Eagan, MN Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions (2026)

Eagan limits accessory dwelling units, and therefore garage conversions, to single-family lots in the Estate and R-1 zoning districts under City Code § 11.70, Subd. 32(A)-(C). Subdivision 32.C item 7 bars an ADU from being placed in any structure detached from the primary residence, including detached garages, so only an attached garage counts. Item 8 then sets the conversion rule: living space inside the primary residence may become an ADU, and garage space may too, but only if a replacement two-car (or larger) garage is built on the lot without the property owner needing a variance, and the finished ADU meets every state and city building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and fire code requirement.

The converted unit cannot exceed 960 square feet or 33 percent of the primary residence's footprint, whichever is smaller, and cannot fall below 300 square feet; total lot building coverage is capped at 20 percent. No more than two people may live in the ADU, it is limited to two bedrooms, and the property owner must occupy either the primary home or the ADU as a permanent residence at least 185 days a year. Two additional off-street parking spaces are required beyond what the primary home already needs.

Before anyone occupies the converted space, Subdivision 32.D requires the owner to file an ADU registration with the city clerk; the registration lasts 12 months and must be renewed annually on a date the clerk sets.