ADU Regulations in Minnesota (MN)
Minnesota is rated Easy for ADU construction with an ADU-friendliness score of 88/100 (Very ADU-Friendly). Minnesota has a statewide ADU law that sets baseline rules across all municipalities. No owner-occupancy requirement. No additional parking required for ADUs. Minnesota passed a statewide ADU law in 2023 (SF 3964/HF 4009) requiring all cities to allow at least one ADU per single-family lot. No conditional use permits or public hearings allowed. Minneapolis eliminated single-family zoning entirely in 2020, further enabling ADU construction.
Full ADU Regulations Summary for Minnesota
| ADUs Allowed | Yes |
| Statewide ADU Law | Yes |
| Maximum ADU Size | Set locally |
| Owner Occupancy Required | No |
| Parking Required | No |
| Minimum Setback | Set locally |
| Permitting Timeline | 60 days max |
| Impact Fees | Prohibited for ADUs |
| Long-Term Rental Allowed | Yes |
| Short-Term Rental (Airbnb) Allowed | Yes |
| Ease of Building | Easy |
ADU Regulations by City in Minnesota
ADU rules can vary by city even within the same state. While Minnesota's statewide law sets minimum standards, some cities have additional local provisions. Below are ADU details for 3 cities in Minnesota.
Minneapolis
ADUs allowed on all residential lots. Minneapolis eliminated single-family-only zoning in 2020 (Minneapolis 2040 plan). Up to 2 additional units per lot.
Saint Paul
ADUs permitted by right on all residential lots. No owner-occupancy requirement. Saint Paul updated zoning for ADU compliance in 2024.
Duluth
ADUs allowed per state law. Duluth streamlined ADU permitting in 2024.
How Minnesota Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Minnesota with five states that have similar ADU-friendliness scores. This comparison helps illustrate where Minnesota stands nationally.
| State | Score | Statewide Law | Parking Req? | Owner Occ? | Ease |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota (MN) | 88 | Yes | No | No | Easy |
| Colorado (CO) | 91 | Yes | No | No | Easy |
| Massachusetts (MA) | 85 | Yes | No | No | Easy |
| Arizona (AZ) | 93 | Yes | No | No | Easy |
| California (CA) | 93 | Yes | No | No | Easy |
| Connecticut (CT) | 83 | Yes | No | No | Easy |
Frequently Asked Questions About ADUs in Minnesota
Can I build an ADU in Minnesota?
Yes, ADUs are allowed in Minnesota. Minnesota has a statewide ADU law that requires local jurisdictions to permit ADUs on residential lots. This means your city cannot outright ban ADUs. The ease of building is rated "Easy" with a friendliness score of 88/100.
Do I need to live on the property to have an ADU in Minnesota?
No, Minnesota does not require owner occupancy for ADUs. You can rent out both the main house and the ADU, which maximizes rental income potential.
How big can an ADU be in Minnesota?
Minnesota does not set a statewide maximum ADU size — this is determined by your local jurisdiction. Common local limits range from 600 to 1,200 square feet. Check your city's zoning code for the specific maximum.
Do I need extra parking for an ADU in Minnesota?
No, Minnesota does not require additional parking for ADUs. This is a significant advantage, as parking requirements are often the biggest barrier to ADU construction on smaller lots.
Can I rent out my ADU in Minnesota?
Yes, long-term rentals of ADUs are allowed in Minnesota. Short-term rentals (like Airbnb) are also generally permitted, though your city may have separate short-term rental regulations.
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Minnesota?
The permitting timeline in Minnesota is: 60 days max. The statewide law sets maximum review periods that cities must comply with. Actual timelines can be affected by plan review backlogs, inspection scheduling, and the complexity of your project. Pre-approved ADU plans, where available, can significantly speed up the process.
Check ADU Rules for Your City
Use our ADU regulations lookup tool to find the specific rules for your city in Minnesota, or browse all 50 states to compare ADU regulations across the country. Remember that local rules may be more specific than state-level regulations.