Saint Paul, MN Accessory Structures: ADU Impact Fees (2026)

Minnesota is among the states that restrict municipal impact fees. Minn. Stat. §462.358 (Subdivision Regulation) allows park dedication fees on new subdivisions but does not provide general authority for residential development impact fees on individual ADUs added to existing parcels. The Minnesota Supreme Court in Country Joe, Inc. v. City of Eagan (560 N.W.2d 681, 1997) struck down a road improvement fee, reinforcing limits on municipal impact-fee authority. As a result, Saint Paul ADU costs are limited to: (1) DSI building permit fees based on construction valuation per the City's adopted fee schedule; (2) separate mechanical, plumbing, and electrical trade permits; (3) Sewer Availability Charge (SAC) imposed by the Metropolitan Council under Minn. Stat. §473.517 — approximately $2,485 per SAC unit as of 2025, with ADUs typically charged 0.5 to 1.0 SAC depending on bedroom count and meter size; (4) Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS) connection fees if a new service is needed; (5) Park dedication fees do not apply to individual ADU additions (those are subdivision-only). Property taxes will be reassessed by the Ramsey County Assessor based on the value added by the ADU.