Minnesota Cities, Counties Opt Out Of Granny Pods

BIG LAKE (AP) - Many cities and counties in Minnesota are opting out of a state law allowing small dwellings that can be short-term housing for aging people who aren't quite ready for assisted living or a nursing home.

The Minnesota Legislature passed a law last session permitting the housing, called granny pods.

The spaces are similar to a tiny house or recreational vehicle. They provide a small but functional living space for someone using a walker or wheelchair.

The state law gives cities and counties the option to opt out of it, and many are doing just that, including St. Cloud and Sherburne and Stearns counties.

Stearns County environmental services director Chelle Benson says it opted out of the law because it already has ordinances allowing manufactured homes to be used for the same purpose.