Minneapolis Addition Permit Plot Plan: Setbacks, Lot Coverage, and Existing Structures

An addition plot plan—also commonly called a site plan—is an overhead drawing showing how the proposed addition fits within the complete property.

It can help Minneapolis reviewers understand:

• Which property is being developed
• The current footprint of the house
• The proposed addition’s dimensions and location
• How the addition connects to the existing dwelling
• Distances to property boundaries
• Distances to garages and other structures
• Whether stairs, landings or roof projections affect the layout
• Whether lot coverage or impervious-surface limits apply
• Whether easements, utilities or drainage conditions affect the proposal
• Whether the plot plan agrees with the remaining construction drawings

A clear plot plan cannot guarantee permit approval. It provides measurable property and project information for review under the applicable zoning, building and property-development requirements.

Does a Home Addition Require a Minneapolis Building Permit?

Yes. Expanding the footprint or enclosed living area of a house requires building-permit review.

Minneapolis states that building officials must review and approve construction plans before issuing a building permit.

An addition application can involve review of:

• Zoning and built-form standards
• Property lines and proposed setbacks
• Building-code requirements
• Foundation and structural design
• Energy-code requirements
• Plumbing, mechanical and electrical work
• Public Works issues when applicable
• Historic-preservation requirements when applicable

The plot plan explains where the addition sits on the property. Separate construction drawings explain how the addition will be built.

Official sources: Minneapolis Building Permits and Additions to Dwelling Units .

What Is a Minneapolis Addition Permit Plot Plan?

A plot plan is a scaled or fully dimensioned drawing of the property as viewed from above.

It commonly identifies:

• Property address
• Complete property boundaries
• Available lot dimensions
• Existing house footprint
• Existing garage and accessory structures
• Decks, porches and patios
• Driveway, parking and walkways
• Proposed addition footprint
• Addition length and width
• Roof projections when relevant
• Exterior stairs and landings
• Distances to property lines
• Distances between structures
• Known easements
• Relevant utilities and mechanical equipment
• Retaining walls, slopes and drainage features when applicable
• North arrow and drawing scale

The plot plan is not the same as:

• A boundary survey
• A floor plan
• A foundation plan
• A framing plan
• An exterior elevation
• A drainage or grading plan
• A professionally sealed engineering drawing

For a broader explanation, read our Plot Plan for Permit guide .

Minneapolis Zoning and Built Form Rules

Minneapolis does not use one universal addition setback for every residential property.

The City’s zoning-map guidance explains that the regulations affecting a property are based on:

• Primary zoning district
• Built form overlay district
• Additional overlay districts when applicable

Every Minneapolis property is located within one of the City’s built form overlay districts.

The built form overlay can regulate:

• Building height and size
• Lot size
• Setbacks from property lines
• Impervious surfaces

The addition’s permitted location can also be affected by:

• Lot width and shape
• Corner-lot conditions
• Existing building placement
• Roof and eave projections
• Previous zoning approvals
• Historic or environmental overlays
• Easements and private property restrictions

Use the interactive zoning map for preliminary research, but note that the City says the map changes over time and is not legally binding. Contact Planning staff when verification is needed.

Official sources: Minneapolis Zoning Maps , Interactive Zoning Map and Built Form Overlay District Handbook .

Read Setbacks and Zoning: How to Find the Rules for Your Property and Property Setbacks Explained for Homeowners .

Does Minneapolis Require a Survey for a Home Addition?

Minneapolis currently hosts a survey-requirements handout stating that a survey will normally be required for additions or expansions to existing one- and two-family dwellings.

The handout describes several possible forms of property-line information:

• Complete survey
• Partial survey
• Exposed existing property-boundary monuments

However, the survey-requirements handout is dated January 2009 and states that individual project circumstances determine what information is required.

Confirm the current requirement with Minneapolis Development Review before relying on an old mortgage document, approximate map or homeowner measurement.

The City’s current property-line page explains that:

• The City property tool provides approximate lot dimensions
• The Hennepin County map provides an outline of the property
• The City does not provide private-property surveys
• The City does not send staff to locate private property lines
• A professional land surveyor can complete a property survey

A Minnesota-licensed land surveyor may be needed when:

• No reliable survey is available
• Property corners cannot be located
• The addition is close to a property boundary
• The lot is irregular
• Available documents conflict
• Certified elevations are needed
• A boundary dispute exists
• The City specifically requests professionally verified information

Official sources: Survey Requirements and Property Line Location and Minneapolis Property Line Information .

What a Minneapolis Addition Plot Plan Should Show

Property address and identifying information

Include:

• Complete Minneapolis property address
• Parcel identification information when available
• Project title
• Short project description
• Drawing or revision date

The property information should agree with the building-permit application, property records and remaining plan sheets.

Complete property boundaries

Show:

• Front property line
• Left-side property line
• Right-side property line
• Rear property line
• Street-side boundary on a corner lot
• Curved, angled or irregular boundary segments
• Available lot-line dimensions
• Adjoining street
• Public alley when present

Do not automatically treat a fence, hedge, retaining wall, pavement edge or online parcel line as the legal property boundary.

Existing house footprint

Show the complete footprint of the existing dwelling.

Include relevant:

• Main exterior walls
• Existing additions
• Attached garage
• Covered porch
• Bay windows and projections
• Roof overhangs when relevant
• Exterior stairs and landings

The existing house should be clearly labelled so that the proposed addition is easy to distinguish.

Existing accessory structures and improvements

Show relevant existing features such as:

• Detached garage
• Carport
• Shed or workshop
• Deck or porch
• Patio
• Driveway and parking area
• Walkways
• Retaining walls
• Fences and gates when relevant
• Mechanical equipment

An omitted improvement can affect setbacks, lot coverage, impervious-surface calculations, access and building separation.

Proposed addition footprint

Clearly distinguish the proposed addition from the existing house.

Use:

• A clear “PROPOSED ADDITION” label
• A distinct hatch pattern
• A heavier outline
• A different line style
• An existing-and-proposed legend

Show the complete proposed footprint, including relevant:

• Exterior wall line
• Foundation outline
• Connection to the existing house
• Roof or eave projections
• Supporting posts
• Stairs and landings
• Deck or porch areas
• Structures proposed for removal

Addition dimensions

Show the addition’s overall length and width.

Irregular additions should include enough measurements to define the complete proposed shape.

The plot-plan dimensions should agree with:

• Building-permit application
• Foundation plan
• Floor plans
• Exterior elevations
• Roof plan
• Framing plan
• Structural calculations

A dimension changed on one sheet should be updated on every affected drawing.

Distances to property lines

Show the shortest relevant distance from the proposed addition to:

• Front property line when applicable
• Left-side property line
• Right-side property line
• Rear property line
• Street-side boundary on a corner lot
• Known easement boundary

Do not expect the reviewer to determine the proposed setback using the drawing scale.

If the addition is close to a property line, also show relevant:

• Eaves
• Gutters
• Roof overhangs
• Bay windows
• Stairs
• Landings
• Deck platforms

These projections may extend closer to a boundary than the main exterior wall.

Distance between buildings

Show the measurable distance from the proposed addition to relevant:

• Detached garage
• Shed
• Accessory dwelling unit
• Deck or porch
• Other structures

Building separation can affect zoning, fire resistance, access and construction planning.

Lot Coverage and Impervious Surfaces

A home addition increases the building footprint and may increase the amount of impervious surface on the property.

Minneapolis built form overlay districts regulate impervious surfaces. The applicable limits depend on the property’s zoning and built-form classification.

When calculations are required, the plot plan may need to identify:

• Total lot area
• Existing house footprint
• Proposed addition footprint
• Existing garage and accessory-building area
• Covered porches
• Applicable deck areas
• Driveway and parking area
• Patios and walkways
• Other impervious surfaces
• Existing building coverage
• Proposed building coverage
• Existing impervious-surface coverage
• Proposed impervious-surface coverage

Use the definitions and calculation methods applying to the property rather than assuming every paved or covered feature is treated the same way.

A project can satisfy its property-line setbacks and still exceed an applicable lot-coverage or impervious-surface limit.

Official source: Minneapolis Built Form Overlay District Handbook .

Exterior Stairs, Landings and Decks

An addition often includes an exterior door, stairs, landing or small platform.

These features should be shown because they can affect:

• Property-line setbacks
• Building separation
• Lot coverage
• Impervious-surface calculations
• Pedestrian access
• Foundation and structural review

Show:

• Exterior door location
• Landing dimensions
• Stair direction
• Stair width
• Supporting posts when applicable
• Deck or platform footprint
• Distance to nearby property lines
• Connection to existing walkways

The plot plan shows where these features are located. Separate construction drawings may be needed for footings, framing, guards, handrails and attachment details.

Official source: Minneapolis Exterior Entry Landings and Stairways .

Utilities and Mechanical Equipment

An addition can conflict with existing utility services or require services to be relocated.

Show known features when relevant:

• Water meter
• Water service
• Sewer line or cleanout
• Gas meter
• Gas service
• Electrical meter
• Overhead power lines
• Air-conditioning equipment
• Utility poles
• Utility easements

The plot plan may show approximate or recorded utility information supplied by the property owner, survey or utility records.

It does not replace utility locating, engineering or trade plans required for plumbing, gas, mechanical or electrical work.

Easements and Property Restrictions

A proposed addition can satisfy its zoning setback and still conflict with an easement.

Show known:

• Utility easements
• Drainage easements
• Sewer easements
• Access easements
• Shared-driveway easements
• Walkway easements
• Other recorded restrictions affecting the project area

Easement information may be found on:

• Property survey
• Recorded subdivision plat
• Title documents
• Previous approved site plan
• Recorded easement document

Do not assume construction inside an easement is allowed because the addition complies with its normal yard setback.

Drainage, Grading and Retaining Walls

An addition changes the way roof runoff and surface water move across the property.

Additional site information may be needed when the proposal:

• Changes existing grades
• Adds substantial roof or paved area
• Is located on sloping ground
• Uses fill
• Includes a retaining wall
• Affects a drainage easement
• Changes an existing drainage path
• Is located near a low area or water feature

The permit package may need to show:

• Existing and proposed elevations
• Drainage direction
• Downspout discharge
• Swales
• Retaining walls
• Cut-and-fill areas
• Erosion-control measures
• Stormwater facilities

A basic drafted plot plan does not replace grading, stormwater, civil or structural engineering when professional design is required.

Trees and Construction Access

Show large trees and significant landscape features when they affect:

• Addition placement
• Foundation excavation
• Construction access
• Material storage
• Utility relocation
• Retaining walls
• Drainage

The site plan may also identify:

• Trees proposed to remain
• Trees proposed for removal
• Tree-protection areas
• Access route for equipment
• Temporary material-storage areas

Tree-protection or landscape information may be requested separately based on the scope and site conditions.

Old Survey, Mortgage Plan or Online Map

Can an old property survey be used?

An existing survey can be a useful starting point when it clearly shows:

• Property boundaries
• Lot dimensions
• Existing house
• Existing garage and accessory structures
• Easements
• Readable scale

Review whether the property has changed since the survey was prepared.

An older document may not show a later:

• Addition
• Garage
• Deck
• Shed
• Driveway extension
• Patio
• Retaining wall

Minneapolis may request updated or professionally verified information depending on the project and available records.

Can a City or Hennepin County map be used?

City and County tools can help with preliminary property research.

They may help identify:

• Approximate lot shape
• Approximate dimensions
• Parcel identification
• Property and permit records
• Zoning information

They should not automatically be treated as professionally surveyed legal boundaries.

The City’s current property-line guidance describes its dimensions as approximate and directs owners to a professional land surveyor when a survey is needed.

Official sources: Minneapolis Property Research and Property Line Information .

Plot Plan vs Survey vs Building Plans

A Minneapolis addition application can require more than one of these documents.

The site plan does not replace:

• Foundation plan
• Dimensioned floor plans
• Framing plans
• Roof plan
• Exterior elevations
• Building sections
• Energy documents
• Structural calculations
• Plumbing, mechanical or electrical permits

The City’s current addition page provides a separate sample and instructions for preparing room-addition floor plans.

Official source: Additions to Dwelling Units .

Current Minneapolis Permit Submission Process

Minneapolis currently uses email and ProjectDox for the one- and two-family construction-permit process.

Official source: Minneapolis Construction Permit Application Process .

ProjectDox Drawing Requirements

Minneapolis publishes specific rules for preparing and uploading plan sheets.

Current rules include:

• Upload all plan sheets to the drawings folder
• Prepare each individual plan sheet as a PDF
• Include required signatures on professionally prepared sheets containing signature lines
• Name each sheet using its page number and title
• Upload each sheet in its most legible orientation
• Do not include customer names or addresses in the file name
• Do not mark sheets “Not for Construction” or “Preliminary”
• Leave the upper-right corner clear for the City approval stamp

The City performs a preliminary review of uploaded sheets and can return files that do not satisfy the upload standards.

Official source: Minneapolis ProjectDox Document Upload Rules .

What to Send With Your Minneapolis Plot Plan Order

Complete source information helps reduce uncertainty while the drawing is being prepared.

How Our Minneapolis Addition Plot Plan Service Works

1. Place your order. Select the site-plan option matching the requested level of detail.
2. Provide the property address. Confirm that the City of Minneapolis is the reviewing authority.
3. Upload the property documents. Send the survey, previous site plan, plat or available property records.
4. Describe the addition. Include its dimensions, height, use and connection to the existing house.
5. Mark the intended location. Send a sketch, marked survey, floor plan or contractor drawing.
6. Provide exterior features. Identify stairs, landings, roof projections, decks and structures being removed.
7. Review the completed draft. Check the project location, dimensions, labels and property-line relationships.
8. Confirm the complete permit package. Obtain any separate survey, architecture, engineering or trade documents required by Minneapolis.

The usefulness and accuracy of the completed plot plan depend on the surveys, property records, measurements, photographs and project information supplied.

USA Site Plans provides drafting services. Standard drawings are not signed or sealed by a Minnesota-licensed land surveyor, architect or engineer.

Common Minneapolis Addition Plot Plan Problems

• The property’s zoning and built form districts are not checked
• An approximate online boundary is treated as a survey
• A required survey or property-line verification is missing
• Only the immediate addition area is shown
• Property-line dimensions are incomplete
• A fence is assumed to be the legal property boundary
• The existing house footprint is inaccurate
• An existing garage, deck, shed or patio is omitted
• The proposed addition is not clearly labelled
• Addition dimensions are missing
• The site plan and floor plan show different dimensions
• Property-line distances are not shown
• Roof overhangs are omitted near a boundary
• Stairs or landings are missing
• Building separation is unclear
• Lot coverage is not addressed when required
• Impervious-surface calculations are incomplete
• An easement is omitted
• Utilities or mechanical equipment conflict with the addition
• Drainage or retaining-wall conditions are overlooked
• The drawing is blurry, cropped or difficult to read
• Several sheets are combined instead of uploaded individually
• The approval-stamp area is not left clear
• A drafted plot plan is used where a licensed survey is required

A complete drawing cannot eliminate every review comment, but it can help avoid corrections caused solely by missing, unclear or inconsistent site information.

Read Why Site Plans Get Rejected for Permits and What Permit Reviewers Check First .

Minneapolis Addition Permit Plot Plan Checklist

Related Permit Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Minneapolis home addition require a building permit?

Yes. Expanding a dwelling requires building-permit review and approved construction plans before work begins.

Does Minneapolis require a survey for an addition?

The City currently hosts a survey-policy handout stating that surveys will normally be required for additions to existing one- and two-family dwellings. Because the handout is dated 2009 and property circumstances vary, confirm the current requirement for the specific application.

Can the City locate my private property lines?

No. Minneapolis states that it does not provide private-property surveys or send City staff to locate private property lines. A professional land surveyor can provide survey services.

Can I use the dimensions shown in the City property tool?

The City describes those dimensions as approximate. They can support preliminary research but should not automatically be treated as professionally surveyed boundaries.

What setback applies to my addition?

There is no single addition setback for every Minneapolis property. The applicable rules depend on the primary zoning district, built form overlay, additional overlays, lot configuration and project details.

Does the plan need to show roof overhangs?

Roof and eave projections should be shown when they affect the property-line relationship, lot coverage or building separation.

Do stairs and landings need to be included?

Yes, when they form part of the proposal. Exterior stairs and landings can affect setbacks, access, impervious surfaces and structural review.

Do I need lot-coverage calculations?

They may be required depending on the property and proposal. Minneapolis built form overlay districts regulate building size and impervious surfaces.

Can an online aerial image replace the plot plan?

An aerial image can help explain the property, but it may be outdated, distorted or missing reliable boundaries and dimensions. It does not replace a survey when one is required.

How are Minneapolis permit plans submitted?

Applicants currently submit the building-permit application by email. The City then sends a ProjectDox invitation for uploading and reviewing construction plans and documents.

Can all plan sheets be uploaded in one PDF?

Minneapolis currently instructs applicants to prepare and upload each individual plan sheet as a separate PDF file in the drawings folder.

Where should the City approval-stamp area be left?

The City instructs applicants to leave the upper-right corner of each plan sheet clear for the approval stamp.

Can a drafted plot plan establish legal property lines?

No. A drafted plan uses supplied surveys, records and measurements but does not independently locate or legally certify private property boundaries.

Are USA Site Plans drawings signed or sealed?

No. USA Site Plans provides drafting services. Licensed surveying, architecture, engineering and professional seals must be obtained separately when required.

Will a Minneapolis addition plot plan guarantee permit approval?

No. Minneapolis and any participating departments control the review and may request revisions, a survey, calculations, engineering or additional documents.

Official Minneapolis Resources

1. Additions to Dwelling Units
2. Building Permits
3. Construction Permit Application Process
4. ProjectDox Instructions
5. ProjectDox Document Upload Rules
6. Zoning Maps
7. Interactive Zoning Map
8. Built Form Overlay District Handbook
9. Property Line Information
10. Property Research Resources
11. Survey Requirements and Property Line Location
12. Older Room Addition Construction Checklist
13. Exterior Entry Landings and Stairways

Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information and is not legal, surveying, engineering, architectural, zoning, drainage or permitting advice. Minneapolis requirements vary according to the property, zoning districts, built form overlay, project scope, property boundaries, easements, impervious surfaces, drainage and current regulations. USA Site Plans is an independent drafting service and is not affiliated with the City of Minneapolis or Hennepin County. A drafted plot plan does not establish legal property boundaries or replace a licensed survey, architecture, engineering or another professionally certified document when required. Some City handouts linked above are older documents; confirm current requirements with Minneapolis Development Review before submitting the application.