Edina Planning Commission Finalizes Rules for Backyard Housing Units
The Edina Planning Commission reached consensus on January 10 to finalize regulations for accessory dwelling units (ADUs)—small homes that can be built on single-family residential lots. The decision removes parking requirements and establishes flexible height and setback rules to encourage more housing options in the city.
The commission spent the work session hammering out technical details for a draft ordinance that would allow ADUs in single-family residential zones for the first time. ADUs are small, independent housing units—such as apartments above garages or detached cottages—that can help address housing shortages and provide homeowners with rental income.
The most contentious issue was determining how tall an ADU could be based on its distance from property lines. Commissioners settled on a sliding scale: an ADU set back just 5 feet from the rear property line can be 18 feet tall, while one set back 12 feet can reach 25 feet. This approach balances neighbor concerns about overshadowing with the goal of allowing more flexible housing designs. Commissioner Strauss initially worried about the lack of a minimum size requirement but ultimately joined the consensus.
Commissioners also eliminated parking minimums for ADUs, a move intended to reduce construction costs and encourage development near transit corridors like the E-Line. "We'll probably get a lot of ads will not be adus necessarily... because people want more space," cautioned Commissioner Chris Cramer, warning that some property owners might misuse ADU permits to build larger structures than allowed. To prevent this, the commission removed a proposed exemption that would have allowed certain lot coverage limits, instead requiring property owners to seek variances if they want to expand existing non-conforming structures.
Rather than setting a specific minimum square footage for ADUs, the commission deferred to the Minnesota Residential Code, the state building standard that governs safety and living standards. The commission also referenced Minneapolis's ADU ordinance when considering street-facing entrance requirements.
The finalized parameters now move toward formal adoption. The regulations specifically address concerns in neighborhoods like Morning Side, which has typical 50-by-200-foot lots, and the Country Club District, where existing garages and structures may not conform to new rules.
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Votes (1)
ADU Policy Finalization Work Session
Dissent: No formal dissent, though Commissioner Strauss expressed initial concern about the lack of a minimum size before joining the consensus.
Moved by None [1:42:41] · Seconded by None [1:42:41]
Finalized key parameters for the ADU draft, including height-to-setback ratios, removal of parking minimums, and owner-occupancy rental license restrictions. The commission also addressed concerns regarding non-conforming structures, determining that variances would be required for any expansion of existing non-conformities.
Notable Quotes (3)
It seemed like the one area where there was a lot of discussion was just the appropriate height for an Adu above a garage... specifically that rear yard setback.
I just look at it in terms of enforcement and looking at plans... we'll probably get a lot of ads will not be adus necessarily... because people want more space.
I'm more comfortable making people ask for variance and justify the departure than creating this type of loop for the reasons you said.
Ordinances & Resolutions (3)
The primary legislation under review to permit Accessory Dwelling Units in R-1 zones.
The state-level building code that will govern safety, egress, and minimum living standards for ADUs.
Reference document used to compare street-facing entrance regulations and height limits.
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
Parking Requirements for ADUs
Minimum Size and Lot Coverage
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