The Edina City Council has approved a new ordinance allowing homeowners to build small, self-contained residential units on their properties alongside single-family homes. The decision aims to address housing shortages and support sustainability goals in the community.

Edina joins a growing number of Twin Cities communities—including Bloomington, Hopkins, Minnetonka, Richfield, and St. Louis Park—in permitting accessory dwelling units, or ADUs. The City Council's approval came after the Planning Commission completed a year-long study on the proposal.

An ADU is a self-contained residential unit with its own living room, kitchen, and bathroom located on the same parcel of land as a single-family house. According to city officials, these units offer multiple benefits for residents. "ADUs provide a tremendous list of benefits," including "the ability to have multigenerational housing, the ability to age in place, and even semi-independent living situations," said Ditha Marty, who hosted the discussion. "For example, if you have an aging parent or if you have a child with disabilities, an ADU is a great option for that."

The ordinance aligns with Edina's broader housing and sustainability goals, addressing the region's ongoing housing challenges. By allowing ADUs, the city aims to increase housing options without requiring large-scale development projects.

City officials indicated that implementation guidelines will be developed and released to help residents understand how to utilize the new opportunity. These building guidelines will provide clarity on requirements and procedures for homeowners interested in constructing an ADU on their property. The city has not yet announced a timeline for when these guidelines will be finalized or when residents can begin applying for ADU permits.