Townhomes and Twinhomes

Definition

Depending on the number of units, townhomes are defined as one of the following terms in the zoning code:
- Two-family dwelling (Sec. 65.112): A building designed exclusively for or occupied exclusively by no more than 2 households living independently of each other in 2 separate dwelling units.
- Multi-family dwelling (Sec. 65.113): A building, or portion thereof, designed exclusively for occupancy by 3 or more households living independently of each other in individual dwelling units.
Outside of the zoning code, a townhome, or single-family attached home, is commonly described as a single-family home that shares at least one wall with an adjacent home. Each townhome is individually owned and the lot for each unit typically includes the land immediately beneath the unit.

The density and dimensional standards for the zoning district apply to this use. Specific standards related to townhouse-style dwellings:
- If a two-family or multiple-family dwelling is developed on parcels where only the land immediately beneath each dwelling unit constitutes an individually described lot and all other land required for yards, other open space, parking, and other necessary land as required by this code constitutes "common" properties, jointly owned by the owners of the described lots beneath each dwelling unit, the minimum size lot per unit is applied to the entire parcel. See Sec. 66.231(a).
- For townhouse structures, side yards are required only for dwelling units on the ends of townhouse structures. The side yard setback requirement from interior lot lines may be reduced or waived when an easement or common wall agreement, certified by the city building official for conformance with the state building code, is recorded on the deeds of the adjoining parcels. See Sec. 66.231(e).

The 2020 Minnesota Residential Building Code applies for IRC-3 Occupancy townhomes and an architect and engineer are not necessarily required depending on the design.
The 2020 Minnesota State Building Code and/or Minnesota Conservation Code for Existing Buildings applies for R-2 Occupancy townhomes and a MN Licensed architect and structural engineer are required.
View the Two-Family, Two-Unit Townhouse, and Townhouse Buildings Info Sheet from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. This handout explains how to tell the difference between an IRC-3 Townhouse occupancy and an IRC-2 Two-family occupancy.

Townhome communities are typically part of a Common Interest Community (CIC) that is governed by the Minnesota Statute Ch. 515B, the Minnesota Common Interest Ownership Act.
Setting up a CIC is usually required for individually-owned townhome, condo, and cluster/cottage developments with common shared amenities, such as shared garages, driveways, walkways, on-site stormwater management.
A twinhome may be exempt from the requirement to form a CIC if it is platted as a two-unit structure, have a party wall agreement, and have no common shared amenities.