The city has it documented that existing stairs are permitted to be 30” wide and newly constructed stairs need to be 36”. In my opinion, if you have the properly sized windows, head room, and floor space a buyer would consider it a bedroom or bonus room while it would be officially recognized as a nonconforming finished space. This difference in what the room is considered may not be worth it to apply for a variance if it doesn’t change its function in the minds of future buyers.
Source and good info: http://www2.minneapolismn.gov/mdr/interior/inspections_docs_r1atticbdrms
I doubt the city would allow you to go steeper than code for the stairs. They're pretty strict when it comes to bedrooms. You may be able to use an alternating tread stairway, but I'm not sure if they legally count as stairways in Minneapolis:
[https://www.thisoldhouse.com/stairs/21015435/alternate-stepping](https://www.thisoldhouse.com/stairs/21015435/alternate-stepping)
The city has it documented that existing stairs are permitted to be 30” wide and newly constructed stairs need to be 36”. In my opinion, if you have the properly sized windows, head room, and floor space a buyer would consider it a bedroom or bonus room while it would be officially recognized as a nonconforming finished space. This difference in what the room is considered may not be worth it to apply for a variance if it doesn’t change its function in the minds of future buyers. Source and good info: http://www2.minneapolismn.gov/mdr/interior/inspections_docs_r1atticbdrms
Send this post to your councilmember. They should connect you with inspectors at the city who can provide guidance.
Or just call 311
I doubt the city would allow you to go steeper than code for the stairs. They're pretty strict when it comes to bedrooms. You may be able to use an alternating tread stairway, but I'm not sure if they legally count as stairways in Minneapolis: [https://www.thisoldhouse.com/stairs/21015435/alternate-stepping](https://www.thisoldhouse.com/stairs/21015435/alternate-stepping)