Minneapolis Draft Comprehensive Plan Would Allow Fourplexes in Single-Family Neighborhoods

If the rezoning of single-family neighborhoods succeeds in Minneapolis as part of its ongoing Comprehensive Plan process, we could be looking at one of the most ambitious pro-development zoning schemes in the country.

1 minute read

March 12, 2018, 5:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

photo.ua / Shutterstock

"To relieve a worsening shortage of housing, Minneapolis planners have suggested allowing the construction of four-unit apartment buildings in virtually any neighborhood," reports Adam Belz.

The plan "could transform vast swaths of the city now limited to single-family homes," adds Belz.

The proposed allowances for "fourplexes" is included in the city's draft Comprehensive Plan, expected for release later this month. So far, members of the Minneapolis City Council have only been briefed on the plan, but Mayor Jacob Frey and Council President Lisa Bender campaigned on a platform that included increased residential density. Despite that political support from the city's leadership, new apartments aren’t always an easy development proposition in the Twin Cities. Belz shares a survey of recent development controversies in the article. Belz also finds other City Council members who express skepticism that the idea will find popular support in Minneapolis.

Wednesday, March 7, 2018 in Minneapolis Star Tribune

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13, 2025 - Inside Climate News

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 10, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Converted garage to housing unit in London, UK.

Grand Rapids Mayor Proposes Garage Conversion Plan

The mayor says allowing homeowners to convert garages to dwelling units could alleviate the city’s housing shortage.

30 minutes ago - Fox 17

Curb cut at corner of sidewalk with yellow panel with bumps to indicate wheelchair ramp.

Baltimore Ordered to Improve Sidewalk Accessibility

The city is one of many to face lawsuits for failing to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

1 hour ago - Smart Cities Dive

Aerial view of Brampton, Ontario, Canada.

This Toronto Suburb Has More Bus Riders Than Columbus, Ohio

Brampton, Ontario used gradual improvements in service to prove that if you build it, they will ride.

2 hours ago - Bloomberg CityLab