ADU rules in Minnesota
Representative cities: Minneapolis, Saint Paul.
ADU permit rule
Permit requiredCase by casecity authority
Fee basis
Permit fees set by the municipality; verify with the local building department (Minneapolis Development Review or Saint Paul DSI).
Typical timeline
Varies by municipality — ADUs with full plan review typically several weeks.
Setback
—
Area threshold
Not size-exempt
Exempt if
Not exempt
Go / no-go
case-by-case
An accessory dwelling unit is a dwelling-unit addition and requires a building permit plus zoning/occupancy approval. Whether an ADU is allowed on your lot is set by local zoning; verify with your municipal building department.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to build an ADU in Minnesota?
Per Minnesota rules, an ADU is "yes" for a permit and the authority is "city". An accessory dwelling unit is a dwelling-unit addition and requires a building permit plus zoning/occupancy approval. Whether an ADU is allowed on your lot is set by local zoning; verify with your municipal building department. Always confirm with the issuing building department.
How big can an ADU be in Minnesota?
Size limits for an ADU in Minnesota are set by local zoning — verify with your city building department.
What are the ADU setbacks in Minnesota?
Setback rules vary by city in Minnesota; confirm with the local planning or building department.
How much does an ADU permit cost in Minnesota?
Fee basis: Permit fees set by the municipality; verify with the local building department (Minneapolis Development Review or Saint Paul DSI).