Minneapolis Bike Parking Requirements

Am I required to provide cycle parking in Minneapolis?

Minneapolis requires bicycle parking for many new developments, expansions, and changes of use, while certain types are exempt:

  • ✓ Most commercial, office, institutional, and multifamily residential projects require bicycle parking.
  • ✘ Non-residential uses under 1,000 SF are generally exempt.
  • ✘ Single-, two-, and three-family homes have no requirement.

Minneapolis code distinguishes between:

Short-Term Bike Parking (for customers, visitors, guests)

  • Located within 50 feet of a primary entrance
  • Easily visible and accessible from the public way.
  • Allow users to lock the frame and wheel

Long-Term Bike Parking (for residents, employees, tenants)

  • Protected from theft, vandalism, and weather
  • Enclosed, secured, supervised, or weather-protected
  • Accessible to intended users
  • For residential uses, not be located inside dwelling units
  • At least 50% of required long-term spaces accessible without stairs or an elevator
  • Includes access to electricity in residential bicycle rooms
  • No more than 75% of required bicycle parking spaces may be provided in racks that require lifting a bicycle into place.

Design Requirements for Racks

Regardless of parking type, each required bicycle parking space must:

  • ✓ Be accessible without moving another bicycle
  • ✓ Not obstruct required walkways
  • ✓ Include a rack that allows the bicycle frame to be secured
  • ✓ Support the bicycle in a stable position
  • ✓ Accommodate a range of bicycle sizes and styles
  • ✓ Be installed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations

The code specifically encourages accommodation of electric bicycles and cargo bicycles through greater clearances and spacing.

What are the bike parking requirements for my project?

Project Type Bike Parking Requirement Example
Multi-Family Residential (4+ Units) 1 bike space per dwelling unit
At least 90% long-term parking		 100-unit apartment building
  • 100 total bike spaces
  • 90 long-term minimum
  • 10 short-term maximum
Office Building 1 bike space per 4,000 ft2 of GFA (min. 3 spaces)
At least 50% long-term parking
At least 5% short-term parking 		40,000 ft2 Office
  • 10 bicycle parking spaces required
  • At least 5 long-term spaces
  • At least 1 short-term space
Retail 1 bike space per 5,000 ft2 of GFA (min. 3 spaces) 15,000 ft2 Retail Store
  • At least 3 short-term spaces
Grocery Store 1 bike space per 2,000 ft2 of GFA (min. 3 spaces) 20,000 ft2 Retail Store
  • At least 10 short-term spaces
Sports and Fitness Facility 1 bike space per 10,000 ft2 of GFA
At least 50% short-term		 50,000 ft2 Sports Arena
  • 5 spaces required
  • At least 3 short-term spaces
Schools K-12 3 bike spaces per classroom
At least 50% short-term		 20 classroom school
  • 60 spaces required
  • At least 30 short-term spaces

Bicycle Facilities for Large Developments

Projects with 200,000 ft2 or more of new or additional floor area must provide enhanced bicycle facilities.

Applies to:

  • ✓ Most large commercial and institutional projects

Does NOT apply to:

  • ✘ Hotels
  • ✘ Retail
  • ✘ Residential
  • ✘ Warehousing/Storage Facilities

Required Facilities

Facility Requirement for first 200,000 ft2 of GFA Requirement for additional space over 200,000 ft2 of GFA
Bicycle Parking 1 space per 2,000 ft2 of GFA 1 space per 2,000 ft2 of GFA
Showers 1 shower per 25,000 ft2 of GFA 1 additional shower per 50,000 ft2 of GFA
Storage Lockers 1 locker per 5,000 ft2 of GFA 1 additional locker per 10,000 ft2 of GFA

These requirements come from Minneapolis Code §555.240, Table 555‑3, Bicycle Facility Requirements. Consult city documentation directly for most authoritative and current information.

Source: Minneapolis City Code: 555.230. – Bicycle parking requirements.