Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)

ADU's must be between 190 and 1,200 square feet. Only one ADU is permitted per residential site. While a detached ADU will count toward the maximum number of detached accessory structures allowed on a lot, it will not count towards the maximum size for accessory structures allowed on a lot. The height of a detached ADU must not exceed the height of the associated single-family dwelling unit.

Setbacks for yards along streets are the same as the required setbacks for principal structures in the zoning district. For rear yards not along streets the minimum setback is 15 feet. For side yards not along streets, the minimum setback is 10 feet.

Detached ADUs must have their own services and meters. 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 bill. 

For questions about utilities, contact the Utilities Division at (952) 563-8930 or via email at utilities@bloomingtonmn.gov.

A rental license for an ADU is required if the property owner intends to rent the ADU to a non-family member. Only one rental license is allowed per lot. If interested in renting out an ADU, the property owner must obtain a rental license form the Environmental Health Division. 

You can contact the Environmental Health Division at (952) 563-8934 or via email at envhealth@bloomingtonmn.gov.

An ADU required building permit approval. An application for an ADU requires the following:

1. An existing conditions survey showing property lines, existing and proposed structures, existing and proposed impervious surface areas, setbacks and required off-street parking;
2. Elevation drawings depicting the proposed structure from all four directions; and 
3. A floor plan of the accessory dwelling unit indicating points of entrance and floor areas. 

In the event an ADU is proposed entirely within the existing floor area of a single-family dwelling, the existing conditions survey is not required, and elevation drawings are required only for those elevations proposed to be altered. 

You can apply for a building permit through the City's Permit Application Portal at blm.mn/portal.

For questions about building permits, you can contact the Building and Inspections Division at (952)563-8930 or via email at inspections@inspections@bloomingtonmn.gov.