Council narrows ADU sizes and requires suburban parking as it approves detached accessory dwelling rules

On Dec. 4 the Metropolitan Council adopted BL1007, revising regulations for accessory buildings and detached accessory dwelling units (DADUs). The ordinance passed on third reading; the roll-call vote recorded 29 in favor, 8 opposed and 1 abstention.

Key changes included a parking requirement added in the substitute that requires one off‑street parking space per ADU in suburban areas (the urban overlay districts are excluded). Another adopted amendment reduces maximum ADU living area: for lots under 10,000 square feet the limit is 700 square feet; for lots 10,000 square feet or larger the limit is 850 square feet. Councilmember John Johnston explained the change, saying "a 1,200 square-foot home is a home," and supporting a smaller ADU scale to preserve accessory character.

Supporters said tighter size limits and a parking rule respond to neighborhood concerns about oversized units and street‑parking pressure while preserving the ADU option as a way to add affordable and flexible housing. Opponents warned that overly small limits could reduce the utility of ADUs for families and suggested the market will largely determine what gets built.

What happens next: The ADU rules will be incorporated into Title 17; the suburban parking requirement will apply where specified, and the city will publish the updated ADU standards in zoning guidance and permit information.