5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Wright County, Minnesota.
Verified from official government sources
Minnesota has no statewide ADU mandate. In Wright County's townships the County zoning ordinance decides whether an accessory dwelling is allowed; each city sets its own rule, and suburban cities like St. Michael and Albertville tend to restrict them.
Minn. Stat. § 394.21, subd. 1
For the purpose of promoting the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the community any county in the state having less than 300,000 population according to the 1950 federal census is authorized to carry on county planning and zoning activities.
A detached storage shed 200 square feet or smaller skips the building permit statewide under Minn. Rules 1300.0120. Larger sheds need a permit, and Wright County or city zoning still fixes setbacks — a permit exemption is not a placement exemption.
Minn. R. 1300.0120, subp. 4.A(1)
one-story detached accessory structures, used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet (18.58 m2)
Turning a garage into living space in Wright County is a change of use that needs a building permit under the State Building Code (Minn. Stat. 326B.121). MN Energy Code insulation and replacement off-street parking are the usual sticking points.
Minn. Stat. § 326B.121, subd. 1
The State Building Code is the standard that applies statewide for the construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, and use of buildings and other structures of the type governed by the code.
A carport is a roofed structure, so it needs a building permit under the State Building Code (Minn. Stat. 326B.121) plus zoning approval. Wright County permits township carports; cities permit their own, and setbacks and snow-load design apply.
Minn. Stat. § 326B.121, subd. 1
The State Building Code is the standard that applies statewide for the construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, and use of buildings and other structures of the type governed by the code.
A tiny home's status in Wright County turns on its foundation. On a permanent foundation it is a dwelling under the State Building Code; on wheels it is a titled RV that zoning does not treat as a permanent home.
Minn. Stat. § 394.21, subd. 1
For the purpose of promoting the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the community any county in the state having less than 300,000 population according to the 1950 federal census is authorized to carry on county planning and zoning activities.
1 cities in Wright County have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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Wright County Ordinance Hub →