum of four inches in height to be visible from the street or alley.
- Alley numbers are required if an alley exists adjacent to the property, regardless of whether the property has access (a driveway) to the alley.
Peeling paint on areas in excess of approximately 25% of the surface.
Broken windows, doors, or torn/missing screens.
Acceptable exterior storage includes:
- BBQ grills, patio furniture, kid's toys, neatly stacked fire wood, etc. Ladders may be hung on the outside of sheds or garages.
Unacceptable exterior storage includes most other items:
- indoor furniture, construction materials not currently being used; tools, lawn equipment, car parts, piles of brush, etc.
Scrub growth around foundations and fence lines is not permitted. Scrub growth is defined as any uncontrolled growth of vegetation, including weeds, bushes, and tree saplings.
Growth of grass and weeds is not acceptable if longer than 9 inches.
Unpaved Parking: Vehicles parked on any surface other than asphalt or concrete are a violation.