Thinking about adding a new garage or shed in Minneapolis? You want more storage and better function, but the rules can feel confusing. The good news is the City spells out clear size, height, and setback limits, plus when permits are needed. Below, you’ll find a plain‑English guide to what is allowed, what needs approval, and how to plan your project with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Accessory structure vs. ADU
A detached garage or storage shed is an accessory structure. A separate living unit, such as a backyard cottage or an apartment over a garage, is an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). ADUs follow different zoning and building code standards. If you are planning a habitable unit, use the City’s ADU minimum code requirements handout.
Allowed size and footprint
For most residential lots, the City caps a detached accessory structure at 800 sq ft or 10% of the lot area, whichever is greater. Exceeding that base size can be allowed through administrative review, typically when you match exterior materials and meet added design criteria. You must also stay within your lot’s built form overlay limits for overall building coverage and impervious surface. See the City’s Accessory Structures handout for the full standards.
Lot coverage and impervious limits
Your built form overlay controls how much of your lot can be covered by buildings and hard surfaces.
- Common coverage limits include 45%, 60%, 70%, or 80%, depending on overlay.
- Impervious surface limits often range from 60% to 90%. Check your overlay before you design. The City’s Accessory Structures handout outlines these allowances and how to verify your property details.
Setbacks and placement
Keep your structure at least 6 ft from your home’s habitable space or attached garage. Maintain 10 ft to habitable space on a neighboring property. Interior side and rear setbacks may be reduced to 1 ft if the structure sits in the rear 40 ft or rear 20% of the lot and you meet conditions shown in the City diagrams.
Where vehicle access doors face a side or rear lot line, reduced setbacks usually do not apply. Eaves cannot be closer than 6 inches to the lot line per zoning, and building code often requires 8 inches. The City’s Accessory Structures handout shows the placement diagrams and exceptions, including alley considerations.
Height and wall height
Height is measured per the Zoning Code definition. Standards are tiered:
- Up to 13 ft is typically allowed by right.
- Up to 16 ft is often possible with administrative review and matching design details.
- Wall heights above typical limits can trigger different review. See the City’s Accessory Structures handout for exact thresholds and submittal needs.
Vehicle access and alleys
Garage orientation can change your setbacks. Alley‑facing garages are common in Minneapolis, and the alley width and the exact location of your property pins matter. If you plan a curb cut or driveway change, you will need a Public Works permit. The City’s Accessory Structures handout explains curb cuts, alley widths, and when a surveyor may be required.
Permits and what is exempt
Two processes often apply: building permits for construction and inspections, and zoning review for size, height, or setback changes. One‑story tool or storage sheds under 200 sq ft are typically exempt from a building permit. Zoning still applies to all sheds, including setbacks, lot coverage, and impervious limits. Review the City’s “work exempt” list for details on sheds in the construction permit exemptions page.
Administrative review and fees
If you want to exceed base height or footprint, submit an administrative review for accessory structures. You will need a scaled site plan, elevations with materials and roof pitch, photos, and the application form. The City handout lists the current application fee for this review. Find the checklist in the Accessory Structures handout.
ADUs and over‑garage living space
A second story with living space or a detached backyard cottage is an ADU. ADUs must meet the Minnesota Residential Code for foundations, fire‑rated walls near lot lines, egress, and separate mechanical systems. Review the City’s ADU minimum code requirements before you design.
Size guidance for detached ADUs has historically allowed the greater of 1,300 sq ft or 16% of lot area, with caps such as 1,600 sq ft in some formulations. Because these limits interact with other rules, confirm the exact number that applies to your parcel with Development Review. For context on policy history, see the HUD case study on Minneapolis ADUs (HUD USER overview).
Owner‑occupancy for detached and attached ADUs was removed by a 2021 zoning amendment. See the City’s summary of the owner‑occupancy change for ADUs.
Design and construction notes
If you plan to build near a lot line, walls and eaves within 5 ft often require a one‑hour fire rating, and openings are usually restricted within 3 ft of a side lot line. ADU eaves typically cannot extend closer than 2 ft to the lot line. Stormwater matters too. Consider permeable paving or other solutions if your project increases hard surface. Find these details in the ADU code requirements and the Accessory Structures handout.
Common Minneapolis gotchas
- A shed under 200 sq ft may be permit‑exempt, but zoning still applies.
- Property pins in alleys are not always where the pavement ends. You may need a survey before permitting.
- New curb cuts and any work affecting boulevard trees require separate approvals.
- Accessory buildings must remain subordinate to the main home’s gross floor area.
- Built form overlays vary by lot. Two neighbors can have very different limits.
Quick planning checklist
- Confirm your zoning and built form overlay through Minneapolis 311.
- Calculate proposed accessory footprint and impervious area against your overlay limits.
- Decide if your project is non‑habitable (garage or shed) or an ADU, then use the correct City handout: Accessory Structures or ADU requirements.
- If your shed is one story and ≤200 sq ft, check the permit exemptions and confirm zoning compliance.
- If you exceed base size or height, prepare an administrative review package with site plan, elevations, materials, photos, and fee.
- Coordinate with Public Works for any curb cut and the Park Board for boulevard trees.
If you are weighing how a garage, shed, or ADU could impact resale or buyer appeal, let a local expert help you plan. Reach out to The McNamara Group for neighborhood‑savvy guidance tailored to your property and goals.
FAQs
Do you need a permit for a small shed in Minneapolis?
- One‑story tool or storage sheds that are under 200 sq ft are typically exempt from a building permit, but zoning rules like setbacks and coverage still apply. See the City’s permit exemptions.
How big can a detached garage be in Minneapolis?
- The base cap is 800 sq ft or 10% of lot area, whichever is greater, before administrative review and matching‑materials criteria may be required. See the City’s Accessory Structures handout.
What are typical accessory structure setbacks in Minneapolis?
- Keep 6 ft from your home’s habitable space, 10 ft from neighboring habitable space, and follow side and rear setbacks, which can be reduced to 1 ft in specific rear yard zones when conditions are met. Placement diagrams are in the City’s handout.
How tall can a detached garage be in Minneapolis?
- Up to 13 ft is generally allowed by right. Up to 16 ft may be allowed with administrative review and matching design details. Check height tiers in the City’s handout.
Can you build living space above a garage in Minneapolis?
- Yes, as an ADU, which must meet ADU zoning and building code rules for foundations, fire separation, egress, and utilities. Start with the City’s ADU requirements.
