Minnetonka, MN Accessory Structures: ADU Owner Occupancy (2026)

Minnetonka City Code § 300.16, subd. 3(d)(1) lists the general standards for accessory dwelling units, and two of them tie the unit to the owner. Paragraph c requires that the owner of the property reside in the principal dwelling unit or the ADU as a permanent residence, not less than 185 days per calendar year. The owner can live in either unit, so a household can occupy the principal house and rent the ADU, or the reverse. Paragraph d adds that the ADU cannot be subdivided or otherwise separated in ownership from the principal dwelling unit, which keeps the two units on one lot under one owner. The code text prints this clause as 'ADUs may no be subdivided'.

Owner occupancy sits inside the conditional use framework. The R-1 and R-2 district sections list accessory dwelling units among their conditional uses, and § 300.16, subd. 2 provides that no conditional use permit shall be granted unless the City Council determines that all of the general standards will be met. ADUs are allowed only on properties zoned R-1, R-1A and R-2, no more than one per property.

Other general standards apply alongside the residency rule. Parking must be adequate for both units, in a garage, carport or paved area not within a required driveway turnaround, and no more than four vehicles can be parked or stored anywhere outside on the property, a limit that does not count occasional guests who do not reside there. Paragraph f subjects the ADU and its lot to every other single-family provision of the ordinance, including the shoreland, wetland, floodplain and nuisance ordinances, and where provisions conflict the most restrictive applies. Every ADU must also be registered with the Minnetonka police and fire departments before occupancy.