IV.5. Second Reading Ordinance Amending the Development Code for Backyard Cottage Regulations; Krzos
CITY OF HOPKINS
City Council Report 2025-108
To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
Mike Mornson, City Manager
From: Ryan Krzos, City Planner
Date: June 17, 2025
Subject: Second Reading of an Ordinance Amending the Development Code for
Backyard Cottages
_____________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION
The City Council is asked to, by motion adopt for second reading, Ordinance 2025-
1227, amending the Development Code for Backyard Cottage Regulations.
REQUEST
The proposed Ordinance amendment to the Development Code modifies the
regulations for backyard cottages (detached accessory dwelling units). The Ordinance
is unchanged from the first reading conducted at the June 3, 2025 City Council meeting.
Approval of a second reading of the proposed Ordinance is the next step in the process
to officially adopt the regulations.
NEXT STEPS
If approved for a second reading, the ordinance will be published in the City’s official
paper, as is required to make it effective.
Planning & Development
CITY OF HOPKINS
HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE 2025-1227
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 102 OF THE HOPKINS CITY CODE
RELATED TO NONCONFORMING STRUCTURES
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HOPKINS HEREBY ORDAINS AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Hopkins City Code, Part III, Chapter 102, Article 6, Subsubsection 102-
620(h), is hereby amended by deleting the stricken language and adding the double-
underlined language as follows:
102-620 (h) SITING ON LOT
The accessory structure tables for each building type (see Article 2 and Article 3)
establish siting and setback regulations for backyard cottages. In addition,
backyard cottages must be separated from the principal building by a minimum
distance of 15 10 feet.
SECTION 2. Hopkins City Code, Part III, Chapter 102, Article 6, Subsubsection 102-
620(i), is hereby amended by deleting the stricken language and adding the double-
underlined language as follows:
102-620 (i) HEIGHT
(1) Backyard cottages may not exceed 1.5 two stories in height.
(2) Floor-to-floor height regulations applicable to the principal building on the lot
apply to backyard cottages.
SECTION 3. Hopkins City Code, Part III, Chapter 102, Article 6, Subsubsection 102-
620(j), is hereby amended by deleting the stricken language and adding the double-
underlined language as follows:
102-620 (j) SIZE AND FLOOR AREA
The floor area of a backyard cottage may not exceed 800 1,000 square feet. Note:
Lot coverage limitations for the subject zone and principal building type may further
limit the size of a backyard cottage.
SECTION 4. Hopkins City Code, Part III, Chapter 102, Article 6, Subsubsection 102-
620(l), is hereby amended by deleting the stricken language and adding the double-
underlined language as follows:
102-620 (l) ENTRANCES
Entrances to backyard cottages may not face the nearest side or rear lot line of the
subject lot unless there is an alley abutting that lot line.
DESIGN
The design regulations of this subsection apply to all newly constructed backyard
cottages.
(1) Exterior Finish Materials. The exterior finish material must be the same
or visually match in type, size and placement, the exterior finish material of
the principal building on the lot.
(2) Roof Pitch. The roof pitch must substantially similar as the predominant
roof pitch of the principal building on the lot.
(3) Trim. Type, size and location of trim elements must be the same or
visually match those of the principal building on the lot.
(4) Entrances. Entrances to backyard cottages may not face the nearest side
or rear lot line of the subject lot unless there is an alley abutting that lot line.
SECTION 5. Hopkins City Code, Part III, Chapter 102, Article 6, Subsubsection 102-
610(b)(3), is hereby amended by adding the double-underlined language as follows:
(5) Design. Accessory buildings with a building footprint of 200 square feet
or more must be substantially similar to the principle building on the lot in
terms of roof form, building materials, and overall appearance not
withstanding Backyard Cottages per Section 102-620.
SECTION 6. The effective date of this ordinance shall be June 26, 2025.
First Reading: June 3, 2025
Second Reading: June 17, 2025
Date of Publication: June 26, 2025
Date Ordinance Takes Effect: June 26, 2025
By:___________________________
Patrick Hanlon, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Amy Domeier, City Clerk