ADU Rules in Minneapolis, MN (2026)
ADU rules, permit requirements, size limits, and fees for Minneapolis, MN. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Yes, ADUs are allowed in Minneapolis, MN.
Minneapolis, MN permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on residential properties. ADUs — also called granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, or secondary suites — are secondary housing units on a single-family or multifamily lot. State and local law governs the approval process. In Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Regulatory Services — Building Inspections handles ADU permit applications. Below you will find the current size limits, setbacks, fees, and timeline for building an ADU in Minneapolis.
ADU Size Limits
ADU Size Limits in Minneapolis: Detached ADU: up to 1000 sq ft (max height: 25 feet). Attached ADU: No greater than primary dwelling floor area. Minneapolis does not use the JADU designation from California law. Detached ADUs (accessory dwelling units) are limited to 1,000 sqft or the floor area of the principal structure, whichever is less. Minneapolis 2040 rezoning allows up to 3 units total on all residential lots, so the second and third units may each count as ADUs depending on configuration.
| Type | Max Size | Max Height |
|---|---|---|
| Detached ADU | 1000 sq ft | 25 feet |
| Attached ADU | No greater than primary dwelling floor area | Per zone height limit |
Permit Fees
ADU Permit Fees in Minneapolis: Plan check fee: $200-$1,500. Building permit fee: Based on construction value — typically $800-$3,500. Impact fees: None. School fees: None or N/A. Total estimated permit cost: $1,000-$5,000 total permit fees for typical ADU. Minneapolis does not charge significant impact fees for ADUs. Building permit fees are based on construction valuation. Permit fee schedule: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/departments/regulatory-services/
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Plan Check | $200-$1,500 |
| Building Permit | Based on construction value — typically $800-$3,500 |
| Impact Fees | None |
| School Fees | None |
| Total Estimate | $1,000-$5,000 total permit fees for typical ADU |
Permit Timeline
Minneapolis ADU Permit Timeline: Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) processes building permits. Typical plan review: 4-8 weeks. Over-the-counter permits available for simple alterations. Construction typically 3-9 months. Apply through the Minneapolis Regulatory Services — Building Inspections online permit portal. Phone: (612) 673-2010.
Setback Requirements
ADU Setback Requirements in Minneapolis: Front setback: Same as zone standard. Side setback: 5 feet. Rear setback: 15 feet. ADUs must comply with zone setback standards. In R1/R1A zones: 5 ft side, 15 ft rear setbacks apply. Accessory structures placed in rear yard may have reduced setbacks of 3 ft from interior lot lines. Minneapolis Zoning Code Section 537.120.
Parking Requirements
Parking Requirements: No additional parking required for ADUs located within one-quarter mile of a frequent transit line. Elsewhere, 1 space per ADU unit. Minneapolis has significantly reduced parking minimums citywide as part of 2040 plan reforms.
Restrictions & Requirements
- ADU must comply with Minneapolis Zoning Code setback and lot coverage standards
- ADU cannot be sold separately from principal dwelling
- Short-term rental of ADU requires STR license
- Minneapolis 2040 allows up to 3 units total — ADU counts toward this limit
- Accessory structures must be clearly subordinate in size to principal structure in R1/R1A zones
How Many ADUs Are Allowed?
Number of ADUs Allowed in Minneapolis: Single-family lots: 1 ADU per lot (as part of the 3-unit total allowed under Minneapolis 2040). Multifamily properties: Accessory units permitted per zone standards in R3-R6 zones. Minneapolis 2040 allows up to 3 units on all residential lots by-right. This means a single-family home can add 2 additional dwelling units (triplexes now allowed in all residential zones). Each additional unit may function as an ADU.
Single-Family Lots
1 ADU per lot (as part of the 3-unit total allowed under Minneapolis 2040)
Multifamily Properties
Accessory units permitted per zone standards in R3-R6 zones
Historic District Considerations
Historic District Requirements: Minneapolis has 8 historic districts where additional design review may be required for ADU construction. Design review approval is required before obtaining a building permit for properties in historic overlay zones. Minneapolis has several locally-designated Historic Preservation districts including St. Anthony Falls Heritage Zone, Marcy-Holmes, and others. Certificate of Appropriateness required for exterior alterations visible from public right-of-way. Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission administers review. Look up historic district boundaries at: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/departments/cped/historic-preservation/
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in Minneapolis?
Yes. Minneapolis, MN allows accessory dwelling units. On a single-family lot you can build 1 ADU per lot (as part of the 3-unit total allowed under Minneapolis 2040).
How big can an ADU be in Minneapolis?
The maximum size for a detached ADU in Minneapolis is 1,000 square feet.
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Minneapolis?
The typical ADU permit timeline in Minneapolis is Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) processes building permits. Typical plan review: 4-8 weeks. Over-the-counter permits available for simple alterations. Construction typically 3-9 months.. Total estimated permit fees are $1,000-$5,000 total permit fees for typical ADU.
Do I need extra parking for an ADU in Minneapolis?
No, Minneapolis does not require additional parking for ADUs.
Do I have to live on-site to have an ADU in Minneapolis?
No, owner-occupancy is not required for ADUs in Minneapolis.
Source: Minneapolis Zoning Code Title 20 (Code of Ordinances); Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan (adopted December 2018, effective 2020). Last verified April 5, 2026. View source