Bloomington allows both attached and detached ADUs by right in its single-family districts, with no owner-occupancy requirement - one of the more workable ordinances among Twin Cities suburbs.
| ADU type | Max size | Max height | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detached (new construction) | 1,000 sq ft or 33% of the primary home's four-season living area, whichever is smaller (min 300 sq ft) | May not exceed the height of the primary dwelling | Up to 100 sq ft of shared mechanical space excluded from the size calculation |
| Attached / internal (basement, addition) | Same 1,000 sq ft / 33% formula applies | Same as primary structure | Common approach for basement conversions |
Allowed zoning districts: R-1 and RS-1 only, on lots of at least 11,000 sq ft served by municipal sewer and water. Confirm your parcel's zoning district with the Planning Division.
| Setbacks | Front/side along a street: same as principal structure. Rear (not along a street): 15 ft. Side (not along a street): 10 ft. |
| Parking | No dedicated extra-space requirement - the property must continue to meet the city's standard single-family parking minimums |
| Units per lot | 1 ADU permitted, capped at 2 bedrooms |
| Owner-occupancy | Not required |
| Building code | Must meet 2020 Minnesota Residential Code dwelling unit standards |
| Rental license | Required under Chapter 14 if the ADU is rented out |
Verify your lot is zoned R-1 or RS-1, at least 11,000 sq ft, and served by municipal sewer and water.
File with the Planning Division for site plan approval alongside your building permit application.
The city reviews for zoning and building code compliance before permits are issued.
Apply for a rental license under Chapter 14 before placing tenants.
Permit fees and review timelines weren't published in a single ADU-specific schedule at time of writing - confirm current figures with the Planning Division at 952-563-8920.