Accessory Dwelling Units

If you own your single-family home and it is your sole or primary residence, then you may be able to add an ADU to your property. Different properties will have their own considerations that impact feasible designs and locations. City staff is available to meet with you or your project team to help navigate zoning restrictions. See general ADU regulations below.

• You cannot exceed the impervious surface and hard cover limits already in place for the R-1 and R-2 zoning districts.
• All ADUs must meet the zoning code definition of a dwelling unit, providing secure and independent living facilities for purpose of sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation. 
• ADUs must be a minimum of 250 square feet, and not exceed either 35 percent of the home’s livable floor area or 950 square feet, whichever is less.
• Attached and internal ADUs which are part of the main home’s structure must meet the same setback, height, and other standards from the relevant zoning district.
• Detached ADUs are only permitted on lots over 10,000 square feet, and are restricted to 12 feet in height from floor to top plate or highest horizontal component.
• Detached ADUs must be located to the side or rear of the main home, and have a minimum setback of 10 feet from rear and side property lines.
  • At 10 feet from property lines, a conditional use permit (CUP) and review is required. However, if a detached ADU can meet the same setback requirements as for a principal structure, this CUP requirement is waived.

An ADU is a significant home project, and it pays to have a good plan. Residents may find some of the items below under “Additional Resources” helpful – especially the two publications from the Family Housing Fund, the Twin Cities ADU Guidebook and ADU Idea Book for Mid-Century Homes.

1. Consult with staff on zoning and building code requirements. ADUs must meet the same requirements as any other apartment or residential unit.

2. Apply for your Accessory Dwelling Unit (PDF) and include:

1. Administrative Review: Attached and Internal ADUs, as well as Detached ADUs meeting the same setback standards as for the principal home
2. Conditional Use Permit: Detached ADUs that only meet the minimum setbacks
   • Please note that a conditional use approval involves a public hearing at Planning Commission and City Council. This is usually at least a two-month process so plan accordingly.

3. After approval, apply for permits online:

1. If demolition is part of the project, you may need an interior demolition permit.
2. All ADUs will require a building permit and may require electrical, mechanical, and/or plumbing permits.
3. A stormwater management permit is required if the project will disturb 4,000 cubic feet of soil if a building foundation wall is modified or expanded, and in other cases. See the application packet for more details.

4. Once all permits are finalized, a certificate of occupancy will be issued for detached ADUs.

5. Apply for a rental license if the ADU will be rented out.

This table provides a Zoning Code summary of some of the applicable standards for ADUs. Please refer to the Golden Valley Code of Ordinances, Section 113-159 for the complete requirements. All ADUs must meet current residential, building, mechanical, and electrical code standards. Please contact the City of Golden Valley if you have any questions.

ADU Information Resources

• AARP – The ABCs of ADUs
• AARP – More ADU Information and Resources
• Family Housing Fund – Twin Cities ADU Guidebook
• Family Housing Fund – ADU Idea Book for Mid-Century Homes

News Coverage

• Accessory dwelling units were supposed to help ease the Twin Cities’ housing crunch. How’s that working out? - MinnPost
• The ADUs of St. Paul … and why aren’t there more of them? - streets.mn

Soliciting public input has been a major component of the Golden Valley Planning Commission’s consideration of ADUs.   

Survey

The survey was active from May 25–July 2, 2022, was limited to one response per IP address, and had 307 responses. Click the link below for the full report on the survey results.

See survey responses.

Public Hearing

The City's Planning Commission held an informal public hearing as part of their regular meeting Mon, Oct 10, 2022. Public comments were accepted at this hearing and written comments were accepted using the new Golden Valley Speaks tool. Read the comments here.