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Stearns County, MN Accessory Structures: ADU Owner Occupancy (2026)

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

Key Facts

Owner-occupancy rule
Owner must live in principal home OR the ADU
Applies to
Both attached and detached ADUs
Governing sections
6.3.1(C) attached; 6.3.2(C) detached
ADUs per lot
1 maximum
Separate sale/parcel
Prohibited

Summary

Stearns County requires the property owner to live in either the principal dwelling or the accessory dwelling unit itself, for both attached and detached ADUs, under Ordinance 439 Sections 6.3.1(C) and 6.3.2(C).

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.

C. The owner of the property shall reside in either the principal dwelling unit or the Accessory Dwelling Unit.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Ordinance 439's Accessory Dwelling Unit standards impose an identical owner-occupancy condition on both ADU types. 1(C), governing attached units, states plainly that the owner of the property shall reside in either the principal dwelling unit or the Accessory Dwelling Unit. 2(C), governing detached units, repeats the same requirement word for word. 2(D)). 3 authorizes. 33.

Violations & Fines

An ADU where the owner resides in neither the principal dwelling nor the accessory unit is being operated outside the use Section 6.3 approved, and the county Environmental Services Department can treat the arrangement as an unauthorized second dwelling, subject to a compliance order or removal of the ADU's approval until owner-occupancy is restored or another permitted use is obtained.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the owner have to live on-site with a Stearns County ADU?
Yes. Sections 6.3.1(C) and 6.3.2(C) of Ordinance 439 require the property owner to reside in either the principal dwelling unit or the accessory dwelling unit, for attached and detached ADUs alike.
Can I rent out both my house and my Stearns County ADU to tenants?
Not under Section 6.3 as written: the owner must occupy one of the two units, so a setup where neither unit houses the owner falls outside the ADU standard the county approved.
Can the owner live in the ADU instead of the main house?
Yes. Sections 6.3.1(C) and 6.3.2(C) allow the owner to reside in either the principal dwelling or the accessory dwelling unit, so living in the smaller unit while renting the principal home satisfies the requirement.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Stearns County

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsADU RulesSome RestrictionsShed & Carport RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSignificant 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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