AArchPermit

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