Minneapolis's Accessory Structures: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles accessory structures a little differently. In Minneapolis, Minnesota, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

ADU Rules

Minneapolis allows internal, attached, and detached accessory dwelling units on single- and two-family lots through administrative review by the zoning administrator, not a public hearing, subject to size, height, and yard standards in Chapter 550, Article IX.

Key details: Review type: Administrative, no public hearing. Max detached ADU height: 21 feet. Max detached ADU size: 1,300-1,600 sq ft. Max internal/attached ADU size: 800 square feet. ADUs allowed per lot: One accessory dwelling unit.

Building an ADU beyond the size, height, or yard limits, or occupying one without the required recorded owner-occupancy covenant, violates Chapter 550 and can require removal of the unit's dwelling features.

ADU Owner Occupancy

Minneapolis requires owner-occupancy for internal accessory dwelling units only: the owner must live in the principal home or the ADU itself, per city zoning code Section 550.1440.

Key details: Applies to: Internal accessory dwelling units only. Owner obligation: Must occupy principal home or ADU. Filing: Covenant recorded with Hennepin County. Attached/detached ADUs: No covenant required after March 2021.

Occupying neither the principal home nor the internal ADU as your primary residence violates the covenant; the zoning administrator can require removal of the unit's kitchen or other dwelling features until compliance is restored.

Shed & Carport Rules

Detached sheds and garages in Minneapolis are capped at 13 feet tall (16 feet with matching materials), 800 square feet or 10% of lot area, and must sit at least 6 feet from the house.

Key details: Max height: 13 ft (16 ft if materials match house). Max floor area: 800 sq ft or 10% of lot. Min distance from house: 6 feet. Placement: entirely to rear of house. Governing code: Ch. 545, Art. III, Accessory Uses.

Zoning administrator review and possible correction order for sheds built oversized or too close to the house; appeals go to the Board of Adjustment under Chapter 525.

The Bottom Line

Minneapolis's accessory structures rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Minneapolis is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Minneapolis can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.