Can you build a duplex in St. Paul, MN?

Allowed with site-plan review

RT2 and multifamily districts allow small multifamily forms, but lots under 9,000 square feet cannot host new three-plus-unit multifamily under the provided dimensional summary, and site plan review may apply depending on unit count and project type.

Confidence: medium · Last researched May 2026

Dimensional standards in St. Paul, MN

RL — minimum lot area21,780 square feet
RL — minimum front setback30 feet
RL — minimum side setback10 feet
RL — minimum rear setback25 feet
R1 — minimum lot area9,600 square feet
R1 — minimum front setback30 feet
R1 — minimum side setback10 feet
R1 — minimum rear setback25 feet
R2 — minimum lot area7,200 square feet
R2 — minimum front setback25 feet
R2 — minimum side setback8 feet
R2 — minimum rear setback25 feet
R3 — minimum lot area6,000 square feet
R3 — minimum front setback25 feet
R3 — minimum side setback6 feet
R3 — minimum rear setback25 feet
R4 — minimum lot area5,000 square feet
R4 — minimum front setback25 feet
R4 — minimum side setback4 feet
R4 — minimum rear setback25 feet
RT1 — minimum lot area3,000 square feet
RT1 — minimum front setback25 feet
RT1 — minimum side setback9 feet
RT1 — minimum rear setback25 feet
RT2 — minimum lot area2,500 square feet
RT2 — minimum front setback25 feet
RT2 — minimum side setback9 feet
RT2 — minimum rear setback25 feet
RM1 — minimum lot area per unit2,000 square feet
RM1 — minimum front setback25 feet

Related questions

Are ADUs allowed in St. Paul, MN?

ADUs are secondary dwelling units associated with a principal one-family dwelling and may be within, attached to, or detached from that dwelling on the same zoning lot.

What are the setback requirements in St. Paul, MN?

Setbacks vary by district. Examples — RL: 30 feet; RL: 10 feet; RL: 25 feet; R1: 30 feet. Always confirm the exact yard requirements for your district with St. Paul, MN.

What is the minimum lot size in St. Paul, MN?

Minimum lot size depends on the zoning district — RL: 21,780 square feet; RL: 80 feet; R1: 9,600 square feet; R1: 80 feet.

Full investor analysis

The full St. Paul, MN report breaks down duplex and 2–4 unit feasibility by district, the approval path, and the density/dimensional limits that decide whether the numbers work. First town report is free.

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More about St. Paul, MN zoning

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This summary is AI-generated from public municipal sources and is not legal, engineering, or land-use advice. Always verify zoning with St. Paul, MN officials before making decisions.

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