Minnetonka allows both attached and detached ADUs in its R-1, R-1A, and R-2 districts, but only through a discretionary Conditional Use Permit (CUP) - not as an administrative, by-right approval.
| ADU type | Max size | Max height | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detached (new construction) | Lesser of 1,000 sq ft total or 35% of the principal dwelling's floor area (min 200 sq ft); max 2 bedrooms | Roofline may not exceed the highest point of the principal dwelling's roof, unless the city finds no undue adverse impact on neighbors | The City Council may approve a larger size if impacts on neighboring properties are minimized |
| Attached / internal (basement, addition) | Same formula: lesser of 1,000 sq ft total or 35% of the principal dwelling's floor area; max 2 bedrooms | Same as principal structure | Requires the same CUP process as a detached ADU |
Allowed zoning districts: R-1, R-1A, and R-2 residential districts only. Confirm your parcel's zoning district with the City of Minnetonka.
| Setbacks | Side and rear setbacks must equal the ADU's height, with a 15 ft minimum. A detached ADU must sit behind the principal dwelling's rear building line. |
| Parking | "Adequate" off-street parking must be provided for the principal dwelling and the ADU combined, in a garage, carport, or paved area (a required driveway turnaround doesn't count). A maximum of 4 vehicles may be parked outside on the property. No fixed "add one space" figure is specified in code. |
| Units per lot | 1 ADU per property maximum; it cannot be separately owned from the principal residence. |
| Owner-occupancy | Required. The property owner must reside in either the principal dwelling or the ADU as a permanent residence for at least 185 days per calendar year. |
| Permit type | Conditional Use Permit (CUP) - requires Planning Commission review and a public hearing, not an administrative approval. |
| Permit fee | $650 CUP application fee, covering "accessory dwelling, accessory structure, home occupation" applications (city fee schedule §710.005). |
Verify your lot is zoned R-1, R-1A, or R-2, and that your proposed ADU meets the size, height, and setback standards.
File a Conditional Use Permit application with the $650 fee.
Your application is reviewed at a public hearing before the Planning Commission.
The City Council makes the final decision on whether to approve the CUP.
Apply for standard building permits once the CUP is approved.
A specific review timeline for Minnetonka CUP applications wasn't confirmed in the sources reviewed for this page - confirm current timelines with the City of Minnetonka. Minnetonka is also partway through an approximately 18-month full zoning ordinance rewrite that began in 2023-24, so these standards could change - it's worth checking back for updates.