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Ramsey County, MN Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

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

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

Key Facts

County rule?: No: city sets ADU rules
Enabling statute: Minn. Stat. 462.357
St. Paul allows: Up to 2 ADUs per lot
St. Paul owner-occupancy: Not required (repealed 2022)
St. Paul max size: 800 sq ft or 75%

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 Ramsey County, MN rules below cover local size, height, and setback requirements.

Summary

Ramsey County sets no ADU rule. Accessory dwelling units are municipal zoning under Minn. Stat. 462.357. St. Paul (county seat) allows ADUs citywide and permits up to two ADUs per one-family lot with no owner-occupancy requirement. Check your city's zoning office.

City-specific rules exist: Saint Paul has its own adu rules rules that differ from Ramsey County's county-level regulations. If you live in Saint Paul, check the city-specific page instead.

For the purpose of promoting the public health, safety, morals, and general welfare, a municipality may by ordinance regulate ... the location, height, width, bulk, type of foundation, number of stories, size of buildings and other structures ... and the uses of land for ... residence, recreation ... and may establish standards and procedures regulating such uses.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Minnesota cities regulate land use and ADUs under the Ch. 462 municipal zoning enabling statute; Ramsey County zones only unincorporated land, of which it has essentially none. Rules therefore vary by city. St. Paul, the county seat, is ADU-friendly: under Sec. 65.913 of its zoning code, two ADUs are permitted per one-family dwelling, owner-occupancy was repealed in 2022, each unit maxes at 800 sq ft (or 75% of the principal dwelling), and a detached ADU building may be up to 25 feet tall. Other suburbs (Roseville, Maplewood, White Bear Lake) have their own, often stricter, standards. Always confirm with the city where the property sits.

Violations & Fines

Building/zoning enforcement is municipal. Building an ADU without the required city zoning approval and building permit can trigger stop-work orders, fines, and orders to remove or legalize the unit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Ramsey County approve ADUs?

No. Ramsey County has no countywide ADU ordinance. Apply through the city (St. Paul, Roseville, Maplewood, etc.) where your property is located.

Are ADUs legal in St. Paul?

Yes. St. Paul allows ADUs citywide in most residential districts, up to two per one-family lot, with no owner-occupancy requirement, under zoning code Sec. 65.913.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Ramsey County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome Restrictions Shed & Carport RulesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome Restrictions Garage ConversionsSome Restrictions Tiny HomesSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Breed RestrictionsSome Restrictions

All Ramsey County rules

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

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ADU Rules in Cities Across Ramsey County

Saint Paul, MN