ADU rules in Saint Paul, MN — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Saint Paul allows ADUs by right in all residential zoning districts. Both internal and detached ADUs are permitted with size limits. Owner occupancy is not required.
Saint Paul updated its zoning code (Leg. Code Ch. 66) to allow ADUs citywide in residential districts without a conditional use permit. Detached ADUs may be up to 1,000 square feet or 50% of the primary dwelling area, whichever is less. Internal ADUs are limited to 33% of the total habitable floor area of the principal structure. ADUs must meet setback requirements for accessory structures (generally 4 feet from side and rear lot lines). One additional off-street parking space may be required unless the property is within a quarter mile of a transit stop. Building permits and compliance with the Minnesota State Building Code are required. ADUs cannot be sold separately from the principal dwelling. The city has streamlined ADU permitting to encourage development of additional housing, particularly in neighborhoods with older single-family homes. Height limits for detached ADUs generally match accessory structure standards at 15-25 feet depending on the district.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Saint Paul, MN
Saint Paul's zoning and property maintenance codes do not restrict residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays at single-family homes. Politi...
Saint Paul, MN
Saint Paul has no specific City ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. The principal restrictions come from HOA and condo covenants un...
Saint Paul, MN
Saint Paul has no citywide ordinance restricting residential holiday lights at single-family homes. Restrictions arise principally from HOA and condo covenan...
Saint Paul, MN
Outdoor kitchens in Saint Paul require separate trade permits from the Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI): building permit for structural elements, m...
Saint Paul, MN
Saint Paul has no specific ordinance regulating residential offset smokers or pellet grills at single-family homes. Multi-unit balcony smokers face the same ...
Saint Paul, MN
Saint Paul enforces the Minnesota State Fire Code (Minn. Rules Ch. 7511), which adopts the International Fire Code. IFC §308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking...
See how Saint Paul's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.