Hennepin County, MN Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions (2026)

Hennepin County is fully incorporated; the County Board has no zoning authority over private accessory structures and the County Code reflects this. Garage conversion rules come from each city. Minneapolis Zoning Code Chapter 537 (Accessory Uses and Structures) and Section 537.110 (ADU use-specific standards) permit accessory dwelling units, including conversion of an existing detached garage, by right in all districts that allow single- or two-family dwellings. Conversions must meet the same dimensional caps as other detached accessory structures: maximum 800 sq ft or 10 percent of lot area (whichever is greater), maximum 13 ft height by right (16 ft with administrative review), 6 ft minimum from the principal dwelling, 10 ft minimum from neighboring habitable space, and reduced rear-yard setbacks (down to 1 ft) only if located in the rear 40 ft or rear 20 percent of the lot. Any conversion creating habitable space must obtain a building permit and comply with the 2020 Minnesota Residential Code (MN Rules Ch. 1309) for ceiling height, egress, smoke alarms, insulation, mechanical, and structural requirements; electrical work falls under MN Rules Ch. 1315. Other Hennepin County cities (Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Edina, Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, Minnetonka, Plymouth, etc.) have their own zoning codes; many do not yet permit ADUs and treat a garage-to-living-space conversion as a use change requiring full zoning review. Confirm with your city's planning department before starting.