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Accessory Dwelling Units

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What is an accessory dwelling unit?

An accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, is an independent dwelling located on the same lot as a primary, single-family home. The ADU is smaller and subordinate to the primary home, but features all necessary dwelling facilities, specifically sleeping, cooking, and sanitary.

ADU standards

Please see § 21.302.03 of the City of Bloomington Code for all standards regulating ADUs.

Types

There are three types of ADUs -

Internal
Attached
Detached

To inquire about the different types of ADUs, call the Planning Division at (952) 563-8920 or email at planning@bloomingtonmn.gov.

Three illustrations of single-family homes with an accessory dwelling unit.

Required approvals

Foundations for detached ADUs

Other important standards

ADUs are only allowed on lots with existing single-family homes and zoned R-1 or RS-1.
Only one (1) ADU is allowed per lot.
Attached ADUs must comply with setbacks for single-family homes.
Required setbacks for detached ADUs are listed in § 21.302.03(b)(4).
Detached ADU height cannot exceed the primary home.
Detached ADU will count toward the maximum number of detached accessory structures allowed on a lot (no more than 2).
ADUs must be between 300 and 1,000 square feet in area.
Amount of impervious surface on a lot cannot exceed the maximum allowed in the base zoning district with the addition of an ADU.

Single-family home setbacks
See § 21.301.02(d)(1).

Detached accessory structures
Limit of two (2) detached accessory structures per lot. See § 21.301.19(b) for details.

Utilities

Detached ADUs must have their own services and meters per City Code § 11.12. Utilities for internal and attached ADUs may use the existing services and meters from the primary home. For internal and attached ADUs, the property owner will be responsible for paying the utility bill.

Questions about ADU utilities?
Call the Utilities Division at (952) 563-8930 or email at utilities@bloomingtonmn.gov.

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