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Ramsey County, MN Accessory Structures: Tiny Homes (2026)

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

Tiny home rules in Ramsey County, MN, covering tiny houses on wheels (THOWs), park model RVs, and tiny home on foundation builds, determine where they are legal and how they get permitted.

Key Facts

County rule?
No: city decides
Statewide law
None; Minn. Stat. 462.357 governs
On foundation
May qualify as ADU in St. Paul
On wheels
Treated as RV; not permanent home
Building code
Full code applies to dwellings

Summary

Ramsey County sets no tiny-home rule. Whether a tiny home is allowed, and as a primary dwelling or an ADU, is decided by city zoning under Minn. Stat. 462.357. In St. Paul a tiny home on a foundation can qualify as an ADU (Sec. 65.913). Movable tiny homes

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Ramsey County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

For the purpose of promoting the public health, safety, morals, and general welfare, a municipality may by ordinance regulate ... the size of buildings and other structures ... the density and distribution of population ... and the uses of land for ... residence, recreation ... and may establish standards and procedures regulating such uses.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Minnesota has no statewide tiny-home statute; each city decides under the Ch. 462 zoning enabling authority, and Ramsey County plays no role in incorporated areas. A tiny home on a permanent foundation must meet the same building code and zoning standards as any dwelling; in St. Paul it can be sited as an accessory dwelling unit under Sec. 65.913 (800-sq-ft/25-ft limits) or as a small principal dwelling if the lot and district allow. Tiny homes on wheels are typically treated as recreational vehicles and cannot be used as permanent residences on residential lots. Confirm with your city.

Violations & Fines

Living in a non-conforming or unpermitted tiny home is a municipal zoning/building violation, exposing owners to fines, occupancy denial, and orders to remove or bring the structure up to code.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I live in a tiny home in Ramsey County?
It depends on your city, not the county. A foundation-built tiny home may be allowed as an ADU or small dwelling; a tiny home on wheels usually cannot be a permanent residence.
Does Ramsey County allow tiny homes?
The county sets no rule. Check the city (St. Paul, Roseville, Maplewood, etc.) where you want to place the tiny home.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Ramsey County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsADU RulesSome RestrictionsShed & Carport RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsGarage ConversionsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Breed RestrictionsSome Restrictions

All Ramsey County rules

Compare Ramsey County to another location·View the Minnesota accessory structures overview

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Tiny Homes in Cities Across Ramsey County

Saint Paul, MN