Can I build an ADU in Minneapolis?

Yes, they are allowed city-wide, but require a recorded covenant and specific size limits.

How much is an ADU permit in Minneapolis?

Permit fees start at $1,200; total city fees exceed $5,000 including utility connections.

What is the max size for a detached ADU?

800 square feet or 60% of your home's total area, whichever is less.

Minneapolis ADU Permit Cost: $1,200

What's Required in Minneapolis

Detached ADUs limited to 800 sq ft or 60% of primary home's gross area
Internal ADUs (basement/attic) can be up to 1,200 square feet
Owner must record a covenant with Hennepin County before permit issuance
Minimum 3-foot side and rear yard setbacks required for detached units
Maximum height is 16 feet (or 20 feet if complementing primary house)
Must include independent kitchen and bathroom facilities

How Much Does an ADU Permit Cost in Minneapolis?

Budget $1,200–$6,000 for the Minneapolis permit itself (valuation-based), issued by the City of Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development — but treat that as the entry fee, not the total. ADUs are full dwelling units, so the permit stack usually includes building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical trade permits, plus plan review. One local note: building permit plus plan review (65%), City SAC ($1,000), and WAC ($2,995) fees. Get an itemized fee estimate from the department before finalizing your budget; the spread between a simple conversion and a new detached build is wide.

ADU Size Limits and Zoning Rules in Minneapolis

Before drawing plans, check the two gates that sink most ADU projects: size and zoning. Size ceilings vary by lot and ADU type (attached, detached, or conversion), so confirm your specific configuration. Other recorded conditions: owner must record a covenant with Hennepin County before permit issuance. Setbacks, height limits, and utility connections layer on top of those rules. The City of Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development can confirm what your specific lot allows — worth doing before you pay for architectural drawings rather than after.

How to Get a ADU Permit in Minneapolis

Step 1: Pre-Submission

Consult with CPED staff and record required covenant with Hennepin County.

Step 2: Plan Review

Submit full architectural and structural plans through ProjectDox.

Step 3: Land Use Application

File a separate land use application for zoning review if required.

Step 4: Fee Payment

Pay valuation-based building fees, SAC/WAC utility fees, and review fees.

Step 5: Full Inspections

Schedule the series: Foundation, Framing, Rough MEP, and Final for Certificate of Occupancy.