Minneapolis allows home occupations in all residential districts under Chapter 536 of the zoning code. The 2040 Comprehensive Plan expanded residential business opportunities, and most professional home offices, tutoring, art studios, and online businesses operate as permitted accessory uses without special approval.
Minneapolis Code Chapter 536 governs home occupations and permits them in all residential zoning districts (R1 through R6) and most mixed-use districts. A home occupation must be clearly incidental to the residential use, occupy no more than 20 percent of the dwelling floor area or 300 square feet (whichever is less), employ no more than one non-resident employee, and generate no external evidence such as noise, odor, vibration, or traffic beyond what is typical of a residence. The Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan, adopted in 2019 and reinstated in 2023 after the Environmental Impact Statement litigation, explicitly supports small-scale entrepreneurship and home-based businesses as part of complete neighborhoods. Certain intensive uses such as auto repair, commercial kitchens beyond cottage food, and adult businesses are prohibited as home occupations. A home occupation registration with Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) is required for businesses with customer visits or deliveries.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Minneapolis code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Minneapolis, MN
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Minneapolis, MN
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Minneapolis, MN
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