Minnetonka, MN Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Minnetonka, MN, also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations, set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Key Facts
- Distance from principal structure
- Six feet unless fireproof requirements are met
- R-1 and R-2 lot line setback
- 10 feet from rear or side lot line
- Front yard placement
- 50 foot minimum from front lot line, garages excepted
- R-1 accessory cap
- 12 feet high or 1,000 square feet aggregate
- R-3 shed cap
- 120 square feet gross floor area
- Attached accessory building
- Treated as part of the principal structure
Summary
In the City of Minnetonka, Hennepin County, Minnesota, Minnetonka City Code § 300.15, subd. 12 keeps a detached accessory building at least six feet from the house, allows a 10 foot rear and side lot line setback in R-1 and R-2, and sets a 50 foot front setback for accessory structures between the house and the street.
Any accessory building attached to a principal structure shall be made a structural part of the principal structure and shall comply with all requirements relating to principal structures. No accessory building which is not attached to a principal structure shall be located within six feet of a principal structure unless in conformance with fireproof requirements of the uniform building code. Accessory structures shall conform to the setbacks established for principal structures, except in R-1 and R-2 districts the following shall apply: a) all accessory structures located more than 10 feet from a principal structure may be located a minimum of 10 feet from a rear or side lot line; b) accessory structures, except detached garages, which are located between the principal structure and the front lot line shall maintain a minimum setback of 50 feet from the front lot line; and
Full Breakdown
The Minnetonka City Council regulates accessory structures in § 300.15, subdivision 12. An accessory building attached to a principal structure is made a structural part of it and must comply with every requirement for principal structures. A detached accessory building cannot be located within six feet of a principal structure unless it conforms with the fireproof requirements of the uniform building code. Accessory structures otherwise follow the setbacks for principal structures, with an R-1 and R-2 exception: those located more than 10 feet from the principal structure can sit a minimum of 10 feet from a rear or side lot line. Accessory structures other than detached garages that sit between the principal structure and the front lot line must keep a minimum setback of 50 feet from the front lot line.
Size limits come from the district sections. In R-1, § 300.10 subdivision 3(b) permits accessory structures not exceeding 12 feet in height or an aggregate of 1,000 square feet of gross floor area, and subdivision 4(f) requires a conditional use permit for larger ones. Where an R-1 lot hosts a private recreational principal use such as tennis courts, the only permitted buildings are gazebos and storage sheds, storage sheds may be no larger than 120 square feet, and structures must be at least 50 feet from a front property line. In R-3, § 300.12 subdivision 3(d) allows storage sheds, greenhouses or other accessory structures that do not exceed 120 square feet in gross floor area. Swimming pools in R-1 are set 15 feet from side and rear lines, measured to the water line.
The quoted subdivision sets location rules only. Building permit steps and fee amounts are not part of it.
Violations & Fines
Placing a shed or accessory building where the code forbids breaks chapter 3. Section 300.03, subd. 2(a) makes the violator guilty of a misdemeanor, and each day the violation continues is a separate offense. The city planner enforces the zoning chapter and can start any lawful action to prevent, restrain, correct or abate it, and an applicant filing because of the violation pays twice the section 710 fee. Setback relief goes through a variance under § 300.07.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Minnetonka
How Minnetonka compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Minnetonka to another location·View the Minnesota accessory structures overview
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Shed & Carport Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Hennepin County handle shed & carport rules.