Ask the code.

Not every address has a city code

Ask about a setback on unincorporated county land and a city-code search finds nothing — or finds the nearest city's rule, which reads exactly as confident as the right one. City Code Assistant starts from the bodies that actually govern an address, searches the codes it has indexed for them, and names the one an answer is standing on.

• What governs

  The chain for Minneapolis

  City of Minneapolis → State of Minnesota. Minneapolis Code of Ordinances — indexed and searched; Minnesota Statutes — cited when a rule belongs there rather than to a local ordinance.

• Whose rule

  Named on every answer

  City ordinance answers most questions here. When the rule is not the city's — a state surcharge, a statewide building requirement — the answer cites it as Minnesota Statutes instead of presenting it as city code.

• When it can't be grounded

  It says so

  No guessing and no padding. An answer that cannot be tied to a section says which searches came back empty and points you at Planning Department, Inspections, 311 — the offices that can actually decide it.

Every corner of the Minneapolis code, answered with a citation

City Code Assistant indexes the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances so contractors, homeowners, designers, and public administrators can find a plain-language starting point — and the exact section it comes from — without wading through the municipal code themselves. It is a reference aid, not legal advice: always confirm what applies to your project with the City before you act.

• Zoning & setbacksMPLS § 546.90

  Required front, side, and rear yards, height, and lot coverage by residence district.

• Impervious surface & stormwaterMPLS § 535.400

  Maximum hardscape by district and the land-disturbance threshold that triggers stormwater review.

• Building permit feesMPLS § 91.30

  Valuation-based permit fee, plan review, and the state surcharge, itemized.

• InspectionsMPLS § 91.130

  The ordered inspection sequence a project needs, each with its triggering section.

• Fences & retaining wallsMPLS § 535.310

  Allowed fence height by yard, and when a retaining wall needs a permit.

• Sheds & accessory structuresMPLS § 537.40

  When a shed or detached garage needs a permit and how setbacks apply.

• Rental licensingMPLS Ch. 244

  Whether a rental license is required and how the tiered inspection cadence works.

• Permits & variancesMPLS § 537

  Which permits a job needs, and whether a deviation requires a variance or conditional-use permit.

Common Minneapolis code questions

General information only — not legal, engineering, or professional advice. The code changes; figures below may be out of date. Always verify against the current code and with the authority having jurisdiction before you act.

How tall can a fence be in Minneapolis?

Up to 6 ft in interior side and rear yards, but only 4 ft in a front yard or a corner (street-side) yard — and a corner fence must stay clear of the intersection sight triangle (MPLS § 535.310). Reference only, not legal advice; verify against the current code before you build.

Do I need a permit for a shed in Minneapolis?

A detached accessory structure of 200 sq ft or more needs a building permit (MPLS § 91.20). Regardless of size it must meet accessory setbacks — about 5 ft from an interior side line, 3 ft from the rear, and a 14 ft height cap (MPLS § 537.40). Verify against the current code before you build.

What are the setback requirements for a house in Minneapolis?

Required yards vary by zoning district. In R1 (single-family) the principal structure needs about a 25 ft front yard, 6 ft interior side yard, and 25 ft rear yard, with a 35 ft height limit (MPLS § 546.90). Other districts differ — check your district before you design.

How much does a building permit cost in Minneapolis?

The building-permit fee is based on project valuation using a tiered schedule, plus a plan-review fee of roughly 65% of the permit fee and a state surcharge on the valuation (MPLS § 91.30; Minn. Stat. § 326B.148). Estimate your own with the Permit Fee Estimator — figures are a reference only, not a quote, so confirm the current fee with the City before you file.

Do I need a rental license in Minneapolis?

Yes — dwellings rented to others require a rental license, and inspection frequency follows a three-tier system (roughly every 8, 5, or 2 years) based on the property’s compliance history (MPLS Ch. 244, § 244.1790). Verify current requirements before renting.

When do I need a variance in Minneapolis?

Any deviation from a dimensional standard — a setback, height, or lot-coverage limit you cannot meet — generally requires a variance reviewed by the Board of Adjustment (MPLS § 537.110). The Variance / BZA Eligibility tool walks the filing path. This is general information, not legal advice; confirm what your project needs with the City before you file.

What is the maximum impervious surface allowed in Minneapolis?

Maximum impervious (hardscape) coverage runs from about 50% in R1 up to 75% in R4, by district (MPLS § 535.400). Separately, disturbing 5,000 sq ft or more of land triggers a stormwater management review regardless of coverage (MPLS Ch. 54). These figures are a reference only, not legal advice — verify your district and the current limits with the City before you build.