Minneapolis ADU permit requirements
Last reviewed: June 22, 2026
Quick answer
Permitting an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in Minneapolis, Minnesota means pulling a building permit from the local authority that issues it. ArchPermit tracks 18 source-cited requirements (12 required, the rest conditional) for this jurisdiction. Submittals go through Minneapolis Development Review (ProjectDox). These requirements were last reviewed June 22, 2026; confirm the exact forms and fees with the local permitting authority.
A source-cited checklist of what an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) permit package needs in City of Minneapolis. Every item links to its authoritative source; items that vary are flagged to confirm locally.
ADUs are permitted citywide on any lot where single- or two-family homes are allowed (one ADU per lot). A build follows a two-track review: (1) an administrative zoning/land-use ADU application ($325), and (2) a construction building permit via ProjectDox reviewed by Construction Code Services, Zoning, and Public Works. Owner-occupancy applies to INTERNAL ADUs only — the owner must occupy one unit and record a covenant with Hennepin County before permit issuance; this does NOT apply to attached or detached ADUs.
- ADU Application Worksheet & Accuracy Declarationrequired
Completed zoning ADU application worksheet with signed accuracy declaration — the lead form of the administrative land-use application ($325 fee).
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Building / Wall Sectionrequired
Cross-section from footing to ridge identifying all materials (waterproofing, insulation, vapor barrier, sheathing, plates, joists) with floor-to-ceiling heights per level.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Building Permit Application (ProjectDox track)required
Building-permit application that initiates the ProjectDox construction-review track, separate from the zoning ADU application.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Energy Code Compliance Certificate / Worksheetrequired
Minnesota energy-code compliance documentation submitted with the construction plan set.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Foundation Planrequired
All foundations/footings (size, location, thickness, materials, reinforcing) and embedded anchoring; dwellings require frost footings per IRC R403.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Framing / Roof Framing Planrequired
All structural members (joists, headers, posts, beams, rafters, trusses) with location, size, spacing, attachment, material, truss direction, and bearing points.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Property Photos (all sides)required
Photos of the property and all sides of the existing structure(s).
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Radon System Informationrequired
Radon system installation information shown on the plans or as a separate attachment.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Scaled, Dimensioned Elevations (each façade)required
Elevation drawings of every façade of the ADU; detached ADUs must also show the existing/proposed principal dwelling.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Scaled, Dimensioned Floor Plans (all floors)required
Floor plans for all floors (¼-inch-per-foot scale or finer for the construction set) showing room names, door/window sizes/locations, and fire assemblies.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Scaled, Dimensioned Site Planrequired
Property lines, streets/alleys/curb cuts, building footprints & areas, parking, impervious surfaces, fences, mechanical equipment, landscaping, drainage direction, north arrow, and date. Prepared by a MN-licensed architect/landscape architect/engineer/surveyor.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Signed Residential Construction Management Agreementrequired
Signed City of Minneapolis Residential Construction Management Agreement form.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Erosion Control Planconditional
Required where more than 5,000 sf of dirt is disturbed (a Soil Erosion Permit Application is also required).
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Existing-Conditions Survey (MN-licensed surveyor)conditional
Scaled, dimensioned survey signed by a MN-licensed surveyor showing address, property lines, spot elevations, and adjacent setbacks; required for a new detached structure or when wrecking an existing one.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Owner Authorization Letterconditional
A letter from the property owner authorizing the application, required only if the applicant is not the owner.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Recorded Owner-Occupancy Covenant (internal ADUs only)conditional
For internal ADUs only: a covenant recorded with the Hennepin County Recorder restricting owner-occupancy; proof of recording is required before building-permit issuance. Not required for attached or detached ADUs.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Stormwater Management Planconditional
Required where more than ½ acre of land is disturbed.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Wrecking Permit + Demolition Notificationconditional
If a structure must be removed, a wrecking permit (started before the building permit, by a licensed wrecking contractor) plus Notification of Pending Demolition letters to adjacent owners.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22