Minneapolis, MN Accessory Structures: ADU Permits (2026)

Minneapolis legalized accessory dwelling units in 2014 (Ordinance 2014-Or-085) and significantly expanded ADU rights under the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan adopted in 2018, which eliminated single-family-only zoning and allowed up to triplexes citywide. The implementing zoning regulations are at Chapter 535 of the Zoning Code (Accessory Uses and Structures). ADU types permitted: internal (within the principal dwelling), attached (sharing a wall), and detached. Standards under §535.130: maximum floor area of 1,000 sq ft for detached ADUs, or 800 sq ft for an attached/internal ADU, or 10% of lot size — whichever is less for detached; maximum height of 20 ft or 1.5 stories for detached ADUs; minimum 6-ft side and rear setbacks for detached ADUs (matching general accessory structure rules); no off-street parking required citywide as of 2021 (Ordinance 2021-Or-053 eliminated residential parking minimums). In September 2023, the Hennepin County District Court ruled that the 2040 Plan required an Environmental Assessment Worksheet — but the Minnesota Court of Appeals stayed that ruling in 2024, and the Minnesota Legislature passed Chapter 124 of 2024 Session Laws explicitly authorizing the 2040 Plan, restoring ADU rights. Permits are administered by Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) and the Construction Code Services Division. Minneapolis enforces the 2020 Minnesota State Building Code (based on the 2018 IRC with MN amendments) — Minnesota Energy Code applies, and frost depth for footings is 42 inches.