Accessory Structures in Minneapolis, MN (2026)
3 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 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.
Minneapolis ADU Permit Process
Some RestrictionsMinneapolis Code of Ordinances, Title 20 (Zoning Code), § 550.1410
An application for an accessory dwelling unit shall be filed on a form approved by the zoning administrator, as specified in Chapter 525, Administration and Procedures. The zoning administrator shall conduct the administrative review of all applications for an accessory dwelling unit. All findings and decisions of the zoning administrator shall be final, subject to appeal to the board of adjust...
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.
Minneapolis Internal ADU Owner-Occupancy Rule
Some RestrictionsMinneapolis Code of Ordinances § 550.1440(5)
The owner(s) of the property that includes an accessory dwelling unit that is internal to a principal residential structure, and where the accessory dwelling unit is not a separate dwelling unit under the Minnesota State Building Code, must occupy at least one (1) dwelling unit on the zoning lot as their primary place of residence. If an owner is unable or unwilling to fulfill the requirements ...
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.
Minneapolis Shed and Accessory Structure Rules
Some RestrictionsMinneapolis Code of Ordinances § 545.350, § 545.360, § 545.380
A detached accessory structure accessory to a principal use located in an urban neighborhood and RM1 districts shall not exceed thirteen (13) feet... The maximum height may be increased to sixteen (16) feet where the primary exterior materials of the accessory structure match the primary exterior materials of the principal structure... A detached accessory building shall not be located closer t...
Looking for Hennepin County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Minneapolis city rules.
Accessory Structures in Hennepin County →