Accessory Dwelling Unit Standards

Zoning ordinance update

Last Updated August 6, 2009

Overview
Ordinance
Approval checklist
Contact information

Overview

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) are defined as an "attached residential living unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons separate from a main unit on the same parcel."

On June 22, 2009, the City Council approved an ordinance creating standards for ADUs. The Planning Commission and City Council reviewed this issue during discussions regarding the Housing element of the 2008 Comprehensive Plan update in July 2007 in addition to recent study meeting discussions in February and March 2009. The 2008 Comprehensive Plan recommends adopting standards permitting ADUs. Creating an ADU ordinance is part of the Planning Division's 2009 adopted Work Plan.

Ordinance

06/22/09 Ordinance as adopted (116KB, 5-page PDF)
Agenda item and staff report (839KB, 17-page PDF)

Example

These images and site plan represent a recently constructed Accessory Dwelling Unit in Savannah, Georgia. The single-family, ranch-style home is located in a suburban neighborhood on a cul-de-sac.

Site plan (166KB, 1-page PDF), Credit: Frank Stevens and Associates
Image: Front of house
Image: Back of house
Image: Rear addition
Image: Back deck
Image: ADU entrance

Approval checklist

Checklist describing ADU approval steps

For more information contact:

Planning Division
PH: 952-563-8928
E-mail: planning@ci.bloomington.mn.us