Accessory Structures in Saint Paul, MN (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Saint Paul, Minnesota, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Saint Paul allows ADUs by right in all residential zoning districts. Both internal and detached ADUs are permitted with size limits. Owner occupancy is not required.
Saint Paul ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Rules
Few RestrictionsADU Permits
Saint Paul permits accessory dwelling units in single-family and two-family residential zoning districts under Chapter 65 of the Legislative Code (Title VIII Zoning Code, Ch. 60-69). The City adopted ADUs in 2016 (Ordinance 16-26) and is currently re-evaluating standards under the 2025 1A Zoning Study. Minnesota HF 4029 (2024) requires all cities of population 10,000 or more to permit ADUs by-right in single-family zones beginning January 1, 2025.
Saint Paul ADU Permits (Legislative Code Ch. 65 + MN HF 4029 of 2024)
Few RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Saint Paul does not charge general residential impact fees on ADUs because Minnesota Statutes §462.358 limits municipal impact-fee authority. Costs are limited to DSI building permit fees, plan review fees, sewer availability charges (SAC) from the Metropolitan Council, and Saint Paul Regional Water Services connection fees.
Saint Paul ADU Impact Fees (Limited — Minnesota Restricts Impact-Fee Authority)
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Saint Paul's 2016 ADU ordinance (Chapter 65 of the Legislative Code) historically required owner-occupancy of either the principal dwelling or the ADU. Minnesota HF 4029 (2024) effective January 1, 2025 prohibits cities from imposing owner-occupancy as a precondition to ADU approval, overriding any remaining local requirement. Both units must comply with Saint Paul Rental Licensing under Chapter 40 if rented to non-owners.
Saint Paul ADU Owner-Occupancy (Required Historically; Subject to Reform Under HF 4029)
Some RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
ADUs in Saint Paul can be rented long-term subject to Certificate of Occupancy under Legislative Code Chapter 40 AND the Saint Paul Rent Stabilization Ordinance (Code Ch. 193A) — a 3% annual rent cap adopted by ballot in 2021 and amended in 2022 with new-construction and small-landlord exemptions. Short-term rentals require a Chapter 331A lodging license and platform compliance.
Saint Paul ADU Rental Restrictions (Rent Stabilization + STR Licensing)
Heavy RestrictionsShed Rules
Saint Paul regulates sheds under its zoning code. Sheds up to 120 sq ft generally do not require a building permit but must comply with setback and height requirements.
Saint Paul Shed and Detached Storage Rules
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Saint Paul allows garage conversions to livable space or ADUs with a building permit. Off-street parking replacement may be required depending on transit proximity.
Saint Paul Garage Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Saint Paul regulates carports as accessory structures under its zoning code. Building permits are required and carports must meet setback, height, and lot coverage standards.
Saint Paul Carport Regulations
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Saint Paul permits tiny homes as ADUs when built on a foundation and meeting state building code standards. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles.