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Minneapolis, MN Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

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

ADU rules in Minneapolis, MN, also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances, cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.

Key Facts

Review type: Administrative, no public hearing
Max detached ADU height: 21 feet
Max detached ADU size: 1,300-1,600 sq ft
Max internal/attached ADU size: 800 square feet
ADUs allowed per lot: One accessory dwelling unit

ADU Eligibility Quick-Check

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a smaller, independent living unit on the same lot as a single-family home: converted garages, detached cottages, basement or attic conversions, and attached additions all qualify. Most states have streamlined ADU permitting since 2020, but local rules still control size, height, and setback.

Is your lot zoned single-family or multi-family residential?
Does your lot have at least 1,200 sq ft of buildable space?
Is your existing home owner-occupied (in most states this is not required, but some require it for ADU permits)?
Will the ADU stay under your state's size cap (commonly 850-1,200 sq ft for detached)?
Can you provide one off-street parking space (waived in many states within 0.5 mi of transit)?

If you answered 'yes' to most of these, you likely qualify in Minnesota under recent ADU streamlining laws. The Minneapolis, MN rules below cover local size, height, and setback requirements.

Summary

Minneapolis allows internal, attached, and detached accessory dwelling units on single- and two-family lots through administrative review by the zoning administrator, not a public hearing, subject to size, height, and yard standards in Chapter 550, Article IX.

An application for an accessory dwelling unit shall be filed on a form approved by the zoning administrator, as specified in Chapter 525, Administration and Procedures. The zoning administrator shall conduct the administrative review of all applications for an accessory dwelling unit. All findings and decisions of the zoning administrator shall be final, subject to appeal to the board of adjustment, as specified in Chapter 525, Administration and Procedures.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).

Full Breakdown

The zoning administrator reviews ADU applications administratively, with no public hearing, under Chapter 550, Article IX. Internal, attached, and detached ADUs are allowed only accessory to a permitted or conditional single- or two-family dwelling, and only one ADU per zoning lot is permitted. Detached ADUs are capped at 21 feet in height and the greater of 1,300 square feet or 16% of lot area (never exceeding 1,600 square feet); internal and attached units are capped at 800 square feet. Internal ADUs that are not a separate dwelling unit under the Minnesota State Building Code require an owner-occupancy covenant recorded with the Hennepin County recorder.

Violations & Fines

Building an ADU beyond the size, height, or yard limits, or occupying one without the required recorded owner-occupancy covenant, violates Chapter 550 and can require removal of the unit's dwelling features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Minneapolis ADU require a public hearing?

No. The zoning administrator approves ADU applications administratively under § 550.1410; decisions can be appealed to the board of adjustment.

Can I rent an ADU without living on the property?

Only if the ADU is a separate dwelling unit under the state building code; otherwise the owner must occupy one unit on the lot under a recorded covenant.

Sources & Official References

[1]Minneapolis Code of Ordinances §§ 550.1410-550.1460

Other rules in Minneapolis

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome Restrictions Shed & Carport RulesSome Restrictions ADU Owner OccupancySome Restrictions Parking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Bird ProtectionHeavy Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome Restrictions

All Minneapolis rules

How Minneapolis compares: Easiest Cities to Build an ADU·Compare Minneapolis to another location·View the Minnesota accessory structures overview

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