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Minnesota Statewide Rule

Minnesota Micro-Unit Tiny Homes: 400 sq ft Cap (§ 327.30)

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Minnesota (2026)

Key Facts

Statute
Minn. Stat. § 327.30
Maximum size
400 gross square feet
Construction standard
ANSI Code 119.5
Default setback
10 feet all sides
Placement
Only within sacred communities
Last verified: July 31, 2026

Summary

Minnesota's tiny-home statute, Minn. Stat. § 327.30, legalizes "micro units", permanent dwellings of 400 gross square feet or less, but only when placed within a religious-institution-hosted "sacred community." Every unit must meet ANSI Code 119.5.

Subd. 4. Micro unit requirements. (a) In order to be eligible to be placed within a sacred community, a micro unit must be built to the requirements of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Code 119.5, which includes standards for heating, electrical systems, and fire and life safety. A micro unit must also meet the following technical requirements: (1) be no more than 400 gross square feet;

Full Breakdown

A micro unit must be built to ANSI Code 119.5, which covers heating, electrical systems, and fire and life safety, and it cannot exceed 400 gross square feet. Subdivision 4 also requires a permanent chassis with anchored pin foundations, minimum insulation of R-20 walls, R-30 floors, and R-38 ceilings, and toilet systems approved under Minnesota Pollution Control Agency rules. A licensed Minnesota professional engineer or an accredited third-party ANSI inspector must inspect and certify each unit, including its anchoring. Setbacks follow the municipality's manufactured-home ordinance, or default to ten feet on all sides.

Violations & Penalties

A micro unit that fails ANSI 119.5 certification, exceeds 400 square feet, or lacks the required engineer or third-party inspection is not eligible for placement in a sacred community, and the municipality may deny or remove it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I place a tiny home anywhere in Minnesota?
No. Section 327.30 authorizes micro units only within a "sacred community" hosted by a religious institution; other placements depend on local zoning under separate law.
How big can a Minnesota micro unit be?
No more than 400 gross square feet, and it must meet ANSI Code 119.5 for heating, electrical, and fire and life safety.
Who has to inspect a micro unit?
A licensed Minnesota professional engineer or an accredited third-party ANSI inspector must inspect and certify the unit and its anchoring before placement.

Sources

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