Accessory Structures in Apple Valley, MN (2026)
5 verified accessory structures rules for Apple Valley, Minnesota, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
In the City of Apple Valley, Minnesota, an accessory unit dwelling (AUD) is allowed only inside or attached to a one-family detached home in the R-1 district, and only with a conditional use permit. Apple Valley Code of Ordinances § 155.382 caps each lot at one AUD and sets detailed size, parking, and spacing standards.
Apple Valley, MN Accessory Unit Dwelling Rules
Significant RestrictionsApple Valley Code of Ordinances § 155.382
(A) Purpose. ... The purpose of this section is to permit no more than one accessory unit dwelling (AUD) in a one-family detached dwelling (R-1 district only) by conditional use permit. The R-1 zoning district requires a minimum lot size of 40,000 square feet which ensures that additional housing will have less impact on neighboring properties. ... (C) Conditional use permit required. No pr...
ADU Owner Occupancy
In the City of Apple Valley, Minnesota, the property owner must live in either the main house or the accessory unit dwelling as a permanent residence. Under Apple Valley Code of Ordinances § 155.382(D)(2), the owner can be away for no more than 180 consecutive days and must live there at least 180 consecutive days each calendar year.
Apple Valley, MN AUD Owner Occupancy Rule
Significant RestrictionsApple Valley Code of Ordinances § 155.382(D)(2)
(D) Performance standards. ... In addition to the provisions governing conditional use permits elsewhere in this chapter, any AUD permitted by a conditional use permit hereunder shall meet the following requirements: ... (2) A property owner, which shall include title holders and contract purchasers, must reside in either the primary residence or the AUD as their permanent residence. The pr...
ADU Rental Restrictions
In the City of Apple Valley, Minnesota, an accessory unit dwelling cannot be used as a rental unit for any period less than 30 consecutive days. Apple Valley Code of Ordinances § 155.382(D)(22) bars payment of a fee or other compensation to the owner under a written or verbal lease or contract for shorter stays.
Apple Valley, MN AUD Rental Restrictions
Some RestrictionsApple Valley Code of Ordinances § 155.382(D)(22)
(9) The total number of occupants in the AUD may not exceed three persons. The AUD shall contain no more than two bedrooms. ... (22) No accessory dwelling unit or portion thereof shall be used or allowed to be used as a rental unit, for any period less than 30 consecutive days, by a person for payment of a fee or other compensation to the owner, under a lease of contract, written or verbal....
Shed & Carport Rules
In the City of Apple Valley, Minnesota, an outdoor accessory storage building over 200 square feet of enclosed area on a residential lot needs a building permit. Code § 155.332 caps accessory buildings at 16 feet high and 750 square feet, and sets side and rear lot line distances of 5, 10 or 20 feet depending on size and street frontage.
Shed and Accessory Building Rules in Apple Valley, Minnesota
Some RestrictionsApple Valley Code of Ordinances § 155.332
(A) It shall be unlawful to install, construct, erect, alter, revise, reconstruct or move any outdoor accessory storage building which exceeds 200 square feet of enclosed area on a residentially zoned lot without first obtaining a building permit. ... An accessory building or structure ... that is 144 square feet or less shall be no closer than five feet to any side or rear lot line. An accesso...
Garage Conversions
In the City of Apple Valley, Minnesota, garage space can be converted into an accessory unit dwelling only if space remains for a two-car garage on the lot without a variance. Apple Valley Code of Ordinances § 155.382(D)(8) also requires the converted unit to meet all state and city codes.
Apple Valley, MN Garage Conversion to AUD Rules
Significant RestrictionsApple Valley Code of Ordinances § 155.382(D)(8)
(8) An AUD may be created by the conversion of living space within the primary residence, but not by conversion of garage space unless, thereafter, space is available for a two-car garage on the lot without the need for a variance and the converted AUD complies with all state and city regulations and codes. ... (10) Two off-street parking spaces shall be required for the AUD, in addition to...
Looking for Dakota County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Apple Valley city rules.
Accessory Structures in Dakota County →