Planning Commission OKs ADUs Citywide in St. Paul

The City Council will still have to approve the likely controversial idea of allowing accessory dwelling units citywide in St. Paul, Minnesota.

1 minute read

July 18, 2018, 6:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Frederick Melo reports that the city of St. Paul is advancing a plan that could allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) citywide.

A plan approved unanimously by the St. Paul Planning Commission in June expanded on an initial study into allowing ADUs in five neighborhoods of the city, according to Melo.

The full City Council is scheduled to consider the ADU ordinance in August. Melo quotes Andy Rorvig, president of the Summit Hill Association, who is organizing a meeting to marshal feedback on the proposed ADU ordinance. Rorvig expresses concern about the process of drafting the ordinance, new density, short-term rentals, and parking.

According to Melo, only one ADU has been built in the city since St. Paul started permitting the structures in 2014. A 2016 ordinance allowed ADUs along the Metro Green Line light rail line.

Tuesday, July 17, 2018 in Pioneer Press

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

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 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Black and white photos of camp made up of small 'earthquake shacks' in Dolores Park in 1906 after the San Francisco earthquake.

The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees

More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?

April 15, 2025 - Charles F. Bloszies

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

5 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

Close-up on BLM sign on Continental Divide Trail in Rawlins, Wyoming.

BLM To Rescind Public Lands Rule

The change will downgrade conservation, once again putting federal land at risk for mining and other extractive uses.

7 hours ago - Public Domain

Calvary Street bridge over freeway in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Indy Neighborhood Group Builds Temporary Multi-Use Path

Community members, aided in part by funding from the city, repurposed a vehicle lane to create a protected bike and pedestrian path for the summer season.

April 20 - Smart Cities Dive