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 local building department 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 1300 sq ft (max height: 21 feet). Attached ADU: 800 sq ft. Internal accessory dwelling units are limited to eight hundred (800) square feet. The gross floor area of an internal accessory dwelling unit may exceed eight hundred (800) square feet only if the portion of the principal residential structure in which the accessory dwelling unit is located was in existence as of January 1, 2015.
| Type | Max Size | Max Height |
|---|---|---|
| Detached ADU | 1300 sq ft · Verified May 20, 2026 · Source | 21 feet · Verified May 20, 2026 · Source |
| Attached ADU | 800 sq ft · Verified May 20, 2026 · Source | See official source |
Permit Fees
ADU Permit Fees in Minneapolis: Plan check fee: Varies. Building permit fee: Varies. Impact fees: None. School fees: None or N/A. Total estimated permit cost: Varies.
| 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 | See official source |
Permit Timeline
Minneapolis ADU Permit Timeline: Permit timeline has not been confirmed — contact the department for current processing times. Apply through the local building department online permit portal. Contact them through their official website for current contact information.
Setback Requirements
ADU Setback Requirements in Minneapolis: Front setback: follows zone standard. Side setback: 3 feet. Rear setback: 3 feet.
Parking Requirements
Parking Requirements: Parking requirements have not been confirmed — see official source.
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: No more than one (1) accessory dwelling unit shall be allowed on a zoning lot.. Multifamily properties: The principal residential structure shall be a permitted or conditional single-family or two-family dwelling. Accessory dwelling units shall be prohibited accessory to all other uses.. No more than one (1) accessory dwelling unit shall be allowed on a zoning lot.
- Single-Family Lots
- No more than one (1) accessory dwelling unit shall be allowed on a zoning lot. · Verified July 14, 2026 · Source
- Multifamily Properties
- The principal residential structure shall be a permitted or conditional single-family or two-family dwelling. Accessory dwelling units shall be prohibited accessory to all other uses. · Verified July 14, 2026 · Source
Statewide Preemption
ADU Preemption
We could not confirm a statewide ADU preemption statute for Minnesota.
View Minnesota preemption detailsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in Minneapolis?
Yes. Minneapolis, MN allows accessory dwelling units. On a single-family lot you can build No more than one (1) accessory dwelling unit shall be allowed on a zoning lot..
How big can an ADU be in Minneapolis?
The maximum size for a detached ADU in Minneapolis is 1,300 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?
Minneapolis parking rules for ADUs: 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.
Do I have to live on-site to have an ADU in Minneapolis?
Owner-occupancy requirement in Minneapolis: The owner(s) of the property that includes an accessory dwelling unit that is internal to a principal residential structure, and where the accessory dwelling unit is not a separate dwelling unit under the Minnesota State Building Code, must occupy at least one (1) dwelling unit on the zoning lot as their primary place of residence.
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