Accessory Structures in Minneapolis, MN (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Minneapolis, Minnesota, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Minneapolis is a national leader in ADU policy. The 2040 Comprehensive Plan and Chapter 537 allow accessory dwelling units in all residential districts as a permitted use, including detached, attached, and internal ADUs. The 2040 plan reinstated in 2023 after court litigation further supports ADU production.
Accessory Structures: Adu Rules
Few RestrictionsADU Permits
Minneapolis permits accessory dwelling units by-right in all residential zones following the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan and Chapter 535 of the Zoning Code. Detached, attached, and internal ADUs are permitted. A September 2023 Hennepin County District Court ruling vacated portions of the 2040 Plan; a 2024 Minnesota Court of Appeals decision and subsequent legislative response (2024 MN Laws Ch. 124) restored most ADU provisions citywide.
Minneapolis ADU Permits (Code Ch. 535 + 2040 Plan + 2024 Court Reversal)
Few RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Minneapolis does not charge general residential impact fees on ADUs because Minnesota Statutes §462.358 limits municipal impact-fee authority. Costs are limited to Construction Code Services building permit fees, plan review fees, sewer availability charges (SAC) from Met Council, and water/sewer connection fees.
Minneapolis ADU Impact Fees (Limited - Minnesota Restricts Impact-Fee Authority)
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Minneapolis eliminated the ADU owner-occupancy requirement in 2019 (Ordinance 2019-Or-085). Property owners may rent both the principal dwelling and the ADU to non-owner tenants without losing the ADU's legal status. Both units, however, must comply with Minneapolis Rental Licensing under Chapter 244 of the Code.
Minneapolis ADU Owner-Occupancy (Not Required as of 2019)
Few RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
ADUs in Minneapolis can be rented long-term subject to Rental Licensing under Code Chapter 244. Short-term rentals require a Minneapolis Short-Term Rental License under Chapter 339, including platform registration and host/non-host rules. Minnesota Stat. §504B preempts municipal rent control unless authorized at the state level.
Minneapolis ADU Rental Restrictions (Rental License + Strict STR Rules)
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Minneapolis allows accessory sheds in rear and side yards under Chapter 535. Sheds 200 square feet or smaller and under 10 feet tall do not require a building permit but must meet setback and lot coverage rules.
Accessory Structures: Shed Rules
Few RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Garage conversions to habitable space in Minneapolis are regulated as ADUs under Chapter 537 when creating a separate dwelling, or as additions to the principal dwelling when merging with the house. Both require full building permits and compliance with the Minnesota Residential Code including egress and insulation.
Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Carports in Minneapolis are regulated as accessory structures under Chapter 535 and require a building permit regardless of size because they are permanently anchored. They must meet the same setbacks and rear-yard location rules as garages and sheds.
Accessory Structures: Carport Rules
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Tiny homes on foundations are permitted in Minneapolis as dwellings or ADUs under Chapter 537 if they meet the 300 sq ft minimum and all Minnesota Residential Code requirements. Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) are treated as recreational vehicles and cannot be used as permanent dwellings.
Accessory Structures: Tiny Homes
Some RestrictionsLooking for Hennepin County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Minneapolis city rules.
Accessory Structures in Hennepin County →