ADU Laws and Regulations in Minnesota For 2025

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are becoming a popular solution for homeowners across the country looking to add more living space to their properties. As of 2025, Minnesota has seen a rise in cities allowing the construction of ADUs, but the regulations can vary significantly depending on the location. Whether you’re thinking about adding a guest house, rental unit, or simply more space for your family, it’s essential to understand the specific ADU laws and regulations in your city. Below, we provide an overview of ADU rules in some key cities across Minnesota.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis, one of the largest cities in Minnesota, has established clear regulations surrounding ADUs. The city allows both attached and detached ADUs, making it a flexible option for homeowners looking to expand their living space.

Key Regulations for Minneapolis ADUs

1. Zoning and Property Types: ADUs are permitted in all interior zoning districts where single-family and two-family dwellings are allowed.

2. Building Code Compliance: Any ADU in Minneapolis must adhere to the 2020 Minnesota Residential Code, which sets safety and construction standards.

3. Height Restrictions: Detached ADUs must not exceed 20 feet in height. This ensures that the new structure does not overshadow the primary dwelling or negatively impact the surrounding properties.

4. Size Limitations: The size of an ADU is typically restricted to 1,000 square feet or 50% of the primary dwelling’s finished floor area, whichever is less. This regulation ensures that the ADU remains a secondary structure on the property, rather than becoming an oversized independent unit.

5. Setbacks: Detached ADUs must maintain a minimum of 3 feet from the side and rear property lines. For ADUs located above detached garages, a five-foot setback from alleys is required.

These regulations ensure that ADUs in Minneapolis are built safely and in a way that is considerate of neighboring properties.

Edina

In 2024, Edina legalized ADUs, but the city has specific rules to maintain the character and integrity of the community.

Key Regulations for Edina ADUs

1. Zoning: ADUs are allowed only on properties that have single-family homes and are located in R-1 zoning districts, which are designated for low-density residential areas.

2. One ADU Per Property: Edina limits properties to just one ADU, ensuring that the neighborhood maintains its residential character without becoming overly dense.

3. Rental Rules: While homeowners are allowed to rent either the ADU or the principal dwelling, renting both units simultaneously is not allowed. This rule helps prevent short-term rentals from turning neighborhoods into transient housing areas.

4. Short-Term Rentals: ADUs in Edina cannot be used for short-term rentals (less than 30 days). This regulation is likely aimed at maintaining a more stable, long-term residential community.

5. Size Limitations: Like many other cities, Edina has a maximum ADU size of 1,000 square feet. However, there are exceptions for basement ADUs, which may exceed this size limitation depending on the circumstances.

6. Utility Connections: ADUs must be connected to municipal sewer and water systems, ensuring that they meet the city’s infrastructure standards and do not strain local resources.

Edina’s regulations prioritize maintaining the residential feel of neighborhoods while allowing homeowners the flexibility to add valuable living space to their properties.

St. Paul

St. Paul, the capital of Minnesota, has also embraced the idea of ADUs, but with its own set of regulations tailored to its unique housing needs.

Key Regulations for St. Paul ADUs

1. Single-Family Dwellings: In St. Paul, ADUs are only allowed when they are associated with a one-family dwelling on the same lot. This restriction ensures that ADUs remain secondary to the primary residence.

2. Types of ADUs: ADUs in St. Paul can be interior (within the main house), attached (connected to the main house), or detached (separate from the main house). This offers flexibility to homeowners, allowing them to choose the best design for their property.

St. Paul’s regulations provide options for homeowners looking to expand their living space, while ensuring the primary focus remains on single-family homes.

Golden Valley

Golden Valley is another city in Minnesota that permits ADUs, and it defines them as self-contained residential units that meet Minnesota State Building Code requirements.

Key Regulations for Golden Valley ADUs

Golden Valley’s ADU regulations align with Minnesota State Building Codes, ensuring that the units are built to high standards of safety and quality. This allows homeowners to create additional living spaces while maintaining the integrity of their property.

St. Louis Park

St. Louis Park offers a set of specific ADU regulations designed to ensure that the development of these units fits well within the community.

Key Regulations for St. Louis Park ADUs

1. Setback Rules: ADUs in St. Louis Park must be at least 15 feet from rear lot lines. However, if the lot abuts an alley, the setback requirement is reduced to at least 5 feet. This ensures that the ADUs do not interfere with the flow of traffic and maintain adequate space between properties.

2. General Compliance: As with other cities, St. Louis Park requires that all ADUs comply with the Minnesota Residential Building Code to ensure they are safe, well-constructed, and functional.

General Considerations for ADUs in Minnesota

While the regulations for ADUs vary by city, there are some common requirements that apply across the state:

1. Compliance with Minnesota Residential Building Code: All ADUs in Minnesota must adhere to the state’s building code, which sets standards for safety, structural integrity, and accessibility.

2. Same Lot as Primary Residence: Many cities, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Golden Valley, require that ADUs be located on the same lot as the primary residence. However, some cities are beginning to consider allowing non-owner-occupied properties, so it’s important to check local rules.

3. Sale and Tax Parcel Restrictions: In most cases, ADUs cannot be sold independently of the principal dwelling, and they cannot create a separate tax parcel. This ensures that the ADU remains a secondary structure and is not treated as a separate property.

4. Consult Local Regulations: There is no state-wide law governing the construction of ADUs in Minnesota. Because regulations differ from city to city, prospective ADU builders should always consult local municipal codes to ensure compliance with specific requirements and restrictions.

Conclusion

As of 2025, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are an increasingly viable option for homeowners across Minnesota. Cities like Minneapolis, Edina, St. Paul, Golden Valley, and St. Louis Park each offer unique regulations that allow homeowners to expand their properties while maintaining the character and integrity of their neighborhoods. However, it’s important to stay informed about the specific zoning, design, and building code requirements in your city before starting an ADU project.

Whether you’re looking to add more space for your family, create a rental property, or build a guesthouse, understanding your city’s ADU laws is essential to ensuring a successful and compliant project. Always consult with local authorities and professionals to navigate the regulatory landscape and bring your vision to life.